Читать книгу Secret Heirs: Baby Scandal - Кейт Хьюит - Страница 12
ОглавлениеSERENA STEPPED AWAY from Nikos—away from the anger of his words. ‘I can’t talk about this any more.’ She needed to put distance between them. ‘Maybe we should have this discussion tomorrow?’
He looked at her, unexpected concern in his eyes. ‘Perhaps that is best. When you are more rested you will be able to think rationally. Then you will accept that we should marry—for our baby.’
She bristled with indignation at his comment, sure his ability to use English hadn’t compromised his choice of words. She was perfectly rational, and she had no intention of marrying someone who didn’t love her.
‘Nothing will change.’
‘Where are you staying?’
Nikos asked the question lightly—a little too lightly—arousing her suspicions as to why he appeared to be giving in so easily.
He couldn’t be trusted. He’d proved that with his non-revelation about who he really was. She might not have looked him up on the internet before, but she certainly had now. The uneasy feeling that she was dealing with something much bigger than she’d anticipated filled her with dread. He’d concealed his identity, lied to her. Why? What would he have to gain by doing that?
‘In the same hotel.’
She spoke softly, trying not to think about the nights they’d spent in her room when she’d stayed there before. Why she’d insisted on the same room she didn’t know—romantic notions and memories of being there with the man she’d fallen in love with? Or was it because of the night she’d experienced love with Nikos for the first time?
He’d been gentle and kind then, accepting she was innocent but not knowing just how much. She had been sure he was the man she’d waited for. She’d loved him. She’d wanted him to make love to her because then he hadn’t been at all like the Nikos who now openly admitted deceiving her and was virtually forcing her into marriage.
‘Then we shall go there now and collect your bags.’
He moved towards her, taking her hand in his. She didn’t want to follow, to obey his command, but just the touch of his hand against hers sent a sizzle of heat scorching through her and she knew that, whatever the outcome of her visit to the island, there was still unfinished business between them. Her body still craved his, still imagined his caress, his kisses. Stupid as it was, she still loved him.
The hum of music from the bars and restaurants drifted on the warm night air as the sea became an inky blackness, melting into the star-filled sky. Despite the idyllic setting, the idea of walking hand in hand with Nikos felt anything but romantic. Intimidating, maybe—threatening, definitely—but she was powerless to stop it, unable to resist him.
‘Nikos!’ she gasped, pulling back against him, suddenly regaining her strength, knowing she had to fight. ‘What are you doing?’
He stopped and looked down at her. His handsome face was partially in shadow, but his eyes sparked like a warrior’s, locking with hers, sending a shiver of excitement and apprehension skittering down her spine.
‘Taking control.’
The firmness of his voice, still sexy and accented, hinted at the level of discipline he was currently putting on himself.
‘Of what? Me?’
She stood tall, facing him in the darkness, hoping that he wouldn’t see how unsure she really was, that her voice sounded strong and defiant.
‘Of my child.’
She blinked in shock. Did he think that his playing the role of protector would make her fall in line with his plans? That she would marry him and live happily ever after? How could that ever happen when he didn’t want her, let alone love her? If she married him her child would grow up knowing it was the mistake that had forced them together—something she never wanted a child of hers to feel.
‘You don’t need to come back to the hotel to do that.’
She really didn’t want to be with him at the moment. She needed to think, to re-evaluate things. Nothing had gone as she’d planned. And it was all down to the revelation of his true identity.
His hand in hers felt unnervingly right, but the whole situation was wrong. Confusion at this newly assertive man was mixed with the ever-present heat of desire, fizzing like a newly popped bottle of champagne, and she didn’t want to partake of it right now.
‘We’ll talk again tomorrow.’
‘We will talk again tomorrow—in Athens.’
He started to walk again, his hand still tightly holding hers, and although she knew she shouldn’t want her hand in his she did. A small sliver of hope entered her heart as the sound of the waves was left behind. She walked with him out onto the street and towards the small family-run hotel she adored so much—just as she’d done when she was there before, when things had been different, much more simple.
Then his words registered.
‘Athens?’ Serena hadn’t realised she’d spoken aloud until he turned to look at her, his vivid blue eyes ever watchful.
‘My home is there—and my business. We will be leaving in an hour.’
His expression was harsh, his tone firm, and she was so stunned she couldn’t say a word. What had made him think she’d leave with him?
‘Give me one good reason why I should go anywhere with you when you’ve lied to me from the very start?’
