Page 19 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

As we walk toward Castle Island, in search of my favorite pub, we admire the panoramic views of Boston Harbor, with sailboats gliding across the water and the distant skyline as the dramatic backdrop. The Southie neighborhood comes alive around us as we pass iconic triple-decker houses, rows of brownstone buildings, and locals chatting on their front stoops. The sun is beginning to set, causing the narrow, Irish pub-lined streets to sparkle.

Making our way toward Broadway, my favorite locale, Lucas watches a group of kids kick a soccer ball in a nearby park, their laughter carrying on the gentle breeze. A shadow moves across his face as if time stands still.

“Are you okay?” I ask, leaning forward to see into his eyes.

“Makes me think of my Navy buddy, Jack,” he murmurs. “Always had a soccer ball, juggling it on his knees, while the rest of us watched the horizon for snipers.”

I look out toward the kids, allowing him space to talk.

“He was from around here.” He glances around. “I saved his ass more times than I can count when we were deployed together.” He let out a slow exhale. “But it was Jack who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He paused, staring into oblivion. “Pushed me out of the way as he spotted a landmine, triggering it to explode.” He fell silent.

Without hesitation, I reach my arms around him and hold on. I hold him together with all my strength, pouring my love into him, praying it will help.

Listening to his heartbeat in my ear, my breath falls into rhythm with his, and we stay like that for a while. Then he reaches for my arms, moving them from around his ribs, and he holds my hands. Looking into my eyes, he reaches down and kisses me.

“Thanks,” he whispers, then turns and starts walking toward our destination, keeping my hand firmly entwined in his.

As we continue our walk-through Southie toward my favorite bar, I feel grateful for this moment, for the unlikely partnership that brought us together and the undeniable chemistry that keeps pulling us closer.

Pushing through the heavy wooden doors of Broadway, we’re instantly enveloped by the warm atmosphere, dim lighting, worn wooden tables, and regulars laughing loudly as they clink their glasses together.

“Wow, this place has character,” Lucas remarks, taking in the mix of patrons and the various vintage signs adorning the walls.

“Isn’t it great?” I beam, proud to show off my favorite place in Southie. “They have the most amazing selection of beers and whiskeys.” We move closer to the bar.

“Today calls for something special,” he declares, flagging down a server. “Champagne, please. We’re celebrating an incredible victory.”

“Yes, sir,” the server replies, disappearing behind the bar.

“Are you okay here for a minute? I need to hit the Gents,” Lucas says, turning toward the men’s room as I nod with a smile. No sooner has he left, than I feel a familiar presence behind me. Turning around, I find myself face-to-face with Dom. His eyes are full of sweetness, but I sense a hint of desperation lurking beneath the surface.

“Emily, you following me?” he teases, moving closer. “You look amazing, baby.” He leans in as if smelling my hair.

“Back off, Dom,” I say, putting a hand up to set my boundary, noticing the smell of whiskey on his breath. “You’ve been drinking.”

His face grows more serious, and his eyes trail toward the men’s room. “Hey, I’ve been trying to reach you. I think we should talk. Things have been left unfinished.” He glances at my phone. “You’ve blocked me.” He pauses. “From everything.”

“Dom, I have nothing else to say. We don’t need closure,” I say. “You determined our closure when you slept with Maddie.” Saying the words out loud makes me sick to my stomach.

“What the fuck? Why won’t you let that go?” His eyes blaze into mine. “You need to let me explain what happened.”

“We’ve been over this,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. But deep down, guilt gnaws at me for having moved on from him so quickly. But I didn’t have a choice, he was one hundred percent toxic. But I can see the pain etched onto his face, and it tugs at my heartstrings.

Just as I’m about to cave and listen to him more, Lucas’s shadow fills the space behind me, his face darkening when he sees Dom’s hand reach for my waist.

“Get your hands off her,” he growls, his protective instincts kicking in.

“Lucas, it’s okay,” I try to intervene, but Dom cuts me off.

“Who the hell do you think you are?” he sneers, addressing Lucas. “Her boss, right?” He turns his attention back to me, shock in his eyes. “What, you’re sleeping with him now?”

“Watch your mouth,” Lucas warns, grabbing Dom by the shoulders and practically launching him toward the door. “Stay away from her,” he adds, his voice steely, blocking Dom’s access to me.

Dom peers back at me, lips pressed together like it’s far from over, and then he turns, shoulders slumped, and leaves. I turn in the direction of where he came from and see two of his friends at a high table, staring at Lucas with dropped jaws.

I swallow hard, my mind still reeling from the sudden confrontation. Lucas’s fierce protectiveness sends a thrill down my spine, but at the same time, I feel a pang of guilt for the hurt expression on Dom’s face as he was thrown out of the bar.

And then his friends, they kept their heads down, nursing their beers, probably praying Lucas wouldn’t make a move at them.

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