Page 89 of The Arrogant's Redemption

I was walking into my office when Athanasios and William found me.

"The only thing I can do," I finally answer. "I'll marry her."

For the first time since this conversation started, William smiles. "Don’t take this the wrong way, but Alexis didn’t seem very willing—judging by the way she was looking at you earlier today."

"It’s not about what either of us wants. It’s for our son’s wellbeing."

"Yeah, that was the excuse I gave myself when I forgave Taylor."

"Your situation was different. You two were in love."

"And you’re not?"

I don’t answer. I don’t want to think about it. I just need to make sure I can keep my son close. Both of them, really. I need her within arm’s reach too. That’s the only way I’ll be certain I’ll get to watch Sedric grow up. "I’m going to have them both. That’s non-negotiable."

"Want some advice?" Athanasios asks, and a few years ago, I would’ve laughed at the idea of my friend giving me romantic advice.

"No, but right now, I don’t have many people to talk to, so I’ll take any help I can get."

"Don’t come at her full-force. William and I tried that approach once, and in the end, we had to beg our women on our knees for forgiveness."

"Alexis was wrong, too."

"And you disappeared from her life after just one weekend together. She’s not like the experienced women we used to date, LJ. What is she now—twenty-five?"

I nod.

"Either way, she still seems like a girl—and her life story . . . Damn, it’s messed up. If you act the way you normally do, you’ll just push her further away."

"Alexis can’t keep Sedric away from me. He’s my son. I have rights too."

"No, she can’t. But she could make your life hell. Swallow your pride and find a middle ground. The one who stands to gain the most from peace between you two is your son."

Alexis

Three days later

"What does he eat?" LJ asks, watching Sedric make a mess with the little bowl of soup Mom prepared for him. He’s been here for an hour and hasn’t mentioned our almost-fight from yesterday, nor has he brought up anything about our son. That should calm me down—but instead, it makes me even more nervous.

"I was gone for a month, so I missed a lot of his development. At this age, they grow so fast," I say without thinking, and immediately see his expression darken.

A wave of remorse hits me.

Is it always going to be like this? Am I going to feel guilty for the rest of my life because I kept them apart for so long?

"I’m sorry," I say.

"What for?"

"For believing your sister. I’m not apologizing for what happened between us. Nothing has changed there. You made a choice—to move on with your life without ever coming to talk to me after that weekend. I don’t want to revisit that. But I am sorry for the time you and Sedric lost together. I should’ve tried harder. Now, listen to me: there’s no ‘us’ as a couple." I give him a sad smile. "There never really was. If you want to be part of Sedric’s life, you’re welcome. But to do that, you’ll have to forgive me."

"Why should I forgive you if you can’t forgive me for never coming after you?"

"It’s different."

"No, it’s not. And don’t think you can set conditions for me to be part of my son’s life. Nothing, and hear me loud and clear, Alexis,nothingwill keep me from seeing Sedric grow up. I’ve already talked to my lawyers. A notary will come here so we can deal with the paperwork for his last name."

My first instinct is to yell that he has no right to threaten me, but then I remember what I discussed with my mom and try to put myself in his shoes. "I wasn’t trying to threaten you. I just want us to coexist without constant fighting."

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