The Future King's Pregnant Mistress

'Marco, there's no need for this. Jemma's coming with me’

‘No. she's not. I am going with you—there is every need for me to do so. This is my child you are carrying. Emily. Are you ready?'

She shouldn't be letting him take charge like this. Emily told herself, but the stress of the last few days was telling on her and she simply felt too weak and drained to argue with him. And. besides...if she was honest, wasn't there something comfortingly bitter-sweet about having him here with her...with them...Her hand went to her tummy as inwardly she whispered comforting words to her baby, promising it that, no matter what the scan showed, no matter what anyone said, he would have life and she would love him.

The stress of worrying about the baby had stolen from Emily the bloom she had gained whilst she'd been on Niroli. Marco recognised as he took hold of her arm and guided her to the waiting taxi.

Marco gave the driver the name of a private hospital, ignoring Emily's small start of surprise. It hadn't been difficult getting Jemma to tell him what had happened. In fact she had been so relieved to see him that she had told him everything he needed to know without him having to probe. He had come to London with the sole intention of taking Emily back to Niroli with him, and of telling her that their child would be born on the island and would remain there; whether or not she chose to do the same was up to her.

Since he had last seen her his feelings towards Emily had turned both angry and hostile. She had gone behind his back to his grandfather; she had walked out on him she had insulted him. She’d given him for no good reason whatsoever, sleepless nights analysing what shed said and what she hadn't, trying to find ways he could fit together the pieces of the jigsaw his life now was working out what would make it possible for him to have her living on Niroli with him—and willingly. And then going over everything he had already analysed once more, to double-check that the reason he wanted her there was only because of his child. Because, somehow, though he found it hard to admit, deep down inside, a suspicion still lurked that he wanted Emily.

But the news Jemma had given him about Emily being called back for a second scan had caused a seismic emotional shift within him so that all he could think about now all that concerned him and occupied his thoughts, was Emily and their baby.

The hospital was one of London's most exclusive and private and Emilys obstetrician had been likely recommended to her. He was a charming middle-aged man, with a reassuring smile and a taste for bow ties. In his letter, he had stated that he would be on hand once Emily had had her repeat scan to discuss the results. It made her feel sickly cold inside every time she thought about the underlying hint that there might be some kind of problem.

‘Has anyone said why you are having to have a second scan?’ Marco asked her as the taxi pulled up outside the hospital.

Emily shook her head.

'But you have asked?’

‘I rang Mr Bryant-Jones, my obstetrician, and he said that sometimes a repeat scan was needed.’

‘But he didn't explain why?’

'No.' Emily admitted shakily. Marcos terse words, along with his grim expression, were increasing her fear.

Marco paid the taxi driver and. still carrying her basket, put his free hand under her elbow, for all the world as protective as though he were a committed husband. But he wasn't, and Emily knew she must not give in to her longing to turn to him and get him to reassure her that she had no need to worry, and that everything was going to be all right.

The hospitals reception area could well have been that of an expensive hotel. Emily recognised, looking at the two receptionists who were stunningly attractive and very smartly dressed.

It was Marco, and not she who stepped forward and gave her name. But any thought she had of objecting to his high-handed manner or to his taking charge disappeared when she heard him telling the receptionist very firmly. ‘Please inform Emily’s obstetrician. Mr Bryant-Jones, that we are here.’

‘My appointment with him isn't until after I've had my scan.’ Emily reminded Marco. She could see that he was about to say something, but before he could do so a smiling nurse came up to them, asking. Emily? We’re ready for you now if you'd like to come this way.'

‘I shall be coming with her.' Marco informed the nurse imperiously.

‘Yes of course. It's this way.' the nurse replied pleasantly.

‘This isn't where I had my last scan.' Emily commented anxiously.

‘No. Mr Bryant-Jones has requested a three-D scan this time.'

‘A three-D scan—what's that?' Emily asked apprehensively.