“I’m expecting your baby.”

Lily has no choice—she must marry Bastian!

When Lily meets the landlord threatening to evict her, she doesn’t expect gorgeous tycoon Bastian Carrera! Heated antagonism leads to an extraordinarily sensual encounter, and shocking consequences. To claim his child—and the woman with whom he found such bliss—Bastian demands Lily meet him at the altar. But with only his ring to give, can she ever truly be his?

MAGGIE COX is passionate about stories that can uplift and transport people away from their daily worries to a more magical place, be they romance novels or fairy tales. What people want most, she believes, is true connection. She feels blessed to be married to a lovely man who never fails to make her laugh, and has two beautiful sons and two much loved grandchildren.

Also by Maggie Cox

A Devilishly Dark Deal

Distracted by her Virtue

What His Money Can’t Hide

In Petrakis’s Power

The Tycoon’s Delicious Distraction

The Man She Can’t Forget

A Rule Worth Breaking

A Taste of Sin

Required to Wear the Tycoon’s Ring

The Sheikh’s Secret Son

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.

Claiming His Pregnant Innocent

Maggie Cox

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ISBN: 978-1-474-07220-5

CLAIMING HIS PREGNANT INNOCENT

© 2018 Maggie Cox

Published in Great Britain 2018

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.

By payment of the required fees, you are granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right and licence to download and install this e-book on your personal computer, tablet computer, smart phone or other electronic reading device only (each a “Licensed Device”) and to access, display and read the text of this e-book on-screen on your Licensed Device. Except to the extent any of these acts shall be permitted pursuant to any mandatory provision of applicable law but no further, no part of this e-book or its text or images may be reproduced, transmitted, distributed, translated, converted or adapted for use on another file format, communicated to the public, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of publisher.

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Version: 2020-03-02

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Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

About the Author

Booklist

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

EPILOGUE

Extract

About the Publisher

CHAPTER ONE

‘WHAT DO YOU MEAN, the tenant wants more time to consider her position? Are you telling me she’s refusing to vacate?’

Bastian Carrera couldn’t believe what he’d just heard. It was the last thing he wanted to hear after spending the past month enthusiastically talking to buyers overseas in a bid to increase his family-owned company’s market share of organic olive oil, and the day after tomorrow he would be out of the country again.

He’d returned home to Italy for a ‘pit stop’ before heading out to Brazil—not just on business, but to lecture. His family business was one of the leaders in its field, and many people were interested in how it had achieved its phenomenal success. The family might have the kind of personal wealth that most people could only dream of, and at thirty-six Bastian could have long ago taken things more easily if he’d wanted to, but he still took a personal interest in all aspects of the business.

However, the troubled expression on his father’s bronzed, lined face now couldn’t help but disturb him. It conveyed the guilt the older man plainly felt at not being able to give his son better news.

Just before Bastian had left he’d given notice to his tenants to quit the stone-built cottages they rented so they could begin work on the remaining acreage and get the rest of their land certified as organic. It generally took around three years to have the land converted, and his intention was to plant more groves with the finest organic olive trees.

For generations his family had established itself as one of the best olive oil producers in Italy and it had made their fortune, but it had never been just about making money. Their aim was to provide people with the very best produce they could deliver, and to that end Bastian took every chance he could to make improvements.

His father sighed. ‘No... She is not exactly refusing, but—’

‘Did you make it clear that she hasn’t a choice about whether she goes or stays? That we need the land for conversion?’

Reddening a little, Alberto Carrera shifted one shoulder. ‘I did. But the lady doesn’t want to go. She has not so long ago got divorced and is hoping to reignite her career. The light in the villeta is perfect for her work, she says, and she has set up her easel under the skylight.’

‘And who is she...? A student of one of the great masters?’ Unsympathetic, his son scowled.

‘She is not that kind of artist. Lily is an illustrator of children’s books and she says it is her right to remain in the villeta since she has signed a lease for two years and so far has only been renting for six months.’

The younger man scowled again and let loose a colourful curse. But, whatever emotion his expression might suggest, his visage was compelling—strong-boned and handsome as sin. Alberto proudly told people that his son’s looks came from his mother’s side...that all her family had been exceptionally beautiful. His only son was his last link to Annalisa, the enchanting girl he had fallen head over heels in love with all those years ago and lost far too soon when she’d died giving birth...

‘And did you offer this woman the compensation we discussed and tell her we would find her somewhere equally suitable?’

‘Yes, I did, son. But my sense is that she is not going to be so easily persuaded—and I can’t blame her.’

