Beneath Her Bastard Boss

Chapter 113

Chapter 113

“You’re seriously going to dinner with him?” Keira demanded, sprawled across Sutton’s bed while Sutton tried on her third outfit. “After everything he did to you?”

“It’s just to discuss the baby,” Sutton replied, smoothing the black wrap dress over her bump. “Plans for when he or she arrives. It’s practical.”

“Bullshit.” Keira sat up. “You’re still hot for him.”

“I am not.”

“Your face says otherwise.” Keira grinned. “Plus, you’ve changed clothes three times for this ‘practical‘ dinner.”

Sutton sighed, turning sideways to examine her reflection. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, making her pregnant belly look elegant.

rather than cumbersome.

“It’s… well, complicated, Keira.”

“No shit.” Keira flopped back on the bed. “He called you terrible names, accused you of cheating, pushed you away. But he’s hot, and you still want to

climb him like a tree.”

“I do not!” Sutton protested, but the heat rising in her cheeks betrayed her.

“Look,” Keira said, her tone softening slightly, “I get it. He’s trying. Blair says Roman vouches for him. And at the bridal shop last week, he looked at you like you hung the moon.”

“He did not,” Sutton muttered, though she’d noticed his gaze following her.

“Whatever you say. Just be careful, okay? You’re my big sister. I don’t want to see you hurt again.”

“I know what I’m doing,” Sutton insisted, though she wasn’t entirely convinced herself.

The doorbell rang, making Sutton jump. “He’s early.”

“Of course he is.” Keira rolled her eyes.

Sutton opened the front door to find Luca standing there, looking so gorgeous it made it hard to remember why she should keep her distance. His eyes darkened as they swept over her, lingering on the way the dress hugged her curves.

“You look beautiful,” he said, his voice low.

“Thanks.” She grabbed her purse, trying to ignore the flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with the baby. “Let’s go.”

Keira appeared behind her. “Have her home at a reasonable hour. She needs her beauty sleep.”

Luca nodded solemnly. “I’ll take good care of her.”

“You better,” Keira replied, the threat implicit. “I know where you work.”

Sutton shot her sister a warning look before stepping into the hallway.

He placed his hand at the small of her back as they walked to the elevator, the heat of his palm burning through the thin fabric of her dress. Every nerve in her body was very aware of him.

In the elevator, they stood on opposite sides, the small space suddenly feeling too intimate. Luca’s eyes never left her face.

“Where are we going?” she asked, needing to break the silence.

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Chapter 113

have a

public,” she said, frowning. She worried about

be full. But I thought you might be more comfortable somewhere we

they stepped out into the lobby. Through the glass doors, Sutton could see his car

idea of the model. Now give her a computer…

was only as they stepped outside

the driver away if you prefer,” Luca offered, reading her hesitation. “We could walk.

help her into the car. He closed her door and then got in on

a small private dining room with windows overlooking the

a practical dinner,” Sutton observed as Luca

never leaving hers. “Would

say. Because I don’t trust you yet. Because you broke my heart once

picked up the menu.

for Sutton and wine for Luca. When they were

What you did was incredible. The virus

was just doing

and beyond. The system you

“It’s not ready yet.”

it worked so well on the

and the reason they were here tonight. “How good I am at Cyber10 isn’t

at her for a moment. “I

“Can you blame me?”

his wine. “But I’m trying to make

can’t be fixed with money

know that.” He reached across the table, his

touch sent electricity racing up her arm. She pulled back, needing distance to

she

though disappointment flickered in his eyes. “Right. Have you thought about birth plans?

practical matters–doctors, hospitals, preparations for the baby’s arrival, It was safer territory, though still intimate in its own way. He was still coming to her appointment this

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Chapter 113

and they ate while Sutton told him about the names she had played around with for

be there,” Luca said suddenly. “For the

her pasta, caught

continued. “But I’d like to be at the hospital. To see

his voice made her chest tighten. “I’ll think about it.” She

him away now.

they finished their meal, Luca ordered dessert, though Sutton protested she was

chocolate soufflé here is exceptional,” he insisted. “And you’re eating

right?” She rolled her eyes but didn’t argue further. When the soufflé

“Try it.”

took a small bite, closing her eyes as the rich chocolate melted on

she opened her eyes, Luca was watching her, his

came out huskier

the table, his thumb brushing the

and Sutton found herself leaning into it

he murmured, his voice

heart rate picked up… she wanted him, and just his voice

loving you again, Luca… If it happens, it’s going to take time.” She was

kneel beside her chair.

trusting her voice. He placed his hand gently on her belly, waiting. When the baby

“That’s incredible,” he whispered.

or she has been extra active lately. They say it’s

in there,” Luca said softly to her

tears spring to Sutton’s eyes. This was what she’d imagined when she first learned she was pregnant –with Luca

looked up, catching her expression, the tears in her eyes.