Page 18 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

I intertwine our fingers, focusing on the warmth of her hand in mine, grounding myself in her presence.

“Come on,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady, “let’s walk.”

As we move away, I can’t help but replay his words in my head. That smug grin, his idle threats, the way he looked at Emily—it all fuels the fire inside me. But I know I need to keep myself calm, for both me and for Em.

“Don’t let him get to you,” she says softly, her voice pulling me back into the present. “That’s what he wants. It’s part of his strategy.”

She glances at me, her big green eyes sparkling in the sun as she lifts an eyebrow. She knows exactly how to pull me out of this tailspin I find myself in.

“Easy for you to say,” I mutter, though her words ring true. “That asshole’s been trying to entice Xavier and some of my other top fighters to join his franchise. He’s got some money and corporate backing to seduce them to his side.”

She brushes a lock of hair behind her ear, meeting my eye with a resolute look. “Well, so do you. And plus, they would never leave you,” she says without hesitation. “Especially Xavier. That man has your back more than anyone I’ve ever seen.”

I glance down at her, my anger momentarily subsiding as I realize just how much her words mean to me. And in that moment, I find the courage to be honest with her.

“Emily, about what happened in my office…,” I begin, hesitating briefly. “I know we haven’t talked about it, but I want you to know that it meant something. I just never thought I’d meet someone like you or be able to navigate it.”

She squeezes my hand gently, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. “Well, I like you too, Lucas,” she says plainly.

Chapter Nine (Emily)

I glance over at Lucas, his muscular frame glistening with sweat as he spars with Xavier on the gym mat. I can’t help but admire the way his muscles flex and move in perfect harmony, but there’s no time for daydreaming now. My phone buzzes in my hand, and I recognize the number as the Dubai agent I’ve been waiting to hear from all week.

I step out of the gym, leaving the sounds of grunts and thuds behind as I answer the call.

“Hello?” I say, trying to ignore the clamor of the gym behind me.

“Emily? It’s Rashid from Dubai. Do you have a moment to talk about the contract?”

“Of course,” I reply, my heart pounding in excitement and nerves. Mr. Chamime introduced himself on a first-name basis, so that’s a good sign.

This is it—the deal that could change everything for both Lucas’s company and my own.

As the conversation intensifies, I pace back and forth, gesturing wildly as I negotiate terms and conditions. I’m so caught up in the call that I don’t notice Lucas slip out of the gym and approach me, curiosity etched across his handsome face.

“Alright, we have a deal,” I say into the phone, relief and triumph washing over me. “Thank you, Rashid.” I hang up, taking a deep breath to steady myself before turning to face Lucas.

“Who was that?” he asks, his voice sharp and accusatory. He steps closer, towering over me like a protective bear. “You should have waited for me. What are you doing behind my back?”

His tone sets me off immediately, turning my elation to fury. Within one second, he accuses me of moving forward without him and doing business behind his back, or worse. Staring into his face, I see red.

“Back the fuck up, Lucas!” I snap, anger flaring instantly. “I’m doing my job and you just need to fuck off with that attitude.” I press my finger into his chest, pushing him out of my space, fully expecting him to remain as immovable as a brick wall. But to my surprise, my gesture is enough to make him take a step back, eyes wide in surprise at my response.

We both stare at each other in shock for a moment and then laughter erupts between us as we recognize how foolish we’re being.

“Okay, okay,” I say, catching my breath. “First of all, I wasn’t doing anything behind your back. That was the Dubai agent I’ve been talking to about our contract. And second, I can take care of myself. You don’t need to be breathing down my neck every time I make a phone call.”

Lucas’s eyes soften, and he takes another step back, giving me space. “I’m sorry. I just worry about you sometimes.”

“Thanks, but I can handle myself,” I reply, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of my lips. “Sooo, we won the contract,” I add.

“Seriously?” His eyes widen in astonishment. “Holy shit, Em. That’s incredible!” He pulls me into a hug, lifting me off my feet briefly before setting me back down.

“Hey, you doubted my negotiation skills?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.

“Never,” he replies, grinning. “And I have to admit, you’ve changed the trajectory of my company, and I couldn’t be more grateful. How about we celebrate? Drinks on me.”

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