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Billionaire's Baby Contract 22
PhoebeIt was strange and yet familiar to be back at Berkshire. I’d been there many times before, but never wearing designer clothes from Europe, with a tan I’d acquired on the Riviera. As I passed a visitor leaving, I recognized the name of her designer, recent knowledge I’d picked up in Paris when Damon arranged for me to have a private fashion showing of that designer’s current line. She nodded to me in recognition, though I doubted she’d have given me even a cursory glance before my makeover.It was unsettling to somehow be deemed more worthy wearing expensive clothes. I realized I carried myself differently too as I caught sight of myself in one of the mirrored walls when I entered the facility. I had a new confidence and easier way of walking. The weight of the world didn’t feel like it was pressing down on me so much now.I signed in and went straight to Tabitha’s room, but it was empty. I felt a moment of panic before remembering Damon had arranged for her to transfer to a nic
Billionaire's Baby Contract 23
Chapter Twenty-ThreePhoebeI truly appreciated Damon’s wealth and power, and willingness to use it when necessary. Things happened quickly after he arrived at Berkshire. A private ambulance drew up not ten minutes past him, and I helped get Tabitha inside, riding with her. Damon hadn’t wasted any time, securing Tabitha a same-day appointment with one of the top neurologists in the country. Fortunately, Dr. Hines was a friend of his, and she was in our city.I sat with Tabitha in the ambulance and now in the office, holding her hand as she continued to seize off and on. I was so afraid it was too late, and I was angry with Mr. Casey for not telling me. I was also angry with myself for taking the time I had. I should have been here for her.I looked up when the door opened, but it was Damon, not the neurologist. I managed a wan smile, but I was too consumed with fear and self-loathing to give him the appreciation he truly deserved.He came to sit beside me, spending a moment introducin
Billionaire's Baby Contract 24
DamonIt was late before I got Phoebe home that night. We’d waited until Tabitha was cleared by Dr. Hines to return to Berkshire. The ambulance I’d arranged had taken her back, and she’d been settled with a contracted private attendant who would monitor only her for the next few days. That had allowed Phoebe to finally leave Tabitha once her sister was cozy in her own bed, snuggling a toy cat she hugged like her life depended on it, and quickly drifted off to sleep, since she was still recovering from the anesthesia.Phoebe was looking tired too, so I settled her into bed before slipping away to deal with some of the business I’d dropped so hastily that morning. The information Danny had compiled was on my desk, but I couldn’t focus on it.Instead, I thought about Phoebe, who had been convinced she’d been selfish for taking some down time. Had we been? I didn’t know, but I didn’t think she could live her whole life in proximity to her sister for immediate emergency responses. If Carey
Billionaire's Baby Contract 25 & Epilogue
Chapter Twenty-FivePhoebeTwo days later, I came back to the apartment late in the afternoon, having been out running a couple of errands and visiting with Tabitha. The personal nurse Damon had hired gave me a thorough accounting of practically every minute of Tabitha’s days. She might even be too efficient, but it was quickly obvious from her intricate tracking that Tabitha’s seizures had already reduced significantly. It could be a few more weeks before the VNS was at maximum efficiency, but it was definitely working.I could tell that for myself during the two hours I’d spent with her. During that time, she’d only had one short myoclonic seizure, and there had also been a possible absence seizure. That was better than before the VNS insertion.When I’d left for the day, Tabitha had looked me in the eye for just a brief second and said, “Bye.” It wasn’t much to a lot of people, but it meant the world to me. I still got teary-eyed just thinking about it. Of course, I was overly emot
Billionaire's Baby Contract 1
Chapter OnePhoebe“Please don’t do this.” I dashed the tears from my eyes and pleaded with the man holding a knife in front of me. “I have to pay my sister’s facility, or they’ll kick her out. The state facilities...” I trailed off, realizing he didn’t care.His red eyes didn’t even blink. He seemed high on something, and it was clear I couldn’t get a spark of empathy from him.He didn’t care that my disabled sister was thriving in the privately run facility, and I was solely responsible for covering what the meager benefits she received didn’t. The few thousand dollars in my purse, accumulating because of late nights and not making it to the bank before working again the next day, would just be a drug spree to him, while they would ensure my sister another month in her home.Tears welled again as I thought about how hard I’d worked for that money. I’d stripped and danced for hours, letting men paw my young body in what they thought were discreet ways, because I had no choice. He cou
Billionaire's Baby Contract 2
Chapter TwoPhoebeI felt like a train had hit me. I guessed that wasn’t too far off the mark, and it wasn’t pleasant. My head throbbed, my ribs ached, and my back was one long strip of pain all down my spine. At least the emergency room doctor had given me the good stuff, so I was only in half as much agony as I would have been otherwise.I didn’t have a clear memory of much of what had happened. I blinked and looked at the nurse standing over me after they settled me in a hospital room. “How did I get here?” Someone in the ER had told me an accident, but the details were sketchy.“You were hit by a car. You stepped out in front of poor Mr. Santos and gave him a heart attack.” The young woman frowned down at me severely, as though I’d deliberately tried to frighten the man who’d hit me with his car.I assumed a car anyway. If he’d really hit me with a train, I probably wouldn’t have woken up at all. A flash of red came to mind, and I was sure I’d seen a galloping horse on the hood. M
