The Bellingerre Series Book #1: The Billionaire & The Trophy Wife

Chapter Thirty: The Redhead Family

Two days ago...
"Stop." I gently pushed her away as soon as her lips met mine. "Stop it. We can't do this. I have a fiancée."

Bea Bianca is waiting for me to join her for dinner at a restaurant. Spending time with Scott had taken too much of my time than I had planned for. I was so preoccupied with the wee lad, I forgot about my fiancée.

Reaching for my coat which is draped on one of the dining table chairs, I gazed at Hope. She looks stunned.

"I'm sorry if I was sending you the wrong signals. You're Scott's nanny. Bea Bianca is the woman I'm marrying, the one I love. We can never have a repeat of this. Is that clear?"

She didn't answer me. Instead I watched her brown eyes glistening tears threatening to fall.

When she blinked they came down flowing.

"Hope please don't do that."

What am I to do with a crying woman? I want to console her but I am not stupid enough to graduate from hugs to kisses to pity sex. I cannot do that to Bea. I came a little closer and just as I predicted she flung herself at me soaking my shirt with her tears.

I didn't touch her. I didn't say a word. I waited until she realized nothing will come forth from me before she stepped away.

"This is embarrassing to say but I did mean to kiss you." I hope I haven't heard her right. All this is intentional? "I like you. I really really like you but I also respect that you have a fiancée. I'm not looking to replace her."

"What are you looking for then?" I grimaced with concern.

"Some gratitude from you for taking care of your son. Something casual."

"Thank you for raising Scott but I will not thank you in any other way that is not monetary. I don't think this arrangement is working out."

"Forgive me Tony, it won't happen again."

If was going to nip her ill intentions at the bud, clear boundaries have to be set. I can't afford to get cozy with her.

"From now on, let's maintain formality. Don't call me Tony. It's Mr. Bellingerre. Next time you make a move on me like that, I'll have no choice but to terminate your employment. Are we clear?"

She is surprised and I am armed and ready, waiting for a retort of some sort but she didn't dare step up to me.

"Yes Mr. Bellingerre. It won't happen again."

I don't want to spend any more time with her. I quickly hurried out of the townhouse and met Simon. "Take me to Nick."

"Right away sir."

"Tony." Bruce approached me. "Can we talk?"

How did the bastard find me?

I clenched my jaw furiously. We haven't settled our differences after he thought it was okay to take my girlfriend and scare her halfway to death.

"What the bloody hell do you want mate?"

"I want to apologize for what happened with Bea."

Bruce St Patrick apologizing to me? The only way this can happen is if Nick talked to him. I closed in the distance between us. "Did Nick put you up to this then?"

"He did." He admitted it. "Look man, I wasn't in a stable emotional space."

"You took Bea and forced her to dig her own grave!"

"Yes. But she's alive." He shrugged. "Dani isn't."

I held back my words. "You know what mate, I don't have time for this."