Kitabı oku: «His Pregnancy Ultimatum», sayfa 2

CHAPTER TWO

MIA tried for calm politeness, and held the instinctive feeling she failed miserably.

‘Nikolos.’ His name on her lips sounded strange, even to her own ears, and she dismissed the inclination to close her eyes, then open them again in the hope she was locked into some nightmarish dream.

In the name of heaven, get a grip. In the list of awkward situations, this took top place in her book. But doubtless not in his.

In his late thirties, Nikolos Karedes bore the air of a seasoned sophisticate, well-versed in every social nicety.

Yet she’d caught a glimpse of the man beneath that façade…someone who’d destroyed her previously held defences with galling ease. Worse, she’d allowed him to.

As if she’d had a choice, she reflected wryly, aware of the intervention of a divine power over which she’d had no control.

Had it been the same for him? That instinctive knowledge they were twin halves of a soul? Or was it merely fanciful thinking on her part?

The latter, she perceived with rueful acceptance. Without a doubt.

So her name was Mia…Nikolos perceived. The petite sable-haired young woman who’d managed to get beneath his skin in a way no other woman had. The thought, taste of her had driven him mad with longing since that unforgettable night they’d spent together twelve weeks ago. She was an itch he couldn’t scratch…heat and light and passion, and so much more.

Did she have any idea how he’d felt when he’d woken and found her gone?

Or the steps he’d taken in subsequent days and weeks to try to discover who she was? Each avenue he’d explored had brought no result. It was as if she’d appeared out of nowhere, only to disappear.

He’d wanted to wring her neck…dammit, his own, for not anchoring her close to him in sleep so that her slightest move would have brought him awake.

There were occasions when he wondered if he’d dreamed the entire night, her…yet he retained a vivid memory of her scent, the clean, fresh smell of her hair, the silky smoothness of her skin beneath his hands, his mouth.

As to her response…the tentative surprise, the burgeoning sensuality beneath his touch, her generosity in giving herself up to him so completely… It had proven a powerful aphrodisiac that had changed want to need through the night, and seeded an emotion he hadn’t cared to define.

Mia glimpsed the momentary darkness evident in his dark, almost black eyes. The faint edge of mockery, and something else she was unable to determine. Anger? Why anger, for heaven’s sake?

‘Please take a seat.’ Sofia indicated a chair close by, and Mia sank into it with a feeling of relief.

‘What can we offer you to drink?’

Something strong to settle the wild tango in which her nerves were indulging would be great…except alcohol in any form was a no-no. ‘Thank you. A soda,’ she indicated. ‘Or mineral water.’

Mia was acutely aware of Cris’ interested gaze, and that of his grandmother. Sofia seemed intent on acting the gracious hostess. As to Nikolos…his part in this wretched tableau was something at which she could only hazard a guess.

What had held the portent of being a difficult evening had taken a shift for the worse.

How long before she could leave? Two hours, three?

Mia accepted a frosted glass from the proffered tray.

‘Cris has spoken very highly of you.’

She could do polite conversation. ‘We share a few classes at university.’

‘How old are you?’ Angelena Karedes demanded, and earned Sofia’s chiding protest.

‘Please. Mia is a guest.’

Oh, hell, could the evening get any worse? ‘Twenty-seven.’ She waited a beat. ‘Would you like to check my driver’s licence?’

The old lady’s eyes gleamed. ‘Sassy. I like that.’ The gaze didn’t shift. ‘What do you see in my nineteen-year-old grandson?’

Mia’s chin tilted slightly. ‘A friend.’

‘Hmm.’

One word, that wasn’t really a word at all, yet it conveyed a wealth of meaning.

‘Yiayia,’ Nikolos chided gently. ‘Enough. You embarrass our guest.’

The matriarch’s sharp gaze speared her own. ‘Are you embarrassed, child?’

‘Do you mean me to be?’

‘Dinner is served.’

