The Billionaire's Secretly Fake Bride (MANHATTAN BACHELORS Book 3)

by Susan Westwood

  She let out a long breath as if it pained her to speak. “I saw Tory today.”

  “Damn it. I’m sorry for whatever she did.”

  “It’s not your fault.”

  “No, but she’s inserted herself into your life because of me,” he said.

  Tory had lied to him about staying out of Violet’s life. He would have to confront her again. He might really need that restraining order. He hadn’t wanted to go that way. It would be embarrassing for her parents and they were nice people. How had they spawned such a psycho daughter? Maybe by giving her everything she wanted.

  Now the world had to live with her this way.

  “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

  He squeezed her hand. “What did she say?”

  “She said that you would take this child and raise him or her yourself. That I’d be left out in the cold.”

  What an awful thing to say. Amedeo bet that if she weren’t pregnant and hormonal that Violet would have had a snappy comeback to Tory. In her normal life, she’d eat Tory for breakfast.

  Now Violet was out of her comfort zone. She wasn’t living in her neighborhood and she was flush with pregnancy hormones. No wonder it had upset her. Violet didn’t know what to say to Tory and he hadn’t made it clear enough that he wasn’t going anywhere.

  He kissed her hand. “Do you trust me?”

  “I’m not sure. I don’t trust easily.”

  “You can trust me, Violet. I’m not going anywhere. Even if for some reason we aren’t lovers, I’m not kicking you out. I’m seeing this through until the birth of this baby and we decide how we are raising it. We will both be in this child’s life. I would never leave you out of the picture.”

  She blinked a few times, but he wasn’t sure he’d gotten through. “I’ve never found a man I could depend on.”

  “You have now, I promise. This is my child, too. Of course I want to get the baby tested, but I’m pretty sure you haven’t lied to me,” he said.

  He interlaced his fingers with hers, his gaze never wavering from her face. He willed her to believe him.

  “She was awful, Amedeo.”

  “I’ll get a restraining order. I promise. You can count on me.”

  “I want to. I do. I just have learned the hard way not to rely on anyone. This whole situation has me on edge,” she said.

  He brushed a hair out of her face. “I know. I’ll do my best to be a little more sensitive.”

  ***

  Amedeo grimaced as he waited for Tory to open up the charity shop where she volunteered on the weekends. He needed to speak to her somewhere she wouldn’t make a scene. That would be the only way she would be rational. For once Tory had to understand what he was saying.

  She needed to stay away from Violet. To stay away from him. There was no future. He’d moved on. He was going to help Violet raise this baby.

  If Tory didn’t understand this time, he was going to talk to her parents. They would rein her in. He didn’t want to resort to that because Tory was a grown woman. He chose to treat her that way.

  Or he could treat her like the child she was resembling these days.

  He saw her park her car in the lot. She hadn’t noticed his car. He was by himself today. No need to involve anyone else in this. Besides, his Maserati needed some exercise. He gave her a few minutes to make her coffee and get settled.

  Despite how pissed he was at her, her didn’t want to ambush her. That probably wouldn’t get the desired result.

  The charity shop was connected to a hospital in name, but not location. The store sat in a strip mall outside of Princeton. The shopping center wasn’t busy this early, but would be soon. Amedeo didn’t shop so he assumed that it would be.

  What did he know?

  He climbed out of his car, locking it behind him. Violet was safely at work, in a better mood since their conversation. This was his responsibility and Violet didn’t need to be upset. He hadn’t told her where he was headed.

  He’d tell her when he was back at the office.

  A bell jingled above the door as he entered the shop that sold the detritus of people’s attics.

  “Just a minute,” Tory called from the back.

  Amedeo waited by the counter.

  “Sorry. I had some items to check in.”

  He knew the moment she saw him. Her smile dropped off of her face. A frown replaced it. Guess he looked sufficiently mad at her for her to choose not to charm him. “Amedeo.”

  “Yes, it’s me.”

  She crossed her arms. “What brings you here?”

  “Don’t play coy with me, Tory. I know you ran into Violet.”

  “Oh?”

  “Yes. I know what you said to her.”

  “She’s making it up. I barely said anything to her.”

  He slammed his hand on the counter. Tory jumped. He’d never lay a hand on a woman, but he wanted Tory’s attention. “Don’t lie to me. I know what you said. Violet has no reason to lie to me.”

  “She’s doing this for the money. Don’t you see that? I’m trying to save you from her.”

  “I don’t need saving, Tory. Except maybe from you. Now I’m going to visit my lawyer and he’s going to file a restraining order against you. You are not to come near Violet or me. Ever.”

  “I think you’re over reacting, Amedeo.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “That woman is carrying my child and I intend to make sure that she is safe and healthy.”

  “Then what? You raising a child? You’re a child yourself.”

  As if she would have any idea who he was anymore. She’d managed to change him. By her leaving him, he’d grown up, but she wouldn’t know that. He didn’t care to enlighten her. None of her business.

  “Doesn’t matter what you think, Tory. Leave us alone.”

  “You’re going to look like a fool when she isn’t pregnant.”

  “I’ve seen the ultrasound, Tory. She’s got a baby growing inside of her.”