Impatient now, Bastian dropped his hands to his hips, his dark eyes flashing, ‘What do you mean, you can’t blame her? You sound as though this woman has put you under some kind of spell, Father! I have just two days before business takes me abroad again and I need to know the land conversion is in hand before I go. Never mind... I will go and speak to her myself.’

As he descended the grand stucco steps of the family’s house he was glad to get some air. His heart was pounding with indignant fury at this woman who imagined she could bend his father’s will to suit her own. How dare she try and take advantage of him when Bastian wasn’t around, perhaps seeing an opportunity to wear him down? He would soon set her straight...

On his way to the comparatively modest stone cottage that his ancestors had built, he reflected some more on its stubborn occupant.

Not that he knew her or had even laid eyes on her. He left that part of the business to his father.

Alberto had become a little less able since his heart attack a year ago, and Bastian wanted him to keep his duties to a minimum. Along with the family’s housekeeper, Dolores, they had a loyal workforce who tended the land and oversaw the olive growing, and Bastian himself quite often helped out because he loved being close to the earth. In his opinion, its scent was like no other...

His father hadn’t complained too much about his new duties, thank God, and his son guessed he was only too aware that age was catching up with him. He’d practically worked himself into the ground, helping to build up the business, and the heart attack had quite rightly scared him...

Reaching the house that was set back from the olive groves, and gave its occupants plenty of privacy if privacy was what they sought, he negotiated the narrow stone steps with his usual agility. As he glanced up at one of the two wrought-iron balconies set beneath the sloping roof, with its plethora of red bougainvillea spilling through the decorative bars, he took a moment to breathe in the fragrance that saturated the air.

His tension started to ease. It was good to be home again, even if it wasn’t for very long.

Quickly he remembered his reason for visiting and rapped commandingly on the door. In his view it was important that he immediately gained the upper hand with his recalcitrant tenant and did not give her any advantage. At least that was the plan.

But the door opened suddenly and his gaze fell on a green-eyed fair-haired beauty who stood before him, barefoot and tousle-haired, in a sleeveless multi-coloured striped dress that couldn’t help but pay homage to a body so slender she might have been a prima ballerina. All his plans flew out the window...

‘Can I help you?’ she asked, her pretty, unadorned mouth clearly unsure as to whether to smile or not.

Where do I start? he thought. The shocking waves of potent want and need that swept through him powerfully just then all but stopped him from speaking. It was like being scorched inside and out, and he feared burning in the flames...

Hurriedly collecting himself, he replied, ‘Signora Alexander? I am Bastian Carerra...your landlord.’

‘You mean you’re Alberto’s son?’

Now her lips did shape a smile. Was there a woman alive who was immune to his father’s charm? Bastian mused. He could hardly believe this woman had been married and divorced, though. There was a real ‘untouched’ air about her...

‘That’s right. Can I come in? I’d like a word with you.’

Despite the heat of the day, he knew his tone was a little frosty. No matter how attractive Lily Alexander was, he’d make no bones about demanding she leave. After all, business was business, and he wouldn’t let the demands of his libido override his common sense...

‘We’ll go into the sitting room. We can talk there,’ she suggested. ‘But first of all can I get you a drink?’

‘No. I’d prefer it if we just talked.’

As she led this somewhat serious Italian into the charmingly homespun living room, with its very agreeable little balcony outside the French doors and in the distance a superlative view of the sea, Lily’s heartbeat skipped a little.

The younger Carerra might appear somewhat humourless, but no one could deny he was hot... With his mussed dark hair touching his shoulders, prominent cheekbones and those sultry brown eyes that could make any woman melt if he looked at them directly, he certainly stirred the senses. And it didn’t hurt that he wore his white cambric shirt and light blue jeans in an easy way that suggested he never had to worry about what he wore... That fit, toned body of his guaranteed that he’d look good in just about anything.

Catching herself, she realised it had been a very long time since she’d looked at a man with anywhere near longing. Life with a husband who hadn’t been interested in intimacy had seen to that. In any case, she wouldn’t let this pointless impulse to get to know the handsome Italian detract from her goal to continue renting the villeta. Coming here had given her the freedom she needed to concentrate on her work and earn a better living.

She’d always thought herself blessed to have artistic skills, even if it had bemused her logically minded ex-husband.

‘I can’t pretend I understand your devotion to this drawing you do when you could easily have a much better-paid career if you put your mind to it,’ he’d declared.

