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“Don’t apologize. I knew there was a chance you’d say no. But that’s why I had to ask. I don’t have time to waste on casual dating. Now that I know, I can move on.”

He stares at me. “So, that’s it? We’re not going to see each other again?”

“That’s what a dealbreaker is,” I remind him gently.

He pushes his glasses back up his nose again. “Wait—you’re serious. Like, this having a baby thing is your top priority.”

“Well,” I back pedal just a little. “Obviously, feeling safe and happy with a good person I can share my life with is important too. Otherwise, I could just buy sperm from a bank and be done.”

He blinks.

I can almost see the wheels turning. He’s trying to figure me out and I get it. Lots of guys have tried to figure me out over the years. I’m a handful in more ways than one. I’m tall and curvy, with big breasts and wide hips. I change hair color the way some people change underwear. Not to mention the hoop in my eyebrow and the sleeve of tattoos down one arm. Add in the fact that I have an IQ of 165—there are very few men who can handle me.

Roger seemed to be doing okay.

Until now.

He takes off his glasses and dabs his napkin on his forehead. “I’m sorry. This is just⁠—”

“A lot.” I manage a tight smile. Because I’ve heard this more times than I can count. “I know.”

“I think maybe I could use some time to think about it,” he says after an awkward silence.

“Sure,” I say cautiously. “I can give you a little time.”

It’s not like men are lining up to father a child for me.

Even though starting the hunt all over again will be a pain in the ass.

He watches me carefully. Probably wondering if I’m going to make a scene or do some other outrageous thing. But that’s not my style. Mostly, I just want to go home and hide under the covers.

“I was thinking I’d talk to my mother,” Roger says, startling me back to the conversation.

“Your…mother?” I ask in confusion.

“Well, yes. I always turn to her when I need counsel about something important. I think maybe she could offer some perspective.”

His mother? I’ve never even met her so I didn’t realize they were that close.

Jesus, maybe I’m dodging a bullet here.

Before I can respond, my phone buzzes. I pull it out of my small clutch purse automatically and see it isn’t a text but it’s actually ringing. And it’s Daniil.

“I’m sorry, this is my boss. It might be important.” I answer quietly. “Daniil?”

“Luna. I know you’re off tonight but⁠—”

“What’s happened?” I ask automatically.

“Courtney’s in labor. We’re leaving for the hospital in a few minutes and I’m taking a full security detail. I could really use you here to help oversee things and hold down the fort. Rage and Mark will be with you, but I need to be able to focus on my wife without worrying about our safety or that of headquarters.”

“Of course!” I say quickly. “I’ll settle up here and be there in twenty minutes.”

“Great. Thank you.”

“Give Courtney my love.”

“Will do.” He disconnects, and I put my phone away while digging out my credit card.