Team Zero Series 1-3 Boxed Set

by Rina Kent

  I don’t want Dominic to know. I have no doubt that he’d take responsibility, especially considering that he had no parents. But I won’t tie him down after he bluntly kicked me out. I’m not having this baby to score him or anyone else. I’m having this baby because I fell in love at first sight when I saw that image – that looked like a tiny alien on the monitor – and heard that maddening heartbeat.

  Dominic has nothing to do with my decision. I miss him — to freaking death. He ruined me to the point I have no emotional room to let any other man in, but he’s also the one who pushed me away.

  I feel bad for hiding his child from him, but screw him. He took something more precious from me. He took my body, my heart, and my soul and then left me as an emotional wreck.

  I’ll never be the same easy-going albeit nerdy Camille anymore. He reshaped my world and then threw me away as If I were insignificant.

  I only have myself to blame, though. I knew he’d break my heart and still offered it to him on a golden platter.

  Maybe when I’m less bitter, I’ll consider telling him that he’s a father.

  I open my notebook and go through my notes for an upcoming test. Studying and going through pregnancy can be challenging as hell, but I’m not the giving-up type.

  Through my second read through, footsteps sound from behind me. I turn around, expecting to find Papa.

  The notebook falls from my hand.

  Dominic.

  I blink. Once. Twice. But he’s still here.

  This isn’t a dream.

  He’s in a pressed navy blue suit that outlines his broad shoulders and gives him a ruggedly handsome look. His hair is shorter on the sides now, but it’s still long in the middle.

  He’s looking at me with that calm expression, but there’s no hollowness this time. No ulterior motive to hurt and push me away. He seems uncertain but also tired.

  Dominic is here.

  My heart flips in anticipation and happiness. The need to run into his arms is so strong, I can barely contain it.

  But… screw him.

  The bastard kicked me out. He broke my heart until I could no longer gather the pieces. Who does he think he is to show up unannounced in my sanctuary? Not one or two or even three months after. It took him five whole months. It’s been freaking 153 days.

  Not that I’ve been counting or anything.

  His gaze dips to my belly, and he pauses. I can see that calculation in his eyes, then the recognition. He stares back at my face with awe like the asshole is actually happy that I’m pregnant with his baby.

  I pick up the notebook, place it on the rock and stand up. It takes effort but my voice comes out calm. “The baby isn’t yours. I’m not crazy enough to carry your seed.”

  This is only payback to what I’ve been going through since he hurt and pushed me away.

  “Liar.” He approaches with steady but somehow careful steps. When he’s right in front of me, his lips curve in a genuine, heart-stopping smile. “Your heart and I are best friends and both of us agree that you’re lying through your teeth, Cam.”

  Tears spring to my eyes even when I try to rein them in. Stupid hormones.

  All the feelings I’ve been suppressing shoot to the surface. I’ve been so miserable and now that he’s here, it’s making me a mess.

  I push at his chest with both fists. “You kicked me out, Dom! You can’t do that and then come here after whole five months and expect me to jump into your arms. That’s not how it works.”

  There’s a pause before he says in a quiet tone, “You think I wanted to part from you? I’ve been going fucking crazy without you, but I had to make that decision.”

  “Why? Just tell me why!”

  His dark eyes meet mine, and the deep sincerity in them undoes me. “I can’t let on much about it, but you were in danger. The people I work with for my research are… eccentric. They’re not afraid to threaten everything I love to have me do their bidding.”

  My breath hitches. Samir’s words stab in my brain. He said Dominic got involved with the wrong people. Is this one of its consequences? “What do you mean?”

  He shakes his head and takes my hand in his warm one. “The less you know the better. Believe me. I’m protecting you.”

  “But —”

  He places a finger on my lips. “What I need you to know is that I’m crazy for you, baby girl. You’re the only one who didn’t run the other way when you saw my true self. On the contrary, you were drawn to me because of it. I thought I could watch from afar while you live like a normal person, but I lied to myself. Every day, I stare at that mug you left behind and imagine you being a pain the arse with your constant teasing. How pathetic is that?”

  I laugh despite myself. “Very. Is the sociopath growing a heart?”

  “It’s always been there for you, Cam,” he says with an uncertain expression. “If you have me back, I’ll do everything to keep you happy.”

  I jut out my chin. “What makes you think I haven’t moved on?”

  His eyes darken. “I told you I would murder anyone who touches you.”

  I bite my lower lip. “Have you… been with anyone?”

  He shakes his head. “I told you. You’re the only woman for me.” He narrows his eyes. “Now tell me the name of the fucker I need to murder.”

  “You ruined me for everyone, asshole.” I wrap my arms around his waist and bury my face in his hard chest. Oh, Dieu. I missed this embrace. I’ve been breathing in the past months, but this must be the first time I feel alive since I walked out of his flat.

  Dominic’s arms encircle me in a strong hold and he inhales my hair. “I missed you so much, Cam.”

  “Me, too,” my voice is muffled by his jacket.

  We remain like that for a while, then he says, “I guess all that praying worked.”

