BILLIONAIRE'S BABY PROJECT

by Mia Carson

She sniffed hard and he smiled. “I know,” she muttered. “I had a plan, you know. I had a good plan, and everything was going well until life decided I was too happy.”

  He guided her to the couch and pulled her onto his lap, holding her. Despite the situation, he noticed very quickly she had nothing on under his flannel shirt and fought the spike of jealousy at the fabric for being so close to that soft skin he longed to feel again.

  “What was the plan? Does it have something to do with why you bought that old rundown mansion?” he asked with a raised brow.

  She laughed bitterly. “Yeah, I guess you would know about that. I bought it when I had a job—a good, steady job that would’ve made it possible to pay it off without any problems. But the company went under, and I was laid off. Had to move back home with Ajay until I could get back on my feet.”

  “So why not just dump the property?” he asked.

  “I can’t,” she said stiffly. “I’ll never find another place big enough with the land I need.”

  “What are you planning on doing with it? Living there?”

  “No,” she said and sat up until her eyes met his, the amber darker today than before. “I wanted to open up a home for foster kids so I could save a few from dealing with what I had to. Maybe… maybe I could stop a few little girls from being traumatized for the rest of their lives. But I’m behind, and I lost the temp job that was supposed to last a few months, and all my savings are gone, and I’m going to lose it anyway.”

  He sighed and kissed her, finding it the best way to stop her tendency to ramble when she was upset. He ran his hands through her hair and held her chin. “Evelyn, I’ll take care of it. You won’t have to worry about money, not while you’re with me.”

  She blew out a breath and frowned. “I can’t do that.”

  “Yes, you can and you will,” he said sternly. “I’m not giving you a choice. I’ll call the creditors today and wipe out the debt.”

  Her brow furrowed. “You mean you’re just going to pay for the property for me?”

  “Yes. You think I’d just let your dream to help children slip away? Evie, I’ve spent my whole life wondering what good I’d be able to do this town by running a damn logging business,” he told her, “and here you are, trying to open a home for foster children. You’re going to make a difference, and I’m going to help you.”

  One second, she was still frowning at him, and the next, she wrapped him up tightly in her arms as he laughed. “I can’t thank you enough,” she whispered, kissing his cheek. “I’m never going to be able to pay you back. I can’t accept that.”

  “I said you don’t have a choice, and I meant it,” he pointed out. “You think you’re stubborn, but honey, you just met your match.”

  The shirt rode up her legs even more, and he grunted, his hands cupping her bare ass and turning her so she straddled him. She shifted against the bulge under his jeans and whispered in his ear. His eyes darkened, and he picked her up and carried her off into the bedroom, her laughter bouncing down the hall of the small house.

  Chapter 16

  Several days passed with more snow falling before the roads were cleared so Evelyn and Viktor could get out of her house, though neither one was in a hurry to leave. Her temp job at the office was gone, and Viktor convinced her—after a very long and lengthy argument about her paying for some things and him not backing down an inch—to put in leave at the diner. Mike had been more than happy to accommodate her after he’d pushed and she admitted to her new relationship.

  “Hey, Bryan! Guess who’s barricaded in her house with a man?” he’d called out through the phone, and Evelyn cursed, telling him to knock it off. “Oh, come on, Evie, we’re just happy for you. Take as much time as you need. I don’t want to see you back here for a while.”

  “Mike, I’m not quitting. I’ll be back eventually,” she’d argued.

  “I’ll believe it when I see it. If you’re dating who your brother said you are, I won’t blame you if I never see you again,” Mike had told her, laughing, and hung up.

  She stared at her apron hanging by the door, tapping her fingers on the counter as she waited for Viktor to finish getting dressed. They’d both been ready an hour ago, but she’d been sitting on the counter, sipping her coffee, when he came out the first time and kissed her. That kiss turned into her pulling him to her with her legs, and a few minutes later, their clothes were scattered as she broke in the kitchen counter in a way she wouldn’t forget any time soon.