Costas’ announcement was timely, and brought an inward sigh of relief that was short-lived as she found herself seated opposite Nikolos.

Accident or design?

Design, Mia decided. As the eldest male and presumably head of the family, there could be little doubt the reason for his presence was to check out his younger brother’s friend and deduce an ulterior motive for the friendship.

Familial protectiveness or necessary caution? Undoubtedly both, and, while she could see the sense of it, she abhorred the not-so-subtle interrogation.

Would she have felt differently if Nikolos weren’t present, and part of it? Innate honesty compelled an affirmative answer.

He disturbed her…mentally and emotionally. It was almost as if every nerve cell recognised him on a base level, and she had to fight to retain her composure.

Difficult when he was there, almost within touching distance on the opposite side of the dining table.

The thought of eating anything made her feel ill, yet good manners ensured she sampled a few morsels from each course…of which there seemed far too many. Or was that merely her imagination, due to her acute sensitivity of the man seated close by?

‘Are you a perpetual student,’ Angelena queried, ‘intent on gaining academic successes without putting theory to practice?’

‘If I’d known you would be so intensely interested in my background, I could have brought my CV for your perusal.’

Strike one for Mia, she accorded silently, and heard Cris’ appreciative chuckle.

‘Are you going to give it up, Yiayia?’

His grandmother lifted one eyebrow. ‘Have you known me to retreat from anything?’ She turned her attention back to Mia. ‘What field were you in before choosing to pursue a pharmacy degree?’

For one second she considered going for shock tactics, then opted for fact. ‘I was a cosmetics consultant.’

Those shrewd eyes sharpened. ‘In a department store?’

‘On referral from cosmetic surgeons to teach patients how the skilful use of cosmetics can minimise facial disfigurement.’ Exacting work, with often pleasurable results.

‘I imagine it was gratifying,’ Sofia indicated with interest. ‘Did you work with children, or mainly adults?’

‘Both.’

Between them they were gradually building up her profile, and she mentally chastised herself for her own cynicism in wondering if it wasn’t some preconceived test.

Mia sipped water from her glass, and when it came to dessert she passed on the baklava and settled for fresh fruit.

Another hour, she perceived, then she could plead a need to leave.

‘Are you intent on seducing my grandson?’

Now there was a question!

Nikolos fingered the stem of his wine goblet as he waited to see how Mia would handle the elderly lady’s irascible manner, intrigued by the slight tilt of her chin, the faint edge of defiance deepening her dark brown eyes.

‘No.’

‘You are a refreshing change from the simpering socialites who trip over themselves to attract my grandson’s attention.’

Costas’ appearance was a welcome intrusion. ‘Coffee is served in the lounge, ma’am.’

Thank heaven the evening was almost at an end. For the past few hours she’d felt like a specimen beneath a microscope…dissected, analysed, and categorised.

Mia requested tea, and when she finished she stood up, thanked Sofia, Angelena, then she turned towards Cris.

‘Would you mind calling me a cab?’

‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ His protest was immediate.

‘I’ll drive Mia home,’ Nikolos inclined smoothly.

A silent scream rose and died in her throat. Oh, dear Lord, no. She didn’t want to be alone with him. Hell, she didn’t want to have anything to do with him!

Except somehow she couldn’t dismiss an instinctive feeling he intended to allow her no choice.

‘A cab is fine,’ she managed evenly, tempering her firm tone with a polite smile.

‘No.’

If she thought he’d let her escape so easily, she was badly mistaken. Nikolos leant down and brushed his lips to Angelena’s temple, then accorded Sofia a similar gesture of affection.

‘Goodnight. I’ll be in touch.’

Mia cast Cris a desperate glance, and received a faintly raised eyebrow indicating a silent What’s the fuss?

If he only knew!

‘This isn’t necessary,’ Mia said quietly minutes later as Nikolos opened the passenger door and stood waiting for her to slip into the front seat.

‘You want to cause my mother distress by beginning an argument on her doorstep?’