The problem was, Marc put all his energy into working as a broker in the City, and to him money was the only thing worth having. Lily should have known from the start that his values were a million miles away from hers. But her search for more stability in her life and her decision to marry a man with money and property, who could provide her with security, had led her completely astray.

Yes, Marc was attractive, engaging and witty, and when they’d first dated he’d regularly told her how much he enjoyed being with her, that he liked her better than any other woman he’d dated. What was not to like? But her feelings of friendship towards him had sadly not blossomed into desire.

On that subject, she’d become doubtful that she even had it in her to feel such an emotion.

In truth, what had started out as an enjoyable friendship categorically should never have led to marriage. That much was clear. Shortly after they were married their relationship had very quickly lost its way. Added to that, Lily had quickly grown to despise the phoney London life they’d lived, because she hadn’t been able to relate to his friends and colleagues who, in her opinion, put money and possessions over everything that was natural and good.

It hadn’t been the life she would have chosen if she’d utilised some common sense and their divorce had been both inevitable and welcome. When she’d received her Decree Absolute a year ago she had determined never to do anything so foolish again as to marry someone she barely even knew. No, she would be much more sensible.

Knowing she could earn money from her craft was the one advantage she had in her favour. Along with her savings, it meant that she wouldn’t have to depend on alimony. Yet Marc had still insisted she accept a generous cheque from him in order to help her get started in her new life. His reason for doing so was that he wanted them to remain friends and part amicably.

The charmingly aged Italian villeta she’d found provided her with just the surroundings she’d been looking for. It was the perfect place for her to work on her book illustrations and hopefully restore some confidence in herself. Particularly after a marriage that had made her doubt she would ever find a man who would truly desire her, or she him.

Perhaps she just didn’t have what it took for that?

‘Why don’t we sit down?’ she suggested, indicating the somewhat battered wine-coloured sofa while electing to sit in the chintz-covered armchair herself.

As Bastian settled himself Lily noticed that his hands rested on his knees, as though he might easily spring into action should the need arise. That surely suggested a man who found it hard to contain his energy and relax. Already sensing that he wanted to get their business over and done with as soon as possible, she hoped his impatience wouldn’t steer her towards trying to ameliorate him.

‘You remember a few weeks ago we gave you notice to vacate the property?’ he began.

Her smooth brow furrowed. ‘Yes. I was told that you needed the land for planting.’

‘Well, I understand from my father that you’ve changed your mind about leaving?’

‘I didn’t agree with the request in the first place and I told him so. When I rented this place I signed a legal document that stated the period of rental was two years. So far I’ve only been here six months’

‘I’m well aware of that, signora, but I hoped that our offer of financial compensation would take care of any inconvenience caused—as well as our promise to find you somewhere equally suitable for your requirements.’

Releasing a sigh, she sat up a little straighter. ‘It’s not just about practical considerations. I’ve—I’ve grown to love this place. Being here has helped me find the inspiration I was looking for.’

Lifting an enquiring dark brow, Bastian folded his arms. ‘You have had trouble finding it elsewhere?’

‘I had what you might call a dry period. I made an unwise decision and life got rather difficult for me for a while. Consequently I lost faith in my ability.’

With a helpless shudder she caught hold of her hands to stop them trembling, but she knew her companion hadn’t failed to miss their slight quiver.

Why had she been so candid with him? She should learn to think before she spoke! Now he would probably suspect she wasn’t entirely confident about their upcoming chat and that perhaps she was unsure as to where she stood regarding the legalities of her rental.

His deep brown eyes unsettled her with their frank intensity.

‘But presumably your publishers still want your work?’

‘Yes, they do. I illustrate the stories of a well-known children’s writer, and so far I haven’t had any complaints. The books are doing very well in spite of my recent challenges.’

‘You do not wish to write your own stories and illustrate them?’

Funny he should ask that. It was one of her long-held dreams.

Lily swallowed hard. The knowing smile that dimpled his bronzed cheek was disconcerting. Now she trembled for a different reason... If he worked for MI6 he could probably persuade any female perpetrator of crime to confess immediately.

It shook her to her core to think of what that effortlessly sexy smile of his could do to a woman...

‘Yes, I do. I’ve already written a couple but... Well, it’s not an easy profession to get into.’

‘So better to stick with what you know? Is that what you’re saying?’

Indignant heat flooded her. ‘I’m not saying that at all. I just think it’s best to deal with one thing at a time.’

‘You don’t believe in taking risks, then?’

‘You came here to talk to me about my tenancy, Signor Carrera... Don’t you think we’d better just get on with that?’ Endeavouring to sound firm, she felt wary of him seeing her as potentially weak and taking advantage.

