In a world where compliments were the currency of love, no mother's heart was immune to the sweet sound of praise for her children. Natalia was no different. She gratefully absorbed every kind word Lexi offered about her son, Jonas, before rising from the couch with a stretch. "It's nearly time for dinner. I should get started on the meal."

As if on cue, Magnus, who had become something of an adopted family member, jumped to his feet. "Let me give you a hand, Natalia."

Without a word, Natalia headed to the kitchen, and Magnus took her silence as consent, following her with a spring in his step.

In the kitchen, Natalia was wrestling with an onion. Its layers were stubbornly clinging together. Magnus approached her with a grin. "Here, let me tackle that."

"What are you doing in here?" She asked, a bit surprised but not stopping her peeling.

Magnus snatched the onion from her. "I'm here to help, of course. Peeling onions is a man's work."

Natalia simply turned to the sink and began rinsing a ripe, red tomato, the water running over her hands.

"Natalia?" Magnus said, struggling with the onion, trying to strike up a conversation.

"Hmm?" She replied, focused on her task.

"Let's have another kid. What do you say?"

Silence fell.

"Natalia?"

"Hmm?"

"Why aren't you saying anything?"

"What do you want me to say, Magnus? In broad daylight, with Lexi and the kids around..." Her words trailed off as she chopped the tomato, but before she could finish her sentence, Magnus wrapped his arms around her from behind.

He pulled her close, inhaling her scent, and his voice was husky with longing. "Natalia, it kills me to see you every day and not be able to... You know I can't stand it. And you love kids. So, shouldn't we just go ahead and have another one?"

Her cheeks flushed as red as the tomato in her hand, and she was acutely aware of Magnus' growing desire pressing against her lower back.

"I'm cooking, Magnus. Let go," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath, betraying her as if she were the one initiating their forbidden dance.

But Magnus' hands were already wandering, moving with a mind of their own. "Natalia, I'm starving. Won't you feed me?" He murmured, his tone playful yet urgent.

She caught his hands, her embarrassment evident. "Can you not be such a perv? We're in the kitchen!"

"Then let's go to the bedroom, shall we?" He whispered, nibbling on her earlobe.

Overwhelmed by the sudden surge of arousal, Natalia nearly dropped the knife. "Magnus, please... Lexi... the kids..."

Magnus, consumed by passion, was beyond listening. He locked the kitchen door, lifted Natalia onto the spacious kitchen island, and began to kiss her neck fervently, as if in prayer. "They've gone to their rooms, so it's just you and me," he murmured between kisses.

"Darling, do you know how much I've missed you? Babe, it'll be quick, I promise. I can't hold back anymore."

His sweet nothings disarmed her, and she lost the power of speech as he lifted her skirt and pulled down her panties. Soon, the kitchen was filled with Magnus' restrained growls and Natalia's stifled whimpers. Was she out of her mind, engaging in such acts with Magnus in the kitchen? She was cradled in his arms, his heat searing her skin. She stared into his eyes, ablaze with desire, and her resistance melted away. Damn this man!

When Natalia finally emerged from the kitchen, her composure restored, the evening had deepened into night, and the once lively living room was deserted. "How odd, where is everyone?" She murmured. Magnus, looking particularly content, gazed at her. "They probably didn't want to interrupt us and have gone out for dinner."

Natalia's face turned crimson. "What are you talking about? What do you mean 'interrupt us?""

"Natalia, we're husband and wife. What's there to be embarrassed about?" Magnus pulled her into his embrace. "They're out, so let's enjoy our time alone together."

"Alone together? Get away from me!" Natalia pushed him away, about to scold him, when the sound of the door opening interrupted them. Lexi and James returned with Jonas and Mason, having tactfully gone out to eat.

Lexi, the first to walk in, caught sight of Magnus and Natalia's playful tussle and teased, "Whoa, did we come back too soon? Maybe we should head to the café for a bit longer?"

Natalia stomped her foot in embarrassment. "Lexi, what are you implying?"

"Alright, alright, I'll stop. You're a mother, and yet you're still so shy. Here, we brought you dinner. You must be starving," Lexi said, handing Natalia the takeout before whispering, "But I bet someone's already fed you."

Natalia reached out as if to smack Lexi. "I'll tear you a new one!"

"You wouldn't dare," Lexi dodged, then became serious. "Anyway, my little boy is sleepy. I'm done messing around. Where am I sleeping, Natalia?"

Natalia placed the takeout on the table and pointed to her bedroom. "You're bunking with me, of course. I'll join you after I eat."

Magnus, however, was not pleased. "Why should she get to sleep with you? Where do I sleep then?"

Natalia couldn't believe Magnus had the gall to ask her such a question in front of everyone. Her cheeks flamed a crimson that reached her ears. "You're obviously staying at the hotel with James. What else? There are only two bedrooms here."

Hearing Natalia's response, Magnus sulked, though he kept his mouth shut and focused on his meal with a cloud hanging over his head.

Natalia finished eating quickly and, after freshening up, she retreated to her room to replace Lexi. Meanwhile, Magnus and James sat awkwardly in the living room, exchanging glances. Magnus glowered at Natalia's closed door, and through gritted teeth, he ordered James, "No, James, you need to call that guy, Callum, right now. Tell him to come pick up his she-devil of a wife, pronto!"

"But Mr. Magnus, didn't you want to keep him in the dark a little longer to make him sweat?" James was confused. Everything seemed fine earlier in the day, so why the sudden change of heart? Magnus' expression darkened like a gathering storm. "I've changed my mind; this Lexi has stolen my spot. So no more Mr. Nice Guy!"

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