The Tycoon’s Secret Affair

By

Maya Banks

And

Defiant Mistress, Ruthless Millionaire

By

Yvonne Lindsay

www.millsandboon.co.uk

The Tycoon’s Secret Affair

By

Maya Banks

“The best course is for us to be married and provide a stable home for the baby.”

“With two parents who can barely tolerate one another.”

He raised one eyebrow. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’d say we got on quite well together that night in my hotel room.”

A deep flush worked its way over her cheeks. “Lust is no substitute for love, trust and commitment.”

“And who is to say those things won’t follow?”

She stared at him in astonishment.

“Give it a chance, Jewel. Who is to say what the future holds for us? Now, if we’re finished, I suggest you get some rest. There are many things to be done, and the sooner I arrange everything, the sooner you can be at ease.”

“I haven’t said I’ll marry you,” she said evenly.

“No, and I’m waiting for your answer.”

About the Author

MAYA BANKS has loved romance novels from a very (very) early age, and almost from the start, she dreamed of writing them as well. In her teens, she filled countless notebooks with overdramatic stories of love and passion. Today her stories are only slightly less dramatic, but no less romantic. She lives in Texas with her husband and three children, and wouldn’t contemplate living anywhere other than the South. When she’s not writing, she’s usually hunting, fishing or playing poker. She loves to hear from readers, and she can be found online at either www.mayabanks.com or www.writemindedblog. com, or you can e-mail her at maya@mayabanks.com.

To Dee, who loved Piers from the start

Dear Reader,

THE ANETAKIS TYCOONS trilogy comes to a close with The Tycoon’s Secret Affair, Piers Anetakis’s story. Of the three Anetakis brothers, Piers is the most closed off and the most troubled. But he’s also the most passionate and emotional.

He’s been hurt by past betrayals, but then so has Jewel Henley, the woman Piers meets one night in an intimate, tropical setting. These two are kindred spirits, and they have a lot to offer one another—if they can ever get around their issues of trust.

I’m inviting you along for the exciting conclusion of the Anetakis family’s story. Rich, powerful and ruthless, these three men learn that no amount of wealth or privilege can ever fill the places in their hearts only love can reach. Piers and Jewel must navigate many obstacles in their search for happiness. Their love will be tested, and they’ll have to offer the one thing not easily given by either: their trust.

Maya Banks

Prologue

Jewel Henley shifted on the hospital bed, one hand curled around her cell phone, the other hand pushing aside hot tears. She had to call him. She had no choice.

Having to depend on the man who couldn’t get her out of his life fast enough after their one-night stand wasn’t a prospect she relished, but for her baby, she’d do anything. Swallow her pride and try to let go of the burning anger.

Her free hand dropped to rest on the burgeoning swell of her belly, and she felt the sturdy reassurance of her daughter’s kick.

How would Piers react when she told him he was going to be a father? Would he even care? She shook her head in mute denial. Surely, no matter his feelings for her, he wouldn’t turn his back on his child.

There was only one way to find out and that was to push the send button. His private phone number was already punched in. She may have been fired from her job, but for some reason, she’d held on to the phone numbers she’d been provided upon her hiring.

And still she couldn’t bring herself to complete the call. She let the phone drop to her chest and closed her eyes. If only there weren’t complications with her pregnancy. Why couldn’t she be one of these beautiful, glowing women who were pictures of health?

Her thoughts were interrupted when her door swung open and a nurse bustled in pushing a cart with the computer she used to log her charts.

“How are you feeling today, Miss Henley?”

Jewel nodded and whispered a faint, “Fine.”

“Have you made arrangements for your care after your release?”

Jewel swallowed but didn’t say anything. The nurse gave her a reproving look.

“You know the doctor won’t release you until he’s satisfied that you’ll have someone to look after you while you’re on bed rest.”

A sigh escaped Jewel’s lips and she held up the phone. “I was just about to make a call.”

The nurse nodded approvingly. “Good. As soon as I’m done I’ll leave you alone to finish.”

A few minutes later the nurse left, and once again Jewel lifted the phone and stared at the LCD screen. Maybe he wouldn’t even answer.

Taking a deep, fortifying breath, she punched her thumb over the send button then closed her eyes and put the phone to her ear. There was a brief silence as the call connected, and then it began to ring.

Once. Twice. Then a third time. She was preparing to chicken out and cut the connection when his brusque voice filled her ear.

“Anetakis.”

It came out more of a growl than anything else, and she quickly lost courage. Her breath came stuttering out as more tears welled in her eyes.

“Who is this?” he demanded.

She yanked the phone away and clumsily jabbed at the buttons until the call ended. She couldn’t do this. Issuing a silent apology to her unborn baby, she decided that she’d find another way. There had to be something she could do that didn’t involve Piers Anetakis.

Before she could dwell too long on such possibilities, the phone pulsed in her hand. She opened it automatically, a second before she realized that he was calling her back.

Only her soft breathing spilled into the receiver.

“I know you’re there,” Piers barked. “Now who the hell is this and how did you get my number?”

“I’m sorry,” she said in a low voice. “I shouldn’t have bothered you.”

“Wait,” he commanded. Then there was a long pause. “Jewel, is that you?”

Oh God. She hadn’t counted on him recognizing her voice. How could he? They hadn’t spoken in five months. Five months, one week and three days to be exact.

“Y-yes,” she finally said.

“Thank God,” he muttered. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Just like a damn female to disappear off the face of the earth.”

“What?”

“Where are you?”

The questions came simultaneously.

“Me first,” he said imperiously. “Where are you? Are you all right?”

She laid there in stunned silence before she gathered her scattered wits. “I’m in the hospital.”

“Theos.” There was another rapid smattering of Greek that she couldn’t have followed even if she understood the language.

“Where?” he bit out. “What hospital? Tell me.”

Completely baffled at the turn the conversation had taken, she told him the name of the hospital. Before she could say anything else, he cut in with, “I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

And then the line went dead.

With shaking hands, she folded the phone shut and set it aside. Then she curled her fingers around the bulge of her abdomen. He was coming? Just like that? He’d been looking for her? None of it made sense.

Then she realized that she’d never told him the most important piece of information. The entire reason she’d called him to begin with. She hadn’t told him she was pregnant.

Chapter One

Five Months Earlier…

Jewel paused just outside the perimeter of the outdoor bar and stared over the sand-covered floor to the blazing torches lining the walkway down to the beach.

Music played softly, a perfect accompaniment to the clear, star-strung night. In the distance, the waves rolled in harmony with the sultry melody. Soft jazz. Her favorite.

It was pure chance that had directed her to this tiny island paradise. A vacated seat on a plane, a bargain ticket price and only five minutes to decide. And here she was. A new place, a vow to take a few days for herself.

Not being completely impulsive, the first thing she’d done when she’d arrived was to find a new temporary job, and as luck would have it, had learned that the owner of the opulent Anetakis hotel was going to be in temporary residence here and needed an assistant. Four weeks. A perfect amount of time to spend in paradise before she moved on.

The opportunity had almost been too good to be true. Along with a generous salary, she’d also been given a room at the hotel. It had the makings of a marvelous vacation.

“Are you going out or are you going to spend such a lovely night indoors?”

The vaguely accented male voice brushed across her ears, eliciting a trail of chill bumps down her spine. She turned and was forced to look up for the source of the huskily spoken words.

When she met his eyes, she felt the impact clear to her toes. Her belly clenched, and for a moment it was hard to breathe.

The man wasn’t just gorgeous. There were plenty of gorgeous men in the world, and she’d met her share. This one was…powerful. A predator in a sea of sheep. His eyes bore into hers with an intensity that almost frightened her.

There was interest. Clear interest. She wasn’t a fool, nor did she indulge in silly games of false modesty.

She stared back, unable to wrest herself from the force of his gaze. Black. His eyes were as black as night. His hair was as dark, and his skin gleamed golden brown in the soft light of the torches. Firelight cast a sheen to his eyes, shiny onyx, glittering and proud.

His jawline was firm, set, a strong tilt that denoted his arrogance, a quality she was attracted to in men. For a long moment he returned her frank appraisal, and then his lips curved upward into a slight smile.

“A woman of few words I see.”

She shook herself and mentally scolded her tongue for knotting up so badly.

“I was deciding on whether to go out or not.”

He lifted one imperious brow, a gesture that seemed more challenging than questioning.

“But I can’t buy you a drink if you remain inside.”

She cocked her head to the side, allowing a tiny smile to relax the tension bubbling inside her. She wasn’t a stranger to sexual attraction, but she couldn’t remember the last time a man had affected her so strongly right off the bat.

Awareness sizzled between them, almost as if a fuse had been lit the moment he’d spoken. Would she accept the unspoken invitation in his eyes? Oh, she knew he’d asked to buy her a drink, but that wasn’t all he wanted. The question was whether she was bold enough to reach out and take the offer.

What could a single night hurt? She was extremely choosy in her partners. She hadn’t taken a lover in two years. She just hadn’t been interested until this dark-eyed stranger with his sensual smile and mocking arrogance came along. Oh yes, she wanted him. So much so that she vibrated with it.

“Are you here on holiday?” she asked as she peered up at him from underneath her lashes.

Again his lips quirked into a half smile. “In a manner of speaking.”

Relief scurried through her belly. No, one night wouldn’t hurt. He’d leave and go back to his world. Eventually she’d move on, and their paths would never cross again.

Tonight…tonight she was lonely, a feeling she didn’t often indulge in, even if she spent the majority of her time in isolation.

“I’d like a drink,” she said by way of agreement.

Something predatory sparked in his eyes. A glow that was gone almost as soon as it burst to life. His hand came up and cupped her elbow, his fingers splaying possessively over her skin.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, enjoying the electric sensation that sizzled through her body the moment he touched her.

He led her from the protective awning of the hotel into the night air. Around them the warm glow of torches danced in time with the sweet sounds of jazz. The breeze coming off the water blew through her hair, and she inhaled deeply, enjoying the salt tang.

“Dance with me before we have that drink,” he murmured close to her ear.

Without waiting for her consent, he pulled her into his arms, his hips meeting hers as he cupped her body close.

They fit seamlessly, her flush against him, melting and flowing until she wasn’t sure where she ended and he began.

His cheek rested against the side of her head as his arms encircled her. Protective. Strong. She reached up, sliding her arms over his shoulders until they wrapped around his neck.

“You’re beautiful.”

His words flowed like warm honey over jaded ears. It wasn’t the most original line, but that was just it. Coming from him, it didn’t sound like a line, but rather an honest assessment, a sincere compliment, one that maybe he’d ordinarily be unwilling to give.

“So are you,” she whispered.

He chuckled, and his laughter vibrated over her sensitive skin. “Me beautiful? I’m unsure of whether to be flattered or offended.”

She snorted. “I know for a fact I’m not the only woman to have ever called you beautiful.”

“Do you now?”

His hands skimmed over her back, finding the flesh bared by the backless scoop of her dress. She sucked in her breath as his fingers burned her flesh.

“You feel it too,” he murmured.

She didn’t pretend not to know what he meant. The chemistry between them was combustible. Never before had she experienced anything like this, not that she’d tell him that.

Instead she nodded her agreement.

“Are we going to do anything about it?”

She leaned back and tilted her head to meet his eyes. “I’d like to think we are.”

“Direct. I like that in a woman.”

“I like that in a man.”

Amusement softened the intensity of his gaze, but she saw something else in his expression. Desire. He wanted her as badly as she wanted him.

“We could have that drink in my room.”

She sucked in her breath. Even though she knew what he wanted, the invitation still hit her squarely in the stomach. Her breasts tightened against his chest, and arousal bloomed deep.

“I’m not…” For the first time, she sounded unsure, hesitant. Not at all the decisive woman she knew herself to be.

“You’re not what?” he prompted.

“Protected,” she said, her voice nearly drowning in the sounds around them.

