Maid To The Billionaire: The Tycoon's Love (Part Two) (Billionaire Romance) (3 page)

CHAPTER FOUR

VICTORIA

“Excuse me!” I turned and ran for the stairs. I could hear Alex calling after me but I was feeling like I was about to be sick. I ran up the stairs and vomited all of that beautiful food I’d just eaten on our picnic. I don’t know how long I sat there in front of the toilet, but by the time I finally dragged myself up, brushed my teeth and drank some water, Alex and baby Michael were waiting for me in the master bedroom.

“Are you okay?” he asked me, as he bounced our baby up and down. My heart swelled. I am so in love with him.

“I’m fine,” I lied. I still felt sick and I wanted to cry. “What did she say about my mother?”

He patted the bed next to him. I went over and sat down and took Michael out of his arms. I hugged him to me. When my baby was in my arms I felt like I could take on the world. “She said they interviewed her. She left me a copy of the article. I haven’t read it yet. I’m not sure what you’re afraid she said but it doesn’t matter Vicki, I promise you. I will have my staff do damage control on this. I’ve already called Noel, my attorney and I’ve called my PR guy Vic… we’ll get through this.”

“How will this affect Michael’s future?”

“It won’t. It’s the twenty-first century. Babies are born out of wedlock more often than not. He’ll have every advantage, I promise you.”

“What about your parents? What must they think of me?”

He rolled his eyes. “My parents are in Tuscany and were barely fazed when I told them they were grandparents. Being parents was inconvenient to them. I hardly imagine they plan on putting themselves out to be grandparents. They’re not planning on returning here for anything other than a visit now and then, so it’s not like anything can really hurt them at this point. Whoever leaked this to the press is petty and vindictive but we’re not going to let them win. I want you in my life… in my bed… you’re in my heart, Vicki and I hope that I’m in yours.”

I was crying… again. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to control these tears lately.”

“You just had a baby, from what I’ve read, I think it’s normal.”

I nodded and said, “You are in my heart Alex. That’s why I worry so much. I’m so afraid that all of this mess is going to ruin what we have together.”

“Then stop worrying, now. This is not going to affect you and me and I am never going to let anything hurt Michael… so we’re good, no matter what the article says.”

I put my sleeping baby up on my shoulder and said, “I’m going to lay him down and I’ll be back. I know it’s a form of self-torture but I have to read the article.”

He smiled sadly and nodded. I think he expected me to say that. He leaned in and kissed the baby and I went and laid him down in his crib. When I got back, Alex was reclining against the headboard of the bed. I sat down next to him and he put his arm around me, kissed the side of my face and handed me the magazine, open to the article. The headline read:

“Billionaire Alexander Reigns steps out on wife to have a torrid affair… with his upstairs maid!” I knew that I should stop there, but it was like watching a train wreck… I couldn’t. I read on:

“A source close to the couple states that while Mr. Reigns was still married to his wife, Cassandra, he became involved with his upstairs maid. The maid is a twenty-four year old woman by the name of Victoria Lawton. Our source also tells us that Miss Lawton was involved in a serious relationship with another man at the time… in fact, she was engaged! Last week, Miss Lawton gave birth to a baby boy. Mr. Reigns was quick to dump his faithful wife Cassandra and rush to Miss Lawton’s side and meet his heir apparent….”

I handed the magazine back to Alex.  “I can’t read anymore.”

He nodded and took it. “You don’t want to know what your mother said?”

“I can imagine. I never told her you were the father of my baby. I’m sorry Alex. She’s a mess and money means more to her than anything… looks and money, that’s what makes her world go around. I’m so ashamed.”

“Please don’t be,” he said, pulling me into his side tighter. “We’re going to be okay… all of us, I promise.”

***

I slept in Alex’s bed that night. Nothing happened between us, he just held me all night. It only reaffirmed my belief that he is nothing but a good man. Everything he does and says makes me fall deeper in love with him, and as much as that makes me happy, it makes me worry more as well. If I were to lose him at this point I’m not sure how I would recover.

Alex got up early and went into work. I was already up feeding Michael when he left and he came in and kissed us both and told us to have a great day. He left me with a warm feeling and an optimistic one. Waking up in his arms made me want more than ever to believe that everything would be okay.

After I fed Michael and put him down for his nap, I showered and dressed for my day. I was about to go down for breakfast when my phone rang. I nearly threw it out the window when I looked at the face of it. It was my mother…I had a feeling she would be calling soon.

“Hello Mom.”

“Victoria. I can’t believe that a stranger had to tell me about the birth of my first grandchild.”

“Really? I can’t believe you gave an interview to a stranger about your daughter.”

“I didn’t say anything bad. Did you even read it? I was completely supportive.”

“You shouldn’t have spoken to them.”

“Well if my daughter had informed me of her affair with a billionaire and subsequent pregnancy by him… I would have known not to talk.”

