The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 49

The boys were camped in front of the television watching a cartoon he was unfamiliar with as they ate cereal at the coffee table. Both appeared as if they had rolled out of bed with their hair a mess and still wearing their pajamas.

In the kitchen Savannah was helping Gabriella to sit and eat while Regina grabbed glasses for everyone. It seemed everything was flowing with its natural routine. The only thing out of place was himself but he would give anything to insert himself into it.

"Daddy!" Gabriella happily greeted slipping out of her chair and running toward him with open arms.

Marcus scooped her up and hugged her with a smile. His heart practically beat out of its chest at the thrill of holding a little one who only wanted him. Despite seeing how the DaLair children treated their father he never really understood Julius's joy but now he did. He would not mind every day starting exactly like this.

"Did you sleep good?" Marcus asked.

"Ah-huh," Gabriella smiled as he carried her back to the table.

"Good. Make sure you eat," Marcus sat her back down.

Though she had been reluctant when Savannah hoisted her into the seat she happily tucked into her cereal as soon as he sat her down. Marcus chuckled as she eagerly scooped up spoonfuls. He patted her head fondly.

Beside her Savannah sat down quietly eating her own breakfast and nervously watched him. There was no animosity in her gaze just curiosity. He could almost feel the weight of her questions. She was a scientist after all and born to question everything. "How are you Savannah? School going all right?" Marcus asked hoping to ease some of the tension between them. This was an unexpected meeting for both which really couldn't be helped.

Her eyes went wide for a split second, surprised by his familiarity as she struggled to place where they might have met. Finally she answered, "Yes. All A's."

"Good job," Marcus said for lack of a better comeback. He glanced at Regina who seemed intent on ignoring him as she puttered around the kitchen with mindless tasks to keep herself busy. "Umm, what happened to you?" Savannah asked.

Marcus grimaced knowing she meant the small cut and bruising on his forehead from crashing his Porsche. Given how insistent Regina had been about returning home he figured she probably didn't want the kids to know about the mugging. After a moment he said, "I-ah-got into a bit of an accident with my car. Fortunately your mom was there to rescue me and give me a lift. Speaking of which, I suppose I should go take care of that."

"Are you leaving already?" Gabriella suddenly looked up. "But I wanted to play."

"Next time, okay?"

"Promise?"

"Promise," Marcus kissed the top of her head before giving her a final pat. "Be good for your mom."

"Kay!"

Looking up he saw Regina was watching him. There was a conflicted look in her expression he couldn't quite read. Was she worried about how the kids would react to him? Or was it something else? Was she worried they would get too attached? Did she worry he would abandon her? Them? As much as he wanted to stay it was best for him to retreat for now. He had already gotten much farther than he thought he would.

"See you, Saturday," he winked before heading for the door to which Regina could only nod. She didn't dare respond worried how the kids would react to anything she might say to him.

Reaching the door he glanced at the boys seated in front of the television. They watched him with an odd intensity. Like their sister they were brimming with curiosity.

"Be good, boys," Marcus said before ducking out.

Marcus headed downstairs eventually reaching the first floor. He was already anticipating Saturday. Somehow he had to convince Regina to let him come back and hang out with the kids. Maybe they could all go to the park, make it a real family outing.

He suddenly paused holding onto that thought. Did he really just make plans for a family outing? Where did that even come from? And why did it give him such a thrill? He could only imagine what his grandfather would think. Actually he probably wouldn't mind at all, Marcus corrected himself.

It was no secret his grandfather loved kids and longed for great-grandchildren to spoil. Regina's kids might not be the same but Marcus was certain his grandfather would love them all the same. But was it what he really wanted?

Marcus always assumed he would have children one day if for no other reason than to carry on the family name. But that was always sometime in the future. He gave it very little thought beyond that. It wasn't until his time with the DaLair family that he understood what it truly meant to be a father and just how much a child could add to his life.

For the first time he found himself jealous of another and now he desperately wanted it for himself. Was he so desperate that he would steal another man's place for himself?

And yet...

Where was this other man?

Marcus had taken another look around after he left the bathroom. But there were no photographs, no mementos. He saw no men's clothing, nothing that even hinted a man's presence in the home. How could someone abandon four children and leave their mother to care for them alone?

And Gabriella...

How could anyone hate such a beautiful and adorable little sprite?

Marcus could still feel her little arms around his neck, her head nestled on his shoulder. All she wanted was comfort. Who would turn that little girl away? Or deny her?

One would have to be no less than a monster. And somehow she knew two such monsters: a father who abandoned her and a grandfather who apparently never acknowledged her. How could that be? It boggled his mind.

His musings were interrupted by his phone suddenly ringing. Fishing it out of his pocket he glanced at the caller ID to see an unknown number. With a frown he answered. "Hello?"

"Hello Doctor Pierce."

"Who is this?" Marcus demanded. "If you think you can blackmail me..."

"No. No, of course not," the voice hurriedly said. "I am only calling to assure you that your vehicle is taken care of."

"My vehicle?"

"Yes. We have taken care of the unfortunate results of last night. The criminal has been dealt with and your vehicle towed to an auto-body garage. As a sign of gratitude for your intervention the Masque will cover the bill for repairs. I will text you the garage's information shortly."

"I see," Marcus sighed. "You know, you might want to address your lax security."

"Rest assured we are doing that as well."

"We'll see," Marcus hung up with a frown.

He clenched his jaw and fought the brewing rage at the mere memory of the previous night. If he hadn't been there...if he left even a minute later...or a minute sooner... He couldn't bear the thought of what might have happened to her. Even though the job was to take care of the kids there had to be a better way, a safer way. But would she even listen if he protested? She was such a stubborn woman.

Shaking his head he looked back at his phone and called for a ride. He had a week to figure out something. Hopefully she wouldn't be too stubborn to take some advice.