It was a bittersweet moment for Layla, hearing herself described as part of the family for the very first time, but she was thoroughly disconcerted by the genuine apprehension she could see in Madison’s anxious face. "You’re seriously worried about that risk?"Of course I am. For the sake of your family, Mr Jack has a reputation for being tough, ruthless, and unforgiving, and I'm asking you to work things out with him.Layla realized why she was being temporarily promoted to family status and almost laughed. "Madison, Lucas hasn’t ever mentioned either you or Damian."Unimpressed, Madison curled her lip. ‘We looked after you when you were a child, Layla. Now I expect you to look after us and ensure that there is no reason for Lucas Jack to sack your uncle from his job or withdraw business from my legal firm. After all, it’s your fault that I was brusque with him. I know I offended him, but he arrived in the middle of a family crisis... Make sure he understands that.’Layla was astonis
I beg your pardon? "I think you heard me, Layla. If you do what I want and marry me, I will promise not to interfere with your uncle and aunt’s continuing employment.’Layla turned white before his shrewd, hard gaze. You can’t mean that, not that you would seriously threaten their livelihoods just because I’m not doing what you want?"I mean it," Lucas asserted with fierce emphasis. I’ve run out of patience. I want to marry you, and I want that child you’re carrying. So, think very carefully about what you decide to do next.’But that’s complete blackmail!’ Layla shot back at him, trembling like a leaf in shock and barely able to process what he was saying.I never pretended to be a knight on a white horse, Layla. You and that baby are mine, and the sooner you acknowledge that, the happier we will all be.’I don’t belong to anyone. Layla argued through gritted teeth, battling a terrifying sense of panic as hard as she could because Lucas had just trashed the faith she hadn’t known sh
Lucas studied Layla as she joined him for breakfast, her face blank, her eyes uninformative. He reckoned she would make a good poker player, and the challenge of that talent in a potential wife amused him. "Well?" he prompted grimly, still annoyed that she had forced him to wait for her answer.Layla sipped at her tea, wishing that Lucas didn’t look quite so amazing first thing in the morning when she felt washed out and weary. There he was with his dark golden eyes alive with potent leaping energy, his blue-black hair still damp from the shower and his hard jawline close shaven. He wore yet another one of those remarkably well-tailored suits that beautifully defined his lean, muscular build. I’ll say yes because you really haven’t given me a choice.’Lucas declared, steadily pouring himself a cup of fragrant coffee, determined not to react in any way to her surrender. People don’t always make the right choice. Sometimes they need a little push in the relevant direction.’"This was mo
From a practical point of view, I’ve been up to my throat in wedding arrangements for the past few weeks, so I know exactly what I’m doing and who to contact, "Beverly proffered" as she sat beside Layla in the back of Lucas’ opulent limousine an hour later.But there isn’t enough time to organize anything fancy.’The brunette told her drily: "When a man is as rich as Lucas is, there are always people willing to take a challenge for a substantial bonus."But why should you help us? Layla asked baldly, no longer able to swallow back that burning and obvious question.I have my pride. Beverly fielded wryly, "First and foremost, I would prefer our friends to believe that the break-up was amicable rather than inspire a pity party. I’ve also since had a radical rethink about my own future.Yesterday, when I went to meet you, I was fighting to preserve the status quo, but, having cooled down, I’m now more inclined to think that Lucas and I were just treading water and never meant to be. My f
Back at the hotel, Layla went straight up to the suite Lucas was using. A stranger opened the door and two others were hovering around the desk at which Lucas sat, his jacket off, his tie loosened, broad shoulder muscles flexing beneath a white silk shirt as he turned his head and stared fixedly at Layla, who hovered, uncertain of her welcome.He sprang upright. "Beverly did good," he quipped, brilliant dark golden eyes sliding over her slim figure in a look as physical as a touch. ‘In fact, she did brilliantly.’‘She was a tremendous help.’ Layla’s colour was heightened by his scrutiny and the disturbing reaction of her body to that unashamedly sexual appraisal. Her nipples had prickled into taut sensitivity while a drenching pool of heat settled between her thighs. She was shaken by the intensity of her desire for him to reach out and touch her.‘My staff...’ Lucas introduced the three men before swiftly dismissing them. The trio swiftly gathered up laptops, briefcases, and jackets
She met with her tutor and her decision to take a year out from her studies was accepted. While she negotiated the stairs back down to the busy ground floor of the university building, Layla was thinking resolutely positive thoughts about the seed of life in her womb. She was facing huge changes in her life, but the sacrifices she was making and the adjustments that would follow would all benefit her baby, she told herself soothingly.Marrying Lucas would give Layla the precious gift of time. She would have had time to come to terms with the prospect of motherhood and time to enjoy the first precious months of her baby’s life without the stress of wondering how she was to survive as a new mother.She would also have Lucas’ support. Any male that was keen on marrying her for their baby’s sake would be a hands-on father, and she very much wanted that male influence in her child’s life. She had never forgotten how much she herself had longed for a father as a little girl. In every possib
During the ceremony, Layla focused on the handsome flower arrangement on the table while listening carefully to the words. She would have preferred a church service but would not have dreamt of telling Lucas that.He slid a ring onto her finger, but he had not given her one to return the favour with and there was a small embarrassing pause as the registrar allowed them time to complete what was usually an exchange of rings. Clearly, Lucas wouldn’t be wearing a ring, announcing to the world that he was "taken," Layla reflected ruefully, wondering why that small detail should make her feel so insecure. She reminded herself that many men didn’t like wearing rings.A light meal was served to the wedding party at an exclusive hotel. Layla glimpsed her reflection in one of the many gilded wall mirrors in the private function room and barely recognized the refined image of the woman clad in the sleek bronze sheath.At the beauty salon the previous day, every part of her had been primped and
Lucas’ expressive mouth quirked in receipt of her innocent comment. ‘Having both parents never felt lucky to me. Logan married my mother, who was a very spoiled Greek heiress, primarily for her money.’Layla gazed back at him in shock. "That’s an awful thing to accuse your father of!"But regretfully true. Although he married my mother, he was actually in love with a waitress called Athena. He set Athena up as a mistress, and she became pregnant with William only a few months after my mother conceived me, "he confided grimly. ' Eventually, my mother found out that she wasn’t the only woman in her husband’s life.I must’ve been about six by then. I still remember her screaming, sobbing, and throwing things, and the drama went on for days. Logan duly promised to give up Athena, and we lived in peace for a while. But of course, my father was lying, and the truth came out again. That same destructive pattern just kept on repeating and repeating—’"That must’ve been devastating for your mo