He tucked a finger underneath her chin and forced her to once again meet his seeking gaze. “I’ll take care of you.”

The firm promise wrapped around her more securely than his arms. For a moment she indulged in the fantasy of what it would be like to have a man such as this take care of her for the rest of her life. Then she shook her head. Such foolish notions shouldn’t disrupt the fantasy of this one night.

She rose up on tiptoe, her lips a breath away from his. “What’s your room number?”

“I’ll take you up myself.”

She shook her head, and he frowned.

“I’ll meet you there.”

His eyes narrowed for a moment as if he wasn’t sure whether to believe her or not. Then without warning, he slid a hand around her neck and curled his fingers around her nape. He pulled her to him, pressing his lips to hers.

She went liquid against him, her body sliding bonelessly downward. He hauled her against him with his free arm, anchoring her tight to prevent her fall.

He licked over her lips, pressing, demanding her to open. With a breathless gasp, she surrendered, parting her mouth so his tongue could slide inward.

Hot, moist open-mouthed kisses. He stole her breath and returned it. His teeth scraped at her lip then captured it and tugged relentlessly. Unwilling to remain a passive participant, she fired back, sucking at his tongue.

His groan echoed over her ears. Her sigh spilled into his mouth.

He finally pulled away, his breaths coming in ragged heaves. His eyes flashed dangerously, sending a shiver over her flesh.

Then he shoved a keycard into her hand. “Top floor. Suite eleven. Hurry.”

With that he turned and stalked back into the hotel, his stride eating up the floor.

She stared after him, her body humming and her mind in a million different pieces. She was completely shattered by what she’d just experienced.

“I must be insane. He’ll eat me alive.”

A low hum of heady desire buzzed through her veins. She could only hope she was right.

She turned on shaking legs and walked slowly into the hotel. It wasn’t that she was being deliberately coy by putting her mystery man off. Mystery man…She didn’t even know his name, but she’d agreed to have sex with him.

Then again, it had a certain appeal, this air of mystery. A night of fantasy. No names. No expectations. No entanglements or emotional involvement. No one would get hurt. It was, in fact, perfect.

No, she wasn’t being cute. But if she was going to go through with this, it would be on her own terms. Her dark-eyed lover wouldn’t have complete control of the situation.

With more calm than she felt, she went up to her room. Once there, she surveyed her reflection in the bathroom mirror. Her hair was slightly mussed and her lips swollen. Passion. She looked as if she’d had an encounter with the very essence of passion.

The sultry temptress staring back at her wasn’t a woman she recognized, but she decided she liked this new person. She looked beautiful and confident, and excitement sparked her eyes at the thought of what waited for her in suite eleven.

After a lifetime of loneliness, of being alone, the idea of spending the night in a lover’s arms was so appealing that it was all she could do not to hurry out to the elevator.

Instead she forced herself to take steadying breaths. She stared at herself until the wildness faded from her eyes and coolness replaced it. Then she smoothed her long blond hair away from her face.

Satisfied that she had herself under control, she walked out of the bathroom to sit on the bed. She’d wait fifteen to twenty minutes before she headed up. No need to seem too eager.

Chapter Two

Piers prowled his suite, unaccustomed to the edginess that consumed him ever since he’d parted ways with the blond bombshell downstairs. He stopped his restless pacing and poured a drink from the crystal decanter on the bar, but he didn’t drink it. Instead he stared at the amber liquid then glanced at his watch for the third time.

Would she come?

He cursed his eagerness. He felt like an errant teenager sneaking out of the house to meet a girlfriend. His reaction to the woman couldn’t be explained except in terms of lust and desire.

He wanted her. Had wanted her from the moment he spotted her staring longingly through the open doorway of the hotel. He’d been mesmerized by the picture she portrayed. Long and sleek with slender legs, a narrow waist and high, firm breasts. Her hair fell like silk over her shoulders and down her back and his fingers itched to dive into the tresses and wrap them around his knuckles while he devoured her plump lips.

Even now his groin ached uncomfortably. Never had he reacted so strongly to a woman, and it bothered him even as the idea of taking her to bed fired his senses.

A soft knock at his door thrust him to attention, and he hurried across to open it. She stood there, delightfully shy, her ocean eyes a strange mixture of emerald and sapphire.

“I know you gave me a key,” she said in a low voice, “but it seemed rude to just barge in.”

He found his voice, though his mouth had gone dry as soon as she spoke. He reached for her hand, and she placed it trustingly in his. “I’m glad you came,” he said huskily as he pulled her forward.

Instead of leading her farther inside, he wrapped his arms around her, molding her to the contours of his body. She trembled softly against him, and he could feel her heart fluttering like the beat of hummingbird wings.

Unable to resist the temptation, he lowered his mouth to hers, wanting to taste her again. Just once. But when their lips met, he forgot all about his intention to sample.

She responded hotly, her arms sliding around his body. Her hands burned into his skin, through the material of his shirt as if it wasn’t there. His impatience grew. He wanted her naked. Wanted him to be naked so he could feel her skin on his.

Thoughts of taking it slow, of seducing her in measured steps flew out the window as he drank deeply of her sweetness. He wasn’t sure who was seducing whom, and at this moment, it didn’t matter.

His lips scorched a path down the side of her neck as his fingers tugged impatiently at the fastenings of her dress. Smooth, creamy skin revealed itself, and his mouth was drawn relentlessly to the bare expanse as her dress fell away.

She moaned softly and shivered as his tongue trailed over the curve of her shoulder. He pushed at the dress, and it fell to the floor leaving her in only a dainty scrap of lacy underwear.

All his breath left him as he looked down at the full round globes of her breasts. Her nipples puckered and strained as if begging for his attention. The tips were velvet under his seeking fingers. He toyed with one and then the other before cupping one breast in his palm and lowering his head to press a kiss just above the peach areola.

Her breath caught and held, and she tensed as his tongue lazily traced downward to suck the nipple into his mouth.

Her taste exploded in his mouth. Sweet. Delicate like a flower. So feminine. Perfect. His senses reeled, and he pulled away for a moment to recoup his control. Theos but she drove him mad. He reacted to her like a man making love to his first woman.

Already his manhood strained at his pants, and he was dangerously close to flinging her on the bed and stroking into her liquid heat.

Finesse. He must take it slower. He wouldn’t allow her such power over him. He would make her as crazy as she made him, and then and only then would he take her.

Jewel grabbed his shoulders as her knees buckled. She needn’t have worried. He swept her into his arms and carried her toward the bedroom just beyond the sitting area of the suite.

He laid her on the bed then stood back and began to hastily strip out of his clothing. There was something incredibly sexy about a man standing over her as he undressed. His eyes burned into her, heating her skin even from a distance.

First his shirt fell away revealing smooth, muscled shoulders, a rugged chest and narrow waist with enough of a six-pack to suggest he wasn’t an idle businessman. Hair dotted the hollow of his chest, spreading just to his flat nipples. It was thicker at his midline, trailing lower to his navel, tapering to a faint smattering just above the waist of his pants.

She stared hungrily at him as he unfastened his trousers. He didn’t waste time or tease unnecessarily. He shoved them down his legs, taking his boxers with him. His erection sprang free from a dark nest of hair. Her eyes widened at the way it strained upward, toward his taut belly. He was hugely aroused.

Her question must have shone on her face. He crawled onto the bed, straddling her hips with his knees. “Was there any doubt that I wanted you, yineka mou?”

She smiled up at him. “No.”

“Rest assured, I want you very much,” he said huskily. He lowered his head until his mouth found hers in a heated rush.

Her entire body arched to meet him, wanting the contact, the warmth and passion he offered. It had been so long since she’d purposely sought out the company of another person, and this man assaulted her senses. He flooded her with a longing that unsettled her.

He pushed her arms over her head until she was helpless beneath him. He didn’t just kiss her, he devoured her. There wasn’t an inch of her skin that didn’t feel the velvet brush of his lips.

Her gasp echoed across the room when he licked and suckled each breast in turn. His tongue left a damp trail down her midline as he licked down to the shallow indention of her navel. There wasn’t a single muscle that wasn’t quivering in sharp anticipation.

His hands followed, his palms running the length of her body, tracing each curve, each indention on they settled on her hips. He tucked his thumbs underneath the thin string holding her underwear in place, and then he pressed his mouth to her soft mound still covered by transparent lace.

She cried out softly, unnerved by the electric sensation of his mouth over her most intimate place, and yet he hadn’t even made contact with her flesh.

His hands caressed their way down her legs, dragging the underwear with it. At her knees, he simply ripped impatiently, rending the material in two. He quickly discarded it and returned impatient fingers to her thighs.

Carefully, he spread her, and she began to shake in earnest.

“Don’t be afraid,” he murmured. “I’ll take care of you. Trust me tonight. You’re so beautiful. I want to give you the sweetest pleasure.”

“Yes. Please, yes,” she begged.

He kissed the inside of her knee. With a brush of his lips, he moved higher, kissing the inside of her thigh, and then finally brushing over the curls guarding her most sensitive regions.

With a gentle finger, he parted her. “Give me your pleasure, yineka mou. Only to me.” And then his mouth touched her. She bucked upward with a wild cry as his tongue delved deep. It was too much. It had been too long. Never had she reacted so strongly to a man.

“So responsive. So wild. I can’t wait to have you.”

He rolled away, and she gave a sharp protest until she saw he was only putting on a condom. Then he was back, spreading her thighs, stroking her to make sure she was ready for him.

“Take me. Make me yours,” she pleaded.

He closed his eyes, his fingers tight at her hips. He spread her wide and surged into her with one hard thrust.

Her shocked gasp spilled from her lips. Her fingers tightened at his shoulders, and she lay still, simply absorbing the rugged sensation of having him inside her.

His eyes flew open. “Did I hurt you?” he demanded harshly, the strain evident on his face as he held himself in check.

She touched his cheek, trying to soften the lines. His eyes glittered dangerously, and she realized just how close he was to the edge of his control. In that moment, she relished her power, and she wanted to taunt the beast. She wanted to experience the wildness she could see lurking beyond the iron facade.

“No,” she said softly. “You didn’t hurt me. I want you so much. Take me now. Don’t hold back.”

To emphasize her request, she dug her nails into his shoulders then lifted her hips in a move that lodged him deeper inside her.

He made one last effort to hold back, but she wouldn’t allow it. Wrapping her legs tightly around his waist, she arched into him, reaching for him, pulling him closer. She wanted him. She needed him.

He dropped down, surrendering with a growl. He gathered her close, fastening his lips to the vulnerable skin of her neck as his body took over. Harder and faster, his power overwhelmed her. There was a delicious mix of erotic pain and sensual bliss. Heaven. It wasn’t something she’d ever experienced before. It was like riding a hurricane.

“Let go,” he rasped in her ear. “You first.”

She complied without argument, surrendering completely to his will. Her orgasm flashed, terrifying and thrilling all at the same time. She spun wildly out of control, her cries mixing with his.

Then he was moving faster, and harder, driving into her with savage intensity. His lips fused to hers almost in a desperate attempt to staunch his own sounds, but they escaped, harsh and masculine.

Then he stilled inside her, his hips trembling uncontrollably against hers. He smoothed his hands, now gentle, over her face, through her hair and then he gathered her close, murmuring words she didn’t understand against her ear.

When his weight grew too heavy, he shifted to the side, pulling her into his arms. He slipped from the warm grasp of her body then rolled away from her for a moment to discard the condom.

She waited with breathless anticipation. Would he want her to leave now or would he want her to spend the night? She was too sated and boneless to even think about getting up, but neither did she want any awkward situations.

He answered her unspoken dilemma by pulling her back into his arms and tucking her head underneath his chin. A few moments later, his soft breathing blew through her hair. He had fallen asleep.

Cautiously so as not to awaken him, she curled her arm around his waist and snuggled deeper into his embrace. Her cheek rested against the hair-roughened skin of his chest, and she inhaled deeply, filling her nostrils with his male scent.

