Married for His Secret Heir

“Why not? I’ve already had one man lie to me. At least you’re honest.”

He was quiet for a moment as he digested her words. “So you’re okay—I mean, you don’t have any expectations about us?”

“I expect that we’ll do whatever it takes to protect our child.”

“Agreed. But earlier—”

“Was pregnancy hormones and exhaustion.”

“You’re sure?” When she nodded, he said, “Then we should get you home.” He got to his feet. “Stay here. I’ll be right back.”

He strode out of the room. He grabbed his clothes from earlier and chan

ged into them. This evening hadn’t ended the way he’d planned—with a fancy dinner including all of Elena’s favorite dishes. But he’d never been around a pregnant woman before. In the future, he’d see to it that she didn’t overdo it.

Now dressed in shorts and a collared shirt, he returned to Elena’s bedroom. The evening had come to an end. He should feel relieved, but he didn’t.

She looked at him, and her eyes momentarily widened. “What happened to your clothes?”

“What?” He glanced down at his outfit. “They look fine to me. And here are yours. Hurry and change. I’ll have the car brought round.”

Before she could protest, he closed the door and walked away. He strode back to the living room, where he blew out all the candles that adorned the room. This whole evening had gone astray. And now Luca had to face spending his wedding night without his bride.

And try as he might, he couldn’t stop thinking of that kiss at the chapel and then the one here at the penthouse. He hadn’t married Elena out of love, so what was up with the feelings that had bubbled up inside him when the minister pronounced them husband and wife?

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

WHY HAD HE suddenly gotten so quiet?

Elena sat in the back of the town car as it eased down the private lane to her parents’ house. Luca sat beside her, staring out the window. Ever since he’d seen the sonogram, he hadn’t said anything about the baby. Was it possible he was having second thoughts about being part of the baby’s life?

She wanted to ask him then and there, but she couldn’t. She didn’t want the driver to overhear.

And then the car pulled to a stop in front of her parents’ house. They got out and strolled up the walk. Before they made it to the stoop, Elena stopped and turned to Luca. “Don’t forget your promise to keep the marriage and the baby a secret.”

“I won’t.” In the moonlight, Luca looked so handsome. He’d worked so hard to make today memorable, but she’d gone and ruined it. The guilt weighed on her. She would make it up to him. She wasn’t sure how just yet, but something would come to her.

Luca cleared his throat. “And now you and that little one need to get some rest.”

This was the opening she needed. She swallowed hard as her stomach quivered with nerves. “Do you want the baby?”

His eyes widened in surprise. “I married you, didn’t I?”

“Answering my question with a question isn’t an answer.”

“It’s all you’re going to get tonight. It’s getting late and we’re both tired.”

“That’s it?” Her voice started to rise. “You’re dismissing me and my concerns.”

Luca shushed her. “We don’t want to make a scene. We’ll talk later.”

“Sometimes you can be the most frustrating man.”

He smiled at her like she’d just paid him a compliment. Then Luca swiped aside a strand of her hair and tucked it behind her ear. He leaned toward her. Her heart lodged in her throat as she realized he was going to kiss her. She should turn away and rebuff his attempt to smooth things over. But she couldn’t move.

Then his lips pressed to her forehead. Her forehead? Really?

His voice was deep when he said, “I’ll see you tomorrow for Annabelle’s party.”