Allowing his gaze to roam leisurely over the disconcertingly lovely features before him, Bastian realised that something that should have been easy—that he dealt with as a matter of course in his business life—suddenly felt tiresomely difficult.

Mulling over what she might have meant when she’d confessed that her life had been rather difficult lately and things had made her lose faith in her ability, he quickly ran his mind through the gamut of possibilities. Had she been bereaved? Was she recovering from an accident or an illness? Or had she lost her money in one of those deplorable financial scams?

Then it dawned on him.

She’d been recently divorced, his father had said. No doubt her confidence had been shaken by her marriage not working out. It must have been harder still if she’d really loved the man...

Because the idea disturbed him more than it ought, he steered his thoughts back to the matter in hand and said firmly, ‘Very well, then. We will talk business. Regrettably, my father and I need you to vacate the property as soon as possible, signora, and we will gladly compensate you in order for you to do that. As you have already been advised, we will even find you similar suitable accommodation in the area.’

Lily rubbed her hands up and down her bare arms as if she was feeling cold. His heart thudded at the thought of a very particular way of warming her. It had been a long time since he’d felt so attracted to a woman, and the fact that he did so now, with this woman, would turn out to be a major inconvenience should he succumb to it.

‘Do you really expect me to agree to leave just like that?’ she demanded, tucking a long strand of hair turned golden by the sun behind her ear. ‘I have rights too, you know.’

‘Of course you do. That’s why we have made you a very good offer to help you agree to go. You will not be out of pocket, or left to find alternative accommodation on your own.’ Taking a deep breath in, Bastian felt oddly ill at ease as he garnered himself to say what he had to say next. ‘If you do not agree to leave, I’m afraid we may have to resort to having the authorities evict you.’

Immediately she pushed to her feet. Bastian saw her upper lip quiver and a vivid rose tint spread over her cheeks.

It made him feel like an absolute louse that he’d put her in such an untenable position. Never before had the necessity to do such a thing in the name of business overly disturbed him. From early on in his career he’d learned that he couldn’t please everyone, that sometimes it was necessary to stick to his guns in order to get what he wanted. But it perturbed him that he was going to disappoint her.

‘You would really do that? Do you honestly think that’s fair?’

Lifting a broad, hard-muscled shoulder and dropping it again, he aimed to keep his tone matter-of-fact and not resort to getting into a disagreeable confrontation. He was well aware that on rare occasions heightened emotions could get the better of him.

‘We gave you plenty of notice.’ Standing up, he drove his hand exasperatedly through his hair. ‘Surely that was enough?’

‘It wasn’t...it isn’t.’

Determined to let him know she was no pushover, Lily stood her ground. Bastian Carrera wasn’t going to treat her as though she was some meek little lamb whose needs weren’t important and get away with it! Other people had treated her in such a cavalier fashion before and she wouldn’t tolerate it.

Memories came of being mocked at school for being shy and awkward and refusing to be part of any clique—it had singled her out to the class bullies. Their cruel taunts and efforts to exclude her from school activities had made her feel even more isolated and alone than she’d already felt at home. Hers had not been a loving household. But the pain of what she’d endured then made her even more determined to stand up to her landlord now.

‘How would you like to be ousted from your place of residence as though you don’t matter? As if your needs are inconsequential?’ Her tone rang with temper. ‘People like me clearly don’t matter to you so long as you get what you want, do they?’

‘What do you mean by that?’

‘You know very well what I mean. It’s obvious you believe my needs are nowhere near as important as your own. I’m just an ordinary woman, trying to make her living in the best way I can, and I won’t be dictated to by a man who thinks he’s superior just because he’s inherited wealth and land and doesn’t have to depend on anyone for the fundamental things in life...like a home!’

‘You think I don’t appreciate what I have? That I take my good fortune for granted?’ Bastian’s glance was steely. ‘You have no idea how wrong you are. I work as hard as—if not harder than—any of my employees who need to put food on the table for their families because that’s what I learned from my father. His example taught me that a business is only as good as the people who run it—that we have to value those who work for us and let them know their contribution is essential to the success and wellbeing of us all.’

The passion in his voice made Lily realise how much her comment had got to him. She knew she’d sounded accusing and jealous of his good fortune and she hadn’t meant to convey that at all. That wasn’t the way she felt. All she wanted was to be treated fairly and not to be pushed aside like some annoying inconvenience.

‘I didn’t say that you took anything for granted. I take pride in working hard myself. It’s just that...’