“Give me a break mother. When you thought this was Jason’s baby you had no interest in him whatsoever… I quote: “I am too young to be a grandmother.” All of a sudden because you know he is Alex’s son, you’re interested. You should really be ashamed of yourself.”

“That’s no way to talk to your mother Victoria.”

“Then you should act like a mother every now and again.”

“I’m going to write your attitude off as post-partum depression. When can I see my grandson?”

I sighed. She wasn’t going to give up easily. “He’s too young to take out yet. I’ll bring him by to see you next week.”

“I can come see him at the Reigns estate… that is where you are living, right?”

“How do you know that?”

“You really didn’t read that article, did you?”

“It said that I was living here? Jesus!”

“There’s no shame in landing a rich, good-looking man Vicki. I’m proud of you. What time shall I come see my grandson?”

“Today is not a good day, mother. I’ll let you know.”

“Victoria…”

“Good-bye Mother!” I hung up, cutting her off. It wasn’t like me to defy her. No matter how much she’d annoyed me over the years I have gone out of my way to be as respectful to her as possible, but she’d pushed my last button. She would have easily turned her back on both me and my son if he had been Jason’s child. She can feel the brunt of rejection for once this time. I was finished.

I had breakfast with Cook and it was like the old days. He and I talked about everything and nothing and it was relaxing to get my mind off of everything and just be silly and normal for a while. He told me stories about the people who came into the shelter he ran. He seemed like he loved his work so much and I knew that he did it all with his own money and out of the goodness of his heart. He is truly an amazing person and I have so much respect for him.

After breakfast, Michael was awake so I bundled him up and put him in his stroller. He and I went for a walk through the gardens and I think it relaxed and awed him almost as much as it did me. The grounds of the estate were as beautiful, if not more so, than the inside of the house and I felt very blessed to be a part of it.

When we got back to the house, I was delighted to see that Alex was home. I fed and bathed Michael and tucked him in for his afternoon nap and then I sat down for coffee with Alex. I could tell there was something troubling him and when I asked he said, “There was an industrial accident at my plant in Kentucky. Five of my employees were killed and another twenty seriously injured. I have to fly over there… right away.”

“Oh no! Alex that’s terrible, I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“They’re not sure yet. It’s being investigated. I’ve been told on a preliminary basis that there was some type of electrical malfunction. I have to go and make sure the families of the victims are taken care of. I also have to make sure the rest of my employees are safe and that we get the plant back up and running as soon as possible.”

“How long will you be gone?”

He shook his head. “I’m sorry Vicki. I just don’t know. I know this is a bad time, but I thought maybe you and Michael could come with me…”

“Oh no Alex. I’m sorry, it’s not that I wouldn’t love to be with you and I know that Michael will miss you, but I worry about him so much, taking him out so soon and putting him on a plane and in a hotel; so many different environments. I’m just afraid of him getting sick or just… maladjusted.”

“I understand. I’m going to miss both of you, a lot.”

I put my arms around him. “I’m going to miss you too, and so will Michael.”

He grinned and stretched his lips out for a kiss. I kissed him and he said, “Will you miss me enough to maybe give me a big send-off while our son is sleeping?”

I smiled, “What type of send-off did you have in mind?”

“Well, it involves some physical effort and both of us naked…”

I kissed him again. I felt a thrill in my belly at the thought. “I think that can be arranged. But hurry, before your son wakes up.”

Alex took me by the hand and led me up the stairs and straight into his room. I had yet to think of it as “ours,” but I was working on it. He undressed me and I helped him undress. I lay down on the bed and he looked down at me and said, “You have no idea how beautiful you are, Vicki. You take my breath away.”

I reached up to him and he lay down next to me. “I feel the same way. I can hardly breathe when you’re in the same room.”

Alex made love to me. It was sweet and passionate and everything I’d been imagining since that one and only time we were together when we conceived Michael. When he left, I wanted to cry and smile at the same time. I would miss him, but I would also look forward to him returning. I love this man with every fiber in my body and I knew at that moment that I was going to fight tooth and nail to keep him forever.

CHAPTER FIVE

VICTORIA

Later that afternoon when Alex had gone and Michael was sleeping I found myself feeling lonely so I called Liz.

“Hi lady! How are you?”

“I’m good. I was just thinking about you.”

“Did you see the article?”

“Yeah… I’m sorry honey. Are you okay?”

“I’m doing alright. Alex has been wonderful.”

“That’s good. I was afraid I’d have to kick his butt otherwise.”

I laughed. “He’s really been amazing. But there was an accident at one of his plants in Kentucky and he had to fly out this afternoon, so I’m lonely. I was wondering if you’d like to come out and have dinner with me?”

“Will Michael be there?” she asked with a giggle.

“I guess I’ll never be the main attraction again, will I?” I asked with a laugh.