She flung him a dark glance as she slid into the car, and the door closed with a refined click before he crossed to the driver’s side.

The instinct to get out and run was uppermost, and she banked it down.

‘I’ll accept a ride to the nearest cab-stand,’ she indicated stiffly as Nikolos eased the vehicle towards the gated entrance.

‘Afraid, Mia?’ he posed as the Mercedes gained the leafy avenue and gathered speed.

Sheer bravado was responsible for her answer. ‘No.’

‘You should be.’

‘I don’t see why.’

He spared her a brief glance. ‘No?’ She looked so delightfully petite seated against the opulent leather. ‘You’d have me believe what we shared was of little consequence? A one-night stand between two consenting adults?’

Her heart thudded in her chest, then kicked to a faster beat. ‘Something like that.’

‘The hell it was.’

She wanted to hit him, and would have if he hadn’t been in control of a car. ‘There’s a cab-stand at Double Bay. You can drop me there.’

Nikolos’ hands tightened on the steering wheel as a knot tightened in his gut. Something primeval stirred deep within in the knowledge he’d been her first and only lover. He tamped down the need that rose so swiftly, and stifled a husky oath in self-castigation.

He was far beyond the ready lust of a teenager. Yet this woman had the power to test his control, and it irritated him. Worse…thoughts of her kept him awake nights, and ruined him for any other woman he could easily have bedded. Heaven knew there were a number from whom he could choose.

Except it was Mia’s features he wanted to see, the warmth of her smile…and he gently extricated willing fingers, made a seemingly reasonable but regretful excuse and went home alone.

‘When we’ve talked,’ Nikolos declared. ‘I’ll take you home.’

‘We have nothing to discuss.’

He brought the vehicle to a halt at a set of traffic lights and turned towards her briefly. ‘Yes,’ he reiterated hardily. ‘We do.’

‘Do you insist on a post-mortem with every woman with whom you’ve had sex?’

The lights changed, and he moved the vehicle forward with the flow of traffic. Minutes later he entered Double Bay and after finding no convenient parking space he swung the car into the entrance of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, requested valet parking, then led her into the hotel lounge.

Refined elegance, she perceived as a waiter hurried forward to usher them to a table, took an order for tea, then unobtrusively retreated.

Mia schooled her features as she deliberately met Nikolos’ dark gaze. ‘Can we get this over with?’

Was that her voice? She sounded so calm, when inside her nerves were shredding into a tangled mess.

‘Why did you leave?’

Her eyes widened slightly, then became shadowed. Twelve weeks had passed since that fateful night, yet every detail was etched in her mind. The magic of his touch, the unleashing of emotions she hadn’t known she possessed…

Dear God, how could she have stayed and faced him in the morning? Calmly risen from the bed, showered, dressed, shared breakfast, then walked away as if the night had meant nothing more than the sharing of good sex?

Instead of an earth-shattering experience that had changed her perspective, her life?

‘There was no reason to stay.’

‘No name, no contact number,’ Nikolos pursued silkily. ‘No means by which I could get in touch with you. Why?’

‘I was unaware there was any protocol involved. What would you have had me write on a note? “You were great?”’ She was on a roll. “‘Call me some time and we’ll do it again?” Would that have fed your ego? Salved your conscience?’

He didn’t move, but she had the sensation his body coiled like a tightly wound spring.

‘You gifted me your virginity. That had to mean something.’

His words were silky smooth and dangerous, and Mia barely repressed a shiver as sensation unfurled deep within at the memory…his disbelief, the husky curse, and his gentleness as he’d led her through the threshold of pain to pleasure beyond her wildest imagination.

And afterwards…dear heaven, afterwards he’d held her all night long as she’d become a willing wanton eager for his touch. Again and again.

‘It wasn’t such a big deal.’ And knew she lied…big time.

‘No?’ His gaze didn’t shift.

‘The prophylactic broke, remember?’

One of them.

The waiter arrived and laid out their tea, then took his leave.

