Page 31 of Tiago

“If he were my son, I would file for full custody immediately, Silvia.”

Her eyes go wide.“You wouldn’t.”

“I would.But we both know he isn’t, so stop acting.”I turn to walk away and then pause and look over my shoulder.“Oh, and Silvia… Just so you know, I don’t have access to a single dime of my inheritance.I won’t until that kid of yours is about thirteen.”

I’m exaggerating a bit.Thomas is the executor of my grandfather’s estate.He is a good person.He would never deny any request for funds I need for a good reason, but he also wouldn’t let me give it to a money-grabbing liar.And besides, Silvia doesn’t know how easy it is for me to get access to cash.

“Why?”She looks at the mansion behind me.“Didn’t you inherit this town?”

I turn back to face her fully and set my hands on my hips.“I, along with all of my siblings and cousins, inherited a dilapidated structure and a run-down town.We have to spend ten years fixing everything before we have access to our inheritance.Now, go see the lawyer.Get the ball rolling.I’ll expect bloodwork from your lawyer in a few days.”

I know she won’t do it, but I don’t care.I turn and walk back toward the mansion.I’m glad Reagan is standing in the doorway.Her arms are crossed, and I doubt she heard any of my conversation with Silvia because I was too far away, but she hasn’t run.That’s all that matters.

Chapter12

Reagan

I’m shaking so badly I might fall if I don’t sit down, but I refuse to move while I watch Tiago argue with his ex-girlfriend.He’s so harsh.I’ve never seen this side of him.If he ever treated me like that, I would leave and never look back.It’s making me panic.

But in this moment, something makes me stay.I think about Ryder’s reaction to the news.When he’d joined us in the foyer, his initial reaction had been similar to Tiago’s: complete disdain and mistrust.This is what’s keeping me rooted to my spot.

I will let Tiago explain because I’m in love with him.I didn’t fully let myself think those words until now, and I sure as hell won’t say them out loud under the circumstances.But knowing he has this side of him I’ve never witnessed has freaked me out and forced me to realize how much I want what we have to be real and genuine and long-lasting.I’ll be devastated if we can’t get past this.

Tiago doesn’t look at me as he passes me in the entryway.He pauses beside me, takes a breath, and calmly says, “Please go upstairs so we can talk in our room.”

“Okay.”I shut the door and follow him as he continues through the mansion.When we reach the library, he stops at the entrance and barely glances at me before pointing toward the kitchen.“Upstairs, baby.Now.”

I hate how his command affects me, making me tremble with need like it always does.Right now, I’m mad at myself for getting so turned on when he bosses me around.I’ve begun to understand that I’m submissive; I crave a strong Dominant topping me.I’ve done some research on it at night when I’m alone.It’s scary and unnerving.I had no idea I would like a man to so totally command me.But I do.And not justanyman.It has to be Tiago.

I like the fact that he’s older than me.I like his confidence.I like it when he corners me and kisses me until my brain is scrambled.It makes me so hot when he narrows his gaze and orders me around.

I don’t want this to end.I want this to be the beginning.But I’m scared out of my mind after what just happened.

Tiago steps into the library, but when I hear him speaking a few seconds later, I stop moving and listen.

Everyone else is in the library.Dallas, Ryder, and Claire.

“Everything okay?”Ryder asks.

“No.I need to talk to Reagan.She’s freaking out, and it’s my fault.Will you please get hold of Lydia and find out what she knows about Silvia?Silvia said she found out about me being in Wilde from Lydia.”

“Any chance that kid is yours?”Ryder asks.

“No.Definitely not, but that’s not the kid’s fault.If Silvia is desperate for money, and it’s affecting that child, I’ll make sure she has what she needs.I’m sure Lydia can help set her up with resources.”

I cover my mouth to stifle my slight gasp.My heart flips over.After what I just witnessed, this is unexpected.Tears pool in my eyes as I hurry down the hallway, aiming for the stairs.

I rush into the blue room, leaving the door open.I’m pacing a minute later when Tiago joins me.

He shuts and locks the door before crossing to the deep navy velvet armchair.He sits, rests with his elbows on his knees, and stares at the floor.

I’m surprised by the words that come out of my mouth so fast I can’t stop them.“You’re going to have to spank me for disobeying you, but I didn’t go upstairs immediately when you told me to.I heard your conversation with Ryder.”

He leans back in the chair, runs a hand down his face, crosses his feet at the ankles, and finally meets my gaze.

I stand a few yards from him, rubbing my hands together.Waiting.

He draws in a breath.“I owe you an apology.”

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