The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 60

Marcus drove home in a daze. Regina's words cut him deeper than he thought possible. Watching them climb into the car and drive away left him feeling empty and lost in a way he didn't even think possible.

Without a word to anyone he disappeared into his room and immediately seized a bottle from the sideboard. Collapsing in a chair he drank directly from the bottle not caring what was in it and not wanting to analyze the hollowness that was consuming him faster than he could drink it away. After that he remembered nothing.

***

Marcus groaned at the persistent knocking sound. Abraham's muffled voice came through the door, "Master Marcus? Are you awake?"

"...Go...away..." he mumbled into his pillow not bothering to raise his head which was still too foggy to wonder when he even managed to crawl there in the first place.

The knocking stopped. He breathed a sigh of relief until the door opened and the aged butler stepped in.

"Up and at 'em, Master Marcus," Abraham said. "Your grandfather is requesting your presence in the study."

"Tell him I died."

"Master Marcus, please. It is important."

Marcus grumbled muttering to himself but eventually managed to rouse out of his stupor. Sitting on the edge of the bed he glanced around the room noting several empty bottles scattered about including the one on his bedside table. How much did he drink? Abraham frowned no doubt doing a similar count. Wearily he turned his attention back to the young man sitting on the bed. Marcus rubbed his hand down his face trying in vain to collect himself but his thoughts always returned to her. "Just say it..."

"I beg your pardon?" Abraham asked.

"Don't beg. Just say it. We both know you want to."

"It is not my place. Would you like breakfast?"

"Just coffee. I don't want to keep the old man waiting," Marcus said stumbling toward the bathroom.

"Actually he said to take your time," Abraham said but Marcus didn't answer as he finally arrived at his goal.

After relieving himself Marcus managed to get to the shower. Standing with his forehead against the cool tile he let the warm water run down the rest of him. No matter how much he tried he couldn't forget them: Regina, Savannah, the boys and especially little Gabriella's cherub face.

It shouldn't matter that he would never see them again, but it did. He wanted them. He wanted all of them safe in his arms where he could protect them. Why couldn't he let it go?

He messed up. That much was clear. He shouldn't have hesitated. He should have run to Regina as soon as he heard the news. He should have broken down CPS's door and reclaimed the kids. He shouldn't have let Elizabeth take it so far. Maybe then Regina would have believed he was on her side. Maybe then...

But it was too late. He had lost even before he knew the prize...He lost.

Eventually leaving the shower he stepped directly into the closet. Drying himself he dressed in jeans and t-shirt. His hair was still damp but he didn't feel any particular need to dress formally for his grandfather. Returning to his room he found that not only did Abraham bring coffee but also breakfast. Marcus sighed. There really was no winning with that man.

Sitting at the small table in the breakfast nook Marcus poured himself a cup of coffee and slowly ate. His stomach protested the sudden inclusion of actual food but luckily there wasn't much: toast, jam, a single egg sunny-side up and a pair of sausage links. It was a very simple breakfast and one Abraham often served after Marcus's various all-nighters. The meal was nostalgic but not in a good way.

Once he was finished he felt a little more human. There wasn't any other reason to delay his interview with his grandfather any further. Standing he shuffled to the door and headed out into the hall. He moved like a zombie slowly making his way in the direction of the study.

There seemed to be more activity than usual throughout the mansion. Marcus had to step aside several times as servants hurried to and from on various errands. Glancing out the windows facing the backyard he noticed an array of tables crowding the patio and even quite a few people in formal wear conversing in small groups. With a frown he continued on his way wondering what kind of function his mother was hosting. As the reigning matriarch of the Avery family Cybil maintained a firm hand in several charitable organizations none of which Marcus could remember.

"Marcus? Marcus, what are you doing?"

He paused turning to see his mother heading his way. She was wearing a light, airy dress but it was ill-suited to the severe expression and her angular features. His mother certainly was not an unattractive woman but softness was as foreign to her as another language.

"You're not even dressed!"

Marcus glanced down at his clothes with a frown. Well, it wasn't the best for the office but he was hardly naked. Aloud he said, "It's Saturday. Is there any need to be dressed up?" "Did you not see the gathering outside?"

"I did. So?"

“So? So they are out there waiting to congratulate you and Elizabeth on your upcoming nuptials."

"What?" Marcus suddenly stiffened.

"Elizabeth said the two of you went to the courthouse yesterday. It's time to make everything official. You can't be a child forever."

"The only one treating me like a child is you!" Marcus snapped. "If I'm an adult then I can make my own decisions especially about who I'm going to spend the rest of my life with." "Really...well if you could be trusted with such details..."

"Just what is that supposed to mean? Have I done anything to suggest I'm not fully capable of making decisions since I came back? The Children's Hospital is running with model efficiency and I haven't been in the gossip pages even once. So what's the problem?" "This is about the future, your future..."

"Yes mine! So stop meddling in it," Marcus turned and walked away his earlier malaise now forgotten in his irritation.

"Marcus! Where are you going? We are not finished."

"Yes, we are. Grandpa wants to discuss something with me. Don't wait up."

Finally reaching the study Marcus practically slammed the door in his eagerness to escape his mother and her nagging. Looking up he found his grandfather at the window staring at the gathering below with a pensive gaze.

"Don't tell me you had something to do with that," Marcus said.

"No. This is all your mother's doing."

Marcus sighed collapsing in a chair. He should have known his grandfather would never stoop to such tactics. After a moment he asked, "So...why'd you call for me?"

"The folder on the desk is for you," Miles said without turning around.

Marcus's gaze fell on the simple manila envelope waiting for him. Leaning forward he picked it up and pulled out several sheets of paper. Idly he paged through them noting that they consisted of DNA profiles. His brow furrowed in confusion as he eyes fell on the names: Carlos Torres, Anthony Torres and Gabriella Torres.

Below he saw other headings: mother: Regina Torres.

Alleged father: Marcus Avery.

He sucked in a breath, "What is this?"

"Paternity tests."