She couldn’t just go—but if he walked away now would she ever be able to forgive herself in years to come when her child wanted to know where its father was?
‘There is only one reason, Serena, and it’s a very good one. You are carrying my child.’
The lights from the hotel shone on his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his cheekbones, making him look so formidable she could imagine him in a boardroom, dominating and controlling everything.
‘A child you don’t want.’
She flung the accusation at him, feeling hysteria rise inside her. She was too emotionally drained for this—too tired. After almost a day of travelling she just wanted to rest. No, she had to rest. But she also had to resist the urge to give in to him, to allow him to take control. He’d lied to her once and she knew from experience that it would happen again. Hadn’t her father lied, time and time again?
‘There is nothing to discuss. Get your bags. My plane is waiting.’
Inside she seethed with resentment, but she didn’t have the energy to retaliate. He looked down at her and she desperately tried to put up some resistance. It was hard—and not just because she was so tired. Deep down she wanted to be with Nikos, wished she could find a happy-ever-after with him.
She followed him into the hotel, inwardly doing battle with her desire to go with him. Maybe they could recapture what they’d shared such a short time ago? The bright lights of the small reception area made her blink briefly against the glare and she knew that would never happen.
Nikos spoke in hushed Greek to the owner of the hotel and the reality of what was happening rocketed back at her.
She had to go with him—just to sort things out. He was the father of her child and she owed it to the baby to sort things out amicably. But she also owed it to herself not to let him hurt her again, and to do that she had to remain strong.
He turned to face her, his arm outstretched as he drew her close in a show of affection she hadn’t been expecting. It was one she was sure was for the hotel owner’s benefit.
‘We’ll be on the plane soon. You can rest there.’
‘Rest...?’
Oh, but he was good. She could see the hotel owner smiling at them, as if he was witnessing love’s dream couple reunited. Did he know Nikos—the real Nikos?
‘You must be exhausted.’
His arm about her shoulder pulled her in closer to him and his lips pressed affectionately and familiarly on her forehead, confusing her already muddled emotions further.
‘Let’s get your things.’
Unable to do anything but play out the charade he’d started, she allowed herself to be led towards the stairs. The lean length of his body was pressed close to her side, sending a spark of awareness all through her. It was so strong she was glad when they reached her room. She belatedly rummaged in her handbag for the key, remembering the phone calls she’d not answered. She’d have to deal with those soon—but first she had an overbearing Greek to deal with.
‘Did you purposely choose the same room?’ A hint of seductive mockery played at the corners of his mouth and sparkled in his eyes as he looked at her.
As she entered the room she looked about her. It was much the same as it had been that first night.
‘I didn’t ask for this room. They must have remembered me.’ She smiled at him, briefly forgetting her intentions, and for a moment it was like going back to those nights they’d spent together, teasing and laughing with each other.
She’d been so in love with him, so sure he was the man. She had encouraged his kisses, yearned for his touch and craved his body, hers seemingly knowing exactly what to do despite her innocence.
‘Is this it? This small case?’
The atmosphere changed as he spoke.
‘As I told you, I came to do the decent thing and tell you to your face. I didn’t intend to stay long. It was never as if we could start again where we’d left off. Not when you’d made it so clear what your thoughts on being a father were.’
‘I did not make any such thing clear.’
He narrowed his eyes and she knew she’d hit a nerve.
‘The possibility that those moments on the beach might have made you a father horrified you, Nikos. Don’t try to deny it.’ She fired the words at him, feeling herself emotionally stronger again. She wasn’t going to allow him to manipulate her just because he had power and wealth. He might have hidden that from her when they first met, but no way would she let him use it against her now.
‘That is untrue and you know it.’
He moved closer to her and her heart rate rushed away like a herd of wild horses.
‘Do I?’ She snapped the question out, desperate to hide the effect he was having on her.
His deep, silky voice, heavily accented, did untold things to the heady desire she was trying to suppress. She couldn’t let it show. Whatever else he thought, he had to think she was completely indifferent to him.
He moved closer to her, his eyes darkening, his accent becoming more pronounced and far too sexy.
‘It’s still there, isn’t it? That sizzle of attraction that kept us here, in this very room, in this very bed, night after night.’
Serena looked at him, her mind racing back to the time they’d spent here, to their first night together. That night he’d kissed her softly, his lips teasing and gentle. She’d known then for certain that this was the man she wanted to give herself to completely. She’d wanted him with such abandon she’d have done anything to show him how much she loved him.
