Page 123 of To Tango, with Desire

“I wasn’t going to book it until you returned. I want you here. With me.”

I gnawed at my lip.

“What? What is it?”

“I just—when I saw I was pregnant, I was terrified, you know? But I think a part of me was also excited. What does that mean?”

Zane blew out a deep breath. “I don’t know. But maybe give yourself the next two weeks to think about it. I’d ask you to come with me, but I know you’re flat out and in no shape to be well-drilling.”

“I think I’d be more of a liability than of any use to you right now.”

He was heading off to the Middle East, to as many villages as he could to drill wells and build basic infrastructure to support war-torn communities. He was eager to help those not only in Lebanon but across Gaza, Afghanistan, and Syria. It was important work and something Zane wanted to be a part of personally. I couldn’t help but admire him even though I was scared for his safety. To think I had once seen him as a heartless playboy.

“Am I being selfish? Not wanting a baby?”

Zane shook his head. “Not wanting a child is normal, and it’s okay to feel confused. I didn’t know how I would feel about being a father either, but no matter what, I’m here to support you. If you want this baby, then let’s do it. If you don’t, that’s okay, too. You know what’s in your heart, Amira. Don’t let anyone else sway you.”

“I know. I won’t. But it’s your baby, too.”

“It is. But I’ll never force your hand. At anything . . .” Zane smirked. “Except maybe marrying me.”

I laughed. “Yeah, that was a bit shady.”

He brushed my cheek. “I’m sorry. I know I’ve never told you this, but I’m sorry for the circumstances around it. Not for marrying you. Best decision, by the way.”

I hugged the sentiment to my chest. It felt even more magical knowing how I felt about him.

“Have you told anyone yet?” he asked.

“No, I just found out.”

“If you need me to come back, just call me and I’ll be on the next flight home, okay?”

“Okay. You'll call me, right? When you're there? It's risky travelling right now and I don't—”

“I promise. I'll make sure I'm safe. Now, how about you slip on your PJs and I’ll cook us up steaks that chef marinated last night?”

“Sounds good.”

Zane planted a kiss on my nose, depositing me on the bed before heading out. Before he left, he turned.

“Amira . . . whatever decision you make will be the right one. Trust in that.”

I took comfort in his faith in me, even if I didn’t have any in myself.

ZANE

“Hey, thanks for the meeting. I know you’re heading off soon.”

“I leave in a few hours. Take a seat.” I motioned to the chair opposite. I’d met Sebastian Galvett at a Christmas party a few years ago, and while we didn’t always socialize in the same circles, we saw each other at tango events and had struck up a mutual regard.

Sebastian came from money. It was embedded in his DNA.

It was something I’d observed, being surrounded by wealthy people. Those who’d been born into wealthy families carried with them a self-belief that others had to earn. There was a confidence in themselves and in the world that they could obtain whatever it was they needed or wanted. There were no limitations to what they could achieve because they’d had no obstacles growing up.

And not only did Sebastian look every bit the part of wealthy businessman, he also screamed good breeding. His dark hair was cut short, but neat. His face was clean-shaven with not even a strand of dark stubble shadowing his jaw. Hell, even the casual trousers and polo shirt looked top of the line.

Once upon a time, I would’ve been intimidated by him, but I knew my worth. I’d worked hard to be where I was and made no apologies for my fucked-up life before. Perhaps once, I’d tried to hide from it, but no more. Being with Amira, knowing she understood and accepted that part of me was oddly freeing.