Page 147 of Devil's Bride

“You can’t do what?”

“Cook!” She snapped her head in my direction. “I tried. I can’t cook a goddamn thing. I’m a failure.” She jerked up and so did I.

“Hey. I knew that, but you know what? You’re damn good at shooting weapons. And knife throwing. Wow. You’re the best at that.” I took her into my arms, cupping her chin as I forced her to look at me. “And wrestling a two-hundred-pound man to the ground. Remember? You’re made to get into the MMA ring at my club.”

She sniffled and nodded as if debating. “Yes, I am. You’re right. You need to take me there.”

Fat chance in hell. I’d be afraid she’d beat every contestant. Hmmm… Maybe not a bad thing.

“See? You’re brilliant and beautiful,” I told her.

“What else?”

“Donuts. You’re the master at eating donuts. I’m impressed.”

Genevieve groaned. “That’s the problem.”

“Why a problem?”

“The reason I’m in this condition in the first goddamn place. If you hadn’t taken me to that incredible store in Madrid, none of this would have happened.”

“What are we talking about here?” I brushed tears from her eyes. She looked so damn beautiful when she cried.

Which was entirely too rare.

She pulled away and shook her head. “And I blame you.”

“For what?”

“If you weren’t so damn good at making love, I wouldn’t have fallen hard for you and this wouldn’t have happened.”

“What is this?” My tone was much more demanding.

“This!” She pointed at her stomach.

“I don’t understand.”

“Do I need to explain the birds and bees to you?” She took my hand, placing it on her stomach.

“Um…” I thought about what she was saying and felt my eyes opening wide. “You’re…”

“Yep. I know it’s the last thing in the world you wanted, but…”

“Baby.” I cupped her face again. “That makes me so happy.” And it did. I’d never wanted a child, an heir to take my place. I’d never thought about becoming a father, but with her, I could envision a huge family.

“But you don’t love me. This is a contract. Remember?”

“Can I tell you something?”

“What?” She was almost shouting.

“I do love you. The contract is null and void. Your fault, remember? If either party should fall in love with the other, the contract can be terminated.”

She wrinkled her pretty little nose and hissed. “Damn you for reading the fine print.”

“Someone taught me to be a businessman. Someone I happen to admire and cherish. And need to ravage.”

When I pushed her toward the table, she pressed both hands against my chest.