Disturbingly, she somehow found herself face to face with him, and she tried hard not to be distracted by his arresting presence for long enough to finish speaking her mind and let him know how furious she was at what appeared to be his distinct lack of understanding in her case.

‘Couldn’t this necessity of yours to turn over the land to more organic olive groves wait a while longer? At least until the agreed length of my tenancy expires? Can’t you at least think about it?’

Breathing hard, she felt the uncomfortable sensation of sticky perspiration breaking out on her skin, making her feel damp. It was a particularly hot day, but the external temperature wasn’t the only reason for the enervating heat that had descended on her...

It was Bastian Carrera himself.

When he didn’t immediately reply she added lamely, ‘Honestly...you make me so angry.’

His smile was wry—taunting, almost. The fury he’d displayed just now had suddenly dissipated. Yet the residue of that heightened emotion seemed to be unaccountably turning into something far more threatening.

When she glanced back into those haunting, dark eyes of his she saw they were unapologetically sensuous.

‘That is just the kind of thing a lover would say.’

‘What are you talking about?’

She was too flustered to understand how or why events had taken a sudden one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn, but they had. However, deep inside she did know.

The tangible tension between them that was now electrifyingly real had simply had to find an outlet.

As if to confirm it, the Italian’s warm, slightly callused hand was suddenly on the back of her neck as he brought his face down to hers. There was no time to think about anything other than the urgent feelings that shockingly made her ache to know him in the most intimate way, to touch and explore him and see if he echoed her hunger.

When his lips voraciously descended on hers, to all but devour them, Lily had her answer. The uncontainable passion he expressed made her heart pound and her blood thicken with the viscosity of molasses. And, whilst her trembling hands held on to the banks of his shoulders as if they would never let go, he murmured something in husky-voiced Italian and slid his hot silken tongue into her mouth.

She groaned with pleasure. As the kiss became even more erotic it was as if the combustible route they were on was only going to lead to one destination...

As their insatiable contact deepened and grew hotter Lily’s knees gave way, and the short sharp breaths she released against his mouth sounded almost agonised.

Bastian instinctively caught her round the waist to stop her from falling and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. Then he turned and carefully lowered her onto the sofa. Lily’s heart beat like a war drum inside her chest. But it didn’t make her question the wisdom of what she was doing. Her senses were so captivated by the tantalising aroma of him, how he smelled and how he felt, that she knew it was already too late to turn back.

She was hypnotised beyond recall.

With held breath, she watched him hurriedly strip off his shirt. Before he came back to her she had a tantalising glimpse of sleek, tanned musculature that was everything a woman would dream of in a man. His silken toned biceps were like steel ropes beneath his skin, and he had a dusting of inviting ebony hair on his chest. With his deeply assessing brown eyes and a charisma second to none, Lily already knew he was impossible to resist.

Delving into the back pocket of his jeans, she saw him take out something and unzip his fly. In a wave of mercurial heat she realised he was going to protect himself. It shocked her that she hadn’t thought of the need to do the same—but then she was scarcely familiar with such a necessity, was she?

As he positioned himself astride her, his weight pressed her down into the sofa. She heard the leather crackle and settle. Staring up, she knew her gaze was helplessly fixed on him.

Even the simplest of words were hard to summon right then. All thought and sense of time was suspended. Bastian was nipping at her mouth and kissing her forehead, cheeks and eyelids in turn, before pushing her dress up to her middle and caressing her slim torso. His mouth captured hers in a commanding sexy kiss and she felt his hands tug her dress up even higher. When he expertly undid her cream-coloured bra to release her small pert breasts, she gasped.

The sultry air that played against her bare skin had an immediate effect on her. It made her feel like a whole other woman.

Never in her life had Lily behaved so wantonly. But she had always known it would take a very special man to free her desires—a man who would give credence to his senses and wouldn’t be afraid to express them.

Just a second later the Italian lowered his head to take a burgeoning nipple inside his mouth. When he grazed his teeth against her tender skin Lily moaned low and drove her hands into his hair to hold him there. It was the most erotic combination of pleasure and pain she’d ever experienced and she didn’t want it to end.

He lifted his head and a lock of hair fell across his forehead. Meeting her aroused gaze, he spoke with a gravelly husk as he asked, ‘Signora, will you let me take you?’

Her answer was an unequivocal whispered, ‘Yes...oh, yes...’

Reaching down to her panties, he eased them down over her hips and discarded them. Laying his hands against her silken thighs, he pressed them apart. In less than a heartbeat he’d eased himself deep inside her.

