Playful Desires

SEDUCED TO SLEEP C11

Louis reacted within his expectations, but for his daughter, he did his best to smooth the process out. He didn’t want any scandal to come out of it. He did threaten Louis, when he initially disagreed.

“You have more dirty laundry than you care to think. You want everyone to know? I can easily spread the truth. They’re not even rumors. We have proof.”

The guy was fuming but he knew he could no longer turn the situation around. The Roberts have already decided.

“Fine. I’ll agree, but destroy whatever you have on me.”

“Of course not. We’re keeping it to ensure you keep your side of the bargain. Don’t worry. We won’t use it unless you provoke us.”

After a long silence, the man accepted his fate. “Fine.”

“I’ll inform the media for its announcement. If they ask you, don’t say a word. This kind of thing is best dealt with in silence. If we find out you’re fueling rumors, don’t expect us to take it lying down.”

“I understand.” The man grudgingly agreed to their conditions.

Instead of giving Paige a call, her dad went to personally visit her.

As he was telling her how it went, he saw how her eyes brightened and she got very excited. She jumped up in joy and gave him a huge hug.

“Thanks, dad! You’re the best! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

“The news will be out this evening. Keep a low-profile for a while. Even though you like this guy, don’t act recklessly. You can’t just go out and introduce him to others as your boyfriend. Wait for a couple of months to pass.”

“Is that necessary? People knew that bastard and I weren’t compatible. He wasn’t exactly discreet when he flirted with other women.”

“Even so, you should protect your own reputation. You’re not young anymore. You’re now a mother. Think of your child and protect him.”

Paige sighed. “Fine. Do you still want to meet my boyfriend this weekend?”

“Of course. I’m curious to know what kind of man he is.”

“You’ll like him.” She hoped so. She and her dad don’t always agree on everything, but when it comes to family matters, she usually considers his opinions.

Days went by and she went to see Austin twice that week. She told him that her dad wanted to meet him. She was initially worried but he readily accepted. He was satisfied with their progress. He was glad that Anthony respected her daughter’s decisions.

Paige was in a dilemma. She wanted to tell him about their son, but she’s not sure how. It would surely come as a surprise. He might not believe her. He’ll certainly have a lot of questions. Her dad would surely bring up the topic of her son and make sure he would be willing to shoulder the responsibility. The thing is . . . he’s the boy’s actual father. She needed to clear it up when the time comes.

She weighed the pros and cons of having her dad during the discussion. He would surely be supportive of her. She hasn’t told him who Paul’s father was and he hasn’t pressed her after months of persistence. It’s time to let him know? Would it be a good thing for Austin? Or would her dad think he’s irresponsible? She pursed her lips as her head began to ache. She was the one who decided not to tell him. Sighing, she figured she’ll just cross that bridge when they get there. It won’t be long now. She became more nervous as the days went by.

Weekend came and she made sure to bring Paul to her dad’s place early. She told him not to bring him up until much later.

“You haven’t told him yet that you have a son?”

“I haven’t. You’ll have to help me out.”

His lip twitched. “Fine.”

He’s almost certain that the guy she’s seeing is the same man who came to him, but unless he actually sees him, he couldn’t be totally sure.

“Thank you.” Paige smiled at him and gave him a quick hug.

He frowned, finally realizing that she’s smiling a lot more. Oh, well. This is what it’s like when people are in love. He’s happy for her.

Shit. She’s now running late. Austin was supposed to pick her up from her place half an hour ago. She quickly called him.

“I went out. I’ll be there shortly.”

The guy frowned, “Where are you, then? I’ll pick you up.”

“No, no. Uhm, I’m actually at my dad’s place already.”

“I see. I can just drive myself there, then?”

“Is that okay? I’ll send you the address.”

“Yes. I’ll be there soon.”

“Thank you. I’ll wait for you at the door.”

“Hmm.”

Austin didn’t bother reading the message she sent a minute later. He knew where the man lived. He wasn’t as nervous as he thought he would be.

“Hi!” Paige greeted him with a smile.

“You look lovely.” He returned her smile and bent down to give her a kiss.

She was slightly surprised that he would do so, but she quickly recovered.

“Come inside. My dad’s waiting.”

“Why didn’t you wait for me at home?” He was curious about this.

“Oh. Uhm, I had something to tell dad, so . . .”

“What was it?”

“Well . . . nothing, really.” She looked nervous, so he didn’t press her for it.

He held her hand and she took a deep breath before they walked in.

As soon as Austin saw the man, he nodded his head in acknowledgement.

“Dad, this is Austin. Austin Rivero.”

“I know who he is. Have a seat, you two.” The men shook hands despite being acquainted already.

“It’s nice seeing you again, sir.”

“You already met?” Paige frowned and looked from one man to another.

“He came to me before he reconnected with you.”

Paige faced Austin, “You didn’t tell me that.”

“It’s a talk between two men.”

“What did you talk about?” Her mind became slightly scattered by the sudden revelation. She was anxious about this meeting, but it turned out they already spoke to each other.

“I asked him about your engagement and whether he would allow me to woo you.” Austin gave her the short version, which made her feel relieved.

She turned to face her dad, “So, do you approve of him?”

“Hmm. I can see it now, the way you two look at each other. He cared enough to speak to me first and I can tell you actually have feelings for him.”

She sighed and began to relax, forgetting the other matter.

Anthony didn’t want to dig deeper about their personal relationship, so he asked the man questions about his business and the struggles he faced over the years.

Paige already heard plenty in the last few days so when his dad asked why she’s staying quiet, she told him she’s way ahead of his questions.

“Hmm, I see. So, is this relationship going where I expect it to go?”

Anthony held the other man’s gaze, “Do you intend to marry my daughter?”

Oh, boy. She straightened up. Their topic now switched to marriage, huh?

She glanced at Austin. They haven’t really discussed it. It was simply implied. What would he say?

He glanced at her and smiled. “Yes, sir.”

“When do you plan to get married?”

“Half a year from now?” He turned to Paige, who seriously considered it.

She can understand why he would push it a few months after her broken engagement.

“That’s fine with me.” She replied and recalled a fantasy she had before. The two of them on the altar and exchanging “I do’s”.

“You will sign a pre-nup.” It was a statement and Paige frowned.

Austin was quick to reply, though. “I will.”

“Good. Now, regarding the other matter I mentioned before. Paige, do you want to inform him or should I?”

It was Austin’s turn to frown as her nervousness returned. She gulped a few times, which her dad noticed.

“I’ll do it, then.”

Paige’s mind was a mess. When should she interject?

Anthony took the direct route. “You see, Paige here has a son. Paul is still a baby and he needs a father. If you’re decided to marry Paige, you’ll also shoulder the responsibility of becoming Paul’s father. It’s a package. If you don’t want the boy to take your name, then you can’t marry my daughter. Would that be a deal-breaker for you?”

Austin’s frown deepened as he absorbed these new pieces of information. He turned to Paige, but she wasn’t looking at him. How come he didn’t know she has a child? He never heard of it, from her or from the media. She never mentioned it. f**k. He had no idea!

He leaned back on his seat and tried to keep his cool. He crossed his arms in front of him before contemplating.

Should she speak up now? Paige tried and opened her mouth, but she has no words.

“How old is the boy? You said he’s a baby?”

“Hmm. He’s one year old and five months. He’ll be one and a half on the 20th. He’s young enough that if you become his father at this stage, he need not know that you’re not his biological father. You can treat him as your own.”