Free Adaline (The Wallflower Series Book 3) by R.J. Fletcher

could respond, he continued. “Oh, and let me guess…you’re not going to tell me who fathered your child. No, that would just be too kind, right?”
    Dina set her daughter down and told her to return to the office in the back of the gallery. Reluctantly, the little girl followed her mother’s directive, looking back once in a while at the strange man who was so angry.
    “I came here to apologize…thinking that maybe we could still at least be fucking friends but…no, you have to throw this bomb down on me too!”
    Dina glared at him. “Would you stop and listen to yourself? You think I planned this? I didn’t intend to get pregnant.”
    “No, but you sure did plan on spreading your legs for someone else while in a relationship with me! You aren’t a victim here so don’t pretend to be.” He turned to the door to leave but came to an abrupt halt at the feel of her hands grasping his forearm.
    “Dominic, wait! Please!”
    He looked back and saw her face scrunched in desperation. Despite his better judgment, he turned around to hear her out.
    “I left for a reason, Dominic. You were right…it wasn’t merely because of the job offer I got in Italy. It was so much more but…I can’t tell you.” At his scoff, she hurriedly continued, “Its not because I don’t want to. Do you not realize how lonely I was after leaving? I was pregnant and alone without any friends or family. I didn’t move willingly. But I had to.”
    His interest and concern piqued at her confession. “What do you mean? Are you in some sort of danger, Dina? If you are, I can help you.”
    Dina shook her head at his concern. “No, I was never in any danger. I promise. There were just…I can’t explain just yet but know that I had to leave. Moving out of the country wasn’t my first option at all. I was merely going to leave Boston but then the opportunity in Italy popped up and I grabbed it.”
    “Then why did you come back?” He found himself asking.
    She paused at his question. “I was tired of running,” she told him honestly. “My daughter deserved better and… I was better than that. I couldn’t run from my problems. It just took a while for me to realize that. But, I haven’t told him yet.”
    Dominic frowned at this. “Dina, you can’t keep this a secret forever. You are denying a man the right to know his child. Do you know how fucked up that is?”
    “Would you still say that if you knew what he did to me?”
    “Unless he is a danger to you or your daughter, yes I would. Because it’s not about you anymore, Dina. Your daughter deserves to know her father. Plain and simple.” Without another word, he walked out of the gallery.

Chapter Six
    Dominic was frustrated with himself. Still. Even more than when he had initially entered the gallery. He had no other choice but to move on now. Dina’ daughter was clear evidence of just how much she had moved on. Even while they had still been together. He didn’t know where he was heading but he eventually found himself driving to Dmitri’s place. His brother and Sasha had yet to move from their penthouse at the Ritz but from what he gathered, they were hoping to buy a house soon and start their perfectly ever after.
    He caught himself, aware of the hint of jealousy as he thought of their happiness. It was well deserved but in his current state, he was definitely not in the mood to see anyone happy in their relationship. But he needed to rant. And as of late, his brother had become a good sounding board. Especially considering the many times Dominic had played out the same role for him in his efforts at gaining back Sasha’s affections.
    Dominic, after giving his car to the valet, walked through the entrance, giving the familiar guard a nod of hello. When he finally knocked on his brother’s door, he was greeted by the humorous image of Dmitri in a colorful apron; his face was decorated with what appeared to be flour and there was a goofy grin across his handsome