‘If you weren’t taking precautions prior to intimacy,’ Nikolos continued, ‘I imagine you covered any possibility of pregnancy with a prescription for the morning-after pill?’

‘I considered it unnecessary.’ Foolishly, she accorded in silent self-castigation. What on earth had she been thinking of? Yet when she had thought, she’d rationalised her cycle hadn’t been in the fertile zone.

So much for the norm, the majority!

She became aware of Nikolos’ intent gaze, and held it with difficulty.

‘And was it unnecessary?’ he pursued quietly.

Oh, dear Lord, how did she answer that?

His eyes darkened and assumed a ruthless intensity as her silence stretched too long. ‘Mia?’

‘My body, my responsibility,’ she managed quietly, aware she was just barely holding it together.

‘Dammit, you weren’t alone in that bed.’

‘What do you want me to say? “Was it as good for you as it was for me?” Or are you afraid I’ll slap you with a paternity suit, demand a large financial settlement, or run to the media and besmirch the Karedes name?’ She was like a runaway train that couldn’t stop. ‘Or maybe all three?’

‘The truth will do for a start.’

She held his gaze fearlessly. The truth? ‘I took a pregnancy test three weeks ago, and had the positive result confirmed by a doctor the following day.’

He waited a beat as he attempted some measure of control. ‘Tell me, was I never to know?’

Her hand shook a little as she took time out to add milk to her cup. ‘Reality check, Nikolos. Just as you didn’t know my name, you hadn’t given me yours.’

The breath hissed from his mouth. ‘Have you had—?’

‘An abortion? No.’ The foetus inside her was a living entity. The thought of having it forcibly removed from her body made her feel ill. ‘This child is my responsibility.’

‘Mine, also. I’ll ensure you have specialist obstetrical care, and take care of all medical expenses.’

‘I don’t want anything from you.’

‘If you think I’ll walk away from this, you’re mistaken.’

‘You have no rights—’

‘Yes, I do.’

The thought of sharing the child hadn’t entered her head. Now that it did, it began to assume gigantic proportion.

‘I intend bringing up the child alone.’

‘No.’

‘What do you mean…no? The decision isn’t yours to make.’

‘The child will bear the Karedes name.’

Mia replaced the cup carefully down onto its saucer, then sank back in her chair. ‘Fredrickson,’ she corrected.

‘Karedes,’ Nikolos declared with chilling softness.

‘As I don’t intend changing my surname, Fredrickson will appear on the birth certificate.’ She rose to her feet and caught up her bag. ‘It’s been some evening. Your grandmother suspects I’ve snatched Cris for a toy boy and showed no mercy in her interrogation.’ She glared at him, and barely restrained herself from picking up the ashtray and throwing it at him. ‘As if that’s not enough, you shanghai me and take up where they left off.’

‘Sit down.’

‘Go to hell.’

‘Sit down—please.’

The please almost did it, except she refused to give in. ‘I’ll have the concierge summon a cab.’ She fixed him with an angry glare. ‘If you try to stop me, I’ll—’

‘Do what?’ Nikolos drawled.

‘Call Security and file a harassment charge.’

‘You might care to rethink that.’

‘Why?’ It was a cry from the heart. ‘You’re bent on detaining me against my will.’

‘This conversation would have been better served in private.’

‘We’ve said all there is to say.’

‘No,’ Nikolos drawled imperturbably. ‘We haven’t.’

She was tired, she had a headache, and she’d had enough. ‘It’s simple. I’m going to keep the baby. I don’t want your help…financial or otherwise. And I’d rather not see you again.’

His appraisal remained steady, and unnerved her…as he meant it to. ‘Tough. Because not seeing me again isn’t an option. Nor is refusing my help.’

Mia didn’t like his imperturbability, or the hint of elemental ruthlessness beneath his deceptively mild exterior.

Nikolos Karedes possessed an animalistic sense of power that was vaguely frightening. He had no hold over her, no means to force her into any situation she didn’t want or covet.

