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“Excuse me?” I asked, cocking a hand on my hip as I set my glass on the tray of a passing server. “I do not take orders from anyone. Least of all you.”
“Let me make this clear. You will marry the father of my grandchild.”
How could he know about the pregnancy?
“Excuse me. Neil is Arun Joshi’s child.”
Ashok laughed. “The only place that man is his father is on paper. All I need to do is shave this beard, and everyone will see it. Neil looks identical to the way I did in my youth.”
Was he bragging?
I kept my tone as cold as ice when I said, “Except the eyes, you mean. Those went to Sam.”
If he wanted to put all of his deeds out on the table, I’d oblige.
Rage washed over his face, then just as fast, he schooled it away. We were in a public venue, after all.
“You will marry Neil.”
“What makes you believe you have power over me?”
“I know more secrets about your family than you can ever believe. The only way you’ll keep your family’s reputation pure is by ensuring my grandchild won’t come into the world a bastard.”
“First of all, I don’t give two shits about my family or its reputation. I told my uncles this when they threatened me with a similar thing. So I’ll respond in the same fashion to you.” I leaned forward, staring into his eyes. “Burn it all to hell.”
Standing straight again, I said, “Now to the second part of your declaration. What makes you so sure that I’m expecting?”
“The Queen of Diamonds is never without a cocktail or coffee. You’ve given up both.”
“Did you ever think I may have changed my diet due to all the parties I’ve attended lately? I’m also known for liking cake. I haven’t given that up.” I shifted, turning in the direction of the ballroom. “I believe I’ll go play some poker now.”
As I took my first step, he asked, “Are you saying you aren’t pregnant with Neil’s child?”
Pausing midstep, I took a breath. At the same time, my eyes connected with Sam’s amber ones on the far side of the ballroom. My body immediately reacted, wanting him, needing him. His gaze penetrated me as if he saw into my soul.
“No, I’m not pregnant with Neil’s child.”
“But, you are pregnant?” Shah questioned.
My heartbeat accelerated, and I licked my lips. Here I went.
“I am.”
“Who’s the father?” Anger radiated out of every word.
I couldn’t help but smile and answered over my shoulder, “Samir King.”
After taking a few steps into the ballroom, Neil spoke into my earpiece. “No going back now.”
“Nope,” I whispered, then added, “I’m sorry, Neil.”
“It is what it is. It isn’t about me tonight. In the end, you may have just done us a favor and accelerated things.”
“I’m going eliminate him for both of you,” I promised.
“Oh no. You don’t get to take this from me. We had an agreement. That fucker is all mine now. Enjoy your evening, Director. Signing off.”
The line went dead.