A sharp pain made her wince momentarily and catch her breath, but the discomfort very quickly subsided. It was as if she’d been waiting for him all her life. He was hard and hot and everything she’d wanted and yearned for but hadn’t known just how much until the very moment he claimed her.

Both the revelation and the visceral nature of the experience stunned her.

Bastian, too, was taken aback. His gaze was resting on her as though he couldn’t quite believe what was happening.

‘Sei incredibile,’ he murmured.

No more was said as their bodies started to move in the timeless motion that lovers the world over intuitively knew, and Lily instinctively wrapped her slender legs round his lean taut middle the better to accommodate him.

There was no thought of regret whatsoever.

How could she possibly regret something as amazing and sublime as this?

He had said she was incredible, but she would say the same about him—and more.

Never before had Bastian felt so turned on or so sexually hungry, as if he would go out of his mind if he didn’t have her. Recalling that he’d mocked his father when he’d asked if Lily had put him under a spell, he now knew she had done exactly that to him.

She was utterly exquisite, with her silky soft skin, her long-lashed green eyes and hot, tight centre, and he hadn’t missed the fact that she’d been a little too tight when he’d first taken possession. It had surprised him. Maybe the sexual intimacy between her and her ex hadn’t worked out?

But all that was forgotten as he sensed her come undone. The muscles in his arms bunched harder as he held himself still, pausing to give her time to enjoy the release. It appeared as though she was utterly overwhelmed by the experience—as if she’d never encountered a similar response with a man before.

Bastian couldn’t deny that the idea filled him with a surge of undeniable male pride. He was still entranced by the seductive sounds she’d made as he’d pleasured her, and this couldn’t help but heighten his desire. But any further thoughts vanished as the very palpable need in him to attain his own culmination grew undeniably urgent.

‘Look at me,’ he commanded.

Lily complied, her green eyes shimmering like crystal, her beautiful golden hair spread out on the cushions behind her. He thrust hard as his craving grew ever more demanding, and when it reached its crescendo she held him as he cried out.

Gasping to get his breath, he fell against her. He could honestly attest that he had never had such mind-blowing sex with a woman before. They seemed to have the most inexplicable connection despite having only just met.

When he raised his head again, to study her face, he was shocked to find that her eyes were swimming with tears. What did that mean?

Carefully disengaging himself, he deftly changed places wth her and pulled her firmly into his arms. In the aftermath of this extraordinary and unexpected spontaneous event his heart was racing as it had never raced before.

Concerned, he gently asked, ‘Why do you cry, mia dolce? Did I hurt you?’

‘No, you didn’t. I don’t know why I’m crying.’

Her soft whisper was as delicate as gossamer, and surprisingly she touched her hand to his cheek. Unable to resist taking it captive, he turned over the slender palm and touched his lips to her skin as though it was something infinitely precious.

What was the matter with him? He was behaving as though he had little control over his actions and that had to cause alarm. Lily’s fire had burned him more than he’d thought possible...

CHAPTER TWO

‘YOU HAVE TO LEAVE.’

His lover’s voice was suddenly unequivocally firm. Even as she spoke Lily was getting to her feet, tidying her disarrayed hair and straightening her dishevelled clothing. She even reached down inside her dress to pull out the bra he’d undone and despatched it into a pocket.

It was hard to deal with the knowledge of her being naked under the cheerful striped dress without wanting her all over again. Bastian knew a powerful urge to insist she came back to him and continued what they’d started to his satisfaction. But he knew he didn’t dare do any such thing. It would be like pouring fuel on a fire that already threatened to get out of control.

If nothing else he needed time to take stock, time to...

Rising to his feet, he dealt with the condom. Then he zipped up his jeans and snatched up his cambric shirt from the floor. Quickly pulling it on, he dragged his hand through his hair and turned to survey his companion.

‘We haven’t finished discussing your tenancy,’ he declared, uneasy with the subject because of what had just occurred.

‘You think I’ve forgotten that you want me out?’ she answered testily.

‘No. I didn’t mean that.’ Deliberately, he softened his tone. It was impossible to stay angry and frustrated with her when the woman had just taken him to heaven and back.

‘But you still want me to vacate earlier than I should and—and—’ Visibly squaring her shoulders, she stared back at him. ‘Like I said, I have rights, and I’ll explore just what they are with a solicitor if I have to. You’re not going to get rid of me quite so easily, signor.’

Of all the things she might have said, he’d never expected that. In truth, he had to admit that he admired her for taking such a stance.

