“Alfonso, I need to speak to Lann. Can you please give me his number in New York?”
This wasn’t something one did over the phone, but given the circumstances, she didn’t have a choice. He was probably having a good time back home. Maybe he’d already offered another woman a thirty-day trial with a no-strings-attached clause.
“In fact,” Alfonso said slowly, “Sir will be back here on Friday, just for a couple of days, if Miss wishes to see him.”
Her mouth fell open. He was coming back? Without telling her? He wanted to slip in and out of Santiago without her knowledge. Wow. That hurt.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Shall I give Sir a message?”
“No. No, thank you.” She ended the call.
“You’re better off staying away from him,” Diana said, pointing the wooden spoon at her. “He’s trouble of the kind that can destroy a girl’s life.”
Too late. If Diana only knew. Kat was already in way over her head.
Chapter 2
From the expression of surprise on Lann’s face, he hadn’t expected her. Alfonso hadn’t warned him of her visit. Maybe for a good reason. Maybe Alfonso knew Lann would’ve refused to see her.
Lann sat behind his desk, very similar to the first time they’d met, but this time he was in the library, and not in his office. He’d probably been working on the restoration of his antique books, because he wore his glasses.
Removing them, he got to his feet. The air felt lighter, as it always did in his presence. Wisps of her hair lifted as if to an invisible caress, but Lann didn’t acknowledge the subtle dance of molecules.
It hurt, as did seeing him. Her heart gravitated toward him, paying her more logical mind no heed. Yet he kept his distance, the cool look with which he regarded her as she crossed the floor telling her he was untouchable to her now. Only a short while ago, he’d made her feel like the centre of his universe, and here she was, feeling more lost and out of place in his majestic monastery than ever. Like an intruder.
As always, he looked impeccable in tailored slacks and a white dress shirt. Suddenly conscious of her casual attire, she pulled at the hem of her sweater. He stood immobile, exerting calm, waiting for her to make the first move. Kat had never been fooled about the latent danger that lurked under his quiet sophistication and intellectual air. There was a raw energy about him that hinted at his wildness, even as his exterior was polished civility.
“Alfonso showed me in,” she said.
“Katherine.” His lips lifted in the corner.
Her heart broke at his smile. Her chest constricted painfully. It was the one he reserved for other people. Never for her. It was automatic, a practiced social stance, and she hated it.
Her smile was faint in return. She glanced at the library workers who were handling his books with protective gloves. “May we speak in private, please?”
He frowned. “Let’s go to my office.”
He led the way. At least he hadn’t thrown her out on sight. She was walking the familiar path she’d believed she’d never walk again. The air gathered around his ankles as he moved, lapping at her feet as she followed in his wake. She’d never felt it stronger, and yet it should’ve been the reverse. She was supposed to be cutting the tie, not strengthening it, dammit.
Inside his office, he almost took a military stance, his shoulders straight and his arms behind his back, as if keeping them there would prevent him from touching her. But his eyes were filled with warmth and concern.
“Katherine, I didn’t tell you I was back because I didn’t want to make it harder on you.”
He didn’t owe her an explanation. She’d agreed to his terms. With her eyes wide open.
“I came back to take care of the money,” he continued. “When Alfonso told me you returned everything—”
“I don’t want your money.”
“You can live in comfort. Why struggle, if I have enough to share?”
“Because it wasn’t part of our agreement,” she snapped. She took a calming breath. Damn hormones. “Because it’ll make me feel like a prostitute.”
His expression was incredulous as he considered the statement, but after a moment, he inclined his head. “Of course. I respect your decision.”
“Lann…” She chewed her lip, thinking of the best way to tell him. Hadn’t she practiced her line a million times? “I wouldn’t have broken our agreement and come back here if it wasn’t necessary.”
He stared at her expectantly.
Shit. There was no easy way to break the news. “I’m pregnant.”
He froze. The heat evaporated from his gaze. His biceps flexed. She couldn’t tell if he was mad or disappointed. Either way, neither was the reaction she was hoping for.
The silence stretched between them as his gaze dropped to her stomach. For a while, he seemed incapable of speaking or moving.