Billionaire's Baby Contract 3
Chapter ThreeDamonI wasn’t sure what brought me back, other than the inability to walk away. I had reached the lobby before realizing I wasn’t leaving. No punky little doctor was going to throw me out. If Phoebe wanted me to leave her alone, I would, but I’d be sitting in the waiting room.I knew that wasn’t a normal reaction. She’d seemed hesitant around me, and I’d accused her of fraud. It hadn’t been my finest moment, and I was ashamed of it. I couldn’t deny I was still wary though. A lot of people had tried to get money from me over the years either via sympathy or more ambiguous means. I shouldn’t assume everyone was after my money though.Maybe I went back to apologize. Maybe, though I’d be the first to admit that wasn’t my strong suit. I was almost to her room when that young doctor came bursting out, clearly annoyed. He glared at me for a long moment, shook his head, and said, “Maybe you’ll have more luck.”I frowned, wanting to ask what he meant, but he was already gone. Pe
Billionaire's Baby Contract 4
PhoebeI shouldn’t have been so surprised that he lived in a veritable mansion after seeing his car—the same one that struck me—but I had to struggle not to gape like a moron. I’d seen things like this on TV, but never in real life. A lot of the furnishings were like what people I knew bought, but I bet the rug in the foyer wasn’t fifteen dollars from the used shop like mine was.“Let me show you to a room, Phoebe.”I grunted. I was still annoyed at the way he’d taken over, and how he and Dr. Kormin had maneuvered me into this situation. I didn’t want to submit to anyone’s highhandedness, but I was tired, and I could spare a few hours to sleep before having to get to Berkshire in the morning.I followed him up a grand circular staircase. I discreetly tapped my heel against one of the steps, deciding it was probably real white marble. I didn’t know for sure though. It wasn’t like my education had included such details. “Where are you planning to dump me now that you’ve dragged me home?
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Billionaire's Baby Contract 25 & Epilogue
Chapter Twenty-FivePhoebeTwo days later, I came back to the apartment late in the afternoon, having been out running a couple of errands and visiting with Tabitha. The personal nurse Damon had hired gave me a thorough accounting of practically every minute of Tabitha’s days. She might even be too efficient, but it was quickly obvious from her intricate tracking that Tabitha’s seizures had already reduced significantly. It could be a few more weeks before the VNS was at maximum efficiency, but it was definitely working.I could tell that for myself during the two hours I’d spent with her. During that time, she’d only had one short myoclonic seizure, and there had also been a possible absence seizure. That was better than before the VNS insertion.When I’d left for the day, Tabitha had looked me in the eye for just a brief second and said, “Bye.” It wasn’t much to a lot of people, but it meant the world to me. I still got teary-eyed just thinking about it. Of course, I was overly emot
Billionaire's Baby Contract 24
DamonIt was late before I got Phoebe home that night. We’d waited until Tabitha was cleared by Dr. Hines to return to Berkshire. The ambulance I’d arranged had taken her back, and she’d been settled with a contracted private attendant who would monitor only her for the next few days. That had allowed Phoebe to finally leave Tabitha once her sister was cozy in her own bed, snuggling a toy cat she hugged like her life depended on it, and quickly drifted off to sleep, since she was still recovering from the anesthesia.Phoebe was looking tired too, so I settled her into bed before slipping away to deal with some of the business I’d dropped so hastily that morning. The information Danny had compiled was on my desk, but I couldn’t focus on it.Instead, I thought about Phoebe, who had been convinced she’d been selfish for taking some down time. Had we been? I didn’t know, but I didn’t think she could live her whole life in proximity to her sister for immediate emergency responses. If Carey
Billionaire's Baby Contract 23
Chapter Twenty-ThreePhoebeI truly appreciated Damon’s wealth and power, and willingness to use it when necessary. Things happened quickly after he arrived at Berkshire. A private ambulance drew up not ten minutes past him, and I helped get Tabitha inside, riding with her. Damon hadn’t wasted any time, securing Tabitha a same-day appointment with one of the top neurologists in the country. Fortunately, Dr. Hines was a friend of his, and she was in our city.I sat with Tabitha in the ambulance and now in the office, holding her hand as she continued to seize off and on. I was so afraid it was too late, and I was angry with Mr. Casey for not telling me. I was also angry with myself for taking the time I had. I should have been here for her.I looked up when the door opened, but it was Damon, not the neurologist. I managed a wan smile, but I was too consumed with fear and self-loathing to give him the appreciation he truly deserved.He came to sit beside me, spending a moment introducin
Billionaire's Baby Contract 22
