Page 6 of Secret Baby for my Off-Limits Fiancé

I step out of the room to get some water. After I have some, I have to find Valentino to thank him for last night, because that was exactly what I needed. What was initially supposed to be a quick fuck, turned into a passionate night of pleasure and orgasms.

And maybe I’ll leave him my number. No pressure, but a girl can dream.

As I’m about to turn the corner into the living room, his voice reaches me. He’s talking on the phone in the kitchen, back turned toward me.

I pause, curiosity getting the better of me.

"Yeah. Can you believe it?" He sounds frustrated. "I’d never let a woman have that type of hold on me. I’d die before I let that happen. Fucking gold diggers. And if she came to me claiming to be pregnant later, I’d show her exactly who she was messing with.”

He snorts. “There is no way I’m getting stuck to a woman. Ever."

The words hit me like a cold slap.

After a short silence, he laughs. “You know it, it’s always on to the next one for me.”

I lean against the wall, my heart pounding.

Is that what he thinks this night was about? Me, tricking him?

And God, how can he be so cold talking about women? On to the next one? Like we are nothing? Toys to be discarded after use?

I knew what we were to each other before we got together last night, but it still stings like a bitch.

I turn and head back to the room, rush to get my clothes back on, and head to the door.

My heart is heavy, but my resolve made, as I open the door and step out of his apartment.

Last night was fun. But this man is not someone I want in my life, not after what he just said. The blissful orgasms are not worth it.

Goodbye, Valentino. Thanks for getting me to heaven before thrusting me straight to hell.

2

VALENTINO

ThreeYearsLater

Alessio taps his foot on the cold hospital tile. “How long do you think it’ll take?”

Luciana rolls her eyes. “Babies take their time, Les. Just relax.”

I’m stuck between them, my two siblings.

They called early this morning with the news that Quinn, my stepmom, is in labor. Their bickering, which has been our family’s background noise since childhood, fills the corridor.

“Relax? You heard her screaming in there! I can’t imagine actually pushing out a baby,” Alessio grumbles.

Luciana fires back, “Of course you can’t. I wouldn’t expect a man to do more than stand around during a delivery.”

He snorts. “That’s rich coming from you, especially since you lack the experience.”

I tune them out. Their constant squabbles are as much a part of our life as the family business. Some things never change.

Today, though, feels different. For Dad, this is huge, he’s always wanted another child with Quinn. For me, it carries a different weight entirely. I wonder if, at last, the time might come when I’m handed the reins of the Marchetti Empire.

As the oldest son, succession was never in doubt, only the timing. Every choice I’ve made, from staying home for college to skipping late nights, has been driven by that destiny. It was my dream to take over our family business and push it to new heights. And now… it’s almost time.

But with that thought comes a growing unease.

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