For the space of a stolen moment she felt safe. Accepted. Even cherished. It was silly if she dwelled on it, but tonight she wouldn’t. Tonight she just wanted to belong to someone and not to feel so alone in the world.

Even in sleep, he seemed to sense her disquiet. His arms tightened around her, bringing her even closer to his warmth. She smiled and gave in to the sleepy pleasure seeping into her bones.

Piers awoke unsure of the time, a rarity for him. He usually woke every morning before dawn, his mind alert and ready to take on the day’s tasks. Today however sleep clouded his brain, and uncharacteristic laziness permeated his muscles. Something soft and feminine stirred his senses, and he woke enough to realize that she was still in his arms.

Instead of rolling away, of distancing himself immediately, he remained there, breathing in her scent. He should get up and shower, make it clear the interlude was over, but he hung on, unwilling to send her away just yet.

She stirred when his hands smoothed over her back, down to her shapely buttocks and over the curve of her hip. He had to have her again. One more time. Even as warning bells clanged in his mind, he was turning her, sliding over her as he reached to the nightstand for another condom.

As her eyes fluttered sleepily, he slid inside her, slower this time, with more patience and care than he’d taken her the night before. He didn’t want to chance hurting her, and if he was honest, he wanted to savor this last encounter.

“Good morning,” she murmured in a husky voice that sent a shudder over his body.

He thrust deeper then leaned down to capture her mouth. “Good morning.”

She yawned and stretched like a cat, wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him down again when he drew away. Sleek and beautiful, she matched his movements, rocking gently against him.

If last night had been the storm, this was a calm rain afterward. Gentle and extremely satisfying.

He tugged her hair from her face, unable to resist kissing her again and again. He couldn’t get enough of her. The thought that he didn’t want her to go rose in his mind. Before it could take root, he tamped it back down, determined not to get caught in an emotional trap.

He’d existed for too long without such entanglements, and he’d be damned if he allowed it to happen again.

She enveloped him in her tight grasp, her sweet depths clinging to him as he withdrew and thrust forward. He set an easy pace, one that would prolong their pleasure.

And when he could no longer delay the surge of exquisite pleasure, he pushed them both over the edge, leaving them gasping for breath and shaking in each other’s arms.

For a long moment he lay there, still sheathed deeply inside her, his face buried in her sweet-smelling hair.

Then reality encroached. It was morning. Their night together was over, and it was best to end things now before things had a chance to get messy.

He rolled away abruptly, getting up from the bed and reaching for his pants.

“I’m going to take a shower,” he said shortly when she did nothing more than watch him from her perch in his bed, her eyes probing him with a wary light.

She nodded, and he disappeared into the bathroom, his relief not as great as his regret. And when he returned a mere ten minutes later, he found her gone from his bed, from his hotel room. From his life.

Yes, she’d understood well the rules of the game. Maybe too well. For a moment he’d allowed himself to wish that maybe, just maybe she’d still be lying there. Warm and sated from his lovemaking. Belonging to him.

Chapter Three

Jewel stood outside the third floor offices of the Anetakis Hotel and smoothed a hand through her hair for the third time. It was a bad nervous habit and one destined to bring down more tendrils from the elegant knot she’d fashioned.

Instead she placed her palms over her skirt and removed nonexistent wrinkles as she waited admittance into Piers Anetakis’s office.

She knew she looked cool and professional, a look she strove hard for. The woman who’d let loose with such abandon two nights before no longer existed. In her place was an unreadable face devoid of any emotion.

Still, despite her best efforts, thoughts of her lover drifted erotically through her mind. She’d left while he was in the shower, but she’d hoped to run into him again. A chance meeting. Maybe it would lead to another night even though she’d sworn it would only be one.

It was just as well. He was probably already gone back to wherever it was he lived. She’d move on herself in a few more weeks, armed with enough money to sustain her travels.

At times, she wondered what it would be like to settle in one place, to have all the comforts of home, but such an idea was alien to her. She’d learned long ago that a home wasn’t in the cards for her.

She glanced down at her watch. Two minutes past eight. She was to have been summoned at eight. Apparently promptness wasn’t one of Mr. Anetakis’s strong points.

She clutched her briefcase to her and stared out the window to the waves crashing in the distance. The sea lost some of its romance in the daylight. It was still beautiful and striking, but at night under the flicker of torches and the glow of the moon, it took on a life of its own.

Her mouth twisted ruefully. She was still thinking of her dark-eyed lover. He was hard to forget, and she knew she’d be thinking of him for a long time to come.

Behind her the door opened, and an older woman stuck her head out and smiled at Jewel. “Miss Henley, Mr. Anetakis will see you now.”

Jewel pasted a bright smile on her face and marched in behind the woman. Across the room Mr. Anetakis stood with his back to them, a cell phone stuck to his ear. When he heard them come in, he turned and Jewel halted. Her mouth flew open, and her eyes widened in shock.

To his credit, Mr. Anetakis merely raised an eyebrow in recognition, and then he closed his phone and nodded to the other lady.

“You can leave us now, Margery. Miss Henley and I have a lot to discuss.”

Jewel swallowed nervously as Margery quietly left the room and shut the door behind her. Her fingers curled around her briefcase, and she held it almost like a shield as Mr. Anetakis stared holes through her. God, how this must look.

“You have to know I had no idea who you were,” she said in a shaky voice before he could speak.

“Indeed,” he said calmly. “I could see the shock when I turned around. Still, it makes things a bit awkward, wouldn’t you say?”

“There’s no reason things should be awkward,” she said crisply. She moved forward, holding an outstretched hand. “Hello, Mr. Anetakis. I’m Jewel Henley, your new assistant. I trust we’ll work well together.”

His lips twisted into a sardonic smile. Before he could reply, his phone rang again.

“Excuse me, Miss Henley,” he said in a cool voice. Then he picked up his cell phone.

He wasn’t speaking English, but it was obvious the phone call wasn’t to his liking. He frowned and then outright scowled. He barked a few words into the receiver before muttering something unintelligible and snapping it closed.

“My apologies. There is something I must attend to at once. You can see Margery in her office, and she’ll get you…set up.”

Jewel nodded as he strode out the door. As soon as the door shut, all her breath left her in a whoosh that left her sagging. Of all the rotten luck. And to think she’d hoped they’d run into each other again so they could have a repeat performance.

On wobbly knees she went to find Margery and then prayed that she’d get through the next four weeks without losing her composure.

Piers got out of the helicopter and strode toward the car waiting to pick him up. As they drove toward the airport where his private jet awaited, he snapped open his phone and placed the call that he’d been deliberating over since he left his office.

His human resources manager for the island hotel picked up on the second ring.

“What can I do for you, Mr. Anetakis?” he asked once Piers had identified himself.

“Jewel Henley,” he bit out.

“Your new assistant?”

“Get rid of her.”

“Pardon? Is there a problem?”

“Just get rid of her. I want her gone by the time I return.” He took a deep breath. “Transfer her, promote her or pay her for the entirety of her contract, but get rid of her. She can’t work under me. I have a strict policy about personal involvement with my employees, and let’s just say she and I have history.”

He waited for a moment and when he didn’t hear anything, he said, “hello?” He cursed. The connection had been cut. Oh well, he didn’t require a response. He just wanted action.

Even if he hadn’t already been extremely distrustful of situations that seemed too coincidental, his brother’s assistant had sold valuable company plans to their competitor. After that debacle, they’d all assumed very strict requirements for the people working closest to them. They could ill afford another Roslyn.

Still, his chest tightened as the car stopped outside his plane, and he got out to board. He wasn’t so much in denial that he could refute that the night had been more than just a casual one-night stand. Which was all the more reason to cut ties now. He wouldn’t give up any power, no matter how subtle, to a woman ever again.

Jewel sat in Margery’s chair behind her desk filling out a mountain of paperwork while Margery puttered around in the background making phone calls and grumbling at the printer when it didn’t spit out the appropriate documents.

She’d spent the morning on pins and needles, waiting for Piers to return so they could at least try and air things out and get it behind them. The old saying about an elephant in the room was appropriate, only Jewel felt like there was an entire herd.

At lunch, she went down to the small café and nibbled on a sandwich while watching the seagulls dive-bomb tourists who had bread to feed them. If Margery let her on the company computer this afternoon, she’d e-mail Kirk and let him know she’d arrived on the island and would be staying a few weeks.

He was her only friend, but they rarely saw each other. He was forever taking assignments to far-flung places, and she was equally determined to travel her own way. It amused her that they were essentially lost souls who wandered from place to place. Neither had a home, and maybe that was why they understood each other.

An occasional e-mail, sometimes a phone call, and every once in a while they crossed paths on their travels. Those were good times. It was nice to connect to another person even if it was only for a few hours. He was as close to a brother or family member as she’d ever imagined having.

After finishing her sandwich, she tossed the wrapper and walked back to the employee elevator. Would Piers be back? A flutter abounded in her stomach, but she swallowed back her nervousness and forged ahead. It wouldn’t do to let him know she was put off by their unintentional relationship. If he could be cool about it then so could she.

When she walked back into Margery’s office, Margery looked up, a grim expression on her face. “Mr. Patterson wants to see you immediately.”

Jewel’s brow crinkled. Maybe it was more personnel stuff to sign. Lord knows she’d had enough paperwork this morning to choke a horse. With a resigned sigh, she turned and left Margery’s office and went several doors down to the human resource manager’s cubicle.

He looked up when she tapped on the frame of his open door.

“Miss Henley, come in. Have a seat please.”

She settled down in front of him and waited expectantly. He cleared his throat and tugged at his collar in an uncomfortable motion. Then he leveled a stare at her.

“When you hired on, it was with the condition that it was a temporary position. You were to be Mr. Anetakis’s assistant for the duration of his stay here.”

“Yes.” They’d been through all of this and she was impatient to get on with it.

“I’m sorry to say that he no longer requires an assistant. He’s had a change of plans. As such, your services are no longer required.”

She stared, stunned, for a long moment. “Excuse me?”

“Your employment here is terminated effective immediately.”

She stood, her legs trembling, her fingers curled into tight fists. “That bastard. What a complete and utter bastard!”

“Security will escort you to your room and wait while you collect your things,” he continued as if she hadn’t let loose with her tirade.

“You can tell Mr. Anetakis that he is the lowest form of pond scum. Verbatim, Mr. Patterson. Make sure he gets my message. He’s a gutless piece of chicken shit, and I hope he chokes on his damn cowardice.”

With that she turned and stormed out of his office, slamming the door as hard as she could. The sound reverberated down the hallway, and a few people stuck their heads out of their cubicles as she stalked past.

Unbelievable. He hadn’t even had the courage to fire her himself. He let his personnel director handle it while he ran for the hills. What a crock.

Two security guards fell into step beside her when she neared the elevator. It pissed her off that she was being treated like a common criminal.

She rode the elevator with them in stiff silence. They walked behind her to her door and positioned themselves on either side of the frame while she went in. How long would they give her before bursting in? The thought amused her even as rage crawled over her in waves.

Shedding her uncomfortable heels, she sank onto the bed like a deflated balloon. Damn the man. She had enough money to get off the island, but little else. Certainly no money to plan her next venture. She’d spent what she had to get here and taken the good-paying job to restock her resources. With the money earned in this job, she would have been able to travel, albeit economically, for the next six months without worrying about finances.

Now she faced the only choice available to her if she wanted a roof over her head. Going back home to San Francisco and the apartment that belonged to Kirk was her only option.

It had been an agreement between them. If she ever needed a place to stay, she was to go there. The utilities were taken care of each month and the pantry was stocked with staples.

She didn’t even have a way to contact him other than e-mail, and sometimes he went weeks without checking it. She just hoped he hadn’t planned one of his rare trips home at the same time she’d be there.

Her fingers dug into her temples, and she closed her eyes. She could look for work here on the island, but she’d already exhausted most of her possibilities when this job had landed in her lap. Nothing else paid nearly as well, and now she had no desire to stay where she might actually run into Piers Anetakis. The worm.