PhoebeIt was strange and yet familiar to be back at Berkshire. I’d been there many times before, but never wearing designer clothes from Europe, with a tan I’d acquired on the Riviera. As I passed a visitor leaving, I recognized the name of her designer, recent knowledge I’d picked up in Paris when Damon arranged for me to have a private fashion showing of that designer’s current line. She nodded to me in recognition, though I doubted she’d have given me even a cursory glance before my makeover.It was unsettling to somehow be deemed more worthy wearing expensive clothes. I realized I carried myself differently too as I caught sight of myself in one of the mirrored walls when I entered the facility. I had a new confidence and easier way of walking. The weight of the world didn’t feel like it was pressing down on me so much now.I signed in and went straight to Tabitha’s room, but it was empty. I felt a moment of panic before remembering Damon had arranged for her to transfer to a nic
Billionaire's Baby Contract 21
Chapter Twenty-OneDamonWe had a fabulous time on our sojourn in Europe. There wasn’t anything in particular that stood out as remarkably special, yet every moment of our trip felt incredible. I’d already been everywhere I took her, but it felt new and different through her eyes. I was reluctant to end our time together, but she had to get back to her sister, and Danny was going quietly crazy handling everything.When I got back to the office that day after nearly four weeks away, I was happy to be back in one way, but I couldn’t help wishing we were still on the French Riviera, or perhaps strolling through Rome. She’d loved the museums, but she’d also enjoyed the food. So had I, eating more than usual, but we’d managed to burn it off with our vigorous nighttime activities.I’d had her so many times, but I still wanted her again. It felt like a continuous need, and I had a new understanding of addiction. I was completely and helplessly addicted to Phoebe, so much so that I was contem
Billionaire's Baby Contract 20
PhoebeWe spent that day and the next enjoying the winery, and then it was time for dinner with Uncle Theo and his current girlfriend. Damon obviously dreaded it, and truthfully, I was now too. Damon had said some disturbing things, and I was anxious to assure myself he’d imagined any perceived feelings that weren’t benign on Theo’s side.I wasn’t terribly reassured when we met for dinner, and I realized Ariel could be my twin, if she weren’t a decade older. Her hair was a shade lighter, and her eyes were darker green, so maybe it wasn’t a perfect likeness, but we looked enough alike to make me uneasy. Damon’s lips compressed, and he sent me a look I chose to ignore. I tried to be pleasant, and I soon learned Ariel was a nice woman. She flew Theo’s private plane, which impressed me, but it was still strange to see her looking so much like me each time I almost forgot and looked at her again.I tried not to view Theo differently, but somewhere mid-meal, I realized I was no longer calli
Billionaire's Baby Contract 19
DamonWe’d dined in a private dining room downstairs, discussing a distribution deal throughout, though it hadn’t been all business conversation. Carlotta had more than once “accidentally” touched my thigh, and I kept moving away from her. By the end of breakfast, I was almost pressed against Gianluca, who’d seemed more amused than anything. He must have realized his sister was still stalking me.That was prey she’d never acquire, but I doubted she’d ever stop trying. Even when she’d been married for a while, she’d offered herself to me a week after her wedding. I’d brushed her off gently, but it had changed my impression of her. I’d liked her well enough until then, though I hadn’t desired her, but that had caused a fundamental shift in the way I saw her. I still enjoyed her company in a superficial way, but Gianluca was my true friend of the pair, and I’d never seek out Carlotta for anything on my own.We were passing the main dining room when Carlotta let out a shrill laugh. It was
Billionaire's Baby Contract 18
PhoebeDamon was gone a few minutes before me, but we’d had early morning sex, and I was feeling relaxed and simultaneously excited about seeing Uncle Theo again. It promised to be a nice day, so I dressed in a sleeveless tunic and light capris before slipping on sandals. When I went downstairs, I was surprised to see a few people moving around, and some of them were already sharply dressed. Oh, well. This was kind of vacation, at least for me, and I wasn’t going to be a fashion plate every second.I went to the dining room, and the maître d’ was already there, which surprised me. It was the same one as last night. He hadn’t batted an eye when I came in on Damon’s arm, but by myself, he gave me a look and curled his nose. “The dining room is for guests only, miss.”I rolled my eyes as I flashed my room key. “I know.” With a curt smile, I slipped past him, easily spotting Theo. I was aware of the overbearing toad following behind me but ignored him as I sat down with Theo. “Hi.”Theo f
Billionaire's Baby Contract 17
Chapter SeventeenPhoebeI regarded the dining room with wide-eyed wonder. I supposed I might reach a point where I was blasé about these experiences, but I was nowhere near that yet. I didn’t want to appear gauche, or completely without experience of any kind, so I managed not to gape in openmouthed wonder at the sight of a famous celebrity couple just two tables away. I pointedly didn’t look at them and tried to focus my attention on Damon and his friends.It was far easier than I’d expected to stop people-watching and just see Damon. Gianluca was a funny man around Damon’s age, but his sister was more aloof. Carlotta seemed to be the serious one, and she kept bringing the conversation back to business. It wasn’t exactly boring, but it wasn’t my specialty, and I didn’t understand most of what they discussed. I used it as an excuse to sit quietly and sip the wine that was so smooth I knew I could easily overindulge if I weren’t careful.After my third glass, rounding out the meal wit