  Tory snorted, but Amedeo had lost his patience for her. What had he seen in this woman? He must have been blinded by sex or something. She didn’t seem even remotely attractive to him now.

  He drove to his lawyer’s office. He had a few things for the man to do. His office occupied the front of his house. At some point Clark DuPont would have to move to a bigger place, but for now he worked from home.

  Amedeo parked his car in the driveway, then hopped out. His lawyer didn’t have a receptionist his practice was that new and that small. Clark had worked for Amedeo in his law department, but had branched out on his own. Amedeo used him for his personal legal matters.

  Clark stood and came out from behind his desk. “Hey, Amedeo.”

  The two men hugged. Clark remained Amedeo’s only non-Italian friend who hugged him.

  “What brings you to this neck of the woods?”

  “I have some legal work, of course.”

  “Oh?”

  Clark sat back down.

  “A restraining order.”

  “I always knew you had to beat off the women, Amedeo. It’s that Italian charm.”

  “Just one woman,” he said.

  “Oh?”

  “Tory. She’s harassing me and she’s harassing Violet.”

  “Who’s Violet?”

  “A woman I got pregnant and who I am now taking care of.”

  “Do you know it’s yours?”

  “Not sure. She’s already agreed to let me take a paternity test when the baby is born.”

  “You should still have a formal agreement of what you are going to do for her.”

  Amedeo pondered that. Might put Violet’s mind at ease. “Okay we can work on that, too. The restraining order is most important.”

  “Tory’s trying to get back in your good graces? What a hoot.”

  “That’s not how it looks from my perspective.”

  “I’m sure not. I’ll need her address so it can be sent to her once I file it with the court.”
/>   “Not a problem. I’ll email you that when I get back to the office.”

  “How’s your brother doing with his new wife?”

  “Doing well. They are expecting their first child soon. I think in the next month or so,” Amedeo said.

  Clark nodded as he typed on his keyboard. “Okay. I’ve got a template for a restraining order. Let’s get this started.”

  ***

  Violet woke up in the night needing to use the bathroom. She did that more and more and the baby wasn’t even big at this point. She’d spend her whole day in there once it was big.

  She noticed a bit of discomfort in her abdomen and thought maybe it was the tacos they’d had for dinner. Maybe spicy wasn’t a good idea while she was pregnant.

  She used the toilet then realized that she has spotting on her pajama bottoms. Just spots of red. She was sure it was blood. She stared at it for a minute, not sure what to do. She wasn’t cramping, but she did feel odd.

  She sat on the closed lid of the toilet, pondering this. Should she call the doctor? Go to the emergency room? Not wanting to alarm Amedeo, she sat there for a few more minutes.

  Would he take her concerns seriously? She didn’t know if this was supposed to happen or not. She’d never been pregnant before this. Her instincts told her that she should see a doctor.

  Before she could fully make a decision, Amedeo was in the doorway. He’d pulled on boxer shorts. His hair was in disarray and he looked sexy that way.

  “Is everything okay?” he said.

  “I have a little bit of blood coming out.”

  “Is that bad?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Then we should call your doctor,” he said.

  Of course Amedeo would want to take action. That was the type of man he was. He wouldn’t sit around and wait. He’d do something.

  “I have her number in my phone.”

  “Wait here. I’ll get it, honey.”

  Honey? Where had that come from? He returned minutes later then handed her phone to her. She dialed the number of the doctor’s office. She left a message with the answering service then she hung up. “I guess we have to wait until the doctor calls back.”

  “Can I get you anything? Are you warm enough?”

  “I’m okay, Amedeo. Thanks.”

  “Let me get dressed so I can drive you wherever you have to go.”

  He left. Violet had to admit she was beginning to be scared. Ever since she’d heard the heartbeat, she’d been thinking more and more about this child. She wanted him or her. If she’d lost this baby a few days ago, she might have been okay, but now that she knew this was for real, she wanted to bring it to term.

  Amedeo came back. “No call?”

  “No one’s called me back. It’s only been five minutes.”

  “Let’s go.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “We’re taking you to the hospital. If they call back while we are on the way we can go somewhere else.”

  “Let me get come clothes on.”

  “You’re in pajamas. You don’t need anything else. Come on.”

  She frowned down at what she wore. This wouldn’t do. “At least let me get some sweatpants on.”

  “Fine. I’ll help you.”

  She bristled. “I’m not disabled. I can put on my own pants.”

  He frowned, but let her go. She changed out of pajama bottoms and into sweatpants. She felt a little better. Amedeo took her arm.

  “I can walk, Amedeo.”

  “Then walk. Don’t dawdle.”

  “I’m not. Stop yelling at me.”

  He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry. I’m worried.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

  Why was she reassuring him? Didn’t matter. He closed the door after she slid into her seat. She wasn’t in pain. That had to be good. She hadn’t noticed any more bleeding.

  Amedeo started the car then pulled out of his driveway as if he were on fire.

  “Whatever is going on is not life threatening. You can drive safely.”

  “Right, sorry. I’m a little out of my element here.”

  “Well, so am I.”

  “Of course.”

