The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 29

Marcus tried to drown himself in work the next several days but it was no use. To make matters worse he wasn't sleeping well. All night long he lay awake trying to figure out which twin was his mystery woman.

When he did fall asleep his mind was filled with images of smiling and rambunctious kids all vying for his attention. Instead of Coda he was playing soccer with a pair of twin boys. Instead of coloring with Lyra he was reading to another adorable little girl. Instead of Aria teaching him French Savannah was schooling him in science.

In the morning he woke up more tired than when he went to bed. A strange longing settled in his chest along with the desire to make those images real but he had to be crazy to want to be a stepfather to so many. One, maybe, but four? How was he supposed to explain that to his family?

His mother would certainly throw a fit and his grandfather...well, perhaps his grandfather wouldn't mind. It was no secret his grandfather wanted a houseful of grandkids. The media, Marcus was certain, would have a field day though he really didn't care so much about that. He was no stranger to bad press but it did concern him how the children and their mother would be perceived.

If he had any sense he would walk away now and yet...and yet he couldn't. What was the matter with him?

He hadn't even met the kids yet, officially, and he was already imagining a life with them. Was he really missing the DaLair kids that much? Or was there something special about these kids? Why couldn't he let it go?

It wasn't just the children. The image of the masked diva often filled his mind as well. Marcus thought once he found his mystery woman she would cease haunting his dreams but it was the opposite. Now her image was even clearer, unhampered by five years of reminiscing. It was so clear now he could almost reach out and touch her and his fingers itched to do just that.

He wanted so much to hold her again, to feel her soft, supple skin against his, to taste...

Marcus shook his head and sat up. He had to stop those thoughts. What if his diva was the mother? He would be taking responsibility for four kids. He certainly wasn't ready for that. Was he?

No. The best thing would be to forget her.

But...

Frustrated he stood and made his way to the bathroom. Maybe a shower would clear his head. Though he tried to push the thoughts aside they continued to pressure him. Still in a towel he flopped on a chair and picked up his phone. 8:04, Saturday.

His skin prickled. He wondered why until he remembered it was Lounge Lizard Night at the Masque. Madame Butterfly would be performing again.

Marcus ran a hand through his damp hair. What was he going to do? On one hand he was desperate to know his mystery woman and on the other...he dreaded it. What if she turned out to be the mother of four? What if she had a boyfriend? What would he do then? He should just forget about her. It really shouldn't be that hard. He barely knew her. But then why did she linger in his mind?

"Damn it!" Marcus stood.

Tossing his towel aside he went to the closet. He had planned to take it easy this weekend but if his mind wouldn't let him rest he was better off at work. Foregoing a suit he opted for a polo-shirt and trousers.

During the weekend the DaLair European offices were closed. But there were always a few souls who wanted to take advantage of the quiet to get ahead in their projects or catch-up if they had fallen behind. It was actually a rather nice, collaborative environment. Most that chose to come in dressed casually and they would take turns ordering lunch.

Apparently even Julius took part. He would treat everyone in the building to a meal and would even join them in the breakroom chatting easily regardless of their position in the company. Some of Marcus's best memories were on those slow, lazy days.

Grabbing his keys and phone Marcus left his room. Heading down the stairs he passed his mother and kept going without a pause. "Marcus, wait."

He hesitated on the last step and reluctantly looked up at her.

"Where are you going?" she asked descending after him. "I thought we could have some family time...Elizabeth will be here soon."

Marcus snorted, "Since when does family time include someone who isn't family?"

"Marcus, now that is enough. You grew up with each other. What can be more family than that?"

"Only because you forced us," Marcus glared at her. "You and your mini-me."

"Marcus Avery, that is enough. I am your mother."

"Since when?" he challenged. "You march around here like some drill sergeant or a head mistress at a boarding school. You never ask me how I am. You never want to know my opinion. You say go there, stand there, do that, don't do that, like I'm some sort of tin soldier you can order around."

His mother's face grew red and she grimaced. Was that what he really thought about her? Aloud she said, "All I have done was for your own good."

"Keep telling yourself that...I'm sure it helps you sleep at night, but don't lie to me. All you ever cared about is yourself, your reputation and what will make the best impression. Well, I'm sorry I'm not your perfect little doll....I won't be a puppet. I'll make my own decision from now on."

"Oh, will you?" she sneered. "Well, you've done such a good job making your own decisions. Drinking every night, sleeping around with those sluts...such wonderful decisions." "Ah...there it is. That's what really bothers you. The tarnished reputation you spent so many years building," Marcus smirked. "That's what it all comes back to."

"Marcus, stop it!" she snapped. "Everything I have done was for you, to prepare you for your future and ensure you have a comfortable life with a woman who can take care of you."

"Take care of me? Are you serious?" Marcus fumed. "I don't need another mother! What about a woman who will stand beside me? Push me to be better than I am? Do better than I have? A woman who will help me grow, support me when I fail and cheer me on when I stand up and try again? Can your mini-me do that?"

Cybil pressed her lips together in a deep frown. This was not a conversation she expected to have. Marcus had never been one to express himself nor share concerns about his future partner. She had always assumed all he cared about was pleasuring himself. When she didn't reply he turned away in disgust.

"W-wait Marcus," Cybil finally came to her senses as he reached the door.

He paused waiting for her to speak but didn't turn to face her.

"The Mixer is tomorrow," Cybil said. "It will be the perfect time to introduce Elizabeth to everyone."

"Introduce her as what?" Marcus demanded.

"...Y-your fiancée, of course."

"You haven't heard a damn thing I've said, have you?" Marcus glared over his shoulder. "Forget it."

He let himself out slamming the door behind him. Cybil stared at it in shock. Marcus had never been so harsh to her before. Coming to her senses she marched across the foyer intent on catching up to him. "Leave it," a gruff voice behind her said.

Turning she saw Miles leaning on his cane. He stood in the doorway leading to the living room. Though she had not seen him earlier it was clear he had heard everything.

"You...this is your fault for sending him away."

"How do you figure?" Miles blinked unperturbed by her accusation.

"You sent him away and he became...became ah..."

"A man," Miles finished.

Cybil hesitated, wide-eyed. Miles couldn't help but smile a bit at her dubious expression.

"We had a deal," Cybil said after a moment. "Marcus is my son and I would raise him as I chose."

"Yes, and he turned out so well," Miles nodded earning a glare. "Once he turned eighteen our agreement was over. He needed an intervention and I arranged that. He's a grown man now. And he'll make his own decisions." "So what...I'm just supposed to stand by and watch?"

"For a start," Miles chuckled. "He just might surprise you."

He turned away and walked toward his study. Things were getting very interesting but he couldn't be impatient. As Tailor always said, fishing was about patience.