“I don’t know. I’ve never seen him. He feels sexy. He’s got a few scars and at times a really bad attitude, but I like him. He’s not for everyone. Even if he did lie at the start of our relationship.”
He squeezed her hand a little tighter. “I didn’t know what to do.”
“You’re going to admit that.”
“Yes. I’ve got nothing to lose, and, Belle, you have always had a way with me that makes me want to speak the truth.”
“I’m a truth serum. Just what every girl wants to hear.”
“I want you to marry me,” he said.
“Diego, you can’t ask that. Not yet.”
“I can. Regardless if you’re pregnant or not. I’m marrying you. I’m claiming you as mine.”
“I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“I’ll figure something out. Either way, I won’t be marrying another woman. I won’t betray you, ever. You’re my future, Belle. You’re everything I ever want.”
“You know, you shouldn’t be proposing in my favorite place.”
“This is the perfect place, and you know it. Over breakfast.” He rubbed her fingers. “I already have a ring for you.”
“You do?”
“I had every intention of marrying you.” He pressed a kiss to her fingers. “I just didn’t completely anticipate how much I was going to fall in love with you.”
“You’re saying so many amazing things, Diego.”
“Just the truth. With you, it’s always the truth.”
“I held off bringing you lovebirds breakfast, but I don’t want it to be cold,” Mary said.
Belle laughed. “It smells amazing.”
“Of course it does. I cooked it especially for you guys. It’s not often I get to see love bloom in here, but I see it with you two. Enjoy. You both deserve it.”
Chapter Sixteen
Arriving back home, Diego wasn’t prepared to see Charlotte. He didn’t want the other woman in his home, but she seemed determined to stick around.
“What do you want?” he asked.
“I wanted to spend some time with Belle. I’m only here as a friend, I promise.”
“Diego, who is it?” Belle asked.
“Charlotte’s here.”
“Hi,” Belle said.
Diego held Belle’s arm and moved her toward the library. He put her on the sofa. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
Belle caught his hand before he could leave. “Don’t be mean.”
“That woman shouldn’t be here, and I’m not going to allow her to hurt you.”
“She’s not going to hurt me, but think about it. You’re supposed to marry her.”
“I’m not marrying her. Now, let me go and deal with this.”
He pulled his hand from hers and found Charlotte standing in the main reception near the front door.
“What do you want?”
She held her hands up. “I’m here as a friend. I’m not looking for anything. I promise.”
“Why? If she’s pregnant it means we don’t get married.”
“I know. Can I be honest with you?”
“Yes.” He rubbed at his temples. He didn’t have time for this.
“I don’t want to marry you.”
This made him lower his hands. “You don’t?”
“No. I don’t love you. I don’t want to be married to anyone. I’ve got plans and I was hoping that if Belle’s pregnant and you marry her, you can in some way help me?” she asked.
Everyone always had an agenda. He wasn’t surprised. “What do you want?”
“I want to teach. I want to go back to college and get a degree and be able to teach. It’s my dream. I’m hoping that if you’re agreeable, you’ll talk to my father. Maybe even help me. If you have kids with Belle, it would come in handy. I’d be their teacher.”
He frowned at her, completely blown away by her wishes.
“A teacher?”
She nodded. “I’d make a good one. I love learning, and I love teaching. I know you’re probably thinking it’s laughable.”
“I’m not. I’ve got a few ideas that could expand my businesses with your father. Is there any area he’s hoping to develop with me?”
“The clubs,” she said after a moment’s pause.
“The clubs?”
“I overheard a conversation … if it will help. Our clubs are not making enough money to break even. I know from research that you know a thing or two about running a successful nightclub. It’s small, but it’s something. A business venture together. Some solid ground.”
“You know you could be killed for telling me this?”
“We’re all sharing the same problem. I don’t see why asking for help will be an issue.” She shrugged. “I just want to have my own life. I don’t want to cause a fuss.”
He stared at her for several moments and nodded. “I’ve got some business to take care of. Then I’ll deal with your father.”
“Can I hang out with her? She seems really nice, and I’d really like a friend.”
“You are being open and honest about all of this.”
“I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. I’m not a horrible person. I promise.”
He also knew that as an outcast, she didn’t have any friends.
“Sure, you can hang out with her.” He knew for a fact she wasn’t anything like Melanie.