San Francisco was it, she admitted with forlorn acceptance. Hopefully she could land a job, save up some money. Having a rent-free place to stay would be helpful but she hated to take advantage of Kirk’s generosity.

“Damn you, Piers Anetakis,” she whispered. He’d managed to turn the most beautiful night of her life into something tawdry and hateful.

With a resigned shake of her head, she knew there was little point in feeling sorry for herself. There was nothing to do but pick up and go on and hopefully learn a lesson in the process.

Chapter Four

Five months later…

Piers descended the steps of his private jet and strode across the paved runway to the waiting car. The damp, chilly San Francisco air was a far cry from the warm, tropical air he was used to. He hadn’t taken the time to pack appropriate clothing, and the thin silk shirt and light suit coat didn’t offer much in the way of protection from the pervading chill.

The driver had already been instructed as to Piers’s destination, so he sat back as the car rolled away from the airport toward the hospital where Jewel was being treated.

What had happened to her? It must be serious if she’d broken down and phoned him after he hadn’t been able to uncover her whereabouts for five months. Guilt was a strong motivator, and yet his efforts had come to naught.

No matter. He now knew where she was. He’d see to it that she had the best care and settle an amount on her to compensate her loss of employment, and then maybe he could get her out of his head.

When they finally rolled up to the hospital, Piers wasted no time hurrying in. At the help desk he was given Jewel’s room number, and he rode the elevator to the appropriate floor.

At her door, he found it slightly ajar and issued a soft knock. Not hearing any summons, he pushed the door open and quietly walked in.

She was barely more than a rumpled pile of sheets on the bed, her head propped haphazardly on her pillow. Her eyelashes rested on her cheeks, and her soft, even breathing signaled her sleep.

Even in rest, she looked worried, her face drawn, her brow wrinkled. Her fingers were clutched bloodlessly at the sheet gathered at her chest. And yet she was as beautiful as he remembered, and unfortunately for him, he’d been haunted by her beauty for the last five months.

He removed his suit coat and tossed it over the chair beside her bed and then settled himself down to sit and wait for her to wake. The slight movement alerted her, and her eyes flew open.

Shock registered as soon as she saw him. Her eyes widened in what looked to be panic. Her hands moved immediately to her stomach in a protective gesture he’d be blind to miss.

Then he saw what it was she was protecting. There was an unmistakable swell, a taut mound that shielded a baby!

“You’re pregnant!”

Her eyes narrowed. “Well, you needn’t sound so accusing. I hardly got that way by myself.”

For a moment he was too stunned to realize her implication, and then when it came, it trickled like ice down his spine. Old memories came back in a wave, and hot anger quickly melted away the cold in his veins.

“Are you saying it’s mine?” he demanded. Already his mind was moving in a whir. He wouldn’t be trapped again by a conniving woman.

“She,” Jewel corrected. “At least refer to your daughter as a human being.”

Damn her. She knew that by personalizing the vague entity she shielded that he’d be inhuman not to react.

“A daughter?”

Against his will, his voice softened, and he found himself examining her belly closer. He impatiently brushed aside her cupped hands and then snatched his own hand back when her belly rippled and jumped beneath his fingers.

“Theos! Is that her?”

Jewel smiled and nodded. “She’s active this morning.”

Piers shook his head in an attempt to brush away the spell. A daughter. Suddenly he envisioned a tiny little girl, a replica of Jewel but with his dark eyes. Damn her for making him dream again.

His expression hardened, and he once again focused his attention on Jewel. “Is she mine?”

Jewel met his steady gaze and nodded.

He swore softly. “We used protection. I used protection.”

She shrugged. “She’s yours.”

“You expect me to accept that? Just like that?”

She struggled to sit up against her pillows, her fingers clenched into tight balls at her sides. “I haven’t slept with another man in two years. She’s yours.”

He wasn’t the gullible fool he’d been so many years ago. “Then you won’t object to paternity testing.”

She closed her eyes wearily and sank back into the covers. Hurt flickered in her eyes when she reopened them, but she shook her head. “No, Piers. I have nothing to hide.”

“What is wrong with you? Why are you here in the hospital?” he asked, finally coming around to the matter at hand. He’d been completely blindsided by the discovery that the child she was pregnant with was…could be his.

“I’ve been ill,” she said in a tired voice. “Elevated blood pressure. Fatigue. My doctor said my job had a lot to do with it, and he wants me to quit. He says I must quit, that I don’t have a choice.”

“What the devil have you been doing?” he demanded.

She lifted one shoulder. “Waitressing. It was all I could find on such short notice. I needed the money before I could move somewhere else. Somewhere warmer. Somewhere I could make more money. It’s very expensive here in San Francisco.”

“Then why did you come here from the island? You could have gone anywhere.”

She cast him a bitter glance. “I have an apartment here. One that is paid for. After I was fired, I had little choice in where to go. I had to have a place to sleep. I intended to save enough money and then go somewhere else.”

He flinched as guilt consumed him. Damn, but this was a mess. Not only had he had her fired, but he’d sent a pregnant woman into a bad situation.

“Look, Jewel, about your firing…”

She held up a hand, her expression fierce. “I don’t want to discuss it. You’re a coward and a bastard of the first order. I wouldn’t have ever spoken to you again if our daughter didn’t need you, if I didn’t need your help.”

“That’s just it. I never intended for you to be fired,” he said patiently.

She glared at him. “That’s hardly comforting given that I was fired and that I was escorted out of your hotel.”

He sighed. Now wasn’t the time to try and reason with her. She was growing more upset by the minute. If she chose to believe the worst in him, and it was obvious she did, he was hardly going to change five months worth of anger and resentment in five minutes.

“So what is it that you need from me?” he asked. “I’ll help in any way I can.”

She stared at him, suspicion burning brightly in her ocean eyes. Maybe he was wrong to want his daughter to have his eyes. No, she should definitely have Jewel’s eyes. Dark-haired like him, but with her mother’s sea-green eyes. Or were they blue? He could never tell from one moment to the next.

Then her shoulders sank, and she closed her eyes. “My physician won’t discharge me until he’s certain I have someone to care for me.”

She said the latter with a measure of distaste, as if it pained her to be dependent on anyone.

“I’ll be on bed rest until my surgery.”

Piers sat forward. “Surgery? Why do you need surgery? I thought you said you were only ill. Blood pressure.” He knew enough about that from his sister-in-law’s pregnancy to know that the prescribed treatment for stress or elevated blood pressure was merely rest and to be off one’s feet. “You can’t have surgery while you’re pregnant. What about the baby?”

She stared back at him patiently. “That’s just it. When they did a sonogram to check on the baby, they found a large cyst on one of my ovaries. Instead of shrinking, as a lot of cysts do during the course of the pregnancy, this one has gotten larger, and now it’s pressing on the uterus. They have no choice but to remove it so that it won’t interfere with the pregnancy or possibly even harm the baby.”

Piers cursed. “This operation, is it dangerous? Will it harm the baby?”

“The doctor doesn’t think so, but it has to be done soon.”

He cursed again, though he didn’t allow the words past his lips. He didn’t want to be ensnared in another situation where he stood to lose everything. Once a fool, but never again. This time things would be done on his terms.

“You’re going to marry me,” he announced baldly.

Chapter Five

“You’re out of your mind,” Jewel burst out.

Piers’s eyes narrowed. “I’d hardly say my speaking of marriage constitutes an unsound mind.”

“Crazy. Certifiable.”

He bristled and let out an irritated growl. “I am not crazy.”

“You’re serious!”

She stared at him with a mixture of stupefaction and horror.

His breath escaped in a long sound of exasperation.

Her mouth fell open. “For the love of God. You think I’d marry you?”

“There’s no reason to sound so appalled.”

“Appalled,” she muttered. “That about covers my reaction. Look, Piers. I need your help. Your support. But I don’t need marriage. Not to you. Never to you.”

“Well if you want my support, you’re damn well going to have to marry me for it,” he growled.

“Get out,” she bit off. She held a trembling hand up to point to the door, but Piers caught it and curled his fingers around hers. He brought it to the edge of the bed and gently stroked the inside of her wrist.

“I shouldn’t have said that. You made me angry. If you’re pregnant with my child, of course you’ll have my support, Jewel. I’ll do everything I can to provide for you and our daughter.”

Astounded by his abrupt turnaround, she could only stare at him, her tongue flapping to try and come up with something, anything to say. How could he still affect her this way after all he’d done?

“Then you’ll say no more about marriage?”

His lips tightened. “I didn’t promise that. I have every intention of marrying you as quickly as possible and definitely before this surgery.”

“But—”

He held up his hand, and to her utter annoyance, her mouth shut, cutting off her protest.

“You are having a dangerous surgery. You have no family, no one to be with you, to make decisions if the worst should happen.”

A cold trickle of dread swept down her spine. How did he know anything about her family? Had he had her investigated? Her stomach rolled as nausea welled. She couldn’t bear for anyone to know of her past. As far as she was concerned it didn’t exist. She didn’t exist.

“There has to be another way,” she said faintly. Already the strain of him being here, of standing up against this hard man, was wearing on her.

It must have been obvious, because his expression softened noticeably. “I’m not here to fight with you. We have a lot to work out and not much time. I need to speak with your doctor and have you transferred to a better facility. I’ll want a specialist to take over your care. He can give us a second opinion on whether this surgery is the best solution with you pregnant. I’ll see to the arrangements for our wedding.”

“Stop right there,” she said as fury worked its way up her spine until her neck was stiff and locked. “You won’t come barging in here, taking over my life and making decisions for me. I’m not some brainless idiot who needs you to rush in and save the day. I’ve spoken to the doctors. I’m well aware of what needs to be done, and I will make the decision as to what is best for me and my daughter. If that bothers you, then you can take yourself right back to your island and leave me the hell alone.”

He held up a placating hand. “Don’t upset yourself, Jewel. I’m sorry if I’ve offended you. Taking over is what I do. You asked for my help, and I’m here to offer it, and yet now you don’t seem to want it.”

“I want your help without conditions.”

For a long moment they stared at each other, neither backing down as the challenge was laid.

“And I’m afraid that I’m unwilling to just sit back and not have a say.”

“You’re not even convinced this is your child,” she threw out.

He nodded. “That’s true. I’d be a fool to blindly accept your word. We hardly know each other. How do I know you didn’t set the entire thing up? Regardless, I’m willing to help. I have much to make up for. For now I’m willing to go with the assumption that you’re carrying my daughter. I want us to marry before you have any further medical treatment.”

“But that’s just insane,” she protested.

He continued on as if she hadn’t spoken. “I’ll have an agreement drawn up to protect both our interests. If it turns out you’ve lied and the child is not mine, the marriage will immediately be terminated. I’ll provide a settlement for you and your daughter, and we’ll go our separate ways.”

She didn’t miss the way he said “your daughter,” the way he purposely distanced himself from the equation. If she lied. She almost shook her head. She would have had to have jumped directly from his bed into another man’s for the timing to be such that the baby could be someone else’s. What he must think of her. Hardly a basis for marriage.

“And if she is yours?” she asked softly.

“Then we remain married.”

She was already shaking her head. “No. I don’t want to marry you. You can’t want this either.”

“I won’t argue about this, Jewel. You will marry me and you’ll do it immediately. Think about what’s best for your daughter. The longer we spend arguing, the longer you and the baby are at risk.”

“You really are blackmailing me,” she said in disbelief.

“Think what you want,” he offered with a casual shrug.

“She is your child,” she said fiercely. “You get those damn tests done, but she’s yours.”

Piers nodded. “I’m willing to concede that she could be mine. I wouldn’t have offered marriage if I didn’t think the possibility existed.”

“And yet you don’t want to wait for those results before you tie us together?”

