The Tycoon's Secret Affair (The Anetakis Tycoons #3)(11)

“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.