The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 17

Regina didn't breathe easier until she was once again backstage. That had to be the most terrifying twenty minutes of her life. Again she wondered why he was there. For two years she had performed at the club and for one year she had endured the company of the winning bidders so eager for a moment of her time they willingly paid for it. Never once in all that time had she noticed or even suspected he was in the audience. Even with the masks there wasn't any way she would have been fooled. At least, that's what she thought.

As much as she tried to convince herself that night had been a mistake and meant nothing she couldn't shake it so easily. He had stirred something in her. It was like a dam had been broken down allowing her to experience the true sensuality of her body for the first time. No matter how often she told herself to forget that night it haunted her thoughts.

She tried to date once or twice since then mostly to appease her mother and aunts but it never went further than a meal. Most men were turned off by the revelation of four kids waiting for her at home. Others thought it meant she was easy. None of them made her confident in their ability to be good fathers. And if they were bold enough to try to kiss her, her body only reacted with revulsion.

She didn't know why no one seemed capable of stirring her like he had or why she longed for his touch. It was one night. They were strangers. And yet...

And yet she couldn't deny her attraction. Just sitting across from him at the table it had been a struggle to maintain her cool demeanor. She was aware of every little movement he made. It was too much! How could her body betray her? What was wrong with her? He was a playboy. How many women had he slept with? Of course he had experience in bed! She was just another notch in his belt and just as easily forgotten! What was wrong with her?

"Gina, are you all right?" Becky asked looking at her with concern. "Those entitled jerks didn't try anything did they?"

"No. They were both actually...gentlemen, for the most part," Regina managed to answer. "A little flirty but they didn't try to fondle me." "Good," Becky sighed.

Ever since Regina had agreed to these meetings she worried. Despite the club's ever present security some patrons walked around as if they owned the world and were free to do whatever they wanted. It didn't help that some of the servers encouraged this behavior and were more than happy to flirt with their clients for bigger and better tips.

The club, of course, had its rules for what was considered appropriate behavior. That didn't stop people from toeing the line and even reaching over it. As long as it was consensual the club's owner would look the other way but it made it more difficult for others like Regina who didn't want any part of it. The patrons pushed their boundaries expecting her to play like the others did but she refused and it led to a few awkward moments and warnings.

"Here," Becky handed her a glass of water.

Regina sipped it washing out the lingering sweet taste in her mouth. She used the opportunity to collect herself. There was one more performance for her to get through tonight. Though she had selected it before knowing whom was in her audience it felt incredibly appropriate now. She would make it her anthem. Even if he didn't remember her she would declare her presence all the same.

"Ready?" Becky asked.

"Yes. Let's go."

***

Marcus returned to his seat after she had gone and her drink was swiftly cleared away. It was her!

There was no mistaking it. He had thought so the moment his gaze saw the birthmark on her neck but their conversation had confirmed it. In five years he hadn't forgotten that mark. He kissed it so many times. It seemed to be a sensitive spot and made her body react in the most sensual way. There was no longer any doubt in his mind. This was the woman who had been in his room that night and in his mind ever since.

Now he just needed her name. But he couldn't ask it here. He certainly didn't want Leonard to know it. Leonard was many things but subtle was not one of them. Marcus had learned long ago not to confide anything to him, friendship or no. There had to be another way to meet her, without the audience.

"Someone looks excited," Leonard taunted.

Marcus frowned trying to reign in his enthusiasm. He couldn't show his hand there. Yet looking at Leonard Marcus had a suspicion he might have already showed too much.

"She's an amazing woman," Leonard said. "She has spunk. I wouldn't mind taming her myself."

Marcus's expression became dark, almost deadly. He would never allow anyone to lay a hand on her, especially not Leonard.

"Whoa, calm down. I'm just saying she's very attractive," Leonard held up his hands. "There isn't a man in the room who wouldn't say the same thing. You should know you have steep competition."

Marcus sat back in his seat trying to calm himself. He glared across the room watching the patrons and servers flirt and carry-on. Several of them had also bid for Madame Butterfly's time. Despite what Leonard said none of these people were his rivals. They did not know her as he did. They had no claim as strong as his. But he couldn't give that knowledge away yet.

Before Leonard could needle him more the lights dimmed and the MC returned to the stage, "Please welcome back for her final performance of the night...Madame Butterfly!"

The crowd eagerly applauded once again as the masked diva stepped out from backstage and approached the microphone. She wore a cool, fake smile as her gaze swept over the crowd. It seemed she was trying to avoid looking in his direction as the music cued. Marcus wasn't certain what he expected after her first performance which had been intimate and personal but her low, sultry voice stirred him like nothing else as this time she gave a powerful rendition of Sia's Alive.

I was born in a thunderstorm

I grew up overnight

I played alone

I played on my own

I survived

Hey

I wanted everything I never had

Like the love that comes with light

I wore envy and I hated that

But I survived

I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go

Where the wind don't change

And nothing in the ground can ever grow

No hope, just lies

And you're taught to cry into your pillow

But I survived...

I'm alive!

I'm alive!

I'm alive!...

The crowd seemed frozen in awe by the sheer power of her performance. Suddenly they were on their feet practically screaming as they erupted into applause. She almost seemed embarrassed by the reaction but bowed in gratitude before slipping backstage. Like everyone else Marcus was on his feet. He had to find out who she was.

He just had to.