Night was the most productive time of the day for Simon Riley.

It was at night that life began in the places under his control. No, not the car dealership company that was known to the government and the public. But the casinos, bars, and strip clubs that were under his control as a mafia boss.

To the public eye, he was just a businessman who had built his fortune selling luxury cars. But only a select, defined circle knew Simon Riley as the boss of the mafia in Manchester, who had to create a civilian business as a cover for mafia activities. It was precisely because of the lack of such a cover that his father was killed, and the family business was in danger of being demolished.

In those days, when he, a twenty-three-year-old boy, took the leadership of a fragmented clan under his wing, he understood the responsibility that lay upon him. And he did everything he could to strengthen Manchester's position – the boss of the London gang himself later married his daughter – you – to him.

And you were the one who knew him not as a strict boss or a bloodthirsty man who was ready to punish anyone for the slightest misconduct. No.

You knew him as Simon, a caring husband and a man who hid his need for care and warmth because he didn't receive it from his family in the past. You knew him as Simon, who treated you like his best treasure and even listened to you on certain matters related to the mafia. You knew him as the man whose child you were carrying in your belly.

And since you told him about that news, he had been doing everything he could to prepare for his role as a future father.

It was late, but relatively early (compared to the time he usually returned home in the early morning), when the door to your bedroom opened. You were just pulling back the covers, about to get into bed, when Simon entered. His shoulders were tense, and his eyes were tired. He needed rest. But first...

He crossed the room with his smooth steps, then knelt in front of you, placing his hands on your hips and resting his cheek against the curve of your belly. You immediately exhaled and ran your hands through his hair, combing the blonde strands and calming him down.

He was home, here with you. He could shed his mask and be himself. He was with his family.

"Ya will give me a future. Ya will give me a family." He whispered, closing his eyes and waiting for the usual kick from the baby in your womb.

Just Simon. Your family, your future.