  She was still smirking when he emerged and strolled purposely past her to the front door. “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t start it,” she said, laughing.

  “Woman, you started it the second you walked into my life,” he grunted, his smile crooked beneath his beard. “Ready to go?”

  “Unless you want to break in the kitchen table?”

  His hands curled into tight fists as his jaw clenched. Evelyn smiled slyly as she passed the table, running her fingers across the top, loving the way every single muscle in his body tensed. She walked slowly, waiting for it, but he held out and she sighed dramatically.

  “Oh, well… maybe later, then.”

  “You’re trying to kill me,” he muttered, following her out the door. “I swear to God, you’re trying to drive me insane.”

  “Always a possibility,” she said with a wink.

  They climbed into his truck and headed for the rundown mansion and land she’d bought, and she was filled with hope again that it would turn into the home she’d pictured for foster kids. Viktor had been busy the past few days, on the phone between the creditors who Evelyn was happy to hear him curse out when they gave her a hard time for being late, and finding investors to help fund the renovations and running of the home. Several local businesses were interested and were meeting them there today, along with a contractor to go over plans.

  By spring, they would be ready to start construction, and by the fall, the home would open. She stared out the window as the snow-covered trees flew by. Neither said a word, but they didn’t have to. Viktor held her hand in his the whole drive, every now and then kissing her knuckles and running his thumb over her hand. And she was happy that in their time together since he had come back to her, not one hive had appeared on her body. He’d been more than happy to give her several, very thorough exams each time they made love.

  “I was thinking,” he said as they pulled up the long dirt drive to the house hidden by overgrown woods. “When we get back today, would you like to come stay at my place?”

  Her house was nice and cozy for the two of them, but having more space to spread out would not be a bad thing. And she was curious about his bed. “I’ll just have to get some clothes packed.” He chewed his lip and turned away from her. “Viktor?” she asked, squeezing his hand tighter until he winced. “You bought me new clothes, too?”

  “I might have gotten a little carried away,” he admitted.

  “No, I won’t take them,” she said and crossed her arms. “It’s not happening.”

  “It’s just a few outfits, Evie, I promise,” he said, struggling not to laugh and failing. “You have to be the only woman on the planet who gets mad when her boyfriend buys her things.”

  “I don’t expect to be a kept woman—did you say boyfriend?” she asked as the word hit home.

  He smirked and leaned over the center console. “Yes, boyfriend. Is that a problem?”

  “Boyfriend,” she said again and grinned. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Good. Then, as your boyfriend, stop getting mad at me when I spoil you because it’s not about to stop,” he warned her and exited the truck before she could argue with him more. “You coming or what?”

  She grumbled under her breath, but secretly, she was excited. Here was someone wanting to take care of her, who had already done so much for her. The nagging voice of doubt reared up in her mind about how this would completely destroy him if it went badly, but she shut it out and tried to focus on the present and the g
ood happening in her life.

  After she got out of the truck and stomped through the snow drifts to Viktor, he lifted her off her feet and kissed her before she could brace for it. After he set her down, she heard the chuckles and turned, her face burning, to see the three men standing on the front porch, watching them.

  “You alright?” he asked, laughing quietly. “Your face is red.”

  “You think you’re so funny,” she quipped and tugged him forward. “Let’s get this going.” She put on a bright smile as she greeted her soon-to-be business partners.

  She held out her hand to each man as Viktor introduced her. The tall, broad-shouldered man, Jim, was from the local bank branch. The man beside him with shocking red hair and a cheery demeanor was Owen, who ran the local shipyards. Next to him was the contractor, Joseph, and Evelyn bit her lip when she realized this was the same friend who had been at her house before.

  “Sorry I was rude to you the other day,” she said quietly.

  He waved it off, glancing at Viktor. “No matter. I’m just happy you both stopped being so damn stubborn. You should’ve seen this guy—total wreck without you.”