  I look up at him. “Praying?”

  “About you being pregnant.”

  My lips stretch in a wide smile. “Did you go to every church, mosque and temple and got down on your knees?”

  “Sure did.” A gleam shines in his eyes. “Just like the good angel I am. I have the brightest halo, remember? My prayer was answered pretty fast.”

  “What else did you pray for?”

  “To burn any French lawyer interested in you.”

  I laugh. “That’s not very angelic of you, Dom.”

  He shrugs. “I need to eliminate any competition. I’m sure even angels get a pass for that.”

  “I’m sure they do.”

  He brushes his lips against my forehead. “For security reasons, you can’t return to England with me, but I can come here.”

  “Why can’t I go?”

  “I want you nowhere near those dangerous people.” His face is closed.

  “There are more dangerous people than you?” I had meant to tease, but I can see the strain on his face.

  “Yes, and they’re the violent type.”

  My breath hitches. “Dom… you’re okay, right?”

  “I will be.” He winks. “I’m smart, remember?”

  “I’m worried. What have you gotten yourself into?”

  “Something I can get myself out from, don’t worry.” He palms my cheeks. “You know that I will do every fucking thing to keep you safe, right? I don’t care who I have to burn in order for you to live.”

  “I do.” He seems like he want to hear it.

  “And you will be with me, anyway?”

  “I don’t think I have a choice.” I smile, melting into him. “There’s something of me in you.”

  “And something of me in you, baby girl.” His punishing eyes soften. “Only death will stop me from protecting you.”

  “Hey, don’t say that.” I tiptoe and plant a quick kiss on his mouth. “Don’t let Eloise hear that.”

  He raises an eyebrow. “Eloise?”

  I grin and place his palm on my belly. “That’s our baby girl name.”

  His expression turns affectionate. “I don’t get a say in na
ming her something that’s not so French?”

  “Don’t be xenophobic, Dom.” I roll my eyes. “What’s so wrong with Eloise?”

  “Nothing.” He smiles in full charming fashion. “I just want to see that fired up expression when you’re annoyed.”

  “You’re such a sociopath, Dom.”

  And I love him for it.

  “Your favourite sociopath.” He leans in and captures my lips in a ravenous kiss.

  Epilogue

  Camille

  * * *

  Three years later,

  * * *

  The summer air ruffles my hair as I lie in a chaise longue. I’m wearing a simple summer dress and trying to focus on a law book.

  It’s hard.

  No. It’s impossible.

  Eloise is giggling while running along the beach. Her dark brown hair flies all over her face. She got her father’s hair and some of his stubborn personality, but the bright green eyes are mine and Papa’s.

  Dominic sweeps her in his arms and she laughs so hard until she snorts. I can’t help smiling like an idiot. My book lies forgotten. Dominic is only in black shorts. The view of his well-defined muscles brings the memory of when I held on to his waist this morning.

  A throb starts between my legs. The physical thrill with Dominic never withered away. I still defy him to be punished senseless. He still binds me and wrenches one shattering orgasm after the other. But other times, when he seems like he’s struggling with work, he just lets me hold him while he falls asleep.

  He never tells me about his research now, but he doesn’t need to. I know he’s involved with wrong people. He said he’s doing his best to get out while protecting me and Eloise and that’s all I need to know. I’ll always be proud of how genius he is despite the wrong path his research took.

  He still flies between France and England, but that’s a lifestyle I agreed with. We all live in Papa’s huge mansion. My parents are raising Eloise as much as Dominic and I. Since both of us work, she finds lots of sanctuary with her grandparents. Papa is spoiling her shitless. Living in the mansion was Papa’s only condition when Dominic asked him for my hand in marriage.

  We had a small, family wedding before Eloise’s birth and it was the best wedding I could dream of.

  Dominic and Eloise are the only things I want from life.

  Eloise gets busy in building her sand castle. Dominic tells her he’ll bring water and then saunters my way.

  I trouble my bottom lip as I watch the way his agile body moves with. All of that is mine. He’s mine.

  He sits beside me and whispers in a husky as hell voice. “If you continue watching me that way, I’ll claim you in public.”

  “What?” I feign innocence. “I’m focusing on my book.”

  “Uh-huh.” He reaches for my hair and strokes a strand behind my ear. “How do you feel?”

  He’s been asking that the whole time since our reunion. He makes me take complete health checks every month. He’s even sketchy about me having another child because it can hurt my health. He says Eloise is everything for him, but I’ll be able to convince him to give her a sibling soon enough.

  “Stop going all doctor OCD on me, Dom. I’m fine.” I smile and run a finger down the stubble on his cheek. “But I will be terrific if we can find someplace private.”

  He glares at Eloise who got bored with the castle and is splashing water with her tiny feet. “You mean there’s a place where that little demon won’t cockblock me?”

  I chuckle. “Well, she sleeps soundly if she’s too exhausted so let’s play with her until she does.”

  “Hmmm. I wonder who taught you such manipulative habits, wife.”

  I feign ignorance, wrap my arms around his neck and pull him into me. “I wonder, too.”

