The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 43

"G-Gina?" Becky gripped her shoulders. "Did I hear right? A hundred thousand dollars?"

Regina couldn't answer. Her mind was reeling. Just what happened? Why? How? She had a fair guess who the winning bidder was but why could he do such a thing? After their last conversation she was certain he wouldn't come here again let alone want to talk to her. But now he put up such a ridiculous bid? "Madame Butterfly," the MC approached after announcing the next stage act. "Shall we?"

Numbly she nodded. How was she going to get through these next twenty minutes? From the stage she was certain he was alone. What kind of conversation would they have this time without his friend to distract them?

Stepping onto the floor Regina tried to marshal her nervousness. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe it was someone else. But that thought only made her heartache. Did she want it to be him? What was she even thinking?

Everyone seemed to be watching her as she made her way to the designated table. Were they just as curious as she was to know why he bid so much? Even as she neared his table she couldn't decide if she wanted it to be him or not. "Doctor Pierce," the MC greeted as they finally reached the table.

Regina had only one thought as he stood to greet them: It's him.

"Hello again, Madame Butterfly," he hesitantly smiled before offering to help her sit.

Regina sank into her seat watching him. He seemed nervous for some reason, anxious to make her comfortable as he returned to his own seat across from her.

"Your complimentary drinks," the MC announced as the server brought him another scotch and a glass of sparkling champagne for the diva. With a nod the MC departed leaving them under the security escort's watchful gaze though they stood as unobtrusively as they could.

Marcus nervously glanced at the security member and back to Regina who was watching him as if trying to figure him out. Leaning forward he asked, "Is he really necessary? I mean, do you think I'm a threat?" She hesitated before glancing over her shoulder she quietly said, "It's all right. I'll be fine."

Without a word or gesture the security personnel moved further off giving them a little privacy. She looked back at him. When he didn't immediately say anything she reached for the glass flute in front of her. "You don't...You don't have to drink that," Marcus said. "You should have water...for your throat."

"I did...backstage," she answered. "You made quite a scene tonight, you know."

Marcus smirked, "Better than the one I made last week, I hope."

She grimaced.

"....I wanted to apologize," Marcus hesitated. "I...I made assumptions and jumped to conclusions. And I'm sorry."

Regina blinked staring at him. He seemed completely sincere. Was that really why he had come here? Why did he pay so much for her time?

"...Thank you," Regina finally answered.

Marcus let out an uneasy breath giving her a hesitant smile. He felt a weight lift from his shoulders but it didn't alleviate his lingering guilt. But she was speaking to him and that was a start.

"Is that why you came here tonight?" she asked.

Marcus nodded, "Yeah...I also...I didn't want you to be forced to spend time with people you didn't want to...I mean...As long as you think I'm a good alternative."

Regina stared at him in disbelief. It almost seemed like he was genuinely interested in her, but that had to be wrong. It was impossible. If he only knew...no, it was best to forget it.

Aloud she said, "You don't have to spend a hundred thousand dollars...that's a bit much, don't you think?"

"It's only money," Marcus shrugged. "It was worth it, as long as you are okay."

Regina fought a smile and looked away. She couldn't deny the shiver of pleasure that went through her. Why did his words bring her such comfort? Glancing at him again there seemed to be a playful smirk on his face. Just what was he thinking?

Across from her Marcus watched amused by her sudden shyness. It seemed she didn't have much experience when it came to men though she did her best to hide it. No doubt fending off the clumsy advances of drunks allowed her plenty of practice but when it came to sincere interest she had little defense.

Did someone take advantage of her naivety? Make promises before abandoning her and the babies? Was that why she was so guarded? Why she was so hesitant to trust him?

"I planned to apologize and promise to leave you alone," Marcus said. She looked up, startled. "...But, if you prefer, I could come every Saturday and we could have a chat...just the two of us."

Regina fought a smile. If he only knew who she really was, she wasn't glamorous or notable. He would be disappointed and wouldn't even look at her again. And if he knew about the triplets...Maybe...