“How strangely you put it,” he said with mild amusement. “Our agreement will allow for any possibility. As I’ve said, if it turns out you’ve lied to me, our marriage will end immediately. I’m prepared to be generous in spite of the lie, but it will be on my terms. And if, as you said, that she is my daughter, then the best course is for us to be married and provide a stable home for her.”

“With two parents who can barely tolerate one another.”

He raised one eyebrow. “I wouldn’t go that far. I’d say we got on quite well together that night in my hotel room.”

A deep flush worked its way over her cheeks. “Lust is no substitute for love, trust and commitment.”

“And who is to say those things won’t follow?”

She stared at him in astonishment.

“Give it a chance, Jewel. Who is to say what the future holds for us. For now, it isn’t wise to dwell on things that might not even be an issue. We have your surgery to contend with and of course the results of the paternity test.”

“Of course. Silly me to consider the cornerstones of marriage when in fact we’re considering getting married.”

“There is no need to be so sarcastic. Now, if we’re finished, I suggest you get some rest. There are many things to be done, and the sooner I arrange everything, the sooner you can be at ease.”

“I haven’t said I’ll marry you,” she said evenly.

“No, and I’m waiting for your answer.”

Frustration beat at her temples. How infuriating was this man. Arrogant. Convinced of getting his way each and every time. And yet, the jerk was right on all counts. She needed him. Their daughter needed him.

Sadness crept over her, and she lay back, closing her eyes. She felt disgustingly weepy. This was so far removed from the way she’d dreamed things might be one day. In her more sane moments, she’d accepted the fact that she’d probably never marry, never have someone she could absolutely trust. Trust just wasn’t in her makeup. And yet, it hadn’t stopped her fanciful daydreams of a strong, loving man. Someone who wouldn’t abuse her trust. Someone who would love her unconditionally.

“It won’t be as bad as that,” Piers said gently as he took her hand in his once more.

She opened her eyes to see him staring intently at her.

“All right, Piers. I’ll marry you,” she said wearily. “But I’ll have conditions of my own.”

“I’ll provide a lawyer to represent your interests. He can look over my part of the agreement and advise you accordingly.”

How sterile and cold it all sounded. More like a hostile business takeover than a marriage. A delicate shiver skirted up her spine and prickled her nape. There was no doubt that she was making a mistake. Perhaps the biggest mistake of her life. But for her child, she’d do this. She’d do anything. From the moment she discovered she was pregnant, her child became everything to her. She wouldn’t lose her daughter. If she had to marry the devil himself, she’d grit her teeth and bear it.

“How about I choose the lawyer and have him bill you,” she offered sweetly.

To her surprise he chuckled. “Don’t trust me? I suppose you have no reason to. Of course. Choose your lawyer and have him send me the bill.”

Her eyes narrowed. He was positively magnanimous, but then he could afford to be now that he’d won.

“Is there anything you need? Anything you’d like me to bring you?”

She hesitated for a moment. “Food.”

“Food? They don’t feed you here?”

“Really good food,” she said hopefully. “I’m starving.”

He smiled, and she felt the jolt all the way to her toes. Damn the man for looking so disgustingly appealing. She didn’t want to be attracted to him anymore. Her hand smoothed over her belly in another silent apology. She didn’t regret a single thing about their night of passion, but it didn’t mean she wanted to dwell on it forever.

“I will see what I can do about getting you some really good food. Now, get some rest. I’ll be back after a while.”

As if she would rest now that he’d arrived and turned her life upside down.

Then he surprised her by leaning down and brushing his lips across her forehead in a surprisingly tender gesture. She held her breath, enjoying the brief contact. As he drew away, his fingers trailed down her cheek.

“I don’t want you to worry about anything. Just rest and get well and take good care of your…our daughter.”

He seemed to struggle with the last as if he was making a concession to her claim, and yet, he looked grim. Maybe he had no wish for children. Tough. He now had a daughter, and he might as well get used to the idea.

He gave her one last look and then turned to walk briskly from the hospital room. When the door shut behind him, Jewel let out her breath in a long whoosh.

Married.

She couldn’t imagine being married to such a hard man. She’d had enough hard people in her life. Emotionless, cold individuals with no heart, no love. And now she was consigned to a marriage that would be a replica of her childhood.

Her hands rubbed and massaged her swollen belly. “It will never be like that for you, sweetie. I love you so much already, and there’ll never be a day you won’t know it. I swear. No matter what happens with your daddy, you’ll always have me.”

Chapter Six

“I’ve done a terrible thing,” Piers said when his brother, Chrysander, muttered an unintelligible greeting in Greek.

Chrysander sighed, and Piers could hear him sit up in bed and fight the covers for a moment.

“Why is it becoming commonplace for my younger brothers to call me in the middle of the night with those exact words?”

“Theron messed up lately?” Piers asked in amusement.

“Not since he seduced a woman under his protection,” Chrysander said dryly.

“Ahh, you mean Bella. Why do I imagine that it was she who did the seducing?”

“You’re straying from the topic. What is this terrible thing you’ve done, and how much is it going to cost?”

“Maybe nothing. Maybe everything,” Piers said quietly.

A curse escaped Chrysander’s lips, and then Piers heard him say something to Marley in the background.

“Don’t worry Marley over this,” Piers said. “I’m sorry to have disturbed her sleep.”

“It’s too late for that,” Chrysander growled. “Just give me a moment to go into my office.”

Piers waited, drumming his fingers on the desk in his hotel room. Finally Chrysander came back on the line.

“Now tell me what’s wrong.”

Just like Chrysander to get to the point.

“I had an affair—a brief affair, a one-night stand really.”

“So?” Chrysander asked impatiently. “This isn’t new for you.”

“She was my new assistant.”

Chrysander cursed again.

“I didn’t know she was my assistant until she showed up for work. I had her fired.”

Chrysander groaned. “How much is she suing us for?”

“Let me finish.” This time it was Piers who was impatient. “I didn’t intend to fire her at all. I asked my human resources manager to transfer her, or promote her or pay her for her entire contracted term, but he only heard the get rid of her part and fired her. She disappeared before I could remedy the situation, and I wasn’t able to locate her. Until now.”

“Okay, so what’s the problem?”

“She’s in the hospital. She’s ill, she needs a surgery…and she’s pregnant.”

Dead silence greeted his announcement.

“Theos,” Chrysander breathed. “Piers, you can’t let this happen again. Last time—”

“I know,” Piers said irritably. The last thing he needed was a recap of that disaster from his brother. It was bad enough he’d been made a complete fool of, but his brothers had witnessed the entire debacle.

“Are you certain the child is yours?”

“No. I’ve asked for paternity testing.”

“Good.”

“There’s something else you should know,” Piers said. “I’m going to marry her. Soon, as in the next few days.”

“What? Have you lost your mind?”

“Funny, that’s what she asked me.”

“I’m glad one of you has sense then,” Chrysander said heatedly. “Why on earth would you marry this woman when you don’t even know if the child is yours?”

“It’s amazing how the tables have turned,” Piers said mildly.

“Don’t even start. I heard the same thing from Theron when he was so set on marrying Alannis. Never mind that I was right about what a disaster that would be. You two warning me about Marley was an entirely different situation, and you know it. You don’t have a relationship with this woman. You slept with her one night, and now she claims to be pregnant with your child, and you’re going to marry her? Just like that?”

“She needs my help. I’m not stupid. I’m having our lawyer draw up an ironclad agreement that provides stipulations for the possibility that the child isn’t mine. For now, with her surgery looming, it’s best that we marry. This way I can make decisions for her care and that of the child’s. If it does turn out to be my daughter, how would I feel if I had sat back and done nothing while I waited for the proof?”

“Daughter?”

“Yes. Apparently Jewel is pregnant with a girl.”

Despite his doubts and his heavy suspicions, he couldn’t help but smile at the image of a little girl with big eyes and a sweet smile.

“Jewel. What’s her last name?”

“Oh no you don’t, big brother. There’s no need to get all protective and have her background dug up. I can handle this myself. You just concern yourself with your wife and my nephew.”

“I don’t want you hurt again,” Chrysander said quietly.

And there it was. No matter how much he wanted to avoid the past, it was always there, hanging like a dark cloud. Unbidden, the image of another child, a sweet baby boy, dark-haired with a cherubic smile and chubby little legs, came painfully to mind. Eric. Not many days had gone by that Piers hadn’t thought of him in some form or fashion, but not until now had such pain accompanied the memories.

“This time, I’m going to make sure that my interests are better protected,” Piers said coldly. “I was a fool then.”

Chrysander sighed. “You were young, Piers.”

“It was no excuse.”

“Call me if you need me. Marley and I would like to come to your wedding. It will be better if family is there.”

“There’s no need.”

“There is every need,” Chrysander said, interrupting him. “Let me know the details, and we’ll fly out.”

Piers’s hand gripped the phone tighter. It was nice to have such unconditional support. And then he realized the irony. He hadn’t exactly offered Jewel his unconditional support. He’d strong-armed her and taken advantage of her situation.

“All right. I’ll call when I have the arrangements made.”

“Be sure and let Theron know as well. He and Bella will want to be there.”

Piers sighed. “Yes big brother.”

Chrysander chuckled. “This is a small thing I ask. It’s not as if you’ve ever listened to me before.”

“Give Marley my love.”

“I will—and Piers? Be careful. I don’t like the sound of this at all.”

Piers hung up the phone. He should call Theron, but he couldn’t bring himself to face another inquisition. Especially now that Theron had joined the ranks of the deliriously happy. He’d be appalled that Piers was going to marry a woman he barely knew, a woman who might well be lying to him.

Instead he phoned his lawyer and outlined his situation. Then he arranged a security detail for Jewel. He and his brothers took no chances with those close to them after what had happened to Chrysander’s wife, Marley. Next he called to see when Jewel’s doctor would next be making his rounds. He intended to be there so he’d know exactly what was going on.

Lastly, he called a local restaurant and arranged for a full-course dinner to be prepared for pickup in an hour.

Jewel was ready to fidget right out of the bed. She’d only gotten up to use the bathroom, and now she’d decided she’d had enough. The doctor was releasing her tomorrow now that someone had shown up to take care of her. She had to work to keep the snort of derision from rising in her throat.

She could do without Piers Anetakis’s brand of caring.

The thin hospital gown offered little in the way of modesty, and so after showering, she dressed in a pair of loose-fitting sweats and a maternity shirt. She toweled her hair as dry as she could and left it loose so it would finish drying.

She had settled in the small recliner to the side of her bed when the door opened, and Piers strode in carrying two large take-out bags.

She sat forward nervously as his gaze swept over her. Then his eyes narrowed, and he set the bags down on the bed.

“You should not have showered until I was here.”

Her mouth fell open in shock. “What?”

“You could have fallen. You should have waited for me to help or at least called for the nurse.”

“How do you know I didn’t call for one of the nurses?”

He stared inquisitively at her, his eyes mocking. “Did you?”

“It’s none of your business,” she muttered.

“If you’re pregnant with my child, it’s every bit of my business.”

“Look Piers, we need to get something straight right now. Me being pregnant with your child does not give you any rights over me whatsoever. I won’t allow you to waltz in and take over my life.”

Even as the sharp protest left her lips, she realized how stupid she sounded. That’s precisely what he had done so far. Taken over. What else explained the reason for this marriage he proposed?

She bit her lip and looked away, her hand automatically moving to her belly in a soothing motion.

Piers began taking food out of the bags as if she’d said nothing at all. The smells wafted through her nostrils, and her stomach growled. Heavenly.

She raised an eyebrow. She wouldn’t have thought he’d give much thought to what she could or couldn’t have.

“Thank you, I’m starving.”

He prepared a plate and handed it to her along with utensils. Then he fixed a plate for himself and settled on the edge of the bed.

“I can get back into the bed so you have a place to sit,” she offered.

He shook his head. “You look comfortable. I’m fine.”

They ate in silence, though she knew he watched her. She refused to acknowledge his perusal, though, and concentrated on the delicious food instead.

