The Russian Billionaire’s Secret(22)
Tony sat back down. The waitress delivered the drinks. Tony drank his beer in a few seconds. Jada just sat still and left her Sprite in front of her.
“I was using the clinic to perform in vitro for a surrogate with my DNA and an egg donor. But when my surrogate arrived at the clinic, they discovered that my sample had already been used. My lawyer and detective have been working for months to get the name of the person to whom my DNA was deposited. Believe me, the clinic tried to maintain confidentiality, but due to their mistake, they were under obligation to share the information with me and with you. You probably have a message at home. You can confirm everything I’ve said. I’ll admit, my curiosity got the better of me and once I learned your name, I had to meet you. I’m not known for being a patient man. Just waiting ‘til you got off work was torture for me.”
Jada tried to swallow her flooding emotions and sound like she was holding it together. “Well, Dallas, thank you for the information and the drink. I’ll be going now.”
She scooted into Tony, trying to get him to go.
“Don’t you think we could discuss this? I mean, I know you ordered 7301, African-American athlete. I am 7310, Caucasian billionaire tech nerd. You must have feelings about this.”
Jada felt like steam was about to escape her ears. “Oh, I have feelings, Mr. Moody. But none I want to share with you. Let’s go, Tony!”
Tony finally scooted out of the booth and allowed Jada to stand.
Jada started to walk out, but Tony stood still and stared at Dallas.
“Did you say you were a billionaire?” Tony asked.
Jada felt infuriated. She grabbed his arm. “Now, Tony!”
Dallas looked at Tony. “Yes. And I’m prepared to make an offer.”
Tony patted Jada on the hand as if that would slow her rising rage.
He looked at Jada. “Just wait a second.” He looked at Dallas. “What do you mean?”
Dallas looked down at the table. Tony took the cue and sat down again, keeping Jada’s hand in his.
Jada tried to leave again, but Tony pulled her back. “It won’t hurt to listen to his offer, Jada. It’s not his fault the clinic messed up. No need to be mad at the billionaire.”
Jada rolled her eyes and looked at Dallas. “I don’t care if you are a gazillionaire. This is my body, my baby. End of discussion.”
“Tony’s right. I didn’t make this happen, Jada. I’ve just had a little more time to process the information than you have. Look, I don’t know your situation, but I’m prepared to settle this with you in a way that could work for both of us. If you give me sole custody of this child you are currently carrying, I will give you enough money to re-do the insemination process with the sperm of your choice, and a little extra to compensate you for your time and effort.”
“How much extra?” Tony asked.
Dallas looked at Jada. “Would one-hundred thousand sound fair?”
Tony yelled out with glee.
Jada didn’t change her hard expression. “My baby is not for sale, Mr. Moody.”
Dallas tilted his head. “Come on, Jada, I’m not trying to buy your baby. He or she is already half mine. That is the amount of money I was spending on an egg donor and a surrogate. Since you are now both of those things, it seems fair to offer you the same amount.”
Jada refused to entertain the idea. “No. You can just try again, and give me sole custody of this child.”
“Jada,” Dallas said with a soft, smooth voice that sounded like a used car salesman. “Do you want a bi-racial child? Or do you want a child who looks just like you and your family?”
Jada squinted her eyes and looked at him directly. “I want THIS baby.”
She walked out of the bar. Enough was enough.
Chapter 5
Dinner Date
Dallas chuckled as he watched Jada walk out of the bar. She did have a nice ass, and a feisty attitude to go with it. She didn’t match his typical body type of choice, but he was pleasantly surprised at how attractive she was, inside and out. He’d let her cool down a bit and then approach her again. After all, negotiations were just beginning.
Dallas paid the bar bill and got in his limousine. “Driver, follow that woman.” He pointed to Jada who was walking toward the bus stop.
The driver obliged his request and followed the bus she boarded to southeast Minneapolis. Dallas watched as she got off the bus and walked toward a large apartment complex. It looked to house several hundred units. It was plain, old and run down. There were guys hanging around, looking tough with their pants resting well below their waist.
Dallas’ heart sank at the idea that his child might grow up in the projects like this. He simply was not going to let that happen. He would give her the rest of the week to think it all over, then he would talk to her again on Saturday.
Dallas usually spent his down time at The Depot, an exclusive club in Minneapolis. He enjoyed the conversations with knowledgeable, connected men, and there were always beautiful women doting on him. He knew they were doing their best to latch on and capture a wealthy bachelor.
Normally, he was up for the attention. But tonight, his mind was only on Jada, so he went straight home. There was something very attractive about her style. She was protective and careful. She stood up for herself. She wasn't willing to take cash and run like so many women he'd met.