Page 94 of The Contract Marriage

“I don’t like it.”

“He’s just worried. Gambling debts. He was hoping to use Brielle’s money to pay them off.”

Liam shakes his head. “What a fool. Still, I don’t like it. Should we get bodyguards? Maybe I should start driving you around.”

“Don’t. You’re a busy man, and you’re already working so much. I don’t want you to come even later than you do now because you’re spending too many hours acting as my chauffeur. As for bodyguards, I don’t want people hovering over me. I hate the idea of being watched.”

He looks at me for a moment, then sighs. “But it’s for your safety.”

I squeeze his hand. “If I can’t handle it on my own, I’ll ask you for help. I promise.”

“Okay. I don’t like it, but…okay.” He stares at the floor, then shakes his head. But when he looks up again, I can tell he’s accepted my decision. “By the way, can I tell my brothers about the baby?”

“Of course.”

“Good. Just wanted to make sure, since you were so secretive about the wedding. My family will be thrilled.”

I kiss him. “Tell ’em all. I want everyone to know about our baby, Liam. And I want it to receive all the blessings from your family.” Nothing but curses will come from Hugh.

“I’m on it. Full-page ads in the Los Angeles Times and the New York Times.”

I gasp and smack his shoulder. “Don’t you dare!”

He laughs. “Just kidding. Anyway, let me tell them.”

I rest my head on his shoulder as he texts them the news and angles the screen so we can read their responses together.

–Liam: We’re pregnant.

–Finn: Who’s we? You mean Olivia, your poor wife?

–Liam: Yes, WE. Her and me. Us, together.

–Gideon: Right. Like YOU’RE gonna do any of the work.

I giggle.

–Gideon: Regardless, congrats!

–Rhys: Congrats!

–Roarke: Awesome. Just keep this baby away from Czarina or else she’s going to want to turn her into a Mariinsky ballerina.

I tilt my head. “Who came up with that nickname for your grandmother?”

“Rhys.”

I recall the glasses-wearing brother. The oldest one, and quite serious. “Wonder if he has one for me.”

“Probably something like The Perfect Wife for Liam.”

I chortle. “Way too long. Try again.”

He kisses me, his eyes twinkling shamelessly. “He’ll make it into an acronym.”

–Finn: How do you know it’s a girl?

–Roarke: Just a feeling.