Page 32 of Forgotten Mistress, Secret Love-Child
‘Alternative?’ Carys’ voice was a cracked whisper as foreboding slammed into her. That look in his eyes…
‘A legal battle for custody.’
CHAPTER EIGHT
CARYS’ fingers twisted into knots as he said the words she’d been dreading. She swallowed convulsively, forcing down fear. ‘I’m his mother. Any court would give me custody.’
‘You’re sure, Carys?’An infinitesimal shake of his dark head accompanied the words, as if he pitied her naivety. ‘You have a good lawyer? As good as my legal team?’
Plus the Mattani millions to back them up. The words were unspoken, but Carys heard them nonetheless.
‘You wouldn’t…’ Her voice petered out as she met his unblinking stare. He would. He’d do what it took to get Leo.
Jerkily she swung away, frantic for breathing space. For time to marshal her jumbled thoughts. Her chest cramped so she could barely breathe and her head pounded as tension crawled up her spine and wrapped clammy fingers around her temples.
He was wrong. He must be! No court would take a child from his mother.
And yet…Carys stumbled to a stop in front of a massive window commanding a view of the city.Alessandro’s wealth and power were far beyond anything she or her family, if they were so inclined, could gather. He lived in a world of stratospherically rich, privileged and well-connected families. The normal rules didn’t apply to them.
Did she dare take Alessandro on? She should have nothing to worry about. She was a good mother. Leo was thriving.
Yet the poisonous seed of doubt grew.
The thought of their cramped flat in a run-down neighbourhood, the best she could provide on her meagre wage, haunted her. Would that be held against her? Contrasted to the vast resources of the Mattani family?
There were so many ways Alessandro could get what he wanted, even without gaining sole custody. What if he refused to return Leo after a visit? If he kept him in Italy?
Carys didn’t have the resources to go there and demand her son back. She didn’t have the power to force Alessandro’s hand. She’d be at his mercy. Who knew what delays Alessandro could throw up to stop her seeing Leo while their lawyers slogged it out?
A shiver rippled through her and she lifted a hand to her throbbing temple. This was the stuff of nightmares.
The man she’d loved wouldn’t have threatened her like this, no matter how they’d parted. He’d never have robbed her of her baby.
But that man was gone. The realisation felt like someone had carved a part out of her heart. Alessandro had no memory of the happiness they’d once shared. To him she was merely a stranger who had what he wanted.
She longed to hold Leo, safe and warm in her arms. Hide away from Alessandro and his demands.
But there was no hiding.
‘My preference is to keep this between us, Carys.’ His deep voice came from just behind her, making her jump. ‘I wouldn’t choose a court battle. That would be a last resort.’
He expected her to be grateful for that? Hurt and fear coalesced in a surge of desperate anger till her body hummed with the effort of containing it.
‘Well, that’s a comfort! I feel so much better now.’
Long fingers grasped her shoulder, their heat branding through her clothes. She resisted but his grip firmed and she turned.
Was that compassion in his gaze?
She blinked and the illusion disappeared. Alessandro’s face was angular, hard, powerful. He would never back down.
‘You come swanning into our lives and think you can run roughshod over everyone.’ Her words tumbled out so fast they slurred. ‘As if only you know best.’ Carys drew herself up to her full height. ‘Your demands are outrageous. You’ve got no right—’
‘I have the right of a father.’ His cool words stopped her tirade. ‘Remember that, Carys. You are no longer the only one with a say in how our son is brought up.’
Our son. The words were a douche of cold water dousing her indignation. Reminding her how vulnerable she was.
‘I offer you marriage, Carys. Position, wealth, a life of ease. And—’ he paused ‘—a home for our son. He will grow up with both parents. In a secure, stable home. What objection can you have to that?’
‘But we don’t care for each other. How can we—?’
‘We have the best possible reason to marry. To bring up our child. That’s something worthwhile and enduring.’ The words sank into the silence between them as his touch warmed her shoulder. She wanted to pull away, but his intense gaze pinioned her. ‘There is no better reason to wed.’
Except love. The futile little voice rang in her ears.
Carys ignored it. She’d given up believing in seductive fantasies of romance two years ago.