‘Look, all I want to say is that I’m willing to come at things differently and give you a bit more leeway in the matter.’

‘What?’

Knowing he had stupidly let his guard down, after being careful about his dealings with women for so long, Bastian felt he had no one to blame for this awkward situation but himself.

Rubbing his hand round his jaw, he told her, ‘I mean you don’t have to leave straight away. I’ve been unexpectedly invited to go to Brazil on business, and I anticipate I’ll be gone for at least six weeks. In light of that, I’ve decided you can stay here until I return. When I get back we can review the situation. Is that more agreeable to you?’

‘I won’t deny having a bit more time to think about things and make some plans would be better.’

‘Good. Then the matter is settled.’

‘What about planting the new olive groves?’

‘That, too, can be postponed until I get back.’

‘I see...’

His beautiful tenant was stroking her hands up and down her arms as if they were chilled but, having just become personally acquainted with her warm embrace, he could attest to them being anything but cold when she’d wrapped them around him.

‘Did what happened between us just now cause you to change your mind, Signor Carrera?’

‘You can at least call me Bastian.’

On hearing his invitation, Lily immediately coloured. She knew that their being on first-name terms wasn’t going to make their situation any simpler.

‘Because if that’s the case I don’t want you feeling like you owe me anything.’

‘Having met you, I do not in any way imagine you are the kind of woman who would be as easily placated as that.’ Sighing, he unconsciously laid his hand over his heart in the now crumpled cambric shirt. ‘In any case, I like to think I’m a reasonable man. If I didn’t give your situation proper consideration after the intimacy we’ve just shared, and heartlessly demanded you leave right away, I would be letting myself down as well as you.’

‘Well... I’m glad you feel like that.’

‘But, whatever happens, don’t think I regret what took place between us because I don’t.’

In response, as if suddenly an intruding bright light had been trained on her, Lily’s green eyes flashed. ‘That’s as may be, but it won’t be happening again, signor. I can assure you of that!’

The comment made him smile. He walked to the door, and just before his hand alighted on the handle to open it he turned back, drawling lazily, ‘We will have to wait and see about that, signora,’ as if the matter was entirely open to debate...

Although determined not to dwell over-long on the fact that she’d just had the most incredible sex with a stranger, Lily knew it would be easier said than done. The unforeseen event had been completely out of character for her, and it was hard to believe it had happened.

She’d taken a huge risk in not thinking of protecting herself. Thank goodness her lover had used a condom. He’d obviously been prepared for such a situation, while she was so inexperienced it was laughable...

Still, in the shower she mentally revisited the excitement and pleasure Bastian had given her and gently touched all the places he’d helped to make tender. Combing out her hair in front of the antique mirror in the bedroom, she carefully scrutinised her reflection. She even looked like a different person, she decided. Somehow she seemed to have acquired the rosy cheeks and wide-eyed expression of a veritable ingénue.

Still a little dazed, she returned to her drawing board under the skylight. It would hardly help her, being so distracted, and the tingling in her body and the long-buried ache the Italian had stirred into life again would inevitably tax her concentration.

But at least she didn’t have to leave the villeta straight away. Her landlord’s decision to let her stay a little while longer gave her some much-needed breathing space in which to mull over her predicament and make some decisions.

* * *

During the next few days, as well as undertaking her paid work, Lily started to set aside regular time for her own stories and drawings. Unbeknownst to him, the handsome Italian had issued her with a challenge when he’d asked why she didn’t want to write and illustrate stories herself. The more she thought about it, the more she decided she would seriously consider the idea. Even if it didn’t work out, she ought to at least give it a try.

Lily reminded herself that it was her ex who had thought she was wasting her time doing her drawing when she could have a much better paid career. Bastian didn’t think that that way. Maybe her handsome landlord had unknowingly suggested the very thing she needed to hear?

For the first few days after he had departed for Brazil, Lily often asked herself why she had behaved so wantonly...as if she had no morals at all? But, recalling how it had been between her and the Italian—the instant connection, the impossible-to-resist sexual hunger their meeting had aroused—how could she regret it? More to the point, how would she handle the temptation of him when he returned? Could she risk having sex with him again without any consequences, even though she’d insisted that she wouldn’t?

In light of that, she thought that maybe she should arrange to put some more distance between them and move into the other house they’d offered her before he got back after all? Sighing, she decided to talk to his father Alberto about it. She’d become rather fond of the older man, and instinctively knew he would give her some good advice.