When she couldn’t eat another bite, she sighed and put down her fork.

“That was wonderful, thank you.”

He took the plate and set it on the counter along the wall. “Would you like to get back into bed now?”

She shook her head. “I’ve had enough bed to last a lifetime.”

“But shouldn’t you be in bed with your feet up?” he persisted.

“I’m doing well. The doctor wants me on moderated bed rest until my surgery. That means I can get up and move around. He just doesn’t want me on my feet for long periods of time.”

“And this job you had, you were on your feet all the time?” he asked with a frown.

“I was waitressing. It was necessary.”

“You should have phoned me the minute you knew you were pregnant,” he said fiercely.

Her expression turned murderous. “You had me fired. You told me quite plainly that you wanted nothing further to do with me. Why on earth would I be calling you? I wouldn’t have called you now if I hadn’t needed you so badly.”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to be grateful you needed me.”

“I don’t need you,” she amended. “Our daughter does.”

“You need me, Jewel. I have a lot to make up for, and I plan to do just that. We can talk about your firing when you aren’t in the hospital and you’re feeling better.”

“About that,” she began.

He raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“The doctor is releasing me in the morning.”

“Yes, I know. I spoke to him before I came back to your room.”

Her fingers curled into tight fists, but she kept the frustration from her expression. Or at least she tried.

“I don’t need you hovering over me at every moment. You can drop me off at my apartment—”

Before she got any further he shook his head resolutely, his expression implacable.

“I’ve arranged for the rental of a house until your surgery. I’ll take you there of course. I’ve hired a nurse to see to your needs—”

It was her turn to break in, her head shaking so stiffly that her neck hurt.

“No. Absolutely not. I won’t have some nurse hired to babysit me. It’s ridiculous. I’m not an invalid. I have to stay off my feet. Fine, I can do that without a nurse.”

“Why must you be so difficult?” he asked mildly. “I’m only doing what is best for your health.”

“If you want to hire someone, hire a cook,” she muttered. “I’m terrible at it.”

Amusement curved his hard mouth into a smile. It was amazing what a difference it made in his face. He looked almost boyish. She stared at him in astonishment.

“A cook can be arranged. I, of course, wish to see that my daughter and her mother are well fed. Does this mean you aren’t going to fight moving in with me?”

She made a sound of protest, but it quickly died. She’d walked right into that one. With a long suffering sigh, she uttered a simple, “No.”

“See, that wasn’t so hard, now was it?”

“You can quit the gloating. It’s not very attractive on you.”

His grin broadened. The amazing thing was, it made him look quite charming. Dangerous, Jewel. He’s dangerous. Don’t fall for that charm.

“I’m going to take you home with me, Jewel,” he said patiently. “There’s little point in arguing. All the arrangements have been made. Tomorrow I hope to see to the wedding arrangements. Understandably, concerns for your health came before our marriage, but once I have you settled in, I’ll see to the necessary plans.”

The beginnings of a headache thrummed at her temples. Was this what her life was going to be like? Him calling all the shots and her meekly following along? Not if she could help it. Right now, she was tired, worried and more than a little stressed, and as weak as it made her feel to hand everything over to him, it also felt good to relinquish her problems. Even if it was just for a little while.

“Does your head hurt you?” he asked.

She drew her hand away, unaware until now that she’d been rubbing her forehead. “Stress,” she said in a shaky voice. “It’s been a long couple of weeks. I’m tired.”

What an idiot she was, outlining her weaknesses in stark detail. As if he hadn’t already honed in on her disadvantages.

To her surprise, he didn’t make any sharp or sarcastic remarks. He took her hands gently in his, and lowered them to her lap. Then he carefully helped her up.

Too stunned to do more than gape at him, she cooperated without complaint. He stepped behind her and sank down onto the seat, pulling her down onto his lap.

She landed with a jolt of awareness that five long months hadn’t diminished in the least. There was still potent chemistry between them, much to her dismay.

His warmth wrapped around her, soothing her despite her rioting emotions. She was almost in complete panic when his fingers dug into her hair and began massaging her scalp.

A soft moan of surrender escaped her. Bliss. Sheer, unadulterated bliss. His strong fingers worked to her forehead and then her temples.

Bonelessly she melted further into his chest. He stiffened slightly and then relaxed as he continued his ministrations. For several long minutes, neither spoke, and only the sound of her soft breathing could be heard.

“Better?” he asked softly.

She nodded, unable to form coherent words. She was floating on a cloud of sheer delight.

“You are worrying yourself too much, yineka mou. The stress is not good for you or the baby. Everything will be all right. You have my word on it.”

The statement was intended to comfort her, and she did appreciate his effort. But for some reason, his vow sounded ominous to her ears. Almost like this was a turning point in her life where nothing would ever be the same. Like she was giving up control, not just for the short term.

Of course things are changing irrevocably, you idiot. You’re pregnant and getting married. How much more change could you possibly make?

Still, she tried to draw some comfort in the serious promise in his voice. He didn’t trust her. She didn’t think he even particularly liked her, but he desired her, that much was obvious. And she desired him. It wasn’t enough. Not even close, but it was all they had.

Not exactly a prime start to a marriage.

Chapter Seven

Jewel tilted her head so she could see out the window as Piers pulled through the gates of a sprawling estate covered in lush green landscaping and well manicured shrubbery. The house came into view when they topped the hill, and her eyes widened in appreciation. Despite the size of the grounds, the house was what she’d deem modest in comparison.

Still it was gorgeous. Two stories with dormers and ivy clinging to the front. He’d said he rented the place. Who knew such places were for rent?

He parked in front of the garage that was adjacent to the main house. Behind them, the car carrying her newly assigned security detail pulled in. Before she could get out, one of the guards appeared and opened her door. He hovered protectively, shielding her…from what? Only when Piers reached for her hand, did the guard step away.

“I’m not helpless, you know,” she said dryly when he tucked her against his side. But she would have been lying if she denied that having his help thrilled her in an inexplicable way. His body was warm and solid against hers. Strong. The idea that she wasn’t alone nearly brought her to her knees.

“I know this,” he said in his brusque accent. “But you’ve only just gotten out of the hospital, and you’re carrying a child. If at any time you need help, it is certainly now.”

She relaxed against him, refusing to spoil their first moments home with senseless, petty arguments.

Home. The word struck her in the chest, and even as she thought it, she shook her head in mute denial. She had no home.

“Is there something wrong?” he asked as they stopped at the door.

Embarrassed over her emotional display, she uttered a low denial.

He opened the door, and they stepped into the expansive foyer. Beyond was an elegant double staircase curving toward the top where a hallway connected the two sides of the house.

“Come into the living room, and I’ll see to your things.”

She allowed him to lead her to a comfortable leather couch that afforded a view of the patio through triple French doors. It would be a perfect breakfast spot, she thought with longing. The morning sun would shine perfectly on the garden table.

What would it be like to have a home like this? Filled with laughter and children. And then it occurred to her that it was entirely possible that part of that dream would come true.

She looked down at the gentle mound covered by her thin shirt and slowly smoothed her hand over it. The baby kicked, and Jewel smiled.

She wanted to give her daughter all the things she’d never had, the things she longed for. Love, acceptance. A stable home.

Would Piers provide those things? Everything but love. Could Jewel love her baby enough to compensate for a father who didn’t want her or her mother?

Damn if she hadn’t done what she’d sworn never to do.

Piers traipsed inside the living room, hauling her two suitcases with him.

“I’ll take these upstairs, and then I’ll be down to make us some lunch. Is there anything you need in the meantime?”

Unnerved by his consideration, she shook her head. “I’m fine.”

“Good, then I’ll be right back.”

She heard him rattle up the stairs, and she returned her perusal moodily to the outside. No longer content to look from afar, she got up and walked to the glass doors. She pressed her hand to the panes as she gazed over the magnificently rendered gardens.

It was extremely beautiful, but it almost looked sterile, as if no one ever touched it, or even breathed on it for that matter. It seemed…artificial. Not a living, breathing entity. Not like the ocean. It was always alive, rolling, sometimes peaceful and serene and at other times angry and forbidding.

A hand slipped over her shoulder, and she jumped. As she turned, she saw that Piers stood behind her, his expression mild and unthreatening.

“Sorry if I startled you. I called from across the room, but you didn’t hear me obviously.”

She offered a half smile, suddenly nervous in his presence.

“It’s beautiful isn’t it?”

“Yes, it is,” she agreed. “I prefer the ocean, though. It’s more…untamed.”

“You find these gardens tame?”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“I suppose I can see your point. Would you like to eat now? I had something dropped by before we arrived. It will only take a few minutes to warm everything up.”

She turned sideways to face him. “Could we eat outside? It’s a beautiful day.”

“If you wish. Why don’t you go on outside. I’ll bring out the food in a moment.”

His footsteps retreated across the wooden floors. When he was gone, she slipped out of the French doors and onto the stone patio.

The coolness caused her to shiver, but it was a beautiful day, one of the few where nothing marred the blue sky, and she didn’t want to waste it by returning indoors.

She settled into one of the chairs to wait for Piers. It seemed odd to have this arrogant man waiting on her. He was clearly used to having the tables turned and being served.

The doors opened, and Piers elbowed his way out carrying two trays. He was a man of continuing surprises. He’d shown up at the hospital in time for her release, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a casual polo shirt, a far cry from the expensive designer clothing she knew he usually wore. He looked almost approachable. No less desirable, but definitely less threatening. In a more cynical moment, she wondered if he’d done it on purpose to lull her into a false sense of security.

He set a tray in front of her then placed his own across the table before taking a seat. She picked up her fork but made the mistake of looking over at him before she began to eat. He was staring intently at her, his food untouched.

“We have a lot to talk about, Jewel. After you eat, I plan to have the conversation we should have had a long time ago.”

He sounded ominous, and a prickle of unease swept over her. What was left for them to discuss? He’d demanded she marry him, and she’d agreed. He’d demanded she move in with him, and she’d agreed. Quite frankly her acquiescence was starting to irritate the hell out of her.

They ate in silence, though she knew he watched her. The heat of his stare blazed over her skin, but she refused to acknowledge his perusal. He already had enough power over her.

When she’d finished, she put her fork down, and still refusing to look at him, she turned her gaze back to the gardens.

“Ignoring me won’t help.”

Finally she turned, sure she must look guilty. Now she felt childish for being so obvious, but the man made her nervous.

“We need to clear the air on a few matters. Mainly your firing.”

She stiffened and clenched her fingers into small fists. “I’d just as soon not discuss it. No good can come of it, and I am supposed to keep my stress level down.”

“I never intended to have you fired, Jewel. It was a despicable thing to have happened to you, and I accept full blame.”

“Well who the hell else’s fault would it be?” she demanded.

“It wasn’t what I intended,” he said again.

“Whether you intended it or not, it’s what happened. Mighty coincidental that I got the sack as soon as you found out who I was, wouldn’t you say?”

Piers blew out his breath, and his gaze narrowed. “You aren’t going to make this easy, are you?”

She leaned back, this time giving him the full intensity of her stare. “Why should it be easy for you? It wasn’t easy for me. I had no money left, no job. I came here because it was the only place I had to stay, and waitressing was the only quick job I could land. Then I started getting sick.” She stopped and shook her head. She wasn’t going to get into it with him.

“You’re right. I’m sorry.”

He looked and sounded sincere. Enough so that her next question slipped out before she could think better of it.

“If I wasn’t supposed to be fired, how exactly did I end up sacked and escorted out of the hotel?”

Piers winced and dragged a hand through his hair. “As I said, it’s completely my fault. I told my human resources manager to reassign you, or promote you or even to pay you for the term of your contract but I’m afraid the first words out of my mouth were to get rid of you. The rest, unfortunately, he didn’t hear because the connection was severed. By the time I returned to the hotel and discovered the misunderstanding, you were gone. I had no luck tracing your whereabouts. In fact, I’d given up ever hearing from you again until you called.”

