Rome for Always (The BAD BOY BILLIONAIRES Collection) Read Online Free

eyes never left her. “Meaning?”
    Arie swallowed. “Rome, the agency called and told me
things didn’t work out with the family they’d chosen.  The couple decided they
didn't want her after they found out her birth mother had been a smoker and the
baby may have health problems or special needs.  That's why the agency
contacted me again." She clasped her hands in front of her. "They
said the baby was mine if I still wanted her. I was so happy. I didn’t hesitate.
I told them I want her. I’m sorry, Rome, but I still love her. Very much.”
    Rome said nothing, his eyes on her so intense and dark
and unreadable.
    “I’m so sorry. I should have consulted you before I gave
them my response. I know that. It’s just that, at the time I was so excited, so
relieved. I wanted to provide a loving home to this special little girl and finally
my dream was coming true. I couldn’t turn her away.” She looked away and then
she sniffed. “I didn’t want her to go through what I went through...or worse. I’m
sorry.”
    “Don’t be. You made a decision so the only thing left is
for you to stick with it.” Rome’s tone was serious and when Arie glanced at him
she could see that his face was serious, too.
    She heaved a sigh. “I know. It’s just…” she dropped her
eyes and bit her bottom lip to keep it from trembling, “…I wanted to have my
cake and eat it, too.” Then, no matter that she was trying her hardest, her
face crumpled like a leaf and the tears began to flow. “I wanted so much to be
your wife, Rome. Why do I have to choose?”
    Arie was sobbing now and, not knowing what to do with
herself, she stumbled to the sofa and sank down onto it then covered her face
with her hands. “I love you so much, Rome. I don’t want to lose you.
    “Arie, my darling, what are you talking about? Why would
you have to lose me?”
    Rome’s voice cut through the thick, gray fog of her
tears. When she felt his arm curve around her shoulder she turned her face and
pressed it into his chest, her body shaking with her sobs. “I can’t…” she
gasped. “I can’t have you, not when I’ve changed everything. Now I have the
baby.” She hiccupped on the last word. She was trying so hard to be calm,
trying to tell him everything so he could know what she was going through, but
she was failing miserably.
    “Hush.”
    Her face pressed against the softness of his shirt, the
warmth of his body soothing her frazzled nerves, Arie felt Rome’s hands on her
hair. Gently, he stroked until her shaking stilled and she settled into his
arms.
    “Look at me, Arie.” His voice was gentle but firm. His
caress stilled then he put a finger under her chin and lifted her face to his. “I
love you, Arie, and if this baby is important to you then she’s important to
me, too.”
    Arie sucked in her breath as she stared up at him. “What
are you saying?” Dared she hope?
    “I’m saying, don’t think you can back out of this
wedding, little Miss Angelis. I’m not letting you go so don’t think you can use
this as an excuse.” He was smiling down at her as he gazed into her eyes.
    “You mean…I can keep her? And you, too?” She held her
breath, waiting for his reply. What he’d said sounded like he was leaning
toward a ‘yes’ but it was too good to be true.
    Rome laughed. “If it will make you happy, I’m all for a
readymade family.”
    And then he pulled her back into his arms and squeezed
her tight. “Arie Angelis, I love you.”
    And those last three words, so simple yet so powerful,
were all Arie needed to hear. From here on she would have two wonderful people
to love and, as far as she was concerned, she could not have been more blessed.
    ***
     
     
    “Good morning.”
    At the sound of his greeting Iyana looked away from the
computer screen and glanced up at Rome. Her brows raised, she gave him a look
of suspicion. “You’re in a good mood today,” she said, cocking her head to one
side, her dark eyes roaming his