Chapter 109
Dominic chuckled helplessly, his fingers brushing through Vanessa’s hair. “You know I treat you like my most precious treasure, don’t you? So, don’t be stubborn about this, alright?”
His grip tightened slightly. “But I still don’t like the way Lucien looks at you.”
Any woman would melt at the possessive edge in his voice.
Vanessa grinned, her eyes crinkling with amusement before she buried her face against his chest. “You’re so jealous. I haven’t seen this side of you in ages—it makes me happy!” She pulled back just enough to tease, “But I still think I should go with Mr. Dubois.”
“Like hell you will!” Dominic’s arm snaked around her waist, his voice dropping to a growl. “I’ll break those pretty legs of yours if you even think about running off with him.”
Vanessa bit her lip, feigning innocence. “Oh, how terrifying, Mr. Reeves.” Then, her expression softened, a shy smile playing on her lips. “You really don’t need to worry. Even if Lucien has feelings for me, nothing will happen. Especially since…”
“Since what?” Dominic frowned, not following.
“I’m…”
At first, he didn’t understand her hesitation. Then it hit him like lightning. His arms locked around her, his voice trembling with excitement. “Are you—? You’re pregnant?! Seriously? Am I the father?”
He looked so boyishly thrilled that Vanessa smacked his shoulder. “What kind of ridiculous question is that? Who else would it be?!”
“Yes! I’m going to be a father!” Dominic’s joy was so palpable it felt like he could already hold their child in his arms.
“Relax. I might be pregnant. I’m not completely sure yet.”
“Not sure?”
Vanessa nodded. “My period’s two weeks late, and I’ve been feeling nauseous. I took a test—it showed two faint lines. It’s probably positive, but I’ll go to the hospital in a few days to confirm.”
Dominic’s brows knitted together. “It’s either yes or no. How can it be a maybe?” He exhaled sharply. “Why didn’t you just go to the doctor?”
“It’s too early. I heard they might not detect anything yet.” She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “But the test did show something, so… I’ll know for sure soon.”
Dominic nodded rapidly. “Good. Then I was right—you shouldn’t be running around like this.” He circled back to his original argument.
Vanessa immediately stiffened, pushing away from him. “No, you weren’t right! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I am pregnant, I won’t be able to attend events like this for years. No traveling, no networking—I’ll regret it forever if I don’t go now!”
Dominic had no defense against her pleading, especially not with the possibility of a baby hanging between them. He sighed. “B-But—”
“Just this once, okay?” Vanessa softened her voice, pressing closer. “After this, I’ll listen to everything you say. I promise.”
She knew exactly how to handle him.
She’d studied Dominic’s temperament back when he was still with Evelyn. It hadn’t taken her long to wrap him around her finger. He never disobeyed her—never even thought to.
Sure enough, Dominic caved. He raised his hands in surrender. “Fine. You win. But you have to promise me—no getting too close to Lucien. And I’m sending someone with you.”
Vanessa’s smile faltered. “You don’t trust me?”
“It’s not about trust.” He cupped her face. “It’s about keeping you safe. If Lucien tries anything, I want someone there to protect you. And if anything happens while you’re away, I need to know you’re taken care of.”