The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 41

But thinking back he had left the Masque in such a hurry he hadn't bothered to speak to anyone and tell them he would pay. Was that why they decided to hold Regina responsible? Regina

Torrez.

The thought made him sick to his stomach. And it would have been his fault. He almost paid off her account then and there to make up for it but it probably would have been too suspicious. Instead he paid enough to bring it under the six months past due mark. That would be less noticeable but it didn't alleviate his guilt.

He waited all night long for Bernice's test results, some of which were scheduled for the following morning. When he couldn't stand waiting any longer he sought her out replaceing her in her office. She hesitated to give him an answer but finally told him the diagnosis: cardiomyopathy. "How bad?" he managed to croak out.

"She'll probably eventually need surgery," Bernice admitted. "For now we'll try medication and monitor her progress."

She wouldn't say anymore but with an answer Marcus was able to search the internet for more in-depth answers. It just wasn't fair for one so small to have to face such a daunting prognosis. And her mother...

So this was what Lucas meant.

Marcus couldn't begin to imagine Regina's heartache at the news not to mention the years of not knowing. Now he understood her answer that night after the fight when she claimed sometimes people weren't given a choice.

And yet, some things just didn't make sense at all. She clearly had talent, too much talent to be a lounge singer at a sleazy club. What could have happened that she felt it necessary to debase herself so?

He waited all morning watching security camera feeds for her. As promised, Regina arrived before nine o'clock with the boys in tow. They had to wait for one of the tests but they spent their time entirely with the little girl playing in her room while they waited for the results.

Marcus snuck down to keep an eye on them but in the end couldn't muster the courage to announce himself. Just hearing Gabriella giggles eased his mind though not his guilt. He didn't know how he could apologize to any of them. The week slowly crawled by and as the weekend approached Marcus was still undecided about what he should do but he couldn't simply let it go. He had to see her again and he had to talk to her. After that he would leave her alone. That was what was best.

Yet his heart ached at the thought.

What was wrong with him?

Even after Bernice caught him checking up on Gabriella he still couldn't let it go. Just what was he clinging to so desperately when he barely even knew any of them?

***

Entering the Masque through the VIP entrance he was greeted by the same teller as before. He was beginning to think she was the only one who monitored this entrance and perhaps he was right. After all, she would be the only one to see her clientele without the masks and knew their identities. Since the club prided itself on its discretion the fewer people who knew the true identities of their clients.

"Hello Doctor Pierce. You're not here to start another fight are you?"

"No. Actually I want to apologize for that. I left rather quickly and I assumed you would bill my account for the damages...but I noticed you hadn't yet."

"The owner handled it in house for our clients' convenience," she managed a thin smile.

"I prefer to pay," Marcus said. "I'm the one who caused the ruckus. I'm the one who should be held accountable. I don't need special treatment after I've done something wrong."

"...If that is the way you wish it to be handled...I'll let the manager know."

"Thank you," Marcus nodded.

"Is that all you came here for?"

"No. I'd like to go in and enjoy tonight's entertainment if that's all right."

"Of course," she smiled sliding a tray forward.

Now familiar with the procedure Marcus set his phone on it and waited for her to return with the key. Accepting the complimentary mask he headed inside. A hostess waited for him and smiled greeting.

"Hello Doctor Pierce, where would you like to sit?"

"One of those private booths, if you don't mind."

"Of course. Right this way," she led him to one of the tables. "Can I start you with a drink?"

"Ah yeah, scotch. And um, do you have food?"

"We have a few appetizers and hors d'oeuvres," she nodded. "Our chef's specialty is crab cakes."

"Some of those too," Marcus said.

"Right away."

Marcus fidgeted in his seat letting his gaze sweep the crowd. He wondered if anyone recognized him from the previous Saturday but no one seemed to even be looking in his direction. Letting out a slow breath he tried to relax.

He looked to the stage to see a ventriloquist. The performer seemed competent enough but very few were paying attention. Most were more concerned with their drinks or flirting with the servers. By the time his hostess returned with his drink and two large crab cakes he was beginning to feel more at ease.

Marcus sipped his drink before trying the cakes. They were surprisingly decent considering where he was. He doubted very much that the club would ever be considered fine dining but it held its own. Even so he ate slowly trying to practice what he would say once he could talk to her. No matter what he tried it sounded cliché but he wanted it to sound sincere.

"Whoohoo!"

Marcus jerked to attention as a new group entered. He glared at the four gentlemen being led to a table in the center. Though calling them gentlemen was being generous. One of the new arrivals slapped the butt of a server in passing as they went. Marcus grinded his teeth.

Regina told him Connor was a regular but didn't often attend on Saturday nights. Was he just bored? Or maybe he just liked being somewhere that would put up with his antics without a word or consequence no matter how he acted. Marcus reached for his glass but hesitated to drink from it. He needed to be careful if he didn't want to inadvertently cause another scene.