One-Night Baby by Susan Stephens

Author:Susan Stephens [Stephens, Susan]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, General, Man-Woman Relationships, Love Stories, Single Mothers, Italians, Performing Arts, Motion Picture Producers and Directors
ISBN: 9780373126552
Google: ikolvKbP5b0C
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2007-07-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

As they walked back towards the house Kate’s anxiety rose in direct relation to Santino’s growing ease. Like everything else he turned his hand to Santino’s adaptation to the role of ideal parent had been wholly successful, and as far as Meredith and Francesca were concerned he was the perfect host. Could anyone be more charming? Or more machiavellian?

Kate could only be grateful when Francesca chose to take her hand as they entered the house. Santino’s country mansion was on a scale none of them had experienced before and to Francesca must have seemed both exciting and intimidating. As Santino led the way across the vast marble-tiled hallway Meredith walked close by his side, darting off as usual to exclaim at first this picture and then that ornament…There were so many beautiful things around Kate was dazzled, but she was also intimidated by the sheer scale of Santino’s wealth. A man with resources such as these could have the world and everyone in it in his pocket.

‘I can’t claim credit for anything,’ Santino was telling Meredith.

No, he had bought it off the shelf in the same way he thought he could buy a family, Kate thought bitterly. She had moved past fear now to feelings that didn’t make her proud, and as Francesca paused to stroke the mane of one of the life-sized stone lions that stood guard at the foot of the stairs her lips formed an angry line as Santino asked Francesca if she would like to give the lions names.

‘After all, they’re your lions now,’ he said, glancing at Kate to rub her nose in it.

Resentment burned inside her as she stared back at him. No doubt Santino had an endless supply of such tempting lures to dangle in front of their daughter, and Francesca’s eyes were glowing in awe as she looked up at her father. It was becoming harder every moment for Kate to hide her feelings, and impossible not to feel threatened when she did…She did.

After the episode with the lions Francesca held onto Santino’s hand as he continued the tour of his house. Determined not to be sidelined, Kate walked with them. Anyone looking at them would imagine they were a happy and un-complicated family group. And as if to confirm this, the servants were all nodding and smiling as if the whole place had sprung to life now Signor Rossi had returned with his ready-made family.

What had Santino told them? Kate wondered. Had he told them anything, or were his staff simply making assumptions and forming a distorted picture of the truth? And was it only she who could feel the storm clouds brewing?

Santino was so gracious to everyone, but he hadn’t glanced her way once. He was adept at showing one face to the world and another to her. But however much he hated her for what she had done they were bound together for ever by Francesca.

And on top of that there was the unfathomable link that bound them together whether either of them liked it or not.

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