Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

“You will not marry her and raise our child. I won’t allow it. I’ll tie this shit up in court for years.”

“You’d do that?” I question her, unbelieving she’d be that hateful.

“Hell yes!”

Holy shit. This is real. She’s serious. I knew she’d be pissed, but never did I think she was this malicious.

This went downhill fast, and my head is spinning because there’s no way out. Now that I know Sasha will make our life hell, I have to put the ball in her court and still remain amenable in the eyes of the courts. I want this child. I want to be a part of its life, but damn if she will cost me my relationship… and my child.

I stand, straightening my jacket and avoiding her glare. I’m too pissed to be diplomatic.

“Sasha, I’m sorry you feel that way. Obviously, our lawyers need to stay involved. I’ll do everything we spoke about. Email me your schedule and we’ll set up a family meeting. Also, I’ll stop by the hospital this week and request an updated schedule of classes. However, it’s probably best if we reserve a private session, since our situation is so delicate.”

“If you do this, I’ll ruin you. You’ll lose your money, reputation, and status. You can kiss any parental rights goodbye. Good luck getting any judge in this entire state to side with you. Can you honestly say she’s worth it? That you’d lose your child over her?”

“Your threats and intimidation tactics don’t work, Sasha. I happen to know you have an exceptional compensation package and are very well paid. I’ll always provide for the child, but you won’t get any of my money. As for my reputation, I’ve already thought of that. I’ve spent years warning my clients of leeches that will purposely get pregnant, going after their money. I’m one of the best when it comes to covering the story. Our situation has nothing to do with my business. My status? I’m still the same person. My commitments and obligations will remain.

“What exactly do you think a judge will think when they see us? Two people who had consensual sex, which resulted in a surprise pregnancy. Once we established paternity, I’ve been accommodating. It’s you who has flown off the handle on multiple occasions, using threats to me and to our unborn child. Must I remind you of your ultimatum of terminating the pregnancy? I have witnesses to your erratic behavior, including throwing a glass less than ten minutes ago. Maybe I should be worried about your temperament? Child custody cases can go many ways. I hope we don’t resort to the nastiness.”

She looks at her lawyer and back to me. Her face twists as my words sink in, and I see a range of emotions she’s never shown. Panic? Fear? Shame?

It’s time to go. I pat Caldwell on the back and give her lawyer a quick chin lift, walking to the door.

“You didn’t answer my question. Is she worth it?”

I drop my head and take a deep breath, then face her. “I was trying to avoid being cruel because you’re not going to like my answer. She’s worth everything to me. I am nothing without her. But even in a world without Bizzy, there’d never be a you and me. Our situation would be the same.”

I don’t wait for her response before walking out. Part one of my day is done. Now, onto part two— getting this ring on Bizzy’s finger.

ASAP.

Chapter 23

Bizzy

I slink into my chair, feeling the weight of three grown men staring at me in disbelief. Their silence is deafening. My stomach knots, and I regret the decision to wait and tell them my plans after we ate.

“One of you, say something.”

“Charlotte?” Nicky asks.

“Charlotte,” I confirm.

“For eight weeks?”

“Yes, but it will fly by.” It comes out unconvincing, even to me.

“Don’t get me wrong, Bizzy; what you’re doing is noble, but why?” Mathis questions.

“I’m doing it because they need me. I have strengths they are missing with the current group traveling. Evie says she thinks I’ll be a real asset.”

“There’s no doubt you’ll be an asset. They’re lucky to have you, but when did you make this decision? I saw the last list of staff leaving, and your name wasn’t on it.”

I swallow hard, scared to look at Shaw. “I made the decision a week ago. The day Grady died.”

Shaw’s head shoots up, his lips set in hard line. His shock bleeds into anger.

“Say something, please,” I beg him.