The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 46

Regina hesitated as Marcus pulled up to the curb and parked. When she woke up in the passenger seat of her own car she wasn't sure where she was. The first thing she remembered with any clarity was the mugging and attack. Fear immediately seized her until a calm voice assured her. When her vision and mind finally cleared and she was able to see him...Marcus. It just couldn't be. There was no way it was possible. How? She had been caught in a daze but when he suggested a hospital she was immediately on alert. "No hospitals."

He looked aghast at the suggestion but she was adamant. Every penny of the money she earned was needed for Gabriella's treatment. She refused to spend any on herself especially when there was nothing wrong with her. That much she was sure of. Her head hurt and her arm ached from where her attacker had gripped her but that was minor.

Seeing Marcus beside her gave her some comfort. He had a bruise on his forehead so it looked as if he had interrupted before anything worse could be done to her. She remembered a blinding light, no, two... headlights? It must have been his car, but why were they in hers now? She had a lot of questions that her shattered memories couldn't quite piece together but she knew she was safe. Now she just had to get back home.

Studying him she could tell he wanted to argue but instead he gave in and asked for her address. Now she was home...and he was there.

"Well?" Marcus asked. "Are we going in or are we going to hospital?"

She forced herself to step out leaning against the car. Arms encircled her, gentle and strong. They held her up letting a warmth slowly envelop her. His breath was close to her ear, "Are you sure you are okay?"

A shiver of pleasure went down her back but she pushed him away and started walking, "I'm fine. You can...go now."

"Not hardly," Marcus's arm steadied her again. "What knight leaves their damsel on the sidewalk?"

Regina couldn't help but chuckle. Was he really using pick-up lines now? Were all men like this or was it just him?

Yet he kept her steady as they walked to the apartment building. She led him to the door before realizing she didn't have her keys. Jingling them in his hand Marcus provided the key to the door and helped her inside. At first he tried to direct her to the elevator. "Don't, it's never worked," Regina warned making her way to the stairs.

Marcus frowned but stayed at her side steadying her as they climbed up three floors before stepping back into a hallway. Regina continued to her door as if unaware of his presence. He wasn't sure if she forgot about him or was simply ignoring him in her desperation to get home.

Reaching her door she knocked before entering. The apartment was dimly lit with the light from the television screen. A body on the couch stirred as they entered. Resting on the couch was a young girl about sixteen. She yawned as she sat up her expression turning to one of surprise as her gaze fell on Marcus.

"...Hello, Miss T," the girl greeted still staring at Marcus. "Um, it's late."

"I know. I'm sorry," Regina said hurrying to the kitchen.

She took down what looked to be a cookie jar from the refrigerator and removed a small wad of bills. Counting out thirty dollars she returned to the living room where the babysitter was slowly gathering her things. Marcus quietly stood as the sitter slipped on her shoes and grabbed a heavy backpack. Hesitantly the young girl met his gaze and blushed. He wondered why she felt embarrassed until she gave him a coy smile. Oh...no.

Choosing to feign ignorance he turned his attention back to Regina. Despite the unusual situation she maintained a dignified air and ignored him.

"Here you are Dessi," she handed over the money she had just grabbed. "I threw in a little extra because I was late."

"Thanks Miss T," Dessi smiled heading toward the door where Marcus stood.

With a grimace Marcus opened the door and held it for her ignoring what he hoped wasn't really a flirty smile. That was the last thing he needed right now. The teenager hesitated seemingly wanting to ask him a question. Giving Regina a nervous look she decided against it and left. Marcus let out a slow breath as he closed the door.

Turning he saw Regina nervously fidgeting. Finally she stepped forward, "Well...I suppose you need to get going."

"Not really," Marcus shook his head.

"You said you'd escort me home...and I'm home so..."

"Technically I said a knight doesn't leave his damsel on the sidewalk," Marcus stepped toward her teasingly playing with her hair before reaching up to feel the bump he had noticed before when she was unconscious.

She winced at his touch but he was certain it was from pain not discomfort at his presence. At least that's what he hoped.

"We should get some ice on that," Marcus said moving to the kitchen before she could protest.

Regina hesitated watching him open her old decrepit refrigerator and rummage in the freezer for ice cubes he could wrap in a towel, "You don't have to..." "You won't let me take you to the hospital. The least you can do is let me give you first aid," Marcus said pulling a chair away from the table for her to sit. "I'm fine."

"You keep saying that," Marcus frowned. "Is it really so hard to let someone take care of you?"

Regina scowled snatching the ice away from him and moving to the sink. She grabbed a clean glass from the cupboard and poured water from the facet. Drinking a large gulp she grimaced with a new wave of nausea. "Hey," Marcus suddenly came up next to her seeing her wobble on her feet. "Would you at least sit down?"

He guided her to the table and made her sit. Taking the impromptu ice pack he gently set it against the sore spot on her head. She really was a stubborn woman. Her hand replaced his to hold the ice in place. "You don't have to stay," she said.

"Yeah, well, I got a bet going so..."

"A bet?" Regina suddenly looked up.

"Mhmm...a person I know thinks I'll be disappointed when I meet them but I don't think I will," Marcus leaned on the counter watching her reaction.

She was silent for a long time. He had practically told her he knew who she was and yet she seemed unmoved. What was she really afraid of? "Well...good luck with that," Regina finally said.

A stubborn woman indeed.

"Anyway...help yourself to anything in the fridge if you're hungry," Regina sighed. It didn't seem like he was going any time soon and she did owe him for saving her.

Why did he do that? He hadn't even known if her attacker was armed yet he rushed in any way. She was pretty sure he wrecked his car too or had she imagined that part? Everything was blurred and strange. "Hey what's this?" Marcus asked pulling a bottle from the refrigerator. "Sparkling cider?"

"Juice," Regina sighed. "It looks just like champagne, doesn't it? No one ever notices..."

Marcus frowned. Just like champagne...Wait. Did that mean the champagne she drank at the club was really this? She said she was not much of a drinker so it made sense. She was a professional. She wouldn't drink when she needed to perform. Marcus chuckled, "Hey how about a..."

He hesitated when he saw her slumped over the table sound asleep. Marcus quietly put the bottle back. Returning to her he picked up and cradled her against his chest. Stubborn woman.