This time, I sighed when he pulled back.
Stroking my cheek, he smiled and stared into my eyes. “I will get you everything you need.”
I wasn’t surprised he’d say that. He was possessive to make that his job. He was wealthy enough to not blink at the expenses that would be required to bring a baby into the world and care for him or her.
But—
Knocks sounded on the door, and I knew I’d need to shelve this conversation for later. I wasn’t in the mood to argue with him. Hewasthe father. I wouldn’t keep this baby from him. While I was a strong and independent woman, it was a secret fantasy for so long to be cared for and pampered. To be with someone I could trust and know worrying was a waste of time.
He furrowed his brow and got up to answer the door. While he didn’t open it far, to hide me so I could have privacy, I heard Allan’s voice clearly.
“Your father is waiting to speak with you.”
“Withme?” Emil asked.
“With both of you. He also suggested I advise you to keep your phone off silent again so I don’t have to play messenger like this.”
I smiled at Allan’s wry tone. He wasn’t a man of many words, but I liked him. He was efficient, but also a part of this family, too.
Hearing that Luka wanted to see me, too, renewed the hope that had sprung in my chest. Maybe he was ready to fully approve of me. To let me be in the family and in the loop with more than business.
Emil and I didn’t linger. We both dressed quickly then headed downstairs for breakfast with Luka. Gabriella and Andre weren’t there.
It was just the three of us.
“Firstly,” Luka said, “I would like to do the honors of officially welcoming you to the family, Sadie.”
I smiled, but I tried not to grin like a stupid idiot.
He couldn’t know how much this mattered to me.
No family had ever chosen me. Not when I was a kid, after my parents died. Not when I was an agent and I wanted to fit in with a work family in the office.
Luka Dubinin extending a welcome to his family was a dream I’d had since I was a girl. To fit in. To belong as one with others.
“You will clearly be bringing in another member of the family, and I am remiss to have neglected in congratulating you yet.”
“Thank you, Mr. Dubinin.”
He rolled his eyes. “I just gave you the approval to call yourself one of us. I think Luka is fine.”
Now, that was an honor.
“I told you he’d come along,” Emil said smugly.
“However, that is not enough,” he added. “I would hope that with this welcome to the family that you would be willing to also work for us.”
I laughed lightly. “Oh, so yesterday was for free?” I teased.
Emil frowned. “You won’t have to worry about money.”
“She was joking, Son,” Luka said wryly.
“I felt like I was already working for you yesterday.” Spending an entire day sharing intel wasn’t a leisurely pastime for me.
“You were. And I appreciate your willingness to help us.” He folded his hands on the table and sighed. “But it is not enough. I have ruled this dynasty with the mindset to take care of my own and only my own. I have no interest in joining any alliances or clubs or being part of any network, and I much prefer to operate as a single entity. Unfortunately, the uprisings and births of groups like this Obsidian Eye are enemies I don’t wish to deal with.”
“It’s another headache we don’t need,” Emil said.
