Filthy Rich Revenge: A Filthy Rich Billionaires Book - Lynn Raye Harris Page 0,62

her company, yet the real punishment would be in living with him and loving him when he was incapable of reciprocating the feeling.

Unexpectedly, Alejandro returned later that afternoon to collect her for yet another doctor’s appointment. Because of what had happened to Anya, Rebecca didn’t fight him over it. He had a need to be there, a need to be involved and understand everything that happened with her pregnancy. He wanted to protect the baby. If it helped him feel somehow in control of the future, she wouldn’t stop him.

The appointment was routine. Alejandro was sensible enough about her wish not to have him there for the pelvic ultrasound, but he returned immediately after. They both had blood taken for the genetic testing Alejandro insisted on having, though the baby couldn’t be tested for heart defects until much later. The doctor assured them that if they both were fine, the baby most likely would be too.

She didn’t think Alejandro would accept that conclusion without having the baby tested, but she would find it reassuring if they were clear.

They climbed into the limo and headed for the villa. Traffic was thick as usual and Rebecca was busy watching people on the sidewalks as they passed by. Studying the women’s clothing and wondering if any of them were in love with a moody billionaire too.

“We need to set a date for the wedding. Have you called your mother?”

Rebecca turned to look at him. She didn’t know what to say to him anymore. He was like a stranger to her. When they talked, it was about the baby or the wedding, nothing more. And that was only sporadic. It was like he wanted to pretend she didn’t exist until he had to speak to her about something. As soon as he had an answer, he went back to studying the screen of his cell phone or speaking rapid Spanish to someone on the other end of the line.

“She hasn’t returned my call yet.”

He looked surprised. Rebecca shrugged. She was accustomed to her mother’s shallowness by now.

“She’s probably shopping. Or skiing,” she added.

Disapproval hardened his expression. “Do you want to wait so she can be here for the ceremony?”

She picked at a thread on her sweater. “It’s not necessary.”

Silence for several seconds.

“My sister wants to meet you.”

Rebecca smiled. “I’d like to meet her, too.” He’d always spoken with affection for his sister. Rebecca was nervous about the prospect of meeting Valencia, but curious as well. Perhaps Valencia wasn’t taciturn and moody like her brother. Rebecca hoped that was the case. She could use a friendly face for a change.

“She is arriving tomorrow for a short visit. We can be married while she’s here, if that is agreeable.”

Rebecca fiddled with her bracelet to hide her surprise. He hadn’t mentioned his family at all since she’d returned. He also hadn’t mentioned a specific date to get married. Suddenly, it was sometime soon. How very like him to make a decision and barrel forward with it.

“Does she know about the baby?”

“Sí, I have told her.”

Which meant his sister knew why they were marrying so quickly. “And your parents?”

“They will know soon enough.”

She wasn’t sure what to think about why he hadn’t yet told his parents. “What will they think about you marrying me?”

He gave her a significant look. “They won’t care. They are far more interested in their own lives than in mine or my sister’s.”

She heard the bitterness in his voice. She hadn’t forgotten what he’d said to her in the car the night they’d returned from his parents’ party. After her brief time in Juan and Carmen Ramirez’s company, she knew it was probably the truth. They reminded her of her own mother. Selfish and self-absorbed narcissists who lived for themselves alone.

“They will not be at the wedding?”

His laugh was sudden and sharp. “You don’t want them there, believe me. They would somehow manage to turn it into a personal drama where they occupied center stage.”

“You had a lavish wedding before. I believe the king and queen attended.” She’d looked up photos on the Internet. Alejandro had been spectacular, his bride gorgeous—but neither of them smiled much.

“There is no time for that kind of wedding,” he said coolly. “You would be big with our baby by the time we married. We will have a quick civil ceremony and be done, sí?”

She pushed her hurt down deep. It wasn’t that she wanted a huge wedding. She just wanted it to be about something more than a