The Maid, the Millionaire and the Baby by Michelle Douglas

Author:Michelle Douglas
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-10-09T14:44:19+00:00

* * *

Jasper pinched the bridge of his nose, tried to ignore the way his heart leapt at her words. ‘I missed out one important thread in my story.’

He called it a story because he desperately wanted to put some distance between it and him. But it didn’t seem to be working.

Imogen pressed her hands to her abdomen as if she were fighting nausea. ‘There’s more?’

‘I had a fiancée.’ He forced himself to straighten. ‘It wasn’t public knowledge—we hadn’t announced it yet. Bronwyn was, and still is, a cellist with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. My father threatened her career—told her he’d have her dismissed from the orchestra—if she didn’t break things off with me.’

Bronwyn’s betrayal was still a raw ugly wound, though he’d never blamed her for her decision to walk away from him—not in the least. His father had threatened her career, her livelihood...her dream. ‘He told her he’d see to it that she’d never play again.’

‘So...she broke up with you?’

‘I don’t hold her responsible for that.’

Her eyes filled and his throat thickened. ‘I can see that. Though, I’m not sure I’d have been so forgiving in your place.’

Imogen thought she’d act differently, but she didn’t know Keith Coleman. She didn’t understand how dangerous he could be. And Jasper had no intention of her ever finding out.

‘That’s why I need to be on my own, Imogen. That’s why I can’t have any ties. My father will go after the woman I love and do whatever he can to destroy her.’

‘So you’re not even prepared to risk it? Even if this hypothetical woman you love—and who loves you—not only has her own resources to rely on, but yours as well?’ She leaned towards him. ‘You’re a wealthy man. That gives you a measure of power and protection.’

‘It’s not worth the risk. We’re not just talking about someone’s livelihood here, but their dreams—things they’ve been working towards their entire lives.’ He could never ask a woman to give that up for him. ‘My father has political power. His connections include key industry and business figures. He wields his influence with about as much care—and as much gusto—as George does his toy train. I will never put a woman in a position where she could be hurt by him.’

‘Then your father has won. You’re letting him win.’

Her words had a resonance that sounded through him. Maybe she was right, but at least he could prevent his father from hurting another woman.

‘No woman needs that hassle in her life. It’s not a war she should be forced to fight. It wouldn’t be fair. I refuse to be the catalyst for that kind of damage. It wouldn’t be fair,’ he repeated, before drawing himself up. ‘Have you heard the mantra “do no harm”?’

She stared out at the water for three beats and then turned back with a nod.

He slapped a hand to his chest and met her gaze. She pulled in a breath as if she understood everything he was trying to say. For some reason that only made his heart burn harder.

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