Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 184 -

Весса.

James could tell me everything would work out all he wanted, but that wouldn't be the case if we had more days like today. I paced in the living room of our home, clenching my fists. Anger billowed from my gut as the scene from the courtroom played in my head over and over.

Of course, he had to lose it. He couldn't stay calm under pressure for us, and that meant we were probably going to lose Alessandro. Why couldn't he keep his mind straight under pressure?

Once again, his past was coming up, something that followed us like a starving dog scrounging through the garbage behind a busy restaurant. I wrinkled my nose as if I smelled something disgusting.

The Cartwrights weren't right for Alessandro. They only wanted him because Chad was stupid enough to shoot himself on that ship through a dangerous game. Alessandro deserved a family that would love him, and I intended on us being just that. Tally had given him to me for a reason.

When we got back to our residence, James had dismissed himself to the bathroom, likely to calm down. We needed to talk this out, and he wasn't going to hide in there forever. I was getting impatient and eventually found myself outside the bathroom door.

"James," I said, my voice laced with a mixture of aggravation and exhaustion. "We need to talk. Please."

Eventually, he slinked out of the bathroom and followed me into the living room, collapsing onto the couch and avoiding my gaze. When I took my own seat across from him, I leaned forward, a scowl on my face. "What was that?" I finally asked.

"A mistake," he said, shaking his head. "Look, Becca. I should have kept my head back there. I didn't completely lose my mind, but I was close. I know, I know."

"You know. Well, if you knew, we wouldn't be having this conversation to begin with. James, you know the Cartwrights are going to pull every card they have to take Alessandro away from us." I looked over my shoulder toward the nursery, wincing.

I reached up and rubbed my temples, then added to my thoughts. "Alessandro deserves a family who will love him. We can give that to him, but only if you stop making mistakes like that. You knew they'd bring up your past, yet you still provided an obvious reaction. They're ruthless and are now going to use that. You should've just pleaded the Fifth and said nothing else."

"You don't think I know that, Becca?" James asked without raising his voice. He stared at me with that dark gaze of his, his lip twitching up into a snarl. I wasn't intimidated.

"I want you to understand, deeply, how badly things went today because of your agitation. The gravity of the situation is clear. Were you thinking about that, or were you all wrapped up in your past enough to forget about the present?" I asked.

"Bruce is a bastard," James finally grumbled, putting his head into his hands. In somewhat of a muffled voice, he added, "I knew they would bring it up, and I thought I was ready, Becca, but evidently I was wrong. Things will still work out."

"Will they?" I asked, my voice cracking a little bit. The torrent of dread bombarded me, and I let out a heaving sigh. Clenching my jaw, I narrowed my eyes and tried to calm down. I was being hard on James for the love of Alessandro and needed to be assured James took this seriously.

"Yes," James said, exasperated. "You'll be given a chance to testify tomorrow, and the love you have for Alessandro is obvious. I see it, Becca, it drips from every pour, every word you say to the child. You've gone through so much and love him as your own now."

"How will that help?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"The judge can't be completely heartless. Money buys a lot, but the difference between objectives is clear. You want to be Alessandro's actual mother. You're not in this for rapport or to carry on some family line. I'm with you in this. You'll show that the only ones in this situation who are right for him are us."

"Money buys more than emotion," I replied, a tear trickling down my cheek as the hopelessness continued to clamp its jaws on me. "You, more than anyone, know that. Especially since you're still so absorbed into your past to react that way in court."

"Becca," James said softly. He hesitated, but then got up from the couch. He leaned down and caressed my cheek with the back of his hand, causing me to wince but not flinch away. I wasn't in the mood for this.

He continued. "You make a beautiful mother in both mind and emotion. Not only do you pay close attention to what Alessandro needs physically, but you're there emotionally for him, too. You'll get them to see it. I know you will." I bit my lip, bowing my head as I felt his hand slip into my shirt. James no doubt intended on exploring now. This may let off steam for him, but my mind was still stuck on the issue. Everything around us was crumbling. Did he understand just how much was on the line?

"James," I whispered. I felt his other hand reach under my chin and pull my head up. He got me to stare deep into his eyes, my own probably shimmering with tears still. In fact, I felt a few of them crawl down my cheeks, leaving a hot trail behind them.

"Becca," he said in a tone just as soft. "What did I say? It will all work out. We'll make sure of it. We've gotten this far. I'm not dead, much to the dismay of certain parties in the courtroom. By all logic, I should be. Yet, here I am. I'm a stubborn asshole, and you're stubborn, too. We won't let them get Alessandro. Alright?"