So why did she have the feeling he was intent on taking control? With or without her consent.

It was crazy.

Without a further word she turned and walked to the concierge’s desk, requested the attendant summon a cab, then when it swept into the entrance she made her escape.

As the cab eased forward she saw Nikolos emerge from the entrance and lift his hand in silent acknowledgement as he slid behind the wheel of his car.

Any satisfaction she experienced at initiating independence diminished with the knowledge Nikolos Karedes knew who she was, where Alice lived, and her anonymity no longer existed.

CHAPTER THREE

‘THE guy you slept with and Cris’ brother are one and the same? You’re kidding me…aren’t you?’ Alice challenged with a stunned expression as they shared lunch together at a café overlooking the harbour.

It was by way of being a celebration, given Mia had successfully confirmed a three-week placement in a local pharmacy. There was also an indication she’d be offered part-time work during the long summer holidays.

Alice expelled a long drawn-out breath, concern clouding her features. ‘Unbelievable.’

A slight understatement, if ever there was one, Mia acknowledged silently. ‘It made for an uncomfortable evening.’

‘Added to the subtle grilling re your friendship with Cris?’

‘Subtle didn’t enter the equation.’ Mia rolled her eyes expressively. ‘Cris’ grandmother breathed fire and brimstone.’

‘A dragon, huh?’

‘Oh, yeah. And then some.’

‘And?’

She met her sister’s gaze, interpreted the silent query, and fielded it. ‘You’re not going to let up, are you?’

‘Got it in one.’

‘Nikolos insisted on driving me home, we stopped off for coffee, and we…talked.’

‘As in?’

‘He asked, I told him, he offered help, I refused,’ Mia declared. She paused to sip chilled water from her glass. ‘Then I walked out and caught a cab.’

‘Not the best move.’

‘It seemed a good idea at the time.’

‘So what happens now?’

‘Nothing, hopefully.’

‘You think he’s going to dismiss the fact you’re carrying a Karedes heir?’ Alice’s voice held a slightly incredulous note.

She’d known for three weeks, and in that time she’d considered the baby hers. Her responsibility, therefore her decisions were the only ones that would count.

Now she was forced to accept the father of her child intended to take an active role in its life. Which meant Nikolos Karedes would intrude in her life. Something she needed like a hole in the head.

There was a part of her that wanted to cut and run. Sure, a tiny imp silently derided. That’s really going to work!

‘You do realise just who Nikolos Karedes is, and the power he has in this city?’ Alice queried.

A chill shiver slithered the length of Mia’s spine. Why did she get the feeling she was losing a battle that had yet to be fought? It was crazy.

If only she hadn’t decided to spend the long summer break in Sydney…except she had, and it wasn’t possible to go back and change a set of circumstances that had brought her into contact with the man with whom she’d conceived a child.

So…she’d deal with it. All she had to do was remain resolute. Nikolos Karedes might imagine he possessed a few rights. But they had to be limited, surely?

‘I’m self-supporting, and entitled to make my own decisions,’ Mia reminded gently.

A half-share in their parents’ estate had allowed her to purchase her own apartment and have an investment portfolio. An apartment she’d leased out when she’d entered university. Her furniture had been placed in storage, and most of her clothes were stored at Alice’s home.

‘With regard to yourself,’ Alice agreed, frowning with concern. ‘However, when it comes to the child, Nikolos Karedes can insist on a DNA test, and with proven paternity he has legal rights with regard to custody, education.’

Mia felt the blood drain from her face. ‘You’re positive about this?’ A ridiculous query, given Alice worked as a para-legal, and possessed an extensive knowledge of the law. ‘What if he doesn’t choose—’

‘To stake a claim?’ Her sister paused for a few seconds, then offered gently, ‘Hasn’t he already stated he intends to be part of the child’s life?’

That put a different perspective on going solo. ‘So what do you suggest?’

‘Establish a convivial friendship with the man.’

