The Italian Surgeon Claims His Bride

The Italian Surgeon Claims His Bride
Alison Roberts

Just knocking at the door of the luxurious house of esteemed Italian surgeon Paolo Romano, Jenna Freeman knows she's out of her depth. But his beautiful toddler, Ella, needs a nanny, and nurse Jenna desperately needs the job–no matter how dangerously handsome and darkly brooding the single father and surgeon might be.The chemistry between Jenna and charming Paolo is electrifying from the moment they meet. Jenna resolves to keep her relationship with the devastatingly gorgeous Paolo strictly professional by focusing on caring for his beautiful baby girl. But if–or when–Paolo gets his way, it will only be a matter of time before Jenna gives in to the Italian's desires…and goes from nanny to mommy…and wife!

Time had stopped.

Jenna’s gaze was locked with Paolo’s, and her awareness was so totally focussed on the man beside her.

As his was. On her.

He lifted his hand, using his middle finger to smooth a blob of soapsuds from just below her eye. The touch was so light, so intense, it could be nothing less than a caress.

The connection unleashed something almost frightening. Jenna wouldn’t have believed that Paolo’s eyes could darken that much. Or that she would ever hear him utter a sound that was pure, raw desire.

‘You,’ he said, very softly, ‘are beautiful. Bella.’

And then Paolo tipped his head and kissed her.

Softly. Slowly.

It wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough. And Jenna knew Paolo was thinking exactly the same because her gaze was still locked onto his—as it had been from the first moment he had touched her face.

There was no question of whether or not they would make love. It was simply a matter of when…

Dear Reader

Mills & Boon are celebrating their 100th birthday this year. How amazing is that?

For a whole century readers of romance have been loyal to a genre of fiction that celebrates what I believe matters the most: the relationships between people. Love…

I fall in love with every one of my heroes, but a gorgeous Italian like Paolo in THE SURGEON CLAIMS HIS BRIDE was deliciously irresistible. That means there’s a part of me in every heroine, of course, but it’s more than just the part that falls in love. I suspect that you also relate to the same ideal. One that recognises the meaning of true love and what is precious about the connections to other people that mean we are not alone in the world. Not simply the magic relationship between lovers—we also cherish the bonds of family and friends. As Paolo and Jenna learn, it is possible to feel utterly vulnerable and yet to feel completely safe at the same time. Maybe that’s the essence of feeling loved?

I’m proud to be writing these stories as Mills & Boon enters its second century. May the tradition continue to bring us all moments of joy.

Happy reading

With love

Alison

The Italian Surgeon Claims His Bride

Alison Roberts

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Alison Roberts lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She began her working career as a primary school teacher, but now juggles available working hours between writing and active duty as an ambulance officer. Throwing in a large dose of parenting, housework, gardening and pet-minding keeps life busy, and teenage daughter Becky is responsible for an increasing number of days spent on equestrian pursuits. Finding time for everything can be a challenge, but the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile.

Recent titles by the same author:

CHRISTMAS BRIDE-TO-BE

THE PLAYBOY DOCTOR’S PROPOSAL† (#litres_trial_promo)

THE ITALIAN DOCTOR’S PERFECT FAMILY (Mediterranean Doctors)

A FATHER BEYOND COMPARE* (#litres_trial_promo)

ONE NIGHT TO WED* (#litres_trial_promo)

EMERGENCY BABY* (#litres_trial_promo)

Contents

CHAPTER ONE (#ub6ce94be-180c-5da7-8e96-88566cc86224)

CHAPTER TWO (#ud98bedbc-e647-5cb7-9d08-914643ae1254)

CHAPTER THREE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FOUR (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER FIVE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SIX (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER SEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER EIGHT (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER NINE (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER TEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ELEVEN (#litres_trial_promo)

CHAPTER ONE

WHAT the hell was going on here?

It was like a good-cop, bad-cop scenario. Hardly what Jenna Freeman had expected when fronting up to this fabulous old house in Hamilton Drive, one of the most exclusive parts of town, to attend a job interview.

A woman who looked to be in her seventies was beaming at Jenna approvingly. The other woman, twenty years her junior, had fixed Jenna with a steely glare. Both had formidably strong personalities.

‘I’m not sure I understand,’ Jenna said carefully. ‘Is there something wrong with the little girl?’

‘With Danielle? Good heavens, no! She’s perfect.’

The gazes of all three women shifted automatically to focus on the subject of their conversation and Jenna found herself smiling.