Page 9 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“Are you sure about this place? The rent is pretty steep,” she says, raising an eyebrow. “I mean, I know we’re expanding, but—”

“Trust me. It’s worth the investment,” I assure her, cutting off her concerns. As much as I value her opinion, I still need to know that I’m in control.

“Alright, if you say so,” she sighs, handing me the documents. “Just remember, I’m here to help. You don’t have to do everything on your own.”

“Thanks,” I reply curtly, avoiding eye contact. I can tell she’s trying to break through, offering support that goes beyond her role here. But I hold back, fearing my inability to maintain control in the relationship realm.

As we pore over the documents together, I feel myself stealing glances at her. She’s smart, sassy, and unapologetically opinionated—all traits that draw me closer to her, despite our differences. And she’s beautiful as fuck. But for now, I need to stay focused on my growing empire and keep my distance from her.

I adjust the snug fit of my black rash guard, preparing to get on the mat with my best fighter. I notice Emily walk through the lobby and my eyes lock on her. A quick shake of my head clears my mind and I flex my toes, grounding them beneath me.

My attention quickly shifts as Xavier emerges from the locker room. The gym seems to come alive with his commanding presence. Standing tall and broad-shouldered, he exudes a formidable aura that demands respect. The razor-sharp focus in his dark eyes, black hair shadowing his face, gives him a hardened look that intimidates most of his opponents. But I know Xavier well, and behind his tough exterior, is a steady man he allows few to know.

Our eyes meet, and a knowing smile tugs at the corners of my lips. As he approaches, I extend my hand, and our palms come together in a firm clasp. “Ready to unleash the fire within, my friend?” I ask.

Xavier nods, his intense dark-brown eyes stirring with determination. “You bet, Lucas. You think today’s the day to redeem yourself?”

His jab at his last win shoots adrenaline through my veins. He’s the only one I can grapple with and allow to win without wanting to end him. He’s a fair match and the only one in the dojo who’s willing to give his all when fighting me.

“I won’t let you off easy this time,” I say. “Time to wipe that smug grin off your face.” And I twist my body, stretching out my back.

Emily passes through the foyer again, glancing over at me as if she has something to tell me. I see her eyes move over my body, lingering, and she blinks, looking away, and heads back to the office. She hasn’t seen me fight before and I wonder how it would affect her.

“She’s got potential, you know,” Xavier remarks casually as he stretches on the gym mat.

I grunt noncommittally, not quite ready to admit that I’ve been thinking the same thing. His mention of her, though, opens my eyes, knowing he has an uncanny way of reading people. He’s noticed her fearlessness and quick wit when she challenges me, laughing at me like I’m whipped. And silently, I recognize her determination to break through my walls, just as Xavier does, and it’s unsettling.

“Come on, man,” he challenges, smirking as he takes his position across from me. “You can’t deny that she brightens up the place whenever she’s around.”

“Alright, enough talk. Let’s spar,” I mutter, not wanting to expose my feelings about her just yet.

Our sparring session begins, our movements fluid and evenly matched, each of us anticipating the other’s next move. As high-level black belts, we’ve trained together countless times, honing our advanced techniques and pushing each other to our limits.

“Seriously, Lucas,” Xavier pants, grabbing my wrist as I attempt to pin him down. “She’s not afraid to stand up to you, and she’s got your back. That’s pretty rare, man.”

“Focus,” I growl, twisting out of his grip and using his momentum against him, throwing him off balance. But even as we grapple and try to keep focus, I can’t help but hear his words.

Finally, I manage to catch Xavier in a tight hold, my arm firmly around his neck while my legs wrap around his torso. He taps out, signaling his submission.

“Alright, alright,” he concedes, gasping for breath as I release him. “Looks like I might have touched on a sensitive topic.” He grins. “The one thing you’re afraid of.”

“Enough, asshole,” I snap, my irritation flaring. “I came here to train, not discuss my love life.”

“Ah, so you see it too,” he laughs, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Just remember, man—sometimes, the best way to win is to let someone else in.”

His words resonate with me as I watch him walk away, leaving me to grapple with how well he knows me and what he sees in Emily. I consider his words for a moment and the possibility that maybe, just maybe, she might be worth the risk. The thought intrigues me, but as I look over at her, laughing with some of the other gym members, I feel rage course through my veins, wanting to protect her and keep other men away from her. And it’s clear to me, I’m just not cut out for this.

#

As I sit on the edge of the mat, catching my breath and wiping the sweat from my forehead, the gym door swings open, and Chloe saunters in with a bright smile for everyone she passes. Her eyes eventually land on Emily, and she makes a beeline for her.

“Hey, girl!” Chloe exclaims, throwing her arms around her in a tight embrace. “Ready for girls’ night out?”

“Absolutely!” Emily replies, her face lighting up.

As they chatter excitedly, I walk over, listening intently to every word.

“Remember when we went skydiving with those ridiculously hot instructors?” Chloe asks, giggling and nudging Emily playfully. “When you nearly passed out midair.”

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