She shook her head before reaching down to pick up the discarded carrots from the floor. “I don't think there’s anything left to say.”
I frowned, again displeased at her dismissal. Who did she think she was? Who did she think I was?
“The child growing inside you states otherwise,” I reminded her coldly, letting my eyes trail down to her flat stomach.
“You said you didn’t want anything to do with it.”
I shrugged. “I changed my mind.”
“You ch—” She shook her head. “You can’t just do that!”
“Of course, I can. I’m Hugo St-John,” I replied with as much condescension I could muster, which was quite a lot. I was a professional.
“I don't want you to be their father.”
Instead of comforting me, it angered me. It was inconceivable for her not to want me to be her child’s father.
“You should have thought of that before letting me come inside you a few times. Zero risk doesn’t exist,” I sneered mockingly.
“Wow, still wondering why I don’t want you near my child?”
“Come back and work for me.” What theactualfuck was up with me? Work for me?
She started laughing and only stopped when I gave her my meanest scowl. “Oh, you’re serious? Oh gosh, no, lord, I can’t imagine anything worse… No offense.”
How could I not take offense to that?
She shook her head again with a weary sigh. “I’m staying here. I’m home, surrounded by people who love and care for me.”
I pursed my lips, even more motivated to bring her back to London now. It had nothing to do with my whiny little brother anymore. Now it was a question of principle. “You’ve decided that I would be an unfit father and I won’t argue with that. But the child you’re carrying is still partly mine no matter what you say, and I deserve the right to ensure you will be a fit mother.”
She crossed her arms challengingly. “And what if I’m not?”
I raised my eyebrows with surprise and a little delight. I enjoyed her backbone; she should give some to Ethan.
I grinned at the steady look she gave me, defying me. Oh, I would enjoy making her bow. She had no idea who she was playing with.
“I am not just anyone,dearAva,” I said with a smooth voice, the one I’d used with her in that hotel bedroom to make her give in to all of my desires. “I know everyone there is to know and if you're not, Iwilltake this child away from you just because I can.”
“Azizam, is everything okay?”
“Damn it, don’t say anything. She doesn't know,” she muttered under her breath before smiling brightly at the older woman walking toward us, eyeing me with curiosity. “Yes,Mâmâni,everything is fine. This is Ethan’s brother, Hugo.”
“Ethan’s brother?” She regarded me with a bright smile.
The woman was stunning and Ava was her spitting image; if not for Ava’s mesmerizing green eyes that I presume she had inherited from her father. If what was said was true, Ava would grow older beautifully.
“Is Ethan here?” she asked, looking around. “He will be happy I’m makingSabzi polo.”
It irritated me that this stranger loved my brother so much. Why did everybody love Ethan? I threw a quick look at Ava. Why didshelove Ethan so much and dislike me with so much passion?
“No, I’m sorry he couldn’t come,” I said with my most charming smile. I had managed to dazzle the daughter, I could charm the mother, too. “I apologize for barging into your home like this. I rang the bell but no one came.”
“Oh!” She let out a laugh that was so melodious I wondered if Ava would sound the same. “My husband was supposed to fix it today but I think United got him sidetracked.”
I laughed as well. “It’s fine, I understand the appeal of a good football game.” Absolutely not. “I’m sorry my brother is not here.”
“It’s alright. I’ve just never heard about you. Is everything okay?” she asked with inquisitive eyes.