Losing colour, Kathy stared back at him. She was cut to the quick by his flat refusal to even consider that she might be innocent. ‘Can’t you even give me a fair hearing?’
‘You had that hearing in a court of law before a judge and jury four years ago.’
Pale as death at that hard-hitting response, Kathy looked away from him, feeling as though he had slapped her in the face. She tried to open a door but he slammed it shut and then locked it for good measure. He refused to listen to her claim of innocence. He wasn’t interested in hearing her story because he was convinced of her guilt.
‘My concern relates to the future,’ Sergio continued. ‘Let’s stay on track.’
Her vivid green eyes clashed head on with his, her anger unhidden. ‘You’re not concerned about me, except in so far as you want to control my every move without making a commitment in return.’
‘This house is quite a commitment for me. Think of the life you could have here.’ Sergio closed the distance between them to reach for her knotted hands and enclose them in his. ‘A fresh start, no financial worries, the best of everything for you and your child. Why are you arguing about this? These practicalities have to be dealt with before we can consider any more personal angle.’
‘I told you that I would never go for the “lucrative lifestyle choice” option.’ Her voice was jerky because she was trying without success to work up the will-power to step back from him. On every level her senses craved physical contact, even if it was only the masculine warmth of his hands on hers. She was in total turmoil, wanting to do the right thing while being terrified of making the wrong decision.
‘I should never have made that comment, delizia mia. I was on edge that evening and aggressive without cause. You are now carrying my child. Who else should take care of you?’
Sergio was so close she could see the ring of bronze that accentuated his dark pupils, the spiky ebony lashes that lent his gaze such mesmerising depth and impact. Antagonism and hurt slivered through her like warring wounding blades. She could hardly breathe for wanting him. There was a quivering knot of intense longing locked inside her. She could feel the euphoric effect of his proximity threatening to shut down her brain cells, as she had no desire to think or to deny herself or to drive a further wedge between them. It was an abysmal moment to appreciate that her feelings for Sergio Torrente ran much deeper than she had been prepared to admit.
‘Kathy,’ Sergio husked in an intonation that was pure predatory enticement.
‘Look, I haven’t even decided if I’m going to keep this baby yet.’ Kathy had to force out that statement, because it took that much effort to think straight and suppress an acknowledgement that threatened to tear her apart with self-loathing.
As Sergio froze in surprise his lean brown fingers tightened round her narrow wrists. ‘What are you trying to suggest?’
Her oval face defensive and deeply troubled, she pulled free of his hold. ‘I may yet choose adoption—’
‘Adoption?’ Sergio was shattered by the word and the concept.
‘I was adopted and I had a very happy childhood. If I’m not certain that I can give as much to my baby, I will consider adoption as a possibility. Because one thing I do know!’ Kathy reasoned in a surge of heartfelt emotion. ‘This is not about houses and appearances and money! Nor is it about what you want. It’s about my ability to love and care for my baby!’
His lean, darkly handsome face clenched taut. ‘Of course it is. But you will not be alone in that undertaking. You will have my support.’
‘You won’t be here for the tough stuff. You’ll stay in the background and you’ll visit only when it suits you to do so. Can’t you understand that I don’t want to be a hanger-on in your world? I don’t want you paying my bills and telling me what to do at every turn—’
‘That is not how it would be.’
Kathy was quick to challenge him again. ‘No? So I’d be free to move another guy in here if I met one?’
His dark eyes flamed sizzling gold. He was taken by surprise and his hostile distaste to that idea spoke for him.
‘Obviously not. You would expect me to live like a nun—’
‘Or content yourself with me.’
‘Oh…’ Kathy trembled, tension forming like an iron bar in her spine as her rage climbed. ‘So you’re not just talking about being an occasional supportive parent. There would be sexual strings attached to this arrangement, as well.’
‘That’s a tacky observation. I can’t see into the future. I don’t know where we’re going.’ Sergio lifted a shoulder in a sophisticated shrug. Intensely charismatic, he was Italian to his manicured fingertips, but he was also cool as ice under pressure and he refused to be drawn into dangerous waters.