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Was there a part that bored or that you didn't really like in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything. You could say no if nothing bothered you.

Which was the part you liked most in the book?

Even a character, a scene, or anything that you enjoyed.

Is there one (or more) character(s) in this series that you would like to read more about in a sequel?

It could be a character from any book of the series (Vicious Desires). You could say no if there isn't any.

What do you think of the bonus content of this book? *

• I read all the bonus content because I wanted more of the story.
• I read the prologue, but not the Richard's POV scene.
• I read the Richard's POV, but not the prologue scene.
• I skipped the bonus content initially, but plan to go back and read it after finishing the main story.
• I skipped the bonus content because the interruptions were annoying and/or off putting.

In Dark Mafia Romance, do you prefer lighter (with more humor and romcom vibes) or darker (with darker themes and scenes like murder, torture and SA) stories? *

• I prefer lighter with more humor and romcom vibes.
• I prefer darker with darker themes and scenes like murder, torture and SA.

Do you prefer reading longer or shorter books? *

• I prefer reading longer books (300-400 or more pages).
• I prefer reading shorter books (200-300 pages).

Who is your favorite dark mafia romance author?

Please don't say me, I need some new inspo!❤️

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Richard

Lauren’s sigh seemed to shake the windows as she walked in, stretching out her lower back as she carefully took off her shoes. I grinned proudly at her. She’d always worked hard, and now that she was a senior partner, she seemed to be working even harder. She was incredible.

“Wow, home before you for once,” I said, startling her. She whirled around, eyebrows high on her forehead as she registered that I was there. She smiled at me like an angel.

“I guess you are,” she said, putting down her briefcase. “Did your negotiations go well, then?” I shrugged.

“They went fast, at least,” I said, leaning against the counter. “I’m making stir fry, is that alright?” I saw a little worry flash into Lauren’s eyes, and I stood up straighter.

“With shrimp?” she asked.

“Yeah, why?” I asked, concerned. I’d made her this before, and she’d eaten it without compunction, so I wasn’t sure why she’d hesitate now. I knew she’d gone to the doctor earlier that day, did he put her on a diet or something? Lauren swallowed, not looking me in the eye.

“Rich…” she said, tangling and untangling her fingers. She looked like she was hesitating to tell me something, and my anxiety immediately spiked.

“What? What is it?” I asked, striding over to her to hold her hands in mine. Lauren took a deep breath. “Did the doctor say something?”

“Let’s sit down,” she said diplomatically. Dread sunk into my stomach like lead, and all I could do was follow her.

“What is it?” I asked, scared. I couldn’t be losing her already, could I? I’d—I’d get her better doctors, the best in the world, I’d do anything to keep her here with me. We sunk onto the couch together, my heart hammering. Lauren still wasn’t looking me in the eye. “Lauren?”

“Rich,” she said, steeling herself. I felt sick. “I’m pregnant.”

I didn’t feel sick anymore. I didn’t feel anything except stunned.

“Pregnant?” I echoed dumbly, eyes wide. Lauren finally looked at me, watching my reaction closely.

“Yes,” she said, voice shaking. “We’re—we’re having a baby, Rich.”

I stared, unable to fathom it. A baby? Us? I was going to be a father? Me?

Lauren continued, starting to shake. “I know that we’re young, and it’s early, and we haven’t even been engaged that long, we haven’t even talked about kids yet, but—but I want to keep this baby. I am keeping this baby, Richard. I know it’s unexpected, and I’m sorry but—”

It finally computed in my mind that this was real, and I pulled her into an ecstatic kiss. That happened to break off her rant, too, which was good because I could tell she was getting the wrong idea. I pulled back just enough to put my forehead on hers, my eyes watering. I laughed.

“A baby,” I said, joy filling every cell of my body. “Oh my God, a baby!” Lauren stared up at me, cautious.

“So you… you’re okay with that?” she asked.

“Okay?” I gasped. “Lauren, I—I’m so grateful. I feel like the whole world just fell into place because we’re having a baby. Us! This is, this is the greatest gift you could ever give me, I—” I felt tears slip out of my eyes. “Ah shit, here we go again!” We both laughed.

“Happy tears, though?” Lauren asked, hopeful. I cupped her face in my palms, looking down at her like she was the sun I orbited around. I knew we orbited around each other, but sometimes it felt like she was the center of the universe, and I was okay with that.

“So happy, bunny,” I grinned, sniffling. Finally, finally, Lauren beamed ecstatically and threw herself into my arms, laughing with relief and unbridled joy. I felt like my soul was going to burst out of my skin any second—there was no way I could hold all of this. I placed my hand on her lower stomach, convincing myself I could feel our baby there even though her tummy would be flat for a while longer. She couldn’t be more than a month along, after all.

Ha, maybe all that raw dogging did the trick.

I kissed her again, and again, and again. I loved this woman so much. I was overjoyed, ecstatic, practically superhuman. We were bringing the next Marino into the world together. I was going to pass down our family name, our heritage, our love. I was going to be a dad.

The only word in my head was Perfect. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Because that was exactly what we were.