  He reached over and took her hand. She did feel better. He was warm and strong. Someone she could probably depend on. If she were the type to depend on someone. The hospital was only minutes away. Amedeo pulled up to the Emergency Department door. “Let me get you a wheelchair.”

  “I can walk, Amedeo. Go park the car. I’ll go in.”

  “Tell them I’m your husband so I can come in the room with you.”

  She sighed. “Fine.”

  He left her at the door. She walked inside, explained the situation, and then was taken to a room. Amedeo arrived minutes later.

  A nurse hurried in. “I need to check if you’re still bleeding.”

  She had a glove on her hand. Amedeo held Violet’s hand as the woman examined her. “Looks like the bleeding has stopped. We’re going to do an ultrasound, but first let me listen for the baby’s heartbeat.”

  “Okay,” Violet said.

  Sounded good that the bleeding has stopped. Violet didn’t feel uncomfortable anymore.

  The nurse put the device on Violet’s stomach. She heard a beautiful sound. When she looked up at Amedeo, he had a big grin on his face. “That’s our child.”

  She nodded, her throat choked with emotion. He really did want this child. No matter what Tory had said to her, Amedeo was all in. The nurse did an ultrasound. The baby was still there.

  “I think it might have been stress-related. I suggest that you rest for a day, but let’s see what the doctor says.”

  The doctor came in and examined Violet. He pulled off his gloves. “The baby is fine. I saw the ultrasound. I recommend a day at least of bed rest and take it easy after that. You can go to work in a few days, but make sure you rest if you feel any discomfort.”

  “Okay.”

  “She’ll rest, Doc.”

  Amedeo shook the man’s hand before he left. The nurse came in with instructions then Amedeo whisked her back to the car. “You take the next two days off and then we’ll see how you’re doing.”

  “The doctor said one.”

  “I’d feel better if you took two. Please?”

  He gave her a puppy dog look that she bet got him laid on a regular basis. She sighed. “Fine.”

  *

  With Violet safely ensconced in bed the next day, remote in hand and his passwords to his various streaming services, Amedeo took a moment to catch his breath. The day had been nutty yesterday so he’d only worked the second half of the day.

  Today he needed to buckle down, but he couldn’t help thinking about he’d heard the heartbeat of his child. Wow. His child. The idea floored him now that he had time to digest it all.

  Was he really ready for this? He knew he’d have kids eventually. Well, until he was engaged to Tory. She hadn’t wanted kids. He’d given up on the idea at that point. Now he knew he was having one.

  It scared him a little.

  Madge came in with his phone messages. She sat on the chair opposite him. “You look perplexed.”

  “I heard my child’s heartbeat yesterday,” he said.

  She nodded as if she understood. He knew she had two grown children. Could she remember back when they were little? Or when she was pregnant with them? He wondered if you ever lost those memories.

  “How does it feel?”

  He took a moment to think about his words. “Overwhelming. Exciting.”

  “Which is the dominant emotion?”

  “Overwhelming. Another human being is going to rely on me.”

  “We all rely on you for a job. Why should one more be a problem?”

  “This is different. This is daily.”

  “Only if you get custody.”

  He waved a hand. “I can get custody if I choose. I have the means.”

  “This is New Jersey. Judges aren’t likely to take t
he child away from the mother. Even if she can’t truly support herself,” Madge said.

  “I don’t intend to take the baby away from Violet. I just want to be a part of the baby’s life. That’s important to me. I know how much I miss my father.”

  “At least you had him.”

  “I know. Violet never met her father.”

  “Sad.”

  “Yes it is. I wouldn’t want my child to go through that.”

  “How does Violet feel about all of this?”

  “I think it’s overwhelming for her, too. She’s tougher than I am, maybe because of her upbringing.”

  “She’s probably had to be tougher. You’re making her life easier.”

  “I am. I don’t mind. I don’t regret her moving in,” Amedeo said.

  He pondered how his life had changed since Violet had moved in. He had someone else on his mind at all times. Maybe not in the forefront, but in the back of his mind for sure. Now he’d have two people like that.

  “She’s a sweet girl, Amedeo. You could do worse. You’ve done worse.”

  He looked at his assistant. “You mean romantically? No. We’re not like that.”

  “No?”

  “No. We’re having a relationship, but not a serious one. Things will change when the baby comes.”

  “How will things change?”

  “She’ll go back to her life and this child will be where our lives intersect.”

  “You don’t think that Violet will still be a big part of your life? You’re dreaming. She’s the mother of your child. She will always be a part of your life.”

  “I understand that, but I doubt she’ll be living with me.”

  “You’re willing to just let her go?”

  “I have to let her go. She has her own life which she’ll want to get back to when she has the baby.”

  Madge laughed. “Neither of your lives will be the same. A child changes everything.”

  “How so?’

  “You always have to think about that child. In every decision you make, you have to consider the child. You will think about him or her every single day. If a decision is made about the child you have to consult with Violet. You will both have to compromise and make changes.”

  It all seemed like so much right now. Had he made the right decision? Should he let Violet abort his baby? He didn’t know, but no matter what, he would step up and be a father to this kid. He couldn’t do anything less.