His Pregnancy Ultimatum by Helen Bianchin

Author:Helen Bianchin
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance, Classic Romance, Fiction
ISBN: 9781426867163
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2004-11-30T05:00:00+00:00

‘We need to discuss plans.’

Plans? ‘There are no plans that I’m aware of,’ Mia began, only to incur a long, piercing look meant to diminish her into subservient silence.

‘You will, of course, marry.’

The matriarch’s tone carried unequivocal conviction, and Mia unconsciously held her breath for a few seconds before she ventured with polite civility, ‘I don’t see marriage as a prerequisite to having or raising a child.’

‘Yiayia,’ Nikolos admonished gently. ‘It is for Mia and I to make a decision.’

The temperature in the room seemed to drop a few degrees as Angelena took pains to compose herself.

‘I find it totally unacceptable for a Karedes heir to be born out of wedlock.’

Mia felt as if she’d been suddenly flung back into the previous century. ‘I have no intention of denying my child its place within the Karedes family,’ she said calmly, ‘but I won’t be coerced into a marriage I don’t want.’

The matriarch’s faint indrawn hiss of disapproval was more visible than audible.

‘You do realise the importance of the Karedes name?’

Mia’s chin tilted fractionally. ‘More important than the future happiness of a child born into a marriage based on convenience in which both parents find themselves trapped?’

If it were possible for Angelena to draw herself more tightly together, the effort was made. ‘My grandson is a wealthy man in his own right, and possesses a generous disposition. You’ll lead a fulfilling life, and doubtless bear more children.’

‘To further the Karedes dynasty?’

‘Of course.’ Angelena fixed Nikolos with a dark beady stare. ‘You have proposed marriage, I assume?’

‘Naturally,’ Nikolos drawled with hateful ease. ‘Did you imagine I would not?’

‘And?’ the matriarch demanded imperiously.

Mia didn’t wait for him to answer. ‘I turned him down.’

The elderly woman’s eyes dilated. ‘I beg your pardon?’

This was rapidly digressing into a full-scale argument, albeit refined…just.

‘You expect me to commit to a man who doesn’t love me? Live with him, sleep with him, raise children with him?’ She waited a few seconds. ‘Look the other way when he takes on a lover or two, or more? Accept and condone his behaviour?’

Haughty didn’t begin to describe Angelena’s expression.

‘You dare accuse Nikolos of such indiscretions?’

Oh, my. ‘I don’t know Nikolos well enough to judge him.’

‘You didn’t think of that when you leapt into bed with him.’

‘The desire for sex was entirely mutual,’ Mia corrected as she held the elderly lady’s gaze. ‘Last time I heard, consensual sex isn’t a crime.’

‘Yiayia,’ Nikolos chastised. ‘Enough.’

‘I agree,’ Sofia declared. ‘Let’s not make demands. Instead, we should welcome Mia into the family, endorse our support for whatever decision she chooses to make, and resolve to get to know her.’

An ally? The day suddenly became marginally brighter.

‘An excellent suggestion,’ Nikolos concurred as he placed his cup and saucer onto a nearby table. ‘Now, if you’ll excuse us? Mia and I have arrangements for the remainder of the day.’

They did?

‘You realise I will not let this rest?’

‘Yiayia,’ he warned with dangerous silkiness. ‘In this instance, you have no choice.’ His voice gentled. ‘Try not to concern yourself

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