‘Are you mad?’

Alice shook her head. ‘It wouldn’t be wise to make an enemy of him.’

The mere thought of him in that role sent a chill shiver feathering the length of her spine, and she placed a protective hand to her waist.

A silent groan of despair rose and died in her throat. How could she have been so foolish as to think she was in control, and able to call the shots?

As to Nikolos Karedes backing down…forget it.

Friends. How could they be friends?

She didn’t want to think about it. In fact, she refused to consider anything about the man for the rest of the afternoon.

Mia checked her watch. ‘We should go do some shopping before we collect Matt from school.’

‘A bid to divert the subject of conversation?’

‘Got it in one.’

Alice lifted both hands in a gesture of defeat. ‘Okay, time to butt out.’

‘No,’ Mia contradicted gently. ‘I love you dearly, and value your opinion, your advice.’

‘But…?’

‘I’d prefer not to spend time second-guessing Nikolos Karedes’ next move.’

‘So let’s go enjoy the rest of the day, huh?’

Mia’s cellphone pealed within minutes of leaving the café, and she took the call.

‘Mia? It’s Cris.’ His voice held amusement. ‘Last night. You and Nikolos. What was that?’

If only you knew! ‘You could have rescued me.’

‘Darling, you were doing just fine on your own.’

‘You think?’

‘Sweetie, if I was hetero I could almost be jealous of how fast he moved in for the kill. So he drove you home, and…?’

‘There was no and…’

‘Of course not. But—’

‘I left and took a cab.’

His soft chuckle almost undid her. ‘No woman walks out on Nikolos Karedes.’

‘This one did.’

‘Wish I’d been there.’

‘Any fallout from last night?’

‘Oh, you could say that.’ His humour was infectious. ‘Yiayia lectured me on the age difference, my studies, the family honour. Sofia added her concerns, and brother Nikolos subjected me to one of his discerning looks over breakfast. Incidentally,’ he added following a fractional pause. ‘Nikolos has your phone number.’

‘You gave it to him?’ she demanded incredulously.

‘You mind?’

Yes, she did. Very much.

‘Oh, hell.’ Cris swore quietly. ‘Want me to go into damage control?’

There was little point. ‘No.’ She drew in a deep breath, then released it slowly. ‘I’m out shopping with Alice.’

‘Enjoy. We’ll talk soon.’

‘Cris?’ Alice queried as Mia cut the call.

‘Uh-huh.’

‘I think,’ Alice offered cheerfully, ‘we need to do some serious retail therapy.’

‘It’s that or chocolate,’ Mia hinted darkly, and led the way into the next trendy boutique.

It was after four when they arrived home, and it took little prompting for Matt to tend to his homework before dinner.

Mia deposited an assortment of bright carrier bags in her room, then changed into cargo pants and a tee shirt before joining Alice in the kitchen.

They were about to begin preparations for a steak salad when the doorbell rang.

Alice dried her hands, and smoothed a hand over her hair. ‘I’ll get it.’

A few minutes later she returned carrying a large bouquet of pale roses in cream, peach and apricot. ‘For you.’

Mia felt the nerves in her stomach tighten. Who would send her flowers? It couldn’t be… She plucked the card, and read the slashing signature.

Nikolos.

No message, just his name.

‘Should I guess?’ Alice prompted, and Mia shook her head as she extended the card.

‘Kind of makes a statement, don’t you think?’

‘I’ll get a vase.’

Mia drew a deep breath and released it slowly. ‘How do you feel about discarding dinner and we’ll take Matt and go grab a burger? My treat.’

‘Yes.’ Matt’s victory gesture clinched it, although his mother added the rider, ‘Finish your homework first.’

It was a futile act of defiance, but it felt good as Mia switched off her cellphone en route to the nearest burger outlet.

‘You think that’s going to work?’ Alice queried mildly as they collected their order and made for one of the outdoor tables.

‘It’s something I can control.’

