Page 45 of The Billionaire and the Stripper (The Manhattan Billionaires)

“This is my goddaughter, Ruby Farr.”

Ruby smiled at me shyly, and Tia excused herself to change. I exchanged pleasantries with the two women, wondering how soon I could excuse myself and go looking for my daughter.

“Ah, there they are,” said Fee. “Finally!”

Ruby stood up straighter and flushed a bright, becoming red, and when I found the Donovan brothers entering the room together, I understood why. I wondered which one she was happy to see, though.

Marcus came in first, carrying Rose on his shoulders. My daughter crowed with delight when she saw me and reached her arms out to me. I reached up to take her from Marcus and held her close, inhaling her baby smell deeply.

“Were you a good girl?” I asked.

“Very,” replied Marcus, and I mustered the courage to meet his gaze.

But he wasn’t looking at me at all. He was smiling at Ruby, who was smiling back at him. She didn’t look so shy anymore.

I felt a sharp twist in my chest and looked away immediately. So that’s why he was ready to forgive and forget so easily. Because it didn’t matter anymore. Marcus had clearly moved on.

My vision blurred as tears sprang to my eyes. I blinked them back fiercely. I was not going to cry in front of him! No matter what!

I smelled the top of Rosie’s head a few times until I could look at them without bursting into tears. Then I forced a smile and turned to Fee.

“It was lovely to meet you all, Miss Donovan, but I need to leave now.”

She looked surprised at my words.

“Oh, but I thought you were staying for tea, my dear.”

“Maybe some other time, thanks. Rose is looking tired. I think we’re in for an early night.”

“Of course! I understand. Marcus, will you drive her home?”

“No, thank you! I can take a cab,” I said firmly.

It would cost a bomb, but I wanted nothing more from Marcus. I didn’t want to drag him away from his new girlfriend.

“Oh no! The car that brought you here will see you home safely,” said Fee, just as firmly.

Marcus said nothing. And I didn’t expect him to.

I thanked Fee and nodded to all of them before I made for the door. Tia and Maddie came running after me.

“Celine, this is for you and Rosie,” cried Maddie, holding out a large paper bag.

“What is it, honey?” I asked warily.

“I think it’s dinner,” she replied, with a smile. “You’re not eating with us, so Uncle Marcus and I made you a takeaway bag.”

I was touched by the gesture, and also a little mad. Why did he have to be so thoughtful? I thanked her and hugged them both.

“I’ll call you tomorrow to set up some playdates, honey. It looks like Maddie and Rosie got along like a house on fire,” said Tia.

I smiled at her as I strapped Rose into the car seat. The back of my neck tingled and I knew Marcus was in the room. I didn’t turn around because what was the point?

I felt him come up behind me and grab Rose’s car seat out of my hand.

“What’s the hurry?” he drawled, leading me to the car.

I shrugged politely.

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