She stared at him in disbelief. First, she couldn’t believe he’d actually admitted his wrongdoing. Second, she couldn’t fathom him looking for her afterward. It sounded suspiciously like he genuinely regretted what had happened.

“I don’t get it,” she said with genuine confusion. “Why couldn’t we have just been adults about it? Why was it so important to you to get rid of me? I realize it wasn’t an ideal situation, but it was an honest mistake. Neither of us knew who the other was or God knows I wouldn’t have gone to bed with you that night.”

“Then I guess it’s a good thing you didn’t know who I was,” he said softly.

She looked down at her belly. “Yes, I don’t regret it now at all.”

“Did you then?”

He didn’t look offended, only genuinely curious. He’d been honest with her so far, so she couldn’t be anything other than completely honest with him.

“No. I didn’t regret our night together.”

He seemed satisfied with her answer. “To answer your question, it wasn’t personal. What I mean is that it’s not as if it was something you did. I have a strict policy about allowing anyone to work closely with me who has had any sort of a personal relationship with me. It’s a necessary rule, unfortunately.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You say that as if you were once burned.”

“In a manner of speaking. My brother’s personal assistant was enamored with him, but she was also selling company secrets and framed my sister-in-law.”

“Sounds like a soap opera,” Jewel muttered.

He chuckled. “It seemed like one at the time.”

“You could have simply told me. You owed me that much given the fact we had spent the night together,” she said, pinning him with the force of her gaze. “If you’d been up front with me, none of this would have happened. There would have been no misunderstanding.”

“You’re right. I’m afraid the shock of finding out who you were made my judgment particularly bad. I’m sorry.”

His quietly spoken apology softened some of her anger. If she was honest, she still held resentment for the easy way he’d summarily dismissed her from his life. Not that she’d expected undying love and commitment, but hadn’t the night meant something? Even enough to rate a personal dismissal instead of the job being handed off to a stooge?

Still, if this marriage was to be anything short of difficult and laced with animosity, she knew he had to let go of some of that resentment. Be the bigger person and all that jazz. Funny how taking the high road was never particularly fun.

“I accept your apology.”

Surprise flickered in his dark eyes. “Do you really, I wonder?”

“I didn’t say you were my best friend,” she said dryly. “Merely that I’d accepted your apology. It seems the thing to do in light of our impending nuptials.”

Amusement replaced the surprise. “I have a feeling we’re going to get along just fine together, yineka mou.” His gaze dropped to her stomach. “That is if you’re telling me the truth.”

For a moment, pain shadowed his eyes, and she wondered what sort of hell occurred in his past that would make him so distrustful. It went beyond mistrust. He didn’t want to be the father of her child. He wanted her to be a liar and a deceiver. It was as if he knew how to handle those. But a woman telling him the truth? That was the aberration.

She must be insane to walk into this type of situation. There was every way for her to lose and no way to win.

“It does me little good to tell you that you’re the father when you’re determined not to believe me,” she said evenly. “We’ll have the paternity tests done and then you’ll know.”

“Yes. Indeed we’ll know,” he said softly.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go dig out my laptop,” she said as she rose from her seat. “I need to send an e-mail.”

“And I have arrangements to make for our wedding.”

She nodded because if she tried to say anything, she’d choke. Not looking back at him, she hurried to the doors and went inside. Piers hadn’t told her which bedroom was hers, but she’d find it easily enough.

She hit the stairs, and after going into three rooms on the upper level, she found her bags lying on the bed.

She unpacked her clothing first and put everything away before settling back onto the bed with her laptop. She checked her e-mail, but didn’t see anything from Kirk. Not that she expected to. Sometimes they went months with no communication depending on his assignment and whether she was in a place she could e-mail him. Still, she felt like she owed him an explanation, and so she spilled the entire sordid tale in an e-mail that took her half an hour to compose.

When she was done, she was worn out and feeling more than a little foolish. There was no advice Kirk could offer, but she felt better for unloading some of her worries. He’d know better than anyone her fears of marriage and commitment.

Leaving her laptop open, she leaned back on the soft pillows to stare up at the ceiling. Contemplating her future had never been quite so terrifying as it was now.

Piers walked up the stairs toward Jewel’s room. She’d been sequestered for two hours now. Surely that was enough time to have completed her personal business.

He stopped at her door and knocked softly, but he heard no answer from within. Concerned, he pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Jewel was curled on her side, her head buried in the down pillows. Sound asleep. She looked exhausted.

Her laptop was precariously close to the edge of the bed, and he hurried over to retrieve it before it fell. When he placed it on the dresser, the screen came back up and he saw that a new e-mail message was highlighted by the cursor. It was from someone named Kirk.

With a frown, he scrolled down the preview screen to read the short message.

Jewel,

I’m on my way home. Don’t do anything until I get there. Okay? Just hang tight. I’ll be there as soon as I can hop a flight. Kirk

Piers stiffened. Hell would freeze over before he’d allow this man to interfere in his and Jewel’s relationship. She’d agreed to marry him, and marry him she would. He didn’t question why it was suddenly so important that the wedding take place, but he’d be damned if he let another man call the shots.

With no hesitation, he clicked on the delete button and then followed it to the trash bin to permanently delete it from her computer. Afterward, he pulled her e-mail back up and then replaced the laptop on her bed, making sure it was far enough from the edge so that it wouldn’t topple over.

For a long moment, he stood by her bed and stared down at her sleeping face. Drawn to the pensive expression, even in rest, he touched a few strands of her blond hair, smoothing them from her cheek.

What demons existed in her life? She didn’t trust him. Not that he blamed her, but it went beyond anger or a sense of betrayal. She wore shadows like most women wore make-up. Somewhere, some way, someone had hurt her badly. They had that in common.

As much as he’d like to swear never to hurt her and to protect her from those who would, he knew that if she’d lied to him about the child, that he’d crush her without a second thought.

Chapter Eight

Jewel studied the unsmiling face of the man she’d chosen to represent her interests and wondered if any lawyer had a sense of humor or if they were all cold, calculating sharks.

But then she supposed when it came to her future and that of her child, she wanted the biggest, baddest shark in the ocean.

“The agreement is pretty straightforward, Miss Henley. It is in essence a prenuptial agreement which states that Mr. Anetakis’s assets remain his in the event of a divorce and that yours remain yours.”

Jewel snorted in amusement. What assets? She didn’t have a damn thing, and Piers knew it.

“What else?” she asked impatiently. With a man like Piers, nothing could be as simple as it appeared. There were strings, hidden provisions. She just had to find them. “I want a complete explanation, line by line.”

“Very well.”

He shoved his glasses on and picked up the sheaf of papers as he took his seat again.

“Mr. Anetakis will provide a settlement for you regardless of the paternity of the child you carry. If DNA testing proves the child his, then he will retain custody of the child in the event of a divorce.”

Her mouth fell open. “What?” She made a grab for the paper her lawyer held, scanning the document until she found the clause he referred to.

“He’s out of his damn mind. There is no way in hell I’ll sign anything that gives up custody of my child.”

“I can strike the clause, but it’s possible he won’t agree.”

She leaned forward, her breath hissing through her teeth. “I don’t give a damn what he agrees to. I won’t sign it unless this so-called clause is removed in its entirety.”

Furious, she stood and snatched the paper back as the lawyer reached for it. “Never mind. I’ll see to it myself.”

She stormed out of the lawyer’s office into the waiting room where Piers sat. He was sitting on the far side, his laptop open and his cell phone to his ear. When he looked up and saw her, he slowly closed the laptop.

“Is there a problem?”

“You bet there is,” she said behind gritted teeth.

She thrust the offending piece of paper at him, pointing to the custody clause.

“If you think I’m signing anything that gives away custody of my child, you’re an idiot. Over my dead body will I ever be separated from my child. As far as I’m concerned, you can take this…this prenuptial agreement and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine.”

He raised one dark eyebrow and stared back at her in silence.

“You don’t seriously think that I would give up custody of my child, do you? If indeed it turns out I am the father.”

She threw up her hands in exasperation. “You just don’t miss a chance to take your potshots at me. I’m well aware of the fact that you don’t believe this child is yours. Believe me, I get it. Reminding me at every opportunity just serves to further piss me off. And haven’t you ever heard of a thing called joint custody? You know, that thing called compromise, where the parents consider what’s best for the child and agree to give her equal time with her parents?”

“If the child is mine, I don’t intend to see her on a part-time basis, nor do I intend I should have to work around your schedule. I can certainly provide more for her than you can. I’m sure she’d be much better off with me.”

She curled her fingers into a tight fist, crumpling the document as rage surged through her veins like acid.

“You sanctimonious bastard. Where do you get off suggesting that my child would be better off with you? Because you have more money? Well big whoop. Money can’t buy love, or security. It can’t buy smiles or happiness. All the things a child needs most. Quite frankly, the fact that you think she would be so much better off with you tells me you don’t have the first clue about children or love. How could you? I doubt you’ve ever loved anyone in your life.”

Her chest heaved, and the paper was now a crumpled, soggy scrap in her hand. She started to hurl it at his feet, but he quickly rose and gripped her wrist, preventing her action. His eyes smoldered with rage, the first sign of real emotion she’d seen in him.

“You assume far too much,” he said icily.

She wrenched her hand free and took a step backward. “I won’t sign it, Piers. As far as I’m concerned this marriage doesn’t need to take place. There is no amount of desperation that would make me sign away my rights to my child.”

He studied her for a long moment, his face as immovable as stone. “All right,” he finally said. “I’ll have my lawyer strike the clause. I’ll call him now and he can courier over a new agreement.”

“I’d wait,” she said stiffly. “I’m not finished with my stipulations yet. I’ll let you know when we’re done.”

She turned and stalked back into the lawyer’s office, only to find him standing in the doorway, amusement carved on his face when she’d sworn he couldn’t possibly have a sense of humor.

“What are you looking at?” she growled.

He sobered, although his eyes still had a suspicious gleam. “Shall we get on to your additions to the agreement?”

Three hours later, the final contract had been couriered from Piers’s lawyer’s office, and she and Piers read over and signed it together.

Jewel had insisted on an ironclad agreement that stated they would share custody of their child but that she was the primary custodian. She could tell Piers wasn’t entirely happy with the wording, but she’d been resolute in her refusal to sign anything less.

“Clearly you’ve never learned the art of negotiation,” Piers said dryly as they left the lawyer’s office.

“Some things aren’t negotiable. Some things shouldn’t be negotiable. My child isn’t a bargaining chip. She never will be,” she said fiercely.

He held up his hands in mock surrender. “All I ask is that you see my side of the equation. As determined as you are to retain custody of your child, I am equally determined not to let go of mine.”

Something in his expression caused her to soften, some of her anger fleeing and leaving her oddly deflated. For a moment, she could swear he seemed afraid and a little vulnerable.

“I do see your point,” she said quietly. “But I won’t apologize for reacting as I did. It was a sneaky, underhanded thing to do.”

“I apologize then. It was not my intention to upset you so. I was simply seeking to keep my child where she belongs.”

“Maybe what we should be doing is working to prevent a divorce in the first place,” she said tightly. “If we manage to make this marriage a success as you have suggested, then we won’t have to worry about custody battles.”

He nodded and opened the car door for her. She settled in but he stood there for a long moment, his hand on the door. “You’re right. The solution is to make sure it never comes down to a divorce.”

He quietly closed her door and strode around to his side. He slid in beside her and started the engine.

“Now that the unpleasantness is out of the way, we should move on to the more enjoyable aspects of planning a wedding.”

Thus began an afternoon of shopping that made her head spin. Their first stop was at a jeweler. When they were shown a tray of stunning diamond engagement rings, she made the mistake of asking the price. Piers clearly wasn’t happy with her question, but the jeweler answered her with ease. It was all she could do to scrape her jaw off the floor.