"Yes," I replied hesitantly. His fingers began to massage my nipple, sending shivers down my spine. I took a deep breath, trying to concentrate. "I need to know that you're as invested as I am in this."

"I am," James confirmed. "Today, I made a mistake. I'm sorry. I'll be more conscious of it in the future. The case isn't closed yet, and now we have to rely on your emotional intelligence to get through this. Something tells me I don't have to worry much."

He leaned down, pressing his lips against mine for a moment. I closed my eyes, losing myself in him for a while before he pulled away to take a breath. My lust intensified, wanting ever-increasing between my thighs. He was distracting me, for

sure.

"Really?" I asked, swallowing. "You really see me that way?"

"I do," he said. His honeyed words were genuine, and I felt my entire body relax.

The sensation of light pinching and teasing had me on the edge. I wanted to give myself to him right now, but my mind was a whirl of emotions, most of them conflicting.

He couldn't be sure everything would work out. Everything would be on my shoulders tomorrow after what happened today, and that was a huge responsibility.

Alessandro relied on me to lead a loving, happy life. If I failed him, he'd be with people who just wanted to use him.

When I looked back into James's eyes again, I saw love and concern swirling in his gaze. I was affirmed, right then, that he was telling the truth. After running my tongue slowly over my lips, I slowly nodded. "Fine," I muttered. "I hope you're right."

"I will be," James said, then winked. "Let me make it up to you. You're obviously stressed, and the Stallion is a bit hard to control."

I chuckled, muttering with a groan as he continued on my nipple, "Ngh. Italian Stallion. Probably the distraction I need right now." That's all he needed to hear. Suddenly, I was flung over his shoulder, letting out a squeal of surprise. Thank goodness I'd put the children to sleep earlier, though I made sure my audible gasps and cries weren't too loud as James carried me to the bed. I was tossed onto it unceremoniously because James clearly wanted action. Judging by the need practically pouring from between my legs, I did as well.

I was completely bare before the Italian Stallion in a matter of moments, his c*ck dripping with prec*m already.

Licking my lips, I moaned already, though I knew I was in for a bit of teasing for the hard time I'd given him before.

This was confirmed as James pounced on me, rubbing at the sensitive flesh between my legs and causing me to groan. "That's it, baby. I'll be in you soon enough, but I love the way you say 'please.' I may need to hear that again." "Oh, come on, James," I gasped, feeling his tip tease my entrance. Frustratingly, he pushed in just a little, but not enough to even remotely get things started. I let out a moan, wanting him to go further, rougher, the frustration from the previous argument emanating from me.

"Cum I will, Becca, but this is all about give and take." He leaned down and encircled my nipple with his mouth, swirling it with his tongue as I once again let out a cry.

Sparks of pleasure rushed through me as he teased the tip of it, while also rubbing between my legs with his throbbing c*ck.

The Italian Stallion was clearly wanting to f*ck me roughly, but was holding himself back. Problem was, I needed this, and squeals of protest spilled from my lips. Matters only grew worse as he shifted his weight, reaching down to vigorously rub at my cl*t.

He knew just the right way to do it, because soon, I was writhing beneath him. Mercilessly, he began to push himself into me, dragging along my sensitive inner walls and causing a cry of want to spill from my lips. I didn't want to play games, so he wouldn't get a please from me.

At least, that's what I told myself.

"That's it, so strong, Becca. Take all of me. Good girl. You're still quite giving me exactly what I want, though. I need a 'please' from those sexy lips, baby," he said, his sultry voice edged with the hint of a growl.

He proceeded to pull out, then slowly sink in again, causing me to once more groan in utter exasperation. I needed him faster, harder, and now! At this point, I didn't want to wait. I broke rather quickly, the hurricane of emotions swirling in the pit of my stomach demanding release.

"Please. Harder, now, please!" I begged, which is exactly what he wanted to hear.

I was rewarded with dazzling strokes that were a combination of incredibly rough and dizzyingly fast. James was merciless, the Italian Stallion on the ride until he passed over that hill. Something that happened fairly quickly.

As my breasts bounced in front of him, he leaned down and took my nipple in his mouth again. His movements grew rougher as pleasure rushed through me, and an orgasm exploded from between my legs. James c*mmed at the same time, his warm seed filling me.

"Mmm... thank you," I whispered, satisfied with his gift. Sure, I'd been angry before, but steamy sex was a good way to make up.

James grunted and leaned down, pressing his lips against mine. "No need for a thank you, Becca. You were wonderful."

The combination of strong emotions and sex had me out like a light just moments later.