The Billionaire's Nanny

The subway

"Your wife?" I asked in shock.

"Ex-wife," he corrected sharply.

I knew something had happened with her, and after my first interview with Mia, I just assumed she had died. It never did occur to me that they might have gotten divorced.

"I thought she was dead." I blurted, not meaning to sound so nosy.

He chuckled humourlessly. "I wish that were the case."

We stood there motionless, Lucas still had his hands wrapped around my waist and I still had my hand on his chest. I could not help but wonder what kind of dumb woman would leave such adorable kids and this beast of a man, that was not only sexy but also super-wealthy, and actually cared about his family. It was a dangerously good combo.

I opened my mouth to say something, but he beat me to it. He released his grip on me and took a few steps back.

"Forget I said anything." The Lucas I knew was back. His shoulders were rigid, and his eyes were cold. His voice was back to the authoritative and commanding tone, and he put his hand in his pocket, making him look more superior than he usually did.

"Forget about everything that happened tonight. I did not mean any of it. Just please never lie to my kids again." his voice was firm and demanding. Without waiting for my response, he pivoted to the door.

I did not know what it was but at that moment, I felt the urge to end the meaningless hate between us. I rushed around and spread my hands out to stop him from going through.

"Please wait," I said as he tried to walk past me. I knew my small hands would do nothing to stop him if he really meant to go through, but a girl could try.

"Please just listen to me for a few seconds then you can leave," I said, still trying to stop him.

He stopped and looked at me from my hair to the flip flops I had on. He considered my request for a second and finally spoke. "Two minutes," he said in a gruff voice.

"Look, I know that you may not like me, and you probably wish I was not your kid's nanny, but please can we just come to a truce. I mean, if we can put our differences aside just for now, for the kids." I said with pleading eyes.

He barked out a loud laugh. "Why would I want to do that?"

"Because I know that you don't really hate me, and the truth is that I do not hate you either. The kids mean a lot to me, and I know that can not even begin to compare how much they mean to you. If we keep fighting, it will only affect the kids negatively, and I know you don't want that."

He seemed to consider what I said, as he stroked his chin slowly with one arm crossed over his broad chest. When he did not say anything, I continued.

"I'm not saying we have to be friends overnight, I'm just saying to respect each other and at least talk to each other when the kids are there. When we are alone, you can do whatever you want, ignore me, avoid me, whatever as long as I know it's not affecting the kids."

He was still quiet, and I bit my lip silently willing him to understand.

"And if it does not work?" he finally asked.

I gave my answer some thought and finally came up with something. "I'll leave." he looked shocked at my answer, but I quickly continued before he spoke. "The kids are at that point now, where everything around them will affect them, and I would hate to be the reason they are not responding well in their social lives. If we try this out for a week and there are no new results, I'll help you and Mia introduce the kids to someone you approve of before leaving."