The Billionaire's Baby Bargain(31)

“Wonderful! I will have a room prepared.”

“That will not be necessary. She will be staying with me.”

Chloe’s cheeks burned, but if the housekeeper was scandalized by the announcement she revealed no outward sign of it.



Andrés urged Chloe forward and into his villa. He couldn’t help but notice the myriad of emotions flickering across her face as she took in the spacious interior. Her expression showed wonder and obvious appreciation of the tiled floors, stone walls, and high ceilings with antiqued beams.

He’d purchased his home back in his early twenties, when he’d made his first billion dollars. And now, a decade later, it was still his most prized reflection of his success. The villa would always be the one place where he preferred to spend his time when he wasn’t traveling.

He kept the furnishings simple yet plush, to invite comfort and relaxation but not overwhelm a guest with extravagance. It was rare, though, that he brought guests to his villa, and he again appreciated Rosa’s discretion and ability to withhold judgment.

His heart softened at the thought of the mother figure who was his housekeeper now.

“Come,” he said briskly to Chloe. “I will take you upstairs to our room.”

Chloe trailed after him and grumbled, “I’d prefer my own room.”

“I’m sure you would.” His mouth twitched as he led her up the curved staircase that led to the second floor. “But I prefer you in mine.”

“I won’t sleep with you,” she vowed.

“It is entirely up to you, but sleeping wasn’t what I had in mind anyway.”

“Oh. You’re infuriating.”

Andrés smiled briefly at her frustration. They walked down to the end of the hall on the second floor and he opened a door, gesturing for her to enter.

She did, though with obvious reluctance. Her gaze swept around the room and he again saw the awe and appreciation in her eyes. But if she was pleased, she did not say anything.

Instead she turned and faced him, her arms folded across her breasts. “Andrés, please, you can’t mean to keep me here.” She shook her head, her stare beseeching. “You have no reason to.”

“But I have every reason to, cariño,” he said softly, and walked the few steps to close the distance between them. “You are carrying my child and I must ensure that he comes to no harm. With you here, I can guarantee that you have the best prenatal care available at your fingertips.”

“We have doctors in the states,” she said with exasperation. “I promise I will take good care of myself and the baby.”

“Perhaps, but I prefer to have you here.”

He turned away from her and moved toward the bathroom, trying to give her a bit of space to adjust. “Would you care to bathe? I could have a bath drawn—”

“No, I would care to be flown home to Seattle. This is madness.” She strode after him. “How long do you intend to keep me here?”

When she touched his shoulder, some of his control snapped. He spun on his heel and caught her about the waist, hauling her against him; needing her lushness pressed against him and to reassure himself she was here in Spain.

“Have I not been clear? Until our child is born, Chloe,” he muttered thickly, and slid his hand up her neck to hold her head still. “Then you will be free to leave.”

Her eyes widened and he could see the pulse in her neck beating furiously. “Leave with my baby?”

“No. Our child will stay in Spain with me.”

“No.” Her body weakened against him.

“I’ve told you. You may stay too, Chloe. As my wife.” His head lowered and he caught her mouth in a deep kiss, tasting her thoroughly.

When he lifted his head again her lovely eyes flickered with a mix of helplessness and desire. “Please, Andrés.”

Her whispered plea, combined with the press of her soft curves against his body, had his groin tightening. “I like it when you beg me. It reminds me of other times you begged.”

Like when she’d been in his bed on that hot summer night, her legs wrapped around his waist while he’d driven into her. He didn’t speak the words, but by the way her cheeks turned pink he knew she thought about it also.

“My job will wonder where I am,” she challenged huskily.

“I’ve spoken with the restaurant owner and notified him that you will be leaving to move to Spain with me, your fiancé. I have also paid the rest of your rent and informed your landlord that your lease will not be renewed.”

Tears filled her eyes again, even while they flashed with anger. “My parents will search for me.”