No. She couldn't hope for that. That was dangerous thinking, especially now with Gabriella's diagnosis. If there was one thing she knew about rich families they would not tolerate a weak member. There was no telling the lengths they would go to hide the truth and avoid public ridicule. "...And maybe...we could meet, without the masks," Marcus hesitated waiting to see her reaction.

"....I don't know about that. If you saw me without the mask you'd probably be disappointed," Regina fiddled with the stem of her glass trying to avoid eye contact as she marshaled control of herself. "No. I wouldn't."

Blinking she finally met his gaze. He was watching her steadily. There was no sign of hesitation in him. Did he really mean that? Her face felt hot as an embarrassed smile softened her expression. "Maybe...One day."

"Looking forward to it."

"Ahem...Madame Butterfly, it's time," the MC politely intruded.

He had been worried after the outcome of the previous week but even from across the room it was clear the pair were enjoying a pleasant conversation. In fact he had never seen Regina as relaxed as she was now. She certainly never smiled as easily as she was currently. "Oh...we never finished our drink," she hesitated looking at her untouched glass.

"Your presence is intoxicating enough," Marcus volunteered realizing how cheesy it was even before he said it.

She stared at him a moment before breaking out into laughter. It took several moments for her to regain control before she could speak, "Is that really the best you can do for pick-up lines or did you get that out of a book?"

"I actually got that one from a friend. And it was just as corny coming from him," Marcus chuckled.

Regina shook her head as she stood, "Have a good evening...Doctor Pierce."

"You too, Madame Butterfly."

Marcus watched her retreat with a satisfied smile. Despite his reputation he really didn't have that much experience when it came to winning a woman over. Normally that part was done as soon as they realized who he was. Who would have ever thought he would be in this position?

She had actually laughed. Not just a smile but an actual laugh. To think she could smile after everything she had been through, everything she was still going through. And he was able to bring it out.

"Don't think I don't know who you are or what you're doing," a harsh voice intruded on his musings.

Marcus frowned his gaze sliding over to see Connor standing a short distance from him. Did he finally figure out his identity?

"You can't hide behind that mask...Leonard."

Wait. Did he think he was Leonard?

Marcus jerked at the realization. He supposed he and Leonard did bear similar features and Marcus had been out of town for a while. It was possible not everyone realized he was back. Leonard was always the loudest of the pair, always paying for rounds and picking up the check when they went out as a group. He liked the attention. In contrast Marcus was much quieter so it wasn't unreasonable for Connor to make such a mistake. "Who says I'm hiding?" Marcus asked waiting to see if Connor would realize the mistaken identity. "And I can say the same thing about you, Connor."

His rival stiffened at the sound of his name. Connor seemed genuinely surprised to be found out. It was difficult for Marcus not to laugh. So he thought he was the only one who could see beyond the mask. Though maybe it shouldn't be so surprising. Connor always thought he was the smartest one in the room.

"But if you've figured out who I am then you know what I'm capable of," Marcus said. "So if you don't want your family fortune, or what's left of it after you've been pissing it away, to disappear I'd stay out of my way."

Connor was trembling with rage but Marcus knew better than almost everyone that Connor always overspent. He doubted the Demont family fortune would last five years after Connor inherited it. What was more Leonard had a bit of a reputation as well. He loved chipping away at rival businesses until he took them over completely.

When Connor didn't dare retort Marcus reached for his drink and took a sip. It seemed his bluff was a success but there was something else he should do. As Connor turned away Marcus couldn't help but give one final ultimatum.

"And Connor, stay away from Madame Butterfly. If I replace out you've been bothering her...I'll make you pay for it."

Connor hesitated before hurrying back to his own table, "Let's go! Get up!"

His friends seemed startled by his change of demeanor. Marcus watched as Connor hurried his friends out. Nothing would please him more than if they never returned. It would be a load off his mind if she never had to deal with them again. "Ladies and gentlemen, Madame Butterfly!" the MC announced.

Marcus turned his attention back to the stage as she stepped out again. Reaching the mic she paused her gaze taking in the room before it settled in his direction. Marcus couldn't help but smile as she quickly looked away. Was she really so easily embarrassed?