The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 45

Marcus felt much lighter as he exited the club and walked toward his car. He couldn't get the sight of her smiling and laughing out of his mind. Hopefully that joy would ease some of her pain. It just wasn't right that she had so many burdens. If he ever figured out who abandoned her to care for four kids alone he would make them pay.

He frowned. That was a moot point though. She didn't even trust him enough to tell him her name. One pleasant drink wasn't enough to earn that confidence from her but maybe if he worked a little more. But one night a week wouldn't be enough not with his mother breathing down his neck to get married and Elizabeth at his heels.

Reaching his car he paused at the sound of a shout. In fact it sounded like a scream. His gaze turned back to the building. The VIP entrance was not that far from a corner to some back alley though the parking lot was separated by a chain-link fence. Barbed wire strung on top kept the average passersby from entering but wouldn't stop someone who was determined. It really wasn't all that secure when one thought about it.

Come to think of it, the teller had changed too. When he went to turn in the mask and retrieve his phone it had been a man behind the counter. In fact he was fairly certain it was the MC. He hadn't bothered to wonder about it at the time but it was strange. What did that mean for Regina?

"...NO!"

Marcus threw open his door and climbed in. He knew that voice. His vehicle started with a roar. He slammed the accelerator and whipped the car toward the fence surrounding the parking lot. Marcus barely even noticed as he propelled his car through it though the car made a horrible screeching sound as a pole fell across the windshield with a sickening crack.

***

"Let go!" Regina pulled away from her mugger.

"Hey! You bitch!" he gripped her arm tighter. "You listen here, you're going to take what I give you and you're going to swallow every drop as many times as I give it to you!" "No!" Regina swung wildly with her free hand missing her attacker completely.

"Bitch!" he started shaking her and tossing her to the ground.

Losing her footing she fell backward. Her head bounced off the Geo before hitting the ground. Stars danced across her vision and it suddenly went white. What is that? "What the..."

Screeching echoed through the alley as a car suddenly swerved and crashed into a dumpster. Time stood frozen. Silence fell before the driver's side door was flung open. The driver stumbled out holding onto the door as he struggled to stand. "What the hell do you think you were doing?" the attacker stumbled toward the car. "Are you crazy? Drunk? Rich boy doesn't know how to drive?"

Marcus's stomach was churning after he stumbled out of his vehicle. That was not what he expected. His ears were ringing but he hadn't lost consciousness. As the dark figure approached he reached out, grasped the flap of his jacket and slammed him against the wrecked Porsche. Groaning the attacker slumped sinking to his knees as Marcus straightened and tried to clear his head. It certainly wasn't like it was in the movies.

"Wh-what was..."

Marcus's vision cleared enough to see the man on the ground. He aimed a kick at the man's gut and made him crumple completely. Fighting nausea Marcus turned and stumbled toward the little teal Geo and the figure lying beside it. Sinking to his knees he gently smoothed her hair from her face checking for injuries. He didn't see anything obvious but she was out cold.

"... Regina," Marcus said slowly gathering her in his arms.

He gently cupped the back of her head and felt something wet. Pulling back his hand he found a little bit of blood. With a grim expression he looked over his shoulder to see his vehicle leaking fluids and out of commission. "Shit."

"Hmm..." Regina stirred.

"Hang on," Marcus said slowly standing.

His gaze fell on the Geo. At a glimpse he saw the three car seats in the back. It had to be her car. On the hood he saw her bag and its contents strewn about. Grabbing the phone and keys he unlocked the driver's door before picking her up and circling to the passenger side.

Easing her into the passenger seat he buckled her in before circling back to the driver's side. He climbed in fumbling with the keys and started it up. His head was still ringing but that didn't matter. All that mattered was getting Regina to the hospital. Backing up he pulled out of the alley and onto the street before driving away. Turning onto another street he continued on worried at her pale color. Leaning forward he turned on the heater.

"Mmm," Regina stirred feeling the restraint of a seat belt and warmth. "Wh-what...who..."

"You're all right," Marcus said, "I'll have you at the hospital shortly."

"M-my phone..."

"Right here," Marcus pulled the old phone from his pocket. "I didn't see your wallet though."

She snatched it from him with surprising speed and clutched it to her chest. Marcus blinked in confusion. The phone didn't look like anything special. It was a smartphone but only just. Its screen was cracked and the phone case had seen far better days. He was surprised it even still functioned. "Like I said, we'll be at the hospital soon."

"No. No hospitals."

"What? Are you crazy? You were just attacked. Do you have any idea what he was going to do to you?"

"Yes. No hospitals. Just...I just have to get home."

"I am taking you to a hospital."

"No hospitals. I have to get home. They'll...if I don't get home they'll be worried."

Marcus frowned. She was stubborn.

"Besides, you're the one who's..." she looked her way. Her gaze widened. It seemed she finally saw him clearly. "...I..."

"I'll take your home," Marcus said seeing a storm of emotions in her gaze threatening to overwhelm her. "What's the address?"

Regina hesitated as they pulled up to a stop light. Marcus looked at her with a sigh.

"...So home or hospital?" he asked. "If you want me to drive you home you're going to have to tell me where to go...or I can just take you to the hospital. So?" Regina hesitated. What should she do?