Page 2 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“According to my sister, you’re the bad influence. The one who suggests skydiving or crowd surfing as intriguing afternoon activities.” He glances at me, brows lifted.

I grin under his close scrutiny, his blue eyes piercing into mine. “You’re Chloe’s brother?” I ask, ignoring his accusation. “The one who’s been away for like, a decade?” I pull my gaze away from him, struggling to not stare at his chiseled jaw and broad chest. How could Chloe not have mentioned how gorgeous her older brother was?

“Avoiding the point in question?” he teases. “So, you admit you’re a bad influence?” His eyes move over me like a warm blanket, heating me up inside.

“Chloe and I are a good match,” I say with a defensive tone. “We balance each other out. She’s usually the crazy one, and I’m the rational one.” I stare at him, wondering what he’s heard.

“Hmm, not exactly how I heard it, but, either way, it’s meant as a compliment,” he says, holding up his hands in a peaceful gesture. “It just seems like any reckless adventure Chloe embarks on; your name always seems to be attached.”

“Yeah, well, she is my best friend.” I lift one shoulder, then study him more closely. “She talks about you a lot,” I say. “You were in the military. For a long time. She missed you.”

He nods. “Afghanistan.” And then falls silent, looking away.

I swallow hard, remembering Chloe telling me stories of missions that went bad for him, his patrols being ambushed, land mines and explosions, losing members of his platoon, his friends. I study him for a moment, taking in the creases fanning out from the corners of his eyes, premature lines that revealed his difficult experiences.

“Well, she’s glad to have you back,” I say, knowing how much he means to her from the endless stories. “Weren’t you in Dubai for a while?” I remember Chloe mentioning him making a fortune there.

He turns his attention back to me as he clears the lost gaze in his expression. “I stopped there for a while, on my way back home.”

Our eyes meet again, and this time I don’t look away.

“So, what do you do?” he asks, moving the attention off of himself. “Same as Chloe? Fashion design and social media shit?”

His low-interest tone annoys me. Chloe has an amazing career, one she built from the ground up. Her eye for fashion is impeccable and she’d branded herself as an iconic influencer, sharing trends and marketing for designer labels.

“I wish,” I say, narrowing my eyes. “Chloe’s success is insane.” I have to get that jab in there. “But no, I’m a freelance contract negotiator.” I shrug. “Kind of a badass when it comes to hashing out business deals.”

“Oh, you’re a badass now?” he says, grinning. “I knew it. Well, hopefully, you still save a little of your time to have some fun.” He gazes at me with a sultry smile.

I’m not sure how I feel about him yet, whether he’s a complete asshole, or maybe just a tough exterior, protecting whatever wounds he has inside. It’s difficult to decide, but the obvious fact is the one that tingles between my legs. He’s gorgeous, strong, and masculine beyond belief. I imagine he’d be amazing in bed and think of him taking me over, devouring me.

As a blush rises to my cheeks from my spicy thoughts, a voice shoots out from behind me, bringing me back to the present moment.

“Emily! I was looking for you,” Chloe gushes, hobbling over to us with heels that are too high, likely causing blisters. She plops down in the chair across from us, oblivious to the tension hanging thick in the air. “I’ve been looking for both of you, actually. The toasts are about to start.”

I blink, shaken by the spell Lucas had cast over me. “On our way,” I say with a forced smile.

Chloe looks at both of us as her eyes reveal her surprise. “So, you guys met each other,” she sings. “I was planning on introducing you.” She turns her attention to Lucas. “I told you she was awesome. You have to consider her for your business. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about.”

I stare at Chloe, having no idea what she is talking about. Sure, I am in a drought for clients at the moment, but I wasn’t about to disclose that to him. And working for her brother was not something I’d ever considered. My mind is currently elsewhere when it came to what I wanted to do with Lucas.

Chloe beams and rushes off to corral the rest of the guests. Lucas stands and holds out a hand to help me up. I quickly wiggle my feet into my heels.

“Shall we?” he asks softly.

Heart pounding, I place my hand in his and rise to my feet. His grip lingers for a second too long, and I find myself hoping the night won’t end with the reception.

“We shall,” I say, pulse racing at the promise in his smile.

#

We rejoin the party, acutely aware of each other in a way that makes the noisy ballroom fade into the background. Lucas guides me toward the bar area with a high table near the front. As the toasts begin, he pulls out my chair and I sit, happy to be away from the crowded tables.

Throughout the speeches, I feel the heat of his gaze on the side of my face, wordless but intense. As Chloe and her new fiancé, Scott, share their first dance, Lucas reaches for my hand on the table and casually taps his fingers across my knuckles. A sizzle runs up my arm, causing my air to suck in.

“We should go somewhere quieter,” he says. “I’d love to talk more, get to know you better.” His burning gaze leaves me little choice.

It’s very unlike me to take a man up on such an offer, but he was Chloe’s brother, so it’s not like he’s a stranger. And Chloe seemed genuinely happy that we had found each other at her party, her approval clear. And, I have to admit, the loud music and overwhelming crowd are too much for me. Judging by the strain on his face, it seems like it’s too much for him too.

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