Lurlene fixed her mink throw on her shoulders. “I know that baby isn’t yours, and unless you give me my usual allowance, with a ten-thousand-dollar increase, I’ll make sure the world knows it too.”
“How do you know, DNA evidence, or did you help her conceive?” Robin gave her an up-and-down look. “Hmmm, you do look a bit drag in that outfit. Maybe you do have the parts. Didn’t have enough for the full change, honey?”
Lurlene’s face turned red at the insult, and Robin smirked with evil glee.
Ethan walked over and put his hand on Mya’s stomach. The warmth felt good, too good, and she wanted to move away. She was supposed to be mad, damn it, not feeling warm and tingly.
He continued to speak to Lurlene. “Go to the tabloids. Spread rumors. That’s all it is. But you are never going to get a cent from Easton or myself. I suggest you start selling the furs and rent a studio near the Bowery District. I have no doubt you’ll land flat on your back with your legs open and your hands in another man’s pockets.”
Lurlene’s face turned even redder. “Oh, you’re going to pay for that.”
“I look forward to it. Now get out, because I have no problem throwing you out,” Ethan said. “Robin, you want to help her to the door?”
Robin cracked his knuckles. “My pleasure.”
Lurlene was at the door and out before Robin could move. The sound of questions being fired at her came through loud and clear, but her voice wasn’t heard replying. Mya had no doubt that Lurlene would think carefully before planning her next move.
“I’m sorry she came here, baby, and that the hounds are outside.” Ethan had pulled her into his arms and was gently rubbing her back.
“You knew it would happen,” she mumbled into his chest.
“I didn’t think it would be this bad,” he said. “I would never put you or the baby in harm’s way, and Lurlene wasn’t even a thought.”
“She’s been headachy and stressing, and that can raise her blood pressure,” Robin said. “I think it may be best to go to that mansion of yours.”#p#分页标题#e#
“I was going to do just that. The movers will be here soon to pack you up,” Ethan explained. He kissed her temple and rocked her back and forth comfortingly. “You won’t have to deal with the paparazzi anymore.”
“God, I hope not. Doctor’s appointments will be a bitch to deal with.” Mya gave a weak laugh.
“God, that is one sick woman of loose morals you have for a stepmother,” Robin commented.
“It’s been like that since me and my twin were eighteen.” Ethan shook his head. “She’d hit on us and be openly sexual in the house when my father wasn’t around. I came home from college and found her in my bedroom once. My dad died trying to get away from her.”
The thought of Lurlene trying to take advantage of him, mixed with the stress of the day, was the last straw. Her stomach revolted, and she rushed to the bathroom, where anything she’d eaten in the last few hours came up with a vengeance.
“Mya, I’m coming in,” Ethan called, and she put her foot against the door so he couldn’t get it open.
“No, please don’t,” she called weakly and hoped he’d go away.
Suddenly tears threatened and spilled down her cheeks in hot rivers. She felt helpless, afraid, and so many other different emotions they all overwhelmed her. Could she do this, be his wife and partner, plus deal with all the publicity? She wanted to be happy. She wanted her baby to have a good life. Ethan was giving her a dream and, yes, himself as well. The man who had been in her fantasies more than once, whom she thought was unattainable, was hers. If she wanted him, she’d have to be strong and deal with it all. But was she meant for the life he offered? These were the unknown questions she had no answers for.
Mya composed herself and cleaned up before heading back into the living room. Ethan looked at her with worry and wouldn’t let her move while he and Robin packed her bags. He called the police to disperse the reporters before they left, and as they drove through the gates of the Tremaine mansion, she bid good-bye to her old life as the massive stone house on the hill stood in silent greeting, welcoming her home.
Chapter Four
Three weeks after they moved in, Mya was still trying to learn her away around the Tremaine mansion. She saw why Ethan called it the Monolith. Over twenty-five bedrooms and three family rooms, a formal ballroom, too many bathrooms to count, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and that didn’t even count the landscaped lawns and gardens. Her mind was reeling with all the opulence, while Robin was in hog heaven.