His Pregnancy Ultimatum

The please almost did it, except she refused to give in. ‘I’ll have the concierge summon a cab.’ She fixed him with an angry glare. ‘If you try to stop me, I’ll—’

‘Do what?’ Nikolos drawled.

‘Call Security and file a harassment charge.’

‘You might care to rethink that.’

‘Why?’ It was a cry from the heart. ‘You’re bent on detaining me against my will.’

‘This conversation would have been better served in private.’

‘We’ve said all there is to say.’

‘No,’ Nikolos drawled imperturbably. ‘We haven’t.’

She was tired, she had a headache, and she’d had enough. ‘It’s simple. I’m going to keep the baby. I don’t want your help…financial or otherwise. And I’d rather not see you again.’

His appraisal remained steady, and unnerved her…as he meant it to. ‘Tough. Because not seeing me again isn’t an option. Nor is refusing my help.’

Mia didn’t like his imperturbability, or the hint of elemental ruthlessness beneath his deceptively mild exterior.

Nikolos Karedes possessed an animalistic sense of power that was vaguely frightening. He had no hold over her, no means to force her into any situation she didn’t want or covet.

So why did she have the feeling he was intent on taking control? With or without her consent.

It was crazy.

Without a further word she turned and walked to the concierge’s desk, requested the attendant summon a cab, then when it swept into the entrance she made her escape.

As the cab eased forward she saw Nikolos emerge from the entrance and lift his hand in silent acknowledgement as he slid behind the wheel of his car.

Any satisfaction she experienced at initiating independence diminished with the knowledge Nikolos Karedes knew who she was, where Alice lived, and her anonymity no longer existed.

CHAPTER THREE

‘THE guy you slept with and Cris’ brother are one and the same? You’re kidding me…aren’t you?’ Alice challenged with a stunned expression as they shared lunch together at a café overlooking the harbour.

It was by way of being a celebration, given Mia had successfully confirmed a three-week placement in a local pharmacy. There was also an indication she’d be offered part-time work during the long summer holidays.

Alice expelled a long drawn-out breath, concern clouding her features. ‘Unbelievable.’

A slight understatement, if ever there was one, Mia acknowledged silently. ‘It made for an uncomfortable evening.’

‘Added to the subtle grilling re your friendship with Cris?’

‘Subtle didn’t enter the equation.’ Mia rolled her eyes expressively. ‘Cris’ grandmother breathed fire and brimstone.’

‘A dragon, huh?’

‘Oh, yeah. And then some.’

‘And?’

She met her sister’s gaze, interpreted the silent query, and fielded it. ‘You’re not going to let up, are you?’

‘Got it in one.’

‘Nikolos insisted on driving me home, we stopped off for coffee, and we…talked.’

‘As in?’

‘He asked, I told him, he offered help, I refused,’ Mia declared. She paused to sip chilled water from her glass. ‘Then I walked out and caught a cab.’

‘Not the best move.’

‘It seemed a good idea at the time.’

‘So what happens now?’

‘Nothing, hopefully.’

‘You think he’s going to dismiss the fact you’re carrying a Karedes heir?’ Alice’s voice held a slightly incredulous note.

She’d known for three weeks, and in that time she’d considered the baby hers. Her responsibility, therefore her decisions were the only ones that would count.

Now she was forced to accept the father of her child intended to take an active role in its life. Which meant Nikolos Karedes would intrude in her life. Something she needed like a hole in the head.

There was a part of her that wanted to cut and run. Sure, a tiny imp silently derided. That’s really going to work!

‘You do realise just who Nikolos Karedes is, and the power he has in this city?’ Alice queried.

A chill shiver slithered the length of Mia’s spine. Why did she get the feeling she was losing a battle that had yet to be fought? It was crazy.

If only she hadn’t decided to spend the long summer break in Sydney…except she had, and it wasn’t possible to go back and change a set of circumstances that had brought her into contact with the man with whom she’d conceived a child.

So…she’d deal with it. All she had to do was remain resolute. Nikolos Karedes might imagine he possessed a few rights. But they had to be limited, surely?

‘I’m self-supporting, and entitled to make my own decisions,’ Mia reminded gently.

A half-share in their parents’ estate had allowed her to purchase her own apartment and have an investment portfolio. An apartment she’d leased out when she’d entered university. Her furniture had been placed in storage, and most of her clothes were stored at Alice’s home.

‘With regard to yourself,’ Alice agreed, frowning with concern. ‘However, when it comes to the child, Nikolos Karedes can insist on a DNA test, and with proven paternity he has legal rights with regard to custody, education.’

Mia felt the blood drain from her face. ‘You’re positive about this?’ A ridiculous query, given Alice worked as a para-legal, and possessed an extensive knowledge of the law. ‘What if he doesn’t choose—’

‘To stake a claim?’ Her sister paused for a few seconds, then offered gently, ‘Hasn’t he already stated he intends to be part of the child’s life?’

That put a different perspective on going solo. ‘So what do you suggest?’