Page 5 of His Dark Desire

“I may not have been the best father to you. I'm going to try, and I'm gonna be the best grandfather there is. Just as I should have been the best man I could be for you.”

She stares up at me, the disbelief clear in her eyes. She doesn't believe me, and I'm not angry that she doesn't. I've never given her a reason to trust that I'd ever change. I've always put my business ahead of her. I know my actions haven't always been the best, but shit changed when she came to Denver, I realized just how badly I fucked up and I need to finally do something for my child.

We talk for a bit longer; she's closed off now and I know that's because I've made a vow that she doesn't believe. That's okay, it's going to take time to let these changes come to fruition and I'm not going to stop until I have set out to do exactly as I wanted, too.

"Boss, is everything okay?" Donavan asks as he enters my office that evening. "Is Gabriella okay?"

"Close the door," I instruct him, knowing that Christina has a proclivity for eavesdropping. "Gabby is pregnant and she's moving to Indianapolis," I tell him.

His expression doesn't change, but he's watching me intently. "I've lost so many years of her life; I'm not going to miss anymore. I'm going straight."

His brows practically hit his hairline. "Straight?"

I nod. "I'm keeping the business and it'll be up to you if you'd like to take over until my grandchild is of age, then I'd be honored. If not, there's other men that would relish at the chance. You'll always be my right-hand man."

He grins. "I'm getting too old for this shit," he grunts. "Going straight sounds fucking good. What businesses are you looking to branch into?"

I smirk. Fuck yeah, I should have known that he'd want to be at my side. "I've been thinking about a distillery. You know how much I've wanted to delve into that."

His laughter is deep and heavy. "You and whiskey go hand in hand. I think that's doable; you've got hotel chains as it is, not to mention bars and clubs. It'll take some time, but it's doable."

Yes, it definitely is. "I want you to go to Kentucky, scope out some office properties and homes for the two of us, with Gabby moving to indianapolis, being two hours away will be good for us both."

His lips curl into a snarl. "What about Christina?"

"She can stay here," I say pointedly. "I don't give a fuck."

He chuckles once more. "She won’t be happy."

That may be so, but for once I'm doing what I should have done years ago. I'm putting my child first, not the bitch who's made my life a fucking nightmare.

"Alright, boss, I'll get this sorted. I'll fly into Kentucky tomorrow and start the search."

I take a deep breath. I feel at ease with the decision. I've worked hard for over thirty fucking years to be right where I am now and while I've enjoyed it, I'm good at it, it's time to slow down. I'm not stepping away from this business completely, I'm just focusing my attention elsewhere.

Eight and a half months later

"Dad," Gabby cries. "I'm tired," she breathes. "Why is it taking so long?"

She's been in labor for a long fucking time. My kid is a fucking trooper, I don't know how women manage this, but Gabriella is a fucking champion. She's powering through it all.

"I don't know," I say as I glance at Raylee, she's Gabby's best friend and has been through labor a few times now. Something passes through her eyes and instantly tense up. What the fuck is going on?

"I'll get the doctor," Raylee says, plastering on a fake smile. "Just to see if you've progressed."

She's fucking lying, and I hate this shit. Why? Why is she lying?

The doctor walks in with three other nurses, all of them with that fucking fake ass smile while full of praise for my daughter. "Let's take a look and see how you're progressing," she says.

I watch as they all share glances at one another as they check her out and see how dilated she is, one is reading the heart rate of my grandson while the other checks out Gabby's own heart rate and blood pressure.

"Ms. Sanchez," the doctor begins, and my heart starts to pound. "You're not dilating enough and your baby's in distress. I know that we spoke at length about going through labor without any intervention, but I'm urging you to reconsider as you and your baby are in danger. Your sats are dropping?—"

"What does she need?" I bark, I'm worried. I can tell by the doctor's face that this isn't good.

"I'm urging Gabby to consent to an emergency Cesarean."

"Gabby honey," I say as I frame her face, she's sweaty and tired. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but it's best for you and the baby."

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