She shook her head, putting her hands out as she backed away from the counter. Piers caught her around the waist and pulled her back with tender amusement.

“Don’t disappoint me. As a woman it’s supposed to be ingrained for you to want to pick the biggest, most expensive ring in the shop.”

“Indeed,” the shop owner said solemnly.

“It’s not good form to ask the price anyway,” Piers continued. “Just pick the one you want and pretend there are no price tags.”

“Your fiancé is a very wise man,” the man behind the counter said. Laughter shone in the merchant’s eyes, and Jewel relaxed at their teasing.

Trying not to think about the fact that what one ring cost could feed an entire third world nation, she went about studying each setting. After trying on no less than a dozen, she found the perfect ring.

It was a simple pear-shaped diamond, flawless as far as her untrained eye could tell. On either side was a small cluster of tiny diamonds.

“Your lady has exquisite taste.”

“Yes, she does. Is this the one you want, yineka mou?” Piers asked.

She nodded, ignoring the sick feeling in her stomach. “I don’t want to know how much it cost.”

Piers laughed. “If it will make you feel better, I’ll match the cost of the ring with a donation to the charity of your choice.”

“Now you’re making fun of me.”

“Not at all. It’s nice to know my new wife won’t break me inside of a year.”

He was trying hard to keep from laughing, and she leveled a glare at him. She marveled at the ease in which he flipped his credit card to the cashier, as if he were paying for a drink instead of a ring that costs thousands upon thousands of dollars.

He slid the ring on her finger and curled her hand until it made a fist. “Leave it on. It’s yours now.”

She glanced down, unable to keep from admiring it. It was a gorgeous ring.

“Now that the ring is out of the way, we should move onto other things like a dress and any other clothing you might need.”

“Wow, a man who likes to shop. However have you existed as a single man this long?” she teased.

His expression became shuttered, and she mentally sighed at having once again said the wrong thing at the wrong time.

Determined to salvage the rest of the day despite its rocky start, she tucked her hand into his arm as they left the jeweler.

“I’m starving. Can we eat before we attack the rest of the shopping?”

“Of course. What would you like to eat?”

“I’d love a big, nasty steak,” she said wistfully.

He laughed. “Then by all means, let’s go kill a cow or two.”

Chapter Nine

The fact that Jewel hid in her room didn’t make her a coward exactly. It just made her reserved and cautious. Downstairs, Piers greeted his family who had flown in for the wedding. She still couldn’t understand why. It wasn’t as if this was a festive occasion, the uniting of kindred souls and all that gunk that surrounded marriage ceremonies.

All she knew about the rest of the Anetakis clan was that Piers had two older brothers, and both were recently married, and at least one child had been added. Hers would be the second.

And from all Piers had told her, his brothers were disgustingly in love.

She closed her eyes in recognition that she was green with envy, and she dreaded having to meet these disgustingly happy people.

They’d know it wasn’t all hearts and roses between her and Piers. For that matter, she was sure Piers had told them the entire truth and that they were marrying because of a one-night stand and a faulty condom.

She stared back at her reflection in the mirror and tried to erase the glum look from her face. The dress she’d chosen for the occasion was a simple white sheath with spaghetti straps. The material gathered gently at her breasts, molding to her shape then falling over her belly where it strained and then hung loose down her legs.

She’d debated on whether to put her hair up or leave it down, but Piers had seemed to delight in her hair the night they met and so in a moment of sheer vanity, she brushed it until it shone and let it hang over her shoulders.

And now she procrastinated like the coward she was, knowing everyone was downstairs waiting for her.

Still bereft of the courage needed to walk down those stairs, she walked to her window to look down over the gardens. The sky was overcast and light fog had descended over the grounds. A perfect fit to her melancholy mood.

For how long she stood, she wasn’t sure. A warm hand slid over her bare shoulder, but she didn’t turn. She knew it was Piers.

Then something cool slithered around her neck, and she did turn her head.

“Be still a moment,” he said as he reached under her hair to fasten a necklace at her nape. “My wedding gift to you. There are earrings to match, but I honestly couldn’t remember if your ears were pierced or not.”

She put a hand to the necklace and then hastened to the mirror so she could see. A gasp of surprise escaped when she saw the exquisite diamond arrangement.

“Piers, it’s too much.”

He smiled over her shoulder. “My sisters-in-law inform me that a husband can never do too much for his wife.”

She smiled back. “They sound like smart women.”

“There, that wasn’t so bad was it?”

Her brow crinkled. “What?”

“Smiling.”

Her eyes flashed in guilty awareness. He held out the box with the earrings, and she gazed in wonder at the large stones twinkling back at her.

“Are your ears pierced?”

She nodded. “I seldom wear earrings, but they are pierced.”

“Then I hope you’ll wear these today.”

She took them and quickly fastened them in her ears. When her gaze returned to his, she found him watching her intently.

“Speaking of my sisters-in-law, they’re anxious to meet you.”

“And not your brothers?” she asked.

“They are a bit more reserved in their welcome. They worry for me. I’m afraid it’s a family tradition to try and ruin the nuptials of the others,” he said dryly.

She didn’t know whether to laugh or feel dismay. Finally laughter won out. “Well at least you’re honest. For that I’m grateful. It will keep me from making a fool of myself in their presence.”

He shrugged. “You have nothing to be reserved about. You are to be my wife and that fact affords you the respect you are due. Theron is the soft touch in the family anyway. You’ll have him eating out of your hand in no time.”

She couldn’t imagine anyone related to Piers being a soft touch.

“Are you ready?” he asked as he slipped his hands over her shoulders. He squeezed reassuringly as if sensing her deep unease. “We have just enough time for you to be introduced to my family before the minister is due to arrive for the ceremony.”

Inhaling deeply, she nodded. He took her hand firmly in his and led her out of the bedroom and down the stairs. As they neared the bottom, she heard the murmur of voices in the living room.

Butterflies scuttled around her stomach, and the baby kicked, perhaps in protest of her mother’s unease.

When they rounded the corner, Jewel took in the people assembled in the living room with a bit of awe. The two men were obviously Piers’s brothers. There was remarkable resemblance. Both were tall and dark-haired, but their eyes were lighter than Piers’s, a golden hue while Piers’s were nearly black.

The two women standing next to his brothers were as different as night and day. Before she could continue her silent perusal, they looked up and saw her.

The brothers gave her guarded looks while the two women smiled welcomingly. She was grateful for that at least.

“Come, I’ll introduce you,” Piers murmured.

They closed the distance, stopping a few feet from the two couples.

“Jewel, this is my oldest brother Chrysander and his wife Marley. Their son, Dimitri is with his nanny for the day.”

Jewel offered a tremulous smile. “I’m happy to meet you.”

Marley smiled, her blue eyes twinkling with friendliness. “We’re happy to meet you too, Jewel. Welcome to the family. I hope you’ll be happy. When are you due?”

Jewel blinked and then returned her smile. “I’m a little over five months along.”

“Hello, Jewel,” Chrysander said in his deep voice.

She swallowed and nodded her greeting to Piers’s oldest brother. Intimidating. How could anyone stand to be around the three of the Anetakis brothers at the same time?

Piers turned to the other couple. “This is my brother Theron and his wife, Bella.” Piers’s entire expression softened into a fond smile when he touched Bella’s arm. She smiled mischievously back at Piers and then looked up at Jewel.

“We’re both happy to meet you, Jewel,” Bella said. She nudged Theron with her elbow. “Aren’t we, Theron?”

“Of course, Bella mou,” he said in a teasing tone. It was as if all attempt to maintain a serious air went out the window when he looked at his wife. Then he turned his attention to Jewel. “Welcome to our family. I’m not sure whether to offer my congratulations or my condolences on marrying my brother.”

Jewel smiled at his attempt at humor, and Piers snorted.

“If you’re quite through insulting me, I’ll offer everyone a drink to celebrate the occasion. The minister should be here at any moment to perform the ceremony.”

The others watched her curiously as Piers left her side to collect a chilled bottle of champagne. He passed glasses to everyone and then popped the cork.

When he came to her, he handed her a glass of mineral water instead. She was touched by his thoughtfulness and smiled her thanks.

Chrysander cleared his throat, and Marley slipped her arm into his. “Our best wishes for a long and…happy marriage,” he added after a slight pause.

They raised their glasses in a toast, and for a moment, Jewel wished, oh how she wished that it was all real, and that this was her family and that she and Piers were in love and expecting their first child with all the joy of a happily married couple.

She dreamed of Christmas celebrations, birthdays and get-togethers just for the heck of it and a loud rambunctious family, loyal to a fault.

Tears pricked her eyelids as she bade goodbye to that dream and embraced her reality. She hastily gulped her water in an effort to regain control of her emotions.

Piers stood at her side and bent his head low to her ear. “What is it, yineka mou? What has upset you?”

“I’m fine,” she said, pasting on a bright smile.

The doorbell rang, and she jumped.

His fingers cupped her elbow, and he rubbed a thumb across her skin in a soothing manner. “It’s just the minister here to marry us. I’ll go let him in.”

She almost asked him not to go, but how silly was she to be worried about being left alone with his relatives? She chanced a glance at the two couples, standing so close, so lovingly together, and her heart ached all over again.

“Between you and Marley, Theron is going to get all the wrong ideas,” Bella said to Jewel.

“And how is this?” Theron demanded.

“All these babies and pregnant women,” she said mischievously. “I fully expect Theron to start hinting about knocking me up just any day now.”

Jewel laughed, charmed by Bella’s easy humor and how relaxed she was around everyone. Clearly she wasn’t worried about her place in this family. No one seemed to mind her outrageous statement in the least.

Marley tried to stifle her laughter while Chrysander just groaned. Theron’s eyes took on a sensual light that almost made Jewel feel like a voyeur.

“Oh no, Bella mou. We have much practicing to do before we get you pregnant.”

“See, Jewel, it’s not so hard to train the Anetakis men,” she said cheekily. “Marley has whipped Chrysander into admirable shape, while I have turned Theron to my way of thinking. I can’t imagine you being any less successful with Piers.”

“Theron, keep your woman quiet,” Chrysander said mildly. “She’s inciting discontent among the female ranks.”

Marley elbowed him sharply, but her eyes were alight with amusement and love.

Piers walked back in with an elderly man, their heads turned in conversation. When the minister saw Jewel, he smiled and went forward, his hands outstretched.

“You must be the bride to be. You look lovely, my dear. Are you ready for the ceremony to begin?”

She swallowed and nodded, though her legs were trembling.

The minister introduced himself to the others, and after a few moments of polite conversation, Piers motioned that he was ready to begin.

It was all quite awkward, at least for Jewel. The rest acted as if this was the sort of ceremony they attended every day. Piers and Jewel stood in front of the minister while each couple flanked them.

Her throat tightened as she listened to Piers promise to love, honor and cherish her all the days of his life and until death do they part. And then it struck her square in the face that she wanted him to love her. Why? Did that mean she loved him? No, she didn’t. She couldn’t. She didn’t know how to love any more than she knew how to be loved. But it didn’t stop the yearning inside.

When the ceremony concluded, Piers brushed a perfunctory kiss across her lips and then stepped back to receive his brothers’ somewhat muted congratulations.

Chrysander insisted on taking them all out to eat afterward, and a limousine took all three couples into the heart of the city to an upscale restaurant that boasted delicious seafood.

She was hungry, but the idea that she was now married effectively put a damper on her appetite. She picked and pushed at her food until finally Piers took notice.

He picked up her hand, and the band he’d placed on her finger just hours before gleamed behind the diamond engagement ring in the low light.

“Are you ready to return home?” he whispered so the others wouldn’t hear. “I can send them on at any time.”

“They’re your family,” she protested. “I’ve no wish to cut short your visit.”

He laughed. “You’re very thoughtful, yineka mou, but I see them often, and if there is ever a time I can send them away, surely my wedding day is one of them? They would understand—having had their wedding nights not too long ago.”

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