“Afraid not. I’d love to have dinner. I’m still a little bit leery of the mansion. It kind of makes me a nervous wreck.”

“It’ll just be you and me and Michael. The staff leaves at seven. We’ll wait until then.”

“Okay, that sounds good then,” she said.

“I can’t wait. Thank you, Liz.” After I hung up I went in to talk to Cook and ask him to add one for dinner. He was making Tilapia and he was already preparing it at four in the afternoon.

“Would you mind if I asked you to add one for dinner? My friend Liz will be stopping by.”

He waved his palm at me. “Of course I won’t mind. Can I give you a tip Miss Victoria?”

“Tip away.”

“You’re the woman of the house. It’s okay to be polite to the staff but you’re going to have to learn to separate yourself from us.”

“How do you mean?”

“You don’t ask me if it’s okay to have company for one thing, you tell me you’re having company.”

“I don’t think I can do that, Cook. It’s changing my whole personality in a way. I’m not sure that living here and being with Alex calls for that. He’s not rude to the staff.”

“Oh no, he’s never rude. But, he is most definitely the boss. There’s no guesswork there at all and no room for a staff member to take advantage of him. As nice as you are Miss Victoria, that’s what I worry about. I’d hate to think anyone would take advantage of your kindness.”

I was touched by his concern, but this was one of those things I’d been worried about myself. I can’t ever imagine acting like I was “above” anyone. I came from the same place they did and my current position was pure luck and at this point I felt tenuous at best. “Thank you for your concern. I know that I need to be more aware of people who might want to take advantage. But I’d like to believe I can do that without losing touch with who I really am. Besides, I happen to know that on a class to class basis, you way outdo me anyways.”

He laughed. “A lot has been said about me over the years. The word “Class” was never entered into any of it.”

“Well then, they didn’t know you,” I told him with a smile.

He was about to say something else when the doorbell rang.

“Excuse me.”

“Of course.”

I went to answer the door. I knew Karen would get it if I didn’t, but I was right here… I turned the corner and heard Karen’s voice saying, “I will see if she’s here.”

Then my heart dropped down into my stomach when I heard the person she was talking to say, “Thank you.” Speaking of being taken advantage of… it was my mother. Damn her! I took a deep breath and stepped into the foyer.

“Oh there you are, Vicki.” I smiled at Karen.

“Thank you, Karen. I’ll take it from here.”

“Of course.” She stepped out and I waited until I heard her heels disappear down the hall.

“Mother, what are you doing here?”

She looked me up and down and then she said, “Maybe if you worried about your appearance, your staff wouldn’t call you “Vicki.” That’s very disrespectful.”

I almost laughed. “And who are you, the Queen of England?”

“Don’t talk to your mother that way,” she said.

“You keep saying that, yet I hear you speak rudely to everyone you encounter. What is it that makes you different to everyone else?”

“What’s wrong with you? Are you still having post-partum depression?”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head. “Mother, what is it that you want?”

“I told you, I want to meet my grandson.”

“I thought I was going to call you when it was a good time.”

“I doubted that you would do that. What’s wrong with now, anyways?”

She’d worn me down. Cook was right; I was easy to take advantage of. “Okay Mom. He’s sleeping right now. Would you like some tea while we wait?”

“What about a tour?”

So that she can do a mental inventory of how much everything is worth. With a sigh I said, “Okay, I can do that.”

I took her into the living room first. She stopped to peruse the artwork on the walls, checking for signatures and dates on the paintings no doubt to assess their originality. From there, we went out onto the sunporch. She wasn’t much interested in plants and flowers but she did comment on how much the skylight must have cost. I tried to point out the gardens to her outside the glass but she was disinterested in that as well. I showed her the formal dining room and tried to skip the kitchen, but she headed in there on her own. I reluctantly followed her.

“Well hello there, big guy!” Oh Jesus, she’s so embarrassing.

Cook looked at her warily and then at me and said, “Hello. You are?”

“Whoever you want…”

“Mother!” She was really too much. “This is our cook, Gregory Black. Gregory this is my mother, Rita.”

Gregory smiled at her and I saw my mother’s posture straighten as she pushed out her fake boobs. God help me. “It’s so nice to meet you,” she said.

“And you as well, ma’am,” he said.

“Oh please, I’m way too young to be a ma’am… call me Rita.”

He only smiled again. I took my mother by the arm and said, “Gregory is busy. Let’s get back to the tour.”

She resisted saying, “I can’t imagine that any room could be more interesting than this one.”

“Mother,” I said through gritted teeth. I could tell Gregory was trying not to laugh.

“Maybe your mother would like to have a look at the basement.”

“Yes, come on Mom… you’ll love it down there.”

She finally moved but as we were leaving the room she said, “I’ll be seeing more of you now that my daughter is lady of the manor, I’m sure.”

Gregory did chuckle then as he said, “I’ll look forward to it ma’am.”