Page 74 of The Billionaire's Baby

"And what makes you such an expert on the topic?"

"Oh, let’s see. It's because I married the woman of my dreams, and I have a kid on the way, and let’s face it, I still haven’t lost my edge when it comes to making tough decisions."

"Which is what?" I frown.

"That you need to tell her the truth."

"Which is."

"That you love her, which is why you manipulated her to move across the pond, then gave her the business of the Seven so you could keep her close. Now you're carrying out the ultimate in possessive acts by marrying her."

I wince. "And when I tell her... How do you think that's going to go down with her?"

"I don't know," Saint chuckles, "best case, she'll be pissed off at you."

My palms begin to sweat. "And the worst?" I clear my throat. "What would be the worst case?"

There's silence, then Saint says, "She'd leave you?"

I grimace. That's what I am afraid of. And it's not just my ego which would be hurt by that... Which, face it, it would, but that's not the only thing stopping me from telling her everything.If she leaves me, I won't be able to protect her.

My heart begins to race; my pulse rate ratchets up. Of course, what he's saying is true, although he doesn’t know the half of it. I should let her know that I know about her background. That I know that she's connected to the Bratva. But a part of me wants her to trust me enough for her to confide in me. But then, I haven't told her all of my secrets either.

"You’re right." I clench and unclench my fist. "I need to be upfront with her. Without that, whatever connection is between us, it doesn’t stand a chance."

"Bloody hell," Damian barks out a laugh, "is that Mr. Take-risks-and-play-with-his-life Beauchamp actually agreeing to a rational approach?"

Fuck, if it isn’t.

"Don’t get your panties in a twist," I growl.

"Don’t put your horses in front of the cart, Arpad," Edward warns me.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

"I mean, take it easy. Don’t force the topic. Lead with your instinct on this one."

"You’re telling me, Father." I rise to my feet. "I am the king of instinct. It’s thanks to this very instinct that I have been able to sniff out and fund enough startups, thanks to which, I have enough passive income to not have to work for the rest of my life."

"All of which were ultimately decisions you made with your head. When it comes to your heart, though…it’s another matter altogether."

"Not that you’ll ever have to deal with that," I retort.

Silence for a beat, another, then I swear aloud. "Bloody hell, I didn’t mean it that way, Father."

"Sure, you did." Edward’s voice is tight.

"That was low," I insist. "Didn’t mean to hit you where it would hurt the most."

"You were being honest." Edward’s voice is low, "And it’s true. Matters of the heart are out of my purview. There’s space for love for only one in my heart...and that's the Lord above."

"Right." I drag my fingers through my hair. "Guess there’s no other way but for me to face this…head-on, huh?"

"You got this," Weston exclaims. "Just rip it off like a band aid, you know?"

"Face this like a man, you dickwad," Sterling drawls.

"Eyes on the prize, you shitstain," Damian adds.