Page 5 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“Chloe!” Emily barks, embarrassment written all over her face.

“Sorry,” Chloe murmurs sheepishly, finally releasing Emily from her embrace. “But it’s true. You deserve better, you need to move on, and this job is perfect for you.”

I throw my hands up. “Okay. We’re done here.” I turn my attention to my fighters on the mat, the smell of their sweat and aggression filling the space. “I’ll book a meeting for us to go over details,” I say, trying not to let my resolve waver. She may be beautiful and passionate, but I need someone who can deliver results for my gym. And I have to keep reminding myself—business first.

#

I weigh my options, considering the pros and cons of hiring Emily. Sure, she’s got an impressive resume and Chloe vouches for her, but can I really trust her to handle the high-pressure world of contract negotiations for my prized fighters? After all, our intimate night together gave me the impression that she was more delicate than tough, a gorgeous sexual being rather than a cutthroat deal closer. And honestly, she seemed too nice, soft. I could see rivals walking all over her.

Chloe’s words replay in my mind, snapping me out of my thoughts. “I know you’re hesitant, but Emily is really good at her job. She has a knack for getting the best deals,” she had said. So, I relent, exhaling deeply. I make the final decision to give her a shot, to prove herself.

Emily joins me the next day at the gym for our meeting, dressed professionally in a tailored suit, her expression serious and determined. I appreciate the contrast between this side of her and the passionate woman I shared a bed with. But as much as those memories tempt me, I have to maintain a professional distance. I need Emily focused on her job, not on reigniting our chemistry.

“Morning, Emily,” I greet, keeping my voice neutral.

“Good morning, Lucas,” she replies, barely meeting my eyes before turning her attention to a stack of documents on the table. I can sense the tension between us, but I stubbornly refuse to acknowledge it.

“Let’s get started, then,” I say, taking a seat across from her. “We’ve got a potential deal with a rising star in MMA, his jujitsu is world-class, and I want to make sure we’re getting the best terms possible. I’d like to get your take on it, to see if this is something you can handle.”

She glances at me with a hint of annoyance behind her gaze. “Of course,” she agrees, her tone equally bland as she flips through the contract, making notes and asking relevant questions. I watch her work, impressed by her focus and attention to detail. Maybe she does have what it takes to succeed in this business.

“I’ve found a few clauses that could be negotiated in your favor,” she suggests after some time, and I nod to her to continue.

As she expertly outlines her strategy for securing a better deal, I feel a grudging respect for her abilities. Maybe Chloe was right—perhaps Emily is more than just a pretty face and a fun night between the sheets. But as we continue to work together, I can’t shake the nagging doubt that lingers at the back of my mind.

“Great work, Emily,” I say when we wrap up our meeting, carefully maintaining a polite distance despite the lingering tension between us. “Can you come back tomorrow to take action on this?”

“Yes,” she replies, giving me a small smile before gathering her things. “See you then.”

As I watch her walk away, I can’t deny that I’m attracted to her in more ways than one. But for now, I need to keep my focus on the success of my gym, and that means keeping my eyes off her incredible ass.

#

The following day, I watch Emily from across the gym as she talks on the phone with a potential fighter’s agent. Her brow furrows slightly, and she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear in frustration. She’s trying to hide it, but I can tell the call isn’t going well.

When she hangs up with a sigh, I approach her. “Trouble in paradise?”

She shoots me a glare. “Nothing I can’t handle. This fighter’s manager is being unreasonable, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve.”

I raise an eyebrow, surprised by her confidence. “Do you now?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact.” She straightens, staring me down defiantly. “I may not have years of experience in this industry, but I know how to get what I want. And your gym is going to benefit from it.”

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I fold my arms across my chest. “Prove it.”

Emily smirks, grabbing the phone and dialing the fighter’s manager again. I listen in disbelief as she lays out an airtight counteroffer, backed by facts and figures to support her case. By the end of the call, the manager has not only agreed to her terms but also thanked her for the “opportunity.”

When Emily hangs up again, her eyes meet mine in challenge. But this time, all I see is her skill, her passion for the job, and her dedication to the success of my gym. She has proven herself in more ways than one, and for the first time, I realize Chloe was right all along.

Emily is perfect for this job.

“Well?” she prompts, hands on her hips.

I clear my throat, trying to find the right words. “Call me impressed,” I say at last.

Emily’s features soften into a smile, her eyes glowing. And in that moment, I know I’m in trouble.

As the day moves on, I bring my focus back to my fighters and my own training, while Emily continues working on the contracts. Grappling in the ring, I exert a massive amount of energy, winning each round, clearing the adrenaline from my veins.

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