Page 24 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 5-8

I hear the drawer softly whooshing open, followed by the crinkling of a wrapper. “Here.”

I force my lips to open.

Dominic places the lemon drop on my tongue. The tart sweetness fills my mouth.

“I’ll be right back.”

Minutes pass. Gradually the nausea starts to subside, as does the dizziness. I finally open my eyes just as Dominic walks back in with a steaming mug.

He eases himself down onto the edge of the bed and slides one arm around my shoulders, gently helping me sit up. “Slow sips.” He holds the mug up.

I hesitate. I don’t like this. Don’t like being so vulnerable, dependent on someone else, especially when this is short-lived. Once Dominic and I straighten this mess out, we’ll never see each other again.

“Drink.”

I allow him to press the rim of the mug against my lips. The first taste feels like heaven. Gradually I sit up on my own and accept the mug from him.

He stands and moves over to the window.

“Thank you.”

“You said there was no other option.”

I stiffen as my other hand settles on my stomach. “I’m keeping the baby.”

He waves a hand. “I meant about getting married.”

“Oh.” My breath comes out on a long, slow sigh. “No. There is no other option.”

Dominic nods once. “I see.”

“I know this isn’t ideal. But by doing this, you’ll be free to pursue your own life. You won’t be tied down to me or the baby.”

Dominic crosses his arms as he leans against the window. “You’ve forgotten one option, Princess.”

I frown. “What?”

“Marry me.”

Dominic

Sophaya gapes at me. When she doubled over and uttered that terrible moan, I tasted a bone-deep fear I’ve never experienced before. Yes, I’ve been scared. But never like that.

Now, though, she no longer looks like a corpse. There’s a spark in her eyes, one that tells me I’m in for a fight.

I knew as soon as she told me she was marrying someone else that I wouldn’t let that happen. But the fear when she nearly passed out confirmed what I already knew I had to do. The idea of another man claiming my son or daughter makes me want to wrap my fingers around the phantom intruder’s neck and squeeze.

Just as the idea of that man touching Sophaya, especially when she’s carrying our child, makes me want to lock the door to the penthouse, close the curtains and keep her hidden. Safe.

I stop that train of thought. I’m thinking with my emotions, not logic. Yes, the baby changes everything. But just because my life is about to change doesn’t mean I have to cede control. If anything, I need more of it.

Regret lances through me. Sophaya deserves more than I’ll ever be able to offer. She deserves someone who can care about her, even love her. But given that she was about to sell herself to the highest bidder, I can offer the next best thing; our child having its real father in their life. And Sophaya will have a man who will support her in her royal role just like I did during the time I served as her bodyguard.

And there is no way in hell I’m not going to be a part of my child’s life.

“Are you insane?” she finally says, her incredulous tone letting me know that’s exactly what she thinks. But I’ve never felt more certain of anything in my life.

“You’re not marrying someone else.”