She’d instinctively known that what they’d had was special, that the attraction was one she might never find again. Now, as she stood looking at him, her heart was heavy—because it hadn’t been like that for him. It had been nothing more than a passing affair. One he’d hoped he could turn his back on.
She stepped away and looked out of the open window to the sea moving restlessly in the darkness, its salty tang lingering on the warm breeze. This would be her child’s heritage—one it might never see if she walked away now. But how could she stay when he didn’t want her? Let alone the child she carried?
‘Serena...’
His voice was husky and he stood right behind her, the heat of his body almost too much. She shut her heart against thoughts of what might have been as he placed his hands on her shoulders. Mesmerised by his spell, she turned, looking up into his face. His blue eyes were heavy with desire as they looked into hers, urging her towards him.
She closed her eyes, but that didn’t help, and when his lips brushed hers she jumped back and glared at him. ‘Don’t you dare think you can seduce me with kisses this time.’
‘I don’t need kisses to get what I want.’
He moved closer to her, forcing her against the wall, but she held her ground and maintained eye contact, even though inside she was quaking.
Those hard words had suffocated any lingering illusions of love she’d had. He didn’t care about her. He didn’t care about the baby. This was all about getting what he wanted.
‘So what is it you want?’ she asked haughtily, testing him. Would he openly admit to being that callous, that cold?
‘I want you to come to Athens with me, Serena.’
Each word was full of determination, softened only by the accent that she found so sexy.
She shook her head. ‘That’s not going to happen, Nikos.’
‘Then why are you here?’
She stepped up to him, lifting her chin and glaring angrily at him. ‘I came here to tell a fisherman he was to be a father—to tell him that no matter what I’d never stop him from seeing his child. But that fisherman is not you.’
Memories came unbidden to her mind of that night on the beach—the night they’d made love without any thought of contraception. The night they’d created the new life she now held within her. The life whose future she could determine by her choices now.
‘It’s just as well that I am not that fisherman, because now I can give you what you want—but only if you become my wife. No child of mine will be born illegitimate.’
‘You think you have all the power, don’t you, Nikos? But you can’t drag me up the aisle.’
Unnerved by his certainty that he could get what he wanted, she moved away from him and to the door of her room, opening it wide in the hope that he’d leave.
That hope faded instantly.
* * *
Nikos remained resolutely still, biting down hard against the anger that coursed through him. How dared she think she could calmly dismiss him from his child’s life? He hadn’t wanted to be a father, but there was no way he would turn his back on his child—allow it to grow up wondering where he was.
As the challenge of her actions settled around them he knew exactly how he was going to handle this. Serena would be his wife—his willing wife—no matter what. His child was going to be born without the stigma of illegitimacy.
He ignored the waves of anxiety rushing through him at the thought of commitment. And he didn’t even know if Serena would stay and go along with his plans or if she’d be just like his mother—too selfish to care—and walk away.
‘You will be my wife. The child you carry is my heir and I will not allow you to keep me from it.’
Hostility poured off her as she stood, rigid and tall, by the open door of the hotel room. With each passing second she was challenging him further, pushing him to limits he’d never thought it possible to go to.
‘What are you going to do? Force me to marry you?’
The curtness of her tone irritated him further, and he crossed his arms and glared coldly at her.
‘I’m going to make you an offer you can’t refuse.’ Dominance in the boardroom was something he was used to, but overpowering a woman—one he still wanted and desired—was a totally new concept.
‘You don’t have anything I want, Nikos.’
The hint of confusion in her voice made him raise a brow in speculation. Surely she was curious to hear the terms of his deal?
‘If the baby is mine—’ he began, but halted as she gasped loudly, her delicate brows furrowed, her soft lips open and her hand against her stomach.
‘How dare you suggest it isn’t?’
‘I have no evidence that it is.’ He snapped the words at her, feeling her anger as she glared at him, her green eyes sparking.
She spun round so quickly to reach for her handbag that he thought she might fall. She pulled out a small black-and-white photograph.
‘Here.’ She thrust it at him. ‘The evidence you want. That is what you mean, isn’t it? Conclusive dates to match the date of that night on the beach?’
‘This will do for now, but I would like you to see a doctor here in Greece.’
What kind of fool did she think he was, simply to take her word that she was carrying his child?
He’d seen men cheated into bringing up other men’s children, and whilst he would stand by his child he had to know that it was his.
