Page 48 of Secret Baby for a Damaged Billionaire

“You can tell me,” I insist gently. “Whatever it is, we’ll deal with it together.”

His eyes shutter closed for a brief moment, jaw flexing. When they open again, there’s a vulnerability in their depths that I’ve never seen before. It scares me a little if I’m being honest. Lucas is the strong one, the rock I can depend on. Seeing him like this shakes the foundation of what I’ve come to believe.

But it also makes me love him more, this glimpse into the parts of himself he usually keeps locked away. I tighten my grip on his hands, willing him to see that he can trust me with anything.

“It’s this damn Dubai deal,” he admits finally, raking a hand over his hair. “Everything that can go wrong, has.”

“What kind of problems?” I ask, not fully believing Dubai is his only worry. “Can they be fixed?”

He huffs out a frustrated breath. “Permit issues, construction delays, partners threatening to pull out unless I fork over more money to keep them happy.”

My heart sinks at the distress in his voice. I know how much this means to him, how hard he’s worked to put all the pieces in place. Still, there’s a hint of relief mingled with my sympathy. At least now I know the radio silence and moodiness of the past weeks had nothing to do with me or the baby. I hope.

I reach up to cup his jaw, offering a comforting smile. “We’ll figure something out. If anyone can make this work, it’s you.” I hesitate for a moment. “Are you sure it’s nothing more serious?” I press, unable to shake my lingering skepticism. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”

“Trust me, Emily,” he reassures me, his eyes locking on mine. “This is all it is. I promise.”

“Okay,” I relent, still feeling slightly uneasy. But if Lucas is willing to share this much with me, I’ll trust him for now.

“Come on,” he says, bumping my shoulder playfully. “Let’s make some food. We need to keep you well-fed now at all times.”

I smirk as we move into his kitchen.

“I didn’t mean to make you worry,” he says, pulling out cheese and hummus from the fridge. “I want you to feel safe and secure. It’s the only thing that matters now.”

I notice the sincerity in his eyes but also see a layer of uncertainty as if his words aren’t enough.

I grab a box of crackers and put them on a cutting board. “It’s okay. It’s all just so new, so many unknowns.”

He grins. “Talk about unknowns. Can you imagine us as parents?” He drops the cheese and hummus onto the board and pulls out a knife. “Come on,” he says. “Let’s bring it out onto the terrace.” He gestures towards the sliding glass doors that lead outside.

I grab two waters from the fridge and follow him, feeling the cool evening breeze as we step onto the luxurious rooftop space. He closes the door behind us, leaving Charlie inside. The city lights below us shine like a million fireflies, casting a magical glow over the skyline.

“Wow,” I breathe, leaning against the railing and taking in the breathtaking view. “I’ll never get tired of seeing this.”

I notice the elegant topiary bushes and plush outdoor furniture tucked under a pergola draped with twinkling fairy lights. The space feels intimate and private, offering a sanctuary away from the rest of the world.

“Me neither,” Lucas agrees, standing beside me and wrapping an arm around my waist. He leans down to press a tender kiss on my forehead, whispering softly, “Everything is going to be okay, Em. I promise you.” He hesitates for a moment. “I know it’s just words, but—”

Before he finishes his sentence, he pulls me closer and cradles my face. He leans in and kisses me, warming my insides. All my doubts and fears momentarily vanish, leaving only the comforting certainty that as long as we have each other, we can weather any storm.

“Come here,” Lucas murmurs, guiding me over to one of the cushioned chaise lounges. He lowers himself onto the cushions first, then pulls me down to straddle his lap. Our lips meet again, this time with greater hunger, as we lose ourselves in each other’s embrace.

His hands roam over my body, expertly untying knots and loosening fabric until I’m down to my bra and panties. The evening air raises goose bumps on my skin, but his touch ignites a fire within me that keeps the chill at bay. Out here in the dark, we’re cocooned in our own private world.

“Emily,” he groans, his voice thick with desire. “I want you more than anything. All the time.”

“Then take me,” I reply breathlessly, my eyes locking with his.

Within a single breath, he whips his shirt over his head and pulls off his shorts, somehow keeping a hand on my skin the entire time. His hands roam up my back and he unhooks my bra, exposing my breasts in his face.

He drops his head into my chest, then looks up at me. “You’re so beautiful, Emily,” he whispers. And I lift his chin and kiss him, pivoting my hips on his lap, causing him to groan. He kisses me deeper, exploring my mouth with his tongue as the heat grows between my legs.

I grind my hips on him instinctively, desperate for him to touch me, as I feel his hardness under my thigh. His hands cup my breasts as his kisses trail down my neck. My head drops back in ecstasy as his mouth finds my nipple and his teeth clamp on it, tugging and sucking.

“Oh my God,” I gasp, losing myself to his touch.

He lets out a small laugh and reaches around me, flipping me onto my back on the lounge.

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