Page 4 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

Our bodies tangle together, enjoying every touch and every caress, as I allow myself to surrender, becoming lost in him, setting my heart on a collision course with destiny.

Chapter Two (Lucas)

The scent of Emily’s perfume lingers on my skin, a haunting reminder of the intimacy we shared. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, transported back to the feel of her soft body pressed against mine. She slipped out of my hotel suite earlier, gathered her things, leaving a sweet kiss on my lips that only taunts me now. The memory elicits an unwelcome ache in my chest.

Damn it. I can’t afford to feel this way about her. Or any woman.

With a frustrated sigh, I roll out of bed and drag myself into the bathroom. The cold tile floor offers a sharp contrast to the warmth of the bed, a welcome distraction as I turn on the shower and step under the spray.

The water washes away the evidence of our night together, but it does nothing to ease the turmoil in my mind. I shouldn’t have given in to the attraction between us. I knew better. But when she looked up at me with those bright green eyes and pouty lips, her curves tempting every part of me, all rational thought left. I was powerless to resist her pull.

Now I have to face the consequences. I’ll see her again today, Chloe already made the arrangement through text, and there’s no avoiding the tension that’s sure to hang thick in the air between Emily and me. The memory of her soft moans and the feel of her nails digging into my back will make it impossible to treat her as just a business associate.

How did I let this happen? I swore off relationships after my last tour of duty. My heart has already been ripped out enough times. The darkness that lives inside me is too dangerous now to expose to anyone. But one night with Emily, and all those walls came crumbling down, leaving me exposed.

The water begins to run cold, dragging me from my brooding thoughts. I turn off the faucet and step out of the shower, grabbing a towel to dry off. There’s no going back now. I’ll have to find a way to compartmentalize, bury my feelings when we’re together, and avoid acting on the attraction that simmers just below the surface.

It’s the only way I can keep her safe. And me. Even if it means denying myself the one thing I crave most. Her.

#

As I walk into the gym, my black belts and trophies line the entryway, while the grunts of grappling fighters fill the air. This is my world now—far from my days as a Navy SEAL, but still closely tied to the discipline and strength that defined my time in the military. As the owner of this world-renowned jujitsu training enterprise, I keep focused on expanding beyond Boston and adding additional prized fighters to my roster. I just need some help with closing the deals that will launch my business to the next level, straight out of Southie to the top of the global spotlight.

“Lucas!” Chloe’s voice breaks through the noise, and I turn to see her waving at me with Emily by her side. Emily looks like a breath of fresh air, stopping my heart momentarily, her floral dress cascading over her alluring body, her long blonde hair tied back with loose stands teasing her shoulders. Flashes of our incredible night together pass through my mind, creating a renewed desire to have her beneath me again. But I quickly shift my feelings to the professional realm, suppressing any frivolous emotions that could derail me.

“Hey, Chloe,” I greet, trying to keep my gaze steady and my voice casual despite the effect Emily has on me. “Good to see you again, Emily.” I nod my head in greeting.

“Figured I’d introduce you two properly,” Chloe says with a grin, nudging Emily forward, clueless about how much we got to know each other the night before. “I’m so glad you two had a chance to break the ice at the engagement party.”

Emily shoots Chloe a playful glare before turning to me with a smile that makes my heart race. “Nice to see you again too, Lucas,” she says with a subtle smirk.

“Lucas,” Chloe interjects, pulling my attention back to her, “I wanted you guys to have a chance to talk business. I really think Emily would be perfect to help you with your expansion. She’s an amazing contract negotiator and could bring in the top talent you need.”

“Is that so?” I ask, trying to hide the skepticism in my voice. I can’t deny my attraction to Emily, but I also can’t imagine this delicate, sensual woman going head-to-head with hardened fighters and their managers.

“Trust me, Lucas,” Chloe insists. “She’s more than capable.”

“Chloe’s right,” Emily chimes in, her eyes meeting mine with a confidence that surprises and intrigues me. “I’m good at what I do, and I think I could really help you out.” Her eyes narrow slightly, noticing my distance.

As much as I want to believe her, I can’t shake the feeling that mixing business with pleasure might end badly for both of us. I allow my wall to climb higher, knowing my PTSD from my military days is easily triggered, awakening a fight response I can’t always control, and I need to be careful about who I let into my life.

“Please, Lucas,” Chloe begs. “You have to let go a little, allow someone to help you out. You can’t always do it alone.” She glares at me, knowing how stubborn I am, and keenly aware of my trauma damage. But she’s right. If I want my enterprise to go to the top globally, with my fighters winning world championships, I need expert help that I can trust.

I trust Chloe’s professional recommendation and it would save me time from interviewing others. “We can discuss details,” I finally agree, still hesitant but willing to give Emily a chance, “to see if you’re a good fit.”

“Sure.” Emily nods, her eyes grow vacant as she feels my cold gaze. Beneath her agreement to further our discussions, I see she’s hurt by my doubt and distance. Despite the affection we shared, I have to box it away as a one-night stand, determined to keep things professional between us at this point. And if that means treating her skeptically and blandly, then that’s how it has to be.

Chloe grabs hold of Emily’s arm and does a small dance. Their close, playful relationship is evident, and I can’t help but feel a twinge of envy. “This is going to be so perfect,” she gushes.

“Come on, Em,” she encourages her, giving her a squeeze. “Tell him about that time you negotiated that massive deal for the whiskey company. Isn’t it owned by that Irish MMA fighter, you know, the one with the green yacht and the gorilla tattoo?”

My eyes widen. “You mean…?” I stare at Chloe, understanding now why she thought the collaboration could be a good one between Emily and me.

“Yup,” she says, not even allowing me to finish my sentence.

“Chloe, I got it from here,” Emily says, casting a nervous glance in my direction.

“I know. I know,” she says, ignoring Emily’s humble approach. “She’s exactly what you need, Lucas,” she continues. “And, Emily, you could use the distraction after Dom’s bullshit.”

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