Even as the thought entered his mind he knew that it was. She’d been a virgin when she’d met him. He remembered vividly the moment he’d realised the truth. He had cursed aloud, the look of shock on her face forcing him to quell his reaction as he’d focused on giving her as much pleasure as he’d felt. Now all he felt was guilt about questioning her.
‘That won’t be necessary.’ She pushed away from him roughly. ‘I have seen doctors in England.’
He looked again at the image, his sharp gaze scanning the information. All the evidence he needed that the baby was his was there, but it was seeing the fuzzy image, knowing it was his baby, that pulled on his heart, creating a tight band across his chest as unfamiliar as if the sea around the island had frozen.
‘Even so, you will see a doctor once we arrive in Athens.’
‘I’m not going with you, Nikos. And I can’t marry you.’
Her voice was filled with emotion, and if he’d been a man with a heart he would have asked why. He would have taken her hand and told her they’d work it out. But he didn’t have a heart.
‘Once you agree to be my wife, to stay in Greece and to live as a family, I will give you what you want.’ He delivered the words in a cool and dominant tone, ignoring the way she visibly flinched.
‘I’ve told you—I don’t want anything from you.’
‘I’m sure your sister wouldn’t like to know you’d turned down a chance of her continuing with her IVF treatment.’
‘What?’ She crossed the floor and came to stand directly in front of him. ‘That is blackmail.’
‘No, it’s getting what I want at whatever price has to be paid.’
‘It’s blackmail—and totally ruthless.’ She hissed the words at him and, despite the situation, he admired her staying power.
‘Ruthless, maybe—but it is my only deal.’ He laid his final card down and waited for her surrender. ‘Take it or leave it.’
‘How can you even think I would accept such terms?’
She snatched the scan photo back and looked down at it, holding it tightly. When she looked up at him the glitter in her eyes bellied the anger he’d provoked.
‘Don’t go against me, Serena.’
The warning in his voice didn’t go unnoticed.
‘I’m not going against you. All I want is to do the best for us both—me and my baby.’
Anger shattered around the periphery of his vision and he inhaled deeply, locking his gaze to hers. He’d never expected such challenge, such dismissal of his deal.
‘You forget. It is my child too.’
* * *
The bristling atmosphere pressed down on Serena as Nikos stood watching—waiting for her answer. She looked again at the scan photo in her hands. The knowledge that she had the power to give the same experience to her sister, or deny her, sickened her. She closed her eyes against the nausea—and against Nikos’s merciless scrutiny.
Secretly she’d dreamed of marriage and happy-ever-after, but those dreams had finally died the moment she’d heard Nikos condemn the idea of love. How could she marry a man who not only admitted he hadn’t ever wanted to be a father, but one who firmly believed love had nothing to do with marriage?
‘But marriage...?’ Still stunned by his proposed deal, delivered without a hint of compassion, she could hardly form a sentence. Exasperation and fury raged through her, quelling the nausea of moments ago. ‘That’s a drastic step, Nikos. What if you meet someone you actually want to marry?’
‘Marriage has never been on my agenda.’
The icy tone left her in no doubt that he meant it.
‘So why marry me?’
Deep down she knew the answer—knew it was because he was opposed to his child being illegitimate. But that went against everything she’d ever wanted for her future. It meant their being forced together because of a baby—a copy of her childhood exactly.
He closed the distance between them, coming so close her heart raced—whether due to the attraction she couldn’t completely dismiss or the seriousness of their discussion, she couldn’t tell.
‘Call me old-fashioned, but my child—my heir—will not be born out of wedlock.’ His voice dripped with disdain as he towered over her. ‘You must decide, Serena—and right now. My plane is waiting.’
All sorts of scenarios rushed through her mind as he watched her, and she wondered if he could see them playing out. She saw her sister happy and content, with a baby in her arms. Saw her own child looking into its father’s eyes and smiling for the first time. These were things she could control just by accepting this bizarre proposal.
An image of herself in Nikos’s arms, being kissed with fiery passion, followed swiftly. The passion had existed once, but could it ever turn to love? Could he ever fall in love with her the way she’d fallen in love with him? If they could find that passion again, surely they could find love one day.
‘Serena?’ he said sternly, pushing her for a decision.
She wanted to rally against him, tell him she needed more time to think—but hadn’t she already done plenty of that? And yet if she said yes she’d be doing exactly what he’d suggested when he’d repeated what she’d said—anything to help her sister have a baby of her own.
She saw him draw in a breath of exasperation. Time was running out. If she said yes, went with him now, she would be buying more time to think.
‘Very well. We’ll do it your way.’
