CHAPTER 201: CHAPTER 201 THE SECOND CHANCE

Serena’s POV

The apartment door closed behind us, sealing away the toxic drama of the Hart sisters. I felt lighter somehow, as if a persistent shadow had finally been banished from our lives. Ryan quickly composed himself, his earlier coldness melting away as he turned his attention to me.

"Are you okay? Did all that upset you?" he asked, his voice low and concerned.

His hand remained firmly wrapped around mine, thumb absently stroking my skin in that way that always sent little sparks up my arm.

I shook my head, studying his face with careful curiosity. For years I’d wondered how he’d react when confronted with Sophie’s true nature. Now I was more interested in his emotional state than my own.

"You didn’t seem surprised about any of Sophie’s secrets," I said quietly. "Did you already know what she’d done?"

Ryan closed his eyes briefly, exhaling slowly. "No, I didn’t."

When he opened his eyes again, they held a clarity I hadn’t expected. "Three years ago, I probably would have been devastated. But now?" He shrugged. "I feel nothing for Sophie. Nothing at all."

I patted the back of his hand, feeling an unexpected surge of affection. "Well, seeing someone for who they truly are gives closure to your past self, at least."

"I’m actually relieved by how you handled everything in there," I added, my lips curving into a small smile.

Ryan laughed softly, the tension in his shoulders visibly easing. "Wait, did you seriously think I might still have feelings for her?"

"I’ve explained this before," he continued, his tone gently teasing. "After everything we’ve been through, do you still doubt me?"

I shook my head, my expression turning serious. "I believe you now, Ryan. Completely."

He nodded, satisfaction clear on his face. Then his eyes darkened with that familiar intensity that always made my heart beat faster.

"Since you believe me," he murmured, stepping closer, "when are you going to agree to remarry me?"

His fingers traced a path along my jawline, sending shivers down my spine. "Our baby will be here soon, Mrs. Blackwood. How much longer are you planning to make me wait?"

I calculated the timeline in my head, smiling enigmatically as I met his gaze. "After the jewelry season is completely over, we can discuss it properly."

Ryan’s eyes brightened immediately. "So you’re saying yes to remarrying me?"

"I didn’t say that," I replied, but my tone lacked conviction.

He stepped even closer, his scent enveloping me - that intoxicating blend of expensive cologne and something uniquely him. My body reacted instantly, pregnancy hormones amplifying my desire to an almost embarrassing degree.

"What are you saying then?" he whispered, his lips barely an inch from mine.

I swallowed hard. "I’m saying... I need more convincing."

His answering smile was downright predatory. "I can be very convincing."

Before I could form a witty response, his mouth was on mine, kissing me with a possessiveness that made my knees weak. His hand cupped the back of my neck, holding me steady as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding against mine in a way that made me groan softly.

"Ryan," I gasped when we broke apart for air, "we’re still in the hallway."

"So?" he growled, already backing me against the wall. "Nobody comes to this floor without my permission."

His hands found my hips, thumbs pressing into the soft flesh with just enough pressure to make me arch toward him. The pregnancy had made me more sensitive everywhere, and Ryan had quickly learned to use that to his advantage.

"You’re playing with fire," I warned, but my hands were already unbuttoning his shirt, eager to feel his skin.

"I’ve been burning for you for months," he replied, his voice rough with need. "Every night watching you sleep beside me, every morning waking up to your scent on my sheets."

His confession sent heat pooling low in my belly. "Take me to bed," I whispered against his lips. "Now."

I didn’t have to ask twice. In one smooth motion, Ryan swept me into his arms, cradling me carefully as he carried me to our bedroom. My growing belly made the position slightly awkward, but his strength never faltered.

"Are you sure?" he asked as he laid me gently on the bed, hovering above me with obvious restraint. "The doctor said—"

"The doctor said it’s perfectly safe," I interrupted, pulling him down for another kiss. "Unless you’d rather wait another month..."

His growl of protest made me laugh, the sound quickly turning to a moan as his lips found the sensitive spot below my ear.

"God, I’ve missed hearing you make that sound," he murmured, his hands reverently sliding under my blouse.

He undressed me with exquisite slowness, his eyes darkening as he revealed each inch of skin. When I was finally naked before him, I fought the urge to cover my changed body. The pregnancy had rounded my hips, swelled my breasts, and of course, there was the unmistakable curve of my stomach.

"You’re perfect," Ryan breathed, as if reading my thoughts. "So fucking beautiful."

His hands caressed my belly with awe before moving higher to cup my breasts, which had become almost painfully sensitive. When his thumb grazed my nipple, I nearly came off the bed.

"Easy," he soothed, lowering his head to replace his thumb with his mouth.

The first gentle suck had me crying out, fingers tangling in his hair to hold him closer. Every sensation seemed amplified, pleasure spiraling through me in waves that left me trembling.

"Ryan, please," I begged, not even caring how desperate I sounded. "I need you now."

He stripped quickly, his powerful body revealed in the soft afternoon light streaming through the windows. The sight of him - fully aroused and focused entirely on me - sent another rush of heat through my veins.

"How do you want me?" he asked, his voice strained with the effort of control.

"Like this," I said, shifting to my side and guiding him behind me. "Just go slow at first."

He positioned himself carefully, one arm wrapped protectively around my belly as he pressed against me. The initial pressure made me gasp, my body tight from weeks without this intimate connection.

"Breathe, baby," he murmured into my hair. "I’ve got you."

With excruciating gentleness, he eased inside, giving me time to adjust to each inch until he was fully seated within me. The feeling of completeness was overwhelming, bringing unexpected tears to my eyes.

"Are you okay?" Ryan asked immediately, freezing in concern when he saw my tears.

I nodded, unable to speak past the emotion clogging my throat. This wasn’t just sex - this was reconnection, forgiveness, a new beginning.

He seemed to understand without words, pressing a tender kiss to my shoulder as he began to move in slow, measured thrusts. Each movement sent pleasure cascading through me, building steadily as his pace increased.

"You feel incredible," he groaned, his fingers finding where we were joined, circling in time with his thrusts. "So perfect. So mine."

That possessive declaration pushed me closer to the edge, my body tightening around him as release approached. When it finally broke over me, I cried out his name, clutching the arm he had wrapped around me.

Ryan followed moments later, his forehead pressed against my shoulder as he shuddered and pulsed within me. For several minutes afterward, we remained connected, his hand splayed protectively over our growing child.

"I love you," he whispered against my skin. "Both of you."

I turned my head to meet his gaze, no longer afraid to show the vulnerability in my eyes. "I love you too."

His smile was brighter than I’d ever seen it, full of hope and promise for our future. As he pulled me closer, I felt our baby kick as if in approval, making us both laugh softly.

"Someone’s awake," Ryan murmured, caressing the spot where our child had moved.

"Probably complaining about all the commotion," I teased, placing my hand over his.