Page 42 of The Billionaire's Secret Child

"Do you mind if I ask you a personal question?"

She bit her bottom lip. She didn't want to accidentally let the truth slip before she deciphered exactly how to tell him, but he'd probably just find another way if she denied him. She nodded.

“What happened to her father?”

Laura’s heart skipped a beat. It was the perfect opportunity to tell him everything, but she just couldn't. Not now, on a busy sidewalk with her daughter asleep in his arms. “Her father is not part of the picture,” she replied vaguely.

He shook his head. “That’s unbelievable. Does he know what he’s missing?”

She released a deep breath of painful irony. “I don’t think he does,” she replied simply.

“Do you think he’ll ever be part of his daughter’s life? She's such a great kid, I can’t imagine anyone walking away from that.” Utter sincerity underscored genuine emotion, reaching deep within her.

“If you asked me last year, I'd have said definitely not.” She pulled her coat closer around her. “But now there might be a chance.”

“He doesn’t deserve her.” His gaze hardened. “If he didn’t see the need to stick around before, he’s not worthy of her now. She'd probably be better off with a stepfather should you decide to marry. No man should ignore his child.”

She swallowed through an acrid throat. What would he do when he found out that unwittingly and unknowingly,hehad ignored his own child? She slowed as they reached the entrance to her apartment building, where a gleaming black limo stood next to the curb.

“I called while you took Jeanie to the bathroom,” Adain explained. “I figured you wouldn’t want me spending the night with her around.”

Just the mention of him staying the night snapped sensitive areas to attention.Down, girl.“Definitely not a good idea.” She tried for neutral, couldn’t stop the tinge of regret.

“Let me help you up with her.”

Laura nodded gratefully. Jeanie was growing larger every day, and a flight carrying her up the stairs was getting difficult. In contrast, Aidan effortlessly cradled her as they crept up the steps in silence. They entered the apartment together, as if a regular family, and she led him to the pink princess bedroom, where he gently placed the sleeping girl on the bed. Jeanie shifted, but did not wake, as Laura removed tiny shoes and whispered goodnight.

As she backed to the door, Aidan stayed, his expression filled with longing he couldn’t hide. "Goodnight, sweetheart," he murmured. He reached down and gently tucked in the blanket.

Tears stung the backs of Laura's eyes. Now that she’d made her decision, she couldn’t wait until he knew the truth. Aidan turned, and with a quick gesture, motioned for her to leave. Quietly, they snuck out of the room and shut the door. They stood chest to chest, gaze to gaze, eyes locked in a silent battle. Her breath caught in her throat, as she studied the man who played havoc with her senses. “Whatisbetween us?” she whispered, voicing the question tormenting her since she met the powerful man. It was unwise and risky, yet she couldn’t stop it.

His eyes reflected a thousand emotions. “I don’t know,” he finally breathed. “I feel this force when I’m with you, something I’ve never felt before. I don’t understand it, but I just can’t let it go.”

Her breath caught in her throat. Was he saying he wouldn’t lethergo? “It has to be lust.” She waved her hand. “Simple chemical attraction.” Yet even she could no longer believe the weak excuse. After their amazing lovemaking, it was anything but simple.

“You can’t really think that." He flexed his muscles. “It’s not just about sex, either, although I must admit, that was amazing. I look forward to… exploring you further.” He smiled wickedly, as a blush warmed her cheeks. “But there’s far more between us. I want to be with you, spend time with you. You’re not like any woman I’ve ever met before. You’re…”

“One strange lady?” she suggested.

He laughed. “Maybe that’s it.” He turned serious. “We need to figure this out.”

She exhaled slowly. How could she make any decisions before he knew the truth? Would he welcome the newsandher with open arms, understanding why she had waited to tell him? Or would he be furious she kept the secret for so long?

“No decisions will be made tonight.” He spared her the responsibility of asking for more time. “Except one.” He grinned with mischief. “How am I going to punish you for your comments about the wrap?”

Laura’s heart quickened. “Did I hear you right?” She cupped her ear and leaned close, widening her eyes into an innocent look. “Did you say you wanted to keep the wrap?”

He chuckled. Then without warning, he grabbed her and pulled her into a tight embrace. Her body heated under the close contact, arousal flaring at the desire burning in his eyes.

“I’m going to like this payback,” she whispered as his arms snaked around her. Then his lips took hers, and reality fled as she melted into him. Unlike the other kisses, this one was painstakingly gentle, and even as she pressed for more, he kept the kiss all the lighter. It was a sweet drop of forbidden fruit, a tantalizing taste of denied ecstasy. She asked for more, begged for it, but he refused, giving only enough so she could not leave, but so much less than she wanted. Finally, he pulled away… ever-so-slowly.

Laura watched with breathless anticipation, her need fiercer than ever. Desire and responsibility spared, but they couldn't go further, not with her daughter so near. “That was… well, it was…”

“Cruel?” he intoned, his voice deep with desire. “For me, too.” He reached back, and with a full kiss on the lips, turned and strode from the desire, from the room and from the home. For a moment, she just stood there, a million thoughts, emotions and uncertainties tangling.

What was this man doing to her?

Chapter 12

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