  “Right, then, let’s get inside,” Viktor said, eyeing his friend, obviously annoyed, but Evelyn smiled wider.

  “Joseph, I think we need to talk later,” she told him and took the arm he offered her to escort her inside.

  “No, you won’t,” Viktor said, following close behind while Jim and Owen laughed behind him.

  “What’s the worst he could tell me?” she teased.

  Joseph cackled. “Oh my dear, you have no idea,” he said as they walked into the rundown mansion.

  ***

  Hours later, when they’d finally left the mansion, Evelyn stood on the front porch, staring out into the woods in a state of disbelief. It was going to happen. Finally, after so much time spent worrying and kicking herself for thinking she’d be able to pull this off, the foster home was a real possibility.

  “I did it,” she whispered to the icy wind rushing across her face. “I finally did it.”

  No, you didn’t, that annoying voice whispered. Viktor did.

  She frowned but didn’t let the words tear her down. Viktor didn’t have to do anything, yet he paid for the property in full so they could focus on getting the place up and running. She wanted to know that children would be in a safe home and would not have to deal with what she had for so many years. The stubborn side of her wanted to rebel against it and turn all the help down, hated that she had to take it, but at the same time, Evelyn couldn’t be happier. Her stubbornness could not keep getting in the way of what she had to do.

  “What are you thinking about?” Viktor asked as he stepped up behind her, snaking his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. “Not having second thoughts, I hope.”

  “About which part?” she asked, thinking of all the renovations the mansion needed in order to become a fully functional home. She cursed and leaned into him. “I’m crazy. I’m officially crazy to think this is going to work.”

  “It will,” he assured her. “Just think of all the kids you’ll help.”

  “Hopefully help. I just don’t want any more of them to turn out like me,” she muttered, remembering every horrible event that had happened in her past, starting with watching her parents overdose and die right before her eyes.

  Viktor turned her around gently and tilted her chin up. “I like how you turned out,” he told her sincerely. “I hate what you went through, but it made you into the fiery woman you are now. Don’t forget that.”

  She nodded. “I want to set up some programs next year… for addicts with children,” she told him as they walked through the snow to his truck. “Actually, I have a lot of ideas.”

  “Good, keep a list. I’ll start poking around town and see what we can do.”

  With his arm around her shoulders, he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head, and she held his hand dangling over her right shoulder, unable to stop smiling. She never thought her first relationship would be like this, but she was damn happy. Being with Viktor was more than she thought it could be and filled her with a love so intense, the cold didn’t even bother her. She’d have to call Ajay later and let him know how things were going. He’d texted her every day, and all she’d told him so far was that Viktor was back and that they were figuring things out.

  Granted, most of that time had been spent between the sheets and in his arms, but Evelyn let herself believe that maybe her fears and doubts had been for nothing all this time.

  “Can we swing by my house so I can grab a few things?” she asked.

  He eyed her. “Like what?”

  “Feminine things. As great as these past few days have been, that’ll be coming up sooner or later,” she said and laughed when he cleared his throat and nodded. “Really? What is it with men and periods?”

  “We never get used to them,” he warned. “We’ll swing by your place first then head to mine. I think a nice fire is in order.”

  Evelyn agreed with him and pictured what they could do in front of a nice, hot fire, their bodies sweating as they moved together. As he finally pulled up outside her house an hour later, she was dying to get to his place and try out a few of her new fantasies with him. He waited in the truck, and she hurried inside to the bathroom, gathering a few important things. She reached for her toiletry bag and frowned when she saw the pill case. A second later, it clattered to the floor, and she stared at it, dumbfounded.

  “No, oh no,” she whispered, staring down at the missed pills.

  With shaky hands, she reached down and picked up the birth control pack, counting how many days she’d missed her pills. Viktor coming back into her life had completely thrown her off, and she’d missed every day since. One of her hands covered her belly, wondering what the chances were of a pregnancy.

