A Royal Amnesia Scandal

Something between a moan and a cry escaped her as she came to her feet. Staring at herself in the vanity mirror, Kate didn’t know what she expected to see. She didn’t look any different, but in the past three minutes the course of her entire life had been altered.

Now what should she do? She was pregnant with Luc’s baby and the man practically loathed her, unless she was writing a speech for him or running interference for some engagement he didn’t want to attend.

There was no getting around this. She’d been on the pill since she was a teen, to keep her cycle regular, but they hadn’t used a condom the times they’d been intimate, and birth control wasn’t fail-safe...obviously.

There was only one answer. She’d promised Luc she’d never lie to him again, and she certainly wasn’t going to start off by keeping this baby a secret.

Laying the test stick on the back of the vanity, Kate washed her hands and stepped out of the restroom. She wanted to find Luc now. This couldn’t wait, because the nerves in her stomach were threatening to overtake her. She had to find him.

At this point in the day, she honestly had no idea what he was doing, but she did know he was working from home. If she stopped to think, she could figure out his schedule—she had created it. But her mind wasn’t in work mode right now and she couldn’t process anything other than the fact she was having a baby with a man she loved...a man who could hardly look at her. She was on the verge of freaking out.

Her lies had not only killed the trust Luc had for her, now the whirlwind of secrets had formed a new life...literally.

Kate’s hand slid over her stomach as she made her way out of her office and into the wide hallway. She smiled as she passed one of the maids, but her smile faded the second she reached Luc’s office door. In just moments, both their lives and the future of this country would be changed forever.

She was carrying an heir.

Kate rested her forehead against the smooth wood and closed her eyes. The sooner she told Luc, the sooner they could start figuring out what to do. Summoning all the strength she possessed, she tapped on his office door, cursing her shaking hands. She heard familiar voices on the other side. Apparently, he was having a private meeting with his parents. Still, this couldn’t wait.

Yes, they were the king and queen. Yes, Kate was being rude by interrupting. But she didn’t care.

Fisting her hand, she knocked louder and longer, until the door jerked open to an angry-looking Luc. His jaw clenched, his lips thinned, and once he saw her, his eyes narrowed.

“Kate? We’re in the middle of something.”

Pushing by him, she offered a shaky smile to his parents, who sat with their eyes locked on her. “I’m sorry, but this can’t wait.”

Ana Silva rose to her feet and crossed the room. Kate swallowed as her heart started beating faster. She was going to be sick. The overwhelming urge to pass out or throw up all over the Persian rug had nothing to do with the pregnancy.

“Darling, you’re trembling,” Ana said. “Come, sit down.”

“We’re in the middle of something,” Luc repeated.

Luc’s father stood, gesturing toward the chair he’d just vacated. “Here, Kate.”

Luc muttered a string of Portuguese slang.

“I’m sorry,” Kate muttered. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene. I just need a few minutes with Luc.”

His parents exchanged a look and Kate noticed Luc standing off to the side, arms crossed, jaw still clenched. He wasn’t happy. Too bad she was about to drop another bomb on his life. Would he be even angrier at her? Most likely, but hiding the pregnancy wasn’t an option.

Kate closed her eyes as she rested her elbows on her knees and dropped her head into her hands. Luc’s parents muttered something to him and moments later Kate heard the office door click shut.

“What the hell is this all about?” Luc demanded.

Kate pushed her hair away from her face as she looked up. He was leaning against the edge of his desk, ankles crossed, palms resting on either side of his slim hips. Wearing dark designer jeans and a fitted black T-shirt, he didn’t look like a member of the royal family, but he still exuded power. It was the stare, the unyielding body language, that told her she needed to get on with her speech...one she hadn’t rehearsed at all.

“I...” Kate shook her head, came to her feet. No way could she remain still; her body was too shaky, too wound up to stay seated.

“Just say it.”

Luc’s harsh words cut through her. Kate stopped pacing, turned and gazed at him. “I’m pregnant.”

He stared at her for several moments without saying a word. Then suddenly, he burst out laughing, and straightened.

“Nice try, Kate.” His expression sobered. “That’s already been used on me.”

“What?”