The Billionaire’s Secret Wife(20)

Then a sudden realization hit her: Ceinlys had stayed way past that point…

For what?

Justin arched an eyebrow. “What about what I might want? Shouldn’t you consider some protection as well?”

Vanessa gave herself a good mental shake. This wasn’t the time to think about her parents’ marriage. “I doubt you’re interested in anything I have.”

* * *

Justin looked over at Vanessa, who had closed her eyes as if that would block out the world, including him. Maybe she was dreaming about him shoving a prenup in her face.

Her obsession with the agreement amused him. He didn’t intend to have one. He didn’t want Vanessa to feel that they were less than completely equal in their marriage. If that meant he was being stupid or that he might end up losing half his money, so be it.

Justin watched her softly breathing. It looked like she hadn’t slept well in the last few days. The semi-circles under her eyes looked bigger and darker than the week before, and her cheekbones seemed more prominent. He didn’t know much about pregnancy, but of course it could be rough on women, especially during the first trimester. And she hadn’t told her law firm, so there obviously wouldn’t be any accommodation from that end. He made a mental note to take care of it. His wife wasn’t going to work herself to death while pregnant. The case she was working on was getting some publicity, which would mean increased pressure to perform.

Vanessa’s idea about his not being interested in anything she had contained one glaring blind spot. It was true that none of her material possessions interested him. But he wanted her. And not just her, but the life that he knew the two of them could have together.

It astounded him that she didn’t believe that was possible. Or maybe it wasn’t that incredible, given her background.

To say that her parents didn’t have an ideal marriage would be an understatement. A terrible waste since they should’ve been happy. Salazar must have loved Ceinlys to marry her despite strong opposition from his family, especially his mother, Shirley Pryce. Not even five beautiful grandchildren had been enough to ameliorate her dislike of Ceinlys. Justin didn’t understand the old woman’s logic; what made it acceptable to love her grandchildren but despise the woman who’d given them to her?

So over the years, Shirley had berated Ceinlys, Salazar had had numerous affairs, and Justin was certain the rumors of Ceinlys’s men were true. A situation more or less guaranteed to mess up the children.

Justin didn’t want the past to affect what he and Vanessa could have together. They deserved the very best life possible, and he wanted to give it to her, even if it meant hiding their marriage until July against his better judgment. Vanessa seemed worried about her job, but he had no doubt her firm would be understanding of her situation. If not, she could always go someplace else. Hell, he’d buy her a damned law firm if that would make her happy.

If he’d had it his way, everyone would know she was his. They’d be married in a grand ceremony as big as—if not bigger than—the wedding his cousin Kerri had had in Thailand. He would’ve given her a wedding other women could only dream of.

He rested the knuckle on his left index finger against his lips as he considered. Maybe they could have another ceremony after the baby was born. Something romantic and sentimental, with all their family and friends in attendance… It would be just the thing. Maybe rent out the Ashford Castle in Ireland where they’d had their first vacation together…

The cabin attendant came over. “Sir,” she spoke in a low voice. “We’ll be landing soon.”

He nodded, then glanced over at Vanessa. Her face was lax in sleep.

“That’s fine,” Justin said, “but we won’t be deplaning immediately.” He checked the time. “We have about half an hour or so before we need to get going.”

“Yes, sir.” The cabin attendant slipped away.

Justin pulled out his phone and started typing instructions for his lawyers. Two of the newer associates were coming to join them, but Justin didn’t want to discuss what he was about to do with them. Ken Honishi, one of the senior partners at the firm, would be a better choice to take care of the matter.

Vanessa would probably blow a gasket when she found out, but he wanted her to know he was dead serious about this marriage even if she seemed unsure.

Thirty minutes later, he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “We need to get going.”

Startled, she blinked. “Mm?”

“We’re here.”

“Oh.” She sat up, smoothing her hair. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”