  When she’d been at the clinic, the doctor had told her it might take a few months for her birth control hormones to wear off before she’d be able to get pregnant. She clung to that fact now as she tucked the pills away carefully with the few other things she needed.

  “Everything alright?” Viktor asked when she climbed back into the truck a few minutes later.

  “Yeah, why?” She hoped her voice wasn’t shaky, but his frown told her she failed at hiding her worry. “Nothing. Just… Ajay called and said mom was worried. Hadn’t heard from me in a while.” She held her breath, waiting to see if he’d buy the lie.

  “When we get to my place, give her a call. I’m assuming at some point, you’d like me to meet her.”

  Evelyn paused putting on her seat-belt. “I guess you will eventually,” she said and swallowed hard as another thought crept through her mind. “And that means I’ll be meeting your family soon. Oh God,” she said through gritted teeth.

  He laughed and took her hand, kissing it. “We won’t until you’re ready,” he promised. “Besides, I’m still enjoying having you all to myself.”

  They drove across town to his home, and Evelyn’s smile remained on her face though her hand rested on her belly, wondering if Viktor would get what he’d been after for so long. A new thread of worry tugged at her gut, and the last few days faded to the background.

  ***

  The roaring fire in the hearth warmed the living room, and Viktor returned from the kitchen to find Evelyn curled up on the couch, the blanket pulled up to her chin, her eyes hooded as she watched the flames. When they’d reached his house earlier, they barely made it through him showing her the clothes he’d bought and dinner before they were naked on the plush rug before the fire, making love until neither one could see straight.

  He knew what was under that throw covering her—absolutely nothing, and it drove him crazy watching her. The soft Sherpa touched her breasts instead of his hands, and he needed to remedy that quickly.

  He could have sworn she was hiding something from him. He caught a faint glimmer of worry in her eyes, but it disappeared quickly and didn’t
appear again. Most likely she was still harboring doubts about screwing this up for them both, but he was determined to convince her there wasn’t a chance in the world that could happen. Viktor crossed the living room, loving the way the firelight played in her eyes, highlighting the bit of green that was usually hard to spot.

  Without speaking, he bent down and picked her up easily in his arms, holding her tightly, and moved towards the stairs. Her fingers trailed up his bare chest, tangling in his hair and running across his nipples. His hands tightened around her body, and he muttered under his breath, his jeans stretching over the bulge which was growing from her caresses. Sex with Mary had never been as sensual as it was with Evelyn, not by a long shot. With Mary, it had been all speed and reaching the end, but with this woman in his arms, the woman he gave his heart to fully, it was all about the journey and reaching that edge of insanity together before tumbling off into nothing.

  His bedroom was large and sported a California king-sized bed they hadn’t had a chance to test out. He set her on her feet inside the door, and she turned to face him, holding the blanket around her shoulders, backing slowly towards the bed. Licking her lips, she let it fall bit by bit, revealing more skin he craved to run his hands across.

  The blanket slipped completely from her body, and Viktor cursed as it pooled at her feet, exposing her to him. Her hands slid up her sides, tempting him closer before she ran them back down to her hips. When she cupped her breasts, he groaned, but when she climbed up on the bed, spread her legs, and reached one hand down, he couldn’t restrain himself and was across the room in three steps, covering her hand with his as he kissed her fiercely.

  She moaned against his lips, and he swallowed it, overwhelmed with the need to touch every inch of her body and possess her fully. His lips trailed down her neck as his hand massaged her sensitive lips as hers moved to his jeans. She tugged at them, but he shoved her hand away and lay her back on the bed so she couldn’t reach him yet. Hearing her cry out… that was what he wanted first.

  As he slid his fingers around her clit and finally thrust into her, he watched the passion flare to life in her eyes, followed by a love so intense it left him breathless. He’d worried when he let it slip that he loved her and she hadn’t said it in return, but she didn’t have to.