Matt’s enthusiasm for a departure in routine was catching, and his natural flair for humour brought laughter during the ride home.

Until Alice turned the car into their street and Mia caught sight of Nikolos’ Mercedes parked at the kerb.

‘Wow,’ Matt breathed with boyish reverence. ‘That’s right outside our house.’

Mia cursed beneath her breath, and endeavoured to still the nerves turning somersaults inside her stomach. Nikolos emerged from behind the wheel as Alice entered the driveway.

‘Let me out before you take the car into the garage,’ Mia instructed quietly. ‘I’ll get rid of him.’

‘Don’t like your chances.’

It took only seconds to slip out from the car, and she turned to face Nikolos Karedes as the automatic garage door slid closed.

He was too tall, his shoulders too broad…and he was altogether too much. Strong masculine features projected a forceful image that meshed elemental sensuality with leashed strength.

Designer jeans and a chambray shirt replaced the elegant suit and tie of the previous evening, and the casual look in no way diminished his animalistic aura of power.

Mia took in the faint grooves slashing his cheeks, the tiny lines fanning out from his eyes, the curve of his mouth, and conducted a mental count to five as she attempted to slow her heartbeat.

Attack was the best form of defence…wasn’t it? ‘What are you doing here?’

‘You left me little choice,’ Nikolos drawled. ‘Your sister’s answering machine wasn’t activated, and your cellphone is switched off.’

‘We were out.’ With the obvious intention of being incommunicado. She should have known he wouldn’t let it rest for long. ‘We said all there was to say last night.’

‘No,’ Nikolos drawled. ‘We didn’t. You chose to leave before we were done.’

Her fingers curled into a tight fist. ‘I have nothing more to say to you.’

He glanced towards the neat fences, the surrounding houses. ‘I suggest we have this conversation elsewhere.’

‘Why?’ Mia demanded, sorely tried.

No one had worked their way beneath her skin as this man did. She was incredibly aware of his sensual alchemy and the effect it had on her. Potent, devastating and infinitely dangerous. She could recall in vivid detail how it felt to have his mouth possess her own, the touch of his hands on her body…how he could make her feel.

She didn’t want to go there. Didn’t want to remember. Not in the daylight hours. It was bad enough he haunted her dreams, invaded her subconscious, and lingered there all through each night.

‘We’re going to share a child together.’

Her eyes flared, widening into deep dark pools as she regarded him. ‘I’m the one who’s pregnant. Whose body will nurture and expel the child into the world, feed and care for it.’

His expression didn’t change. ‘All the more reason for us to take time to get to know each other better.’

She waited a beat. ‘I think we’ve already taken care of that, don’t you?’

One eyebrow slanted. ‘One night of intimacy doesn’t constitute a relationship.’

‘There isn’t going to be a relationship!’

‘Friends,’ he amended. ‘It would be a start, don’t you think?’

‘A start to what?’ She was on a roll. ‘Civility? Sharing the occasional meal, observing the social niceties? I don’t think so!’

‘What are you afraid of?’

Oh, man, you can’t begin to comprehend! ‘I don’t see it would serve any purpose.’

‘You didn’t answer the question.’

Mia heard a slight sound and turned to see Alice framed in the open doorway, a polite smile creasing her attractive features.

‘Hi, I’m Alice. You must be Nikolos.’ The smile curved a little wider. ‘Perhaps you’d like to take this indoors and continue your conversation over coffee.’

Coffee? Indoors? Are you mad? Mia demanded silently, and met Alice’s bland expression as Nikolos inclined his head.

‘Thank you.’

Matt’s boyish enthusiasm acted as a merciful distraction, and within minutes Mia followed Alice into the kitchen.

‘Traitor,’ she accused quietly as she took down cups and set them on matching saucers.

‘You could hardly stand out on the lawn indefinitely.’

‘Want to bet?’

It didn’t take long for the coffee to percolate, and Matt leapt to his feet the instant Alice appeared in the lounge.