A BLOODY SURROGACY DEAL.

MARRY ME!

Chapter 3

Clara’s POV

There was a moment of silence as we both took the news in and in that moment, I wished I could just grab Leo and disappear into thin air because this was terrible news.

I expected Dominic to look relieved or mock me openly but the look on his face said otherwise.

He looked like he only had assumptions but now it had turned to reality. I watched as his jaw tightened as he handed the paper back to Marcus without saying a word. He then threw one more look at Leo, before turning to look at me.

"The evidence is undeniable, Clara," Dominic said, his voice dropping to a low tune that made the hairs on my neck stand in alarm. "You stole four years of my son’s life and you stole my heir. In any court in this country, you would be looking at a decade behind bars for what you did."

"I saved him!" I whispered, my voice thick with frustration. "How many times do I have to say it? Your family wanted him gone the moment your wife died. They saw him as a liability and an obstacle to the inheritance and what did I do, I chose to save his life instead of taking your money."

"And yet, here we are," Dominic countered, his eyes flashing with a brief, sparked anger before settling into irritation. "I need an heir, the board is restless, and my family’s legacy requires stability. More importantly, I am not letting my son grow up in a dusty restoration shop while you lie to him about his true lineage."

“What is that supposed to mean?” I asked as I threw a scared glance at an oblivious Leo that was resting on my lap. “I took care of him alone for four years, I don’t think you’re in the right position to tell me how to train a child.”

He adjusted his cuffs, as a look crossed his face. "It is too late to banter words with me, don’t you think?” he asked. “I have a proposal for you. One that keeps you out of harm's way because right now, your cover is blown and I cannot allow my son to be in harm's way and with this proposal, he gets to be with both his parents.”

I narrowed my eyes as a sense of dread pooled in my gut. "What kind of proposal?"

"Marry me," he stated blankly.

I double checked to see if he was perhaps joking but when I realized he wasn’t, I still couldn’t stop the loud laughter that tore off my lips. I laughed to my heart's content but still, he continued staring coldly at me like I was insane.

"Marry you?" I repeated, when my laughter wore off. When he nodded, anger replaced my confusion and I didn’t hesitate to lash out at him. "Are you insane? You are a monster, Dominic! You just threatened to throw me in prison and take my child, and now you want to play house? Go to hell! I would rather rot in a cell than spend a single night as your wife."

"Careful, Clara," Marcus cautioned from where he was standing but I didn't care.

"No! You think you can buy everything, don't you?" I asked as I stepped toward Dominic, boldly poking at his chest. If he thought I was going to agree to his silly proposal then he better wake up from his dreams. "You think you can just issue a contract and I’ll sign my life away again? I was your surrogate, not your slave. I spent four years looking over my shoulder because of your name and the deal I made with you. I hate you, Dominic. I hate everything you represent and I am leaving without looking back. If you want my son, you’ll have to drag me through every court in the world."

Furious, I turned to grab Leo’s hand, with my heart hammering hard against my ribs. If only I could reach the door, I would be out before they even realize it and this time, they won’t be able to find me so easily.

"Marcus," Dominic said, his voice quiet but scary at the same time. "Call the District Attorney and tell him we have located the fugitive Clara Miller. Provide the evidence of the fraudulent identity and the kidnapping of a Thorne heir. Make sure to tell them I want her in custody by sunset."

I froze immediately at his words. My mind yearned for me to run without looking back but my body couldn’t move.

"And Marcus," Dominic added, his voice carrying so much weight. "Make sure the foster care transition team is ready. Since I haven't established formal custody yet, Leo will have to stay in a state facility until the emergency hearing tomorrow morning."

His last words shattered the little resolve I had left. There was no way in which I was going to allow them to take my child to a facility. Unable to keep mute, I turned around with a pale face to face Dominic.

"You wouldn't," I breathed, hoping I heard wrong. “He’s your son, you wouldn't put him in a home with strangers. Don’t tell me you’re heartless to that extent."

"I will do whatever is necessary to ensure he is never hidden from me again," Dominic said confidently, stepping toward me until he was mere inches away. "If you walk out that door, I will make sure you go to jail, and Leo goes to a crowded government center. He will wake up tonight crying for his mommy, and you won't be there. You won't be there for years because you would be faced with years in jail and trust me, I am not kidding."

I looked at Leo, who was smiling at me. He had no idea our little world was coming to an end.

"Please," I choked out, the fight draining from me as quickly as it had come. "Don't do this."

"The choice is yours, Clara," Dominic said, his voice softening slightly, though it wasn't out of kindness. It only softened because he knew he had me already. "Marry me, and the charges disappear. You will live in the Thorne estate. You will have everything you and Leo could ever need. I will even settle your shop’s debts and provide a generous trust for you personally. I will have ten million dollars deposited in your account as well." He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. "Think of it as a second contract. But this time, you aren't just carrying the heir, you are ruling by my side."