  His lips find mine and he kisses me long and deep until I can’t breathe. Dominic’s kisses never changed. He’s always been and always will be the intense man who sweeps everything in his path. In return, he gave me his bared soul. His heart. And his rare warmth.

  “Daddy!” Eloise calls from in front of us. Her shiny green eyes are too expressive like they can see inside souls.

  We break apart and she takes Dominic’s forefinger and then mine. She smiles at the both of us. Dominic and I tickle her until she breaks into a fit of giggles.

  And then Dominic cocoons us both in his strong, safe arms.

  We’re happy.

  So utterly happy.

  Extended Epilogue

  Dominic

  * * *

  I met Camille at the wrong time in my life.

  I didn’t believe in this at that time, but now I do. You can’t meet the right person at the wrong time. It eventually backfires.

  Back then, she was just the barista girl at my regular café. She had been watching me for weeks like a curious little kitten. Whatever interest she had didn’t seem satiated.

  At first, I didn’t notice her. Background people always remained where they belonged — in the background. Heartless, yes, but I simply don’t give a fuck about people.

  I play the game of living. Friends. Parties. High-end restaurants. A stellar career. I have it all to allude to a normal, perfect life.

  When I was younger, I thought it was because of how perfectionist my adoptive father had been and how he demanded perfection in return. I was his charity case and I needed to pay him in full. Perfect grades. Perfect manners.

  Perfect… thing.

  He hadn’t cared about me, but I reflected back on his image as a successful businessman, so I needed to look the part.

  I did. I still do even when he was six feet under.

  It’s only after I stepped into my twenties that I realised I wasn’t doing it for him, even if his firm hand encouraged it.

  I did it for me.

  After being abandoned in front of a boarding school at the age of five or maybe less, I felt scared. The rain was falling heavily. There was a puddle at the school’s steps. In a five years’ old mind, that puddle looked so big that I thought I’d drown. I don’t remember those days well, but I remember being scared.

  It’s an annoying feeling. The doubt. The unknown. The… nothingness.

  When I was taken into that school, I was made a target for older boys. They beat me a few times to teach me who was the boss and that I needed to give them half of my food portion.

  That was when the whole surviving game started.

  I was often hungry in those first weeks. The staff didn’t seem to care, and after being abandoned by adults, I didn’t trust any.

  My choices were to accept being beaten up or to give up my food. I could’ve hidden behind the canteen like the other weak kids and gobbled down my porridge like a thief.

  I didn’t.

  Instead, I sat back and watched those older bullies. Being abandoned hardened me at a young age. Those bullies just wanted the power. The assumption that they ruled over the boarding school gave them a sense of… something. I didn’t know what that something was at the time — I now recognise it as grandiose — but I knew that if I wanted to escape them, I had to add to that something.

  I spied on the staff. The school had multiple donations, but the staff hid the treats and never gave us any. Once I found out where they hid them, I told those older boys.

  They had their treats. I had my food and my peace.

  It became an endless cycle after that. Whenever I wanted something, I manipulated my way to it. The lies came easier with time and so did the plots of manipulations.

  Playing the obedient boy got me adopted. Playing the charity case at my adoptive house got me accepted. Playing the top grades student got me respect and I even skipped classes.

  When I met Camille, I was playing the social game because… power. It could get me anywhere and I had a lot of plans for my research.

  My friends came from old money and we attended a private elite school together — thanks to my adoptive family. We sat in this café every morning just so they could brag
about their careers, their latest acquisitions, and the rest of the shallow cycle.

  I took every chance to boost their ego because I never knew when I’d need them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have gone through this hypocritical, boring routine every day.

  They were top solicitors, CEOs and engineers. Even if their careers didn’t help me, their prestigious family names would.

  Deep down, they didn’t like me. I was adopted, younger, and got to climb the ladder of success at the age of thirty. When I’d skipped four grades, they had been at the top of the class. I’d pushed them aside and climbed higher.

  The only reason they tolerated me was because I played on their ego and never let them see arrogance. I always asked for their guidance even when I didn’t need it just to give them the misconception that they had something over me.

  They never did and never will.

  When I stood up in front of that school’s old, wooden door, drenched in rain, I made one decision.

  No one will hold power over me.

  When I started my newest research about an antidote for children with immunodeficiency, I refused the power the ethical scientific board had.

  Unorthodox. Unacceptable.

  I kept hearing that word a lot. Unacceptable.

  There was nothing unacceptable for me. The reason I chose clinical research instead of becoming a hotshot surgeon like my professors wanted was because of the freedom. Surgery was tiresome and boring. All about cut, suture, and repeat.

  None of it interested me.

  Clinical experimenting, on the other hand, was my kingdom. I started something from the beginning and watched it flourish until the very end. My creation. I felt like a God in my lab, and Gods weren’t restrained.

  That’s what the scientific ethical committee did. Restrain.

  Some idiot who was afraid of his genius counterparts thought that science shouldn’t be let loose. All the other idiots followed him and they created this rule about shackling research.