But four weeks after his son had left the country, Lily’s period was late. And after taking the pregnancy test she’d bought from the local farmacia in a bid to reassure herself, she made the startling discovery that she was pregnant...

* * *

July, August and September were winter months in Brazil, but the temperatures were similar to that of an Abruzzo summer. Being acclimatised to the heat, Bastian barely noticed it. Much more prevalent in his mind was the volatile situation he’d left behind him.

He was well used to women coming on to him, but that hadn’t been the case with his beautiful young tenant. Instead they had become shockingly intimate practically on sight. It was as though some greater power had been driving them that day—a power that they had responded to straight away and hadn’t even questioned. Any concept of right or wrong hadn’t entered their minds.

Maybe it was precisely the fact that Lily hadn’t pursued him in the way he was used to that was the reason he couldn’t put the stunning woman from his mind. Like it or not, his business with Lily was far from concluded, and he found himself counting the days until they could be reunited.

And this time things would be brought to a close between them—one way or another!

* * *

Lily had been busier than usual. Since she’d found out that she was pregnant she’d not only attended to her illustrations and worked diligently on her own children’s stories, she’d also started to make her new accommodation much more homely.

The new house was more spacious than the villeta had been, and just as beautifully appointed. To bring a touch of her own personality she’d draped the generous-sized couch and armchairs with silk shawls and the plumped-up cushions that she’d bought from a local market in the town. She also made sure that the large burnt orange ceramic bowl that she’d found in the kitchen was always filled with plenty of fruit.

It would help to remind her that she had to eat especially well now, due to the baby.

But what was done was done. She’d been responsible for protecting herself but she hadn’t, and this was the consequence.

She’d never properly contemplated the monumental change a child would bring into her life and the prospect was undeniably scary. Some would say her decision to have the baby as a single woman was an irresponsible one. But the idea excited her. Life suddenly seemed to take on much more meaning.

The challenge of writing her own stories as well as illustrating other authors’ work to help pay the rent had grown to encompass the unexpected miracle that was taking place inside her body. In truth, Lily was excited at the prospect of taking care of the child and raising him or her.

The only fly in the ointment was that she hadn’t shared her news with Bastian yet. He was still away. When he found out about it would he think she expected him to support her and the baby? The thought made her shudder. It had undoubtedly come as a shock to discover she was pregnant, but it was her decision to go through with it.

There was no way she wanted to be beholden to another man—especially after the mistake she’d made in marrying her husband. But sooner or later her handsome landlord would be home and, like it or not, she would have to tell him everything.

In the meantime, although she missed the villeta with its inspiring skylight and the vista of olive groves, the traditional stone house she was now renting from the Carreras was just as appealing. For one thing it was closer to the sea, and yet it was surrounded by the most idyllic countryside. Another plus was that every morning she woke to the sound of the waves lapping on the shore, and towards evening witnessed some of the most dramatic sunsets she’d ever seen.

As for Alberto’s advice about moving there when she’d gone to see him, he had been kindness itself.

‘You must do what your heart tells you to do, signora,’ he’d said. ‘Despite what my son may have told you, there is no need for you to panic about the situation. We can wait for you to decide. Whether you choose to leave the villeta in the time suggested or to move into one of our other houses, first and foremost we want you to be happy. We have not always been so fortunate as to have tenants as reliable and charming as you, Lily.’

He’d clasped her to his chest and kissed her soundly on both cheeks. She’d grown very fond of the man, and loved the way his brown eyes crinkled at the corners and sparkled when he was pleased about something. The warmth he conveyed was undoubtedly reassuring.

She wondered if Bastian shared his father’s quality to soothe and reassure...

* * *

He was agitatedly pacing up and down, his boot-heels making the dust motes fly up from the floorboards. Meanwhile his father sat upright in his favourite kitchen chair and patiently allowed his son to vent.

‘I cannot believe you let her move out just like that!’ Bastian fumed. ‘As I understood it she was going to say at the villeta until I returned from my trip. Plus, she said working under the skylight there helped inspire her to do her best drawing. What if that doesn’t come so easily to her in the new house?’

The younger Carrera came to a sudden standstill, dropped his hands to his denim-clad hips and glared.

‘Why are you suddenly so concerned as to whether the signora’s surroundings inspire her or not? You certainly weren’t before. We both know the villeta has to be demolished in order to convert the land. Isn’t that what you urged me to remember when you thought I was being too soft with her? I thought you wanted her to leave as soon as possible?’

‘I did... I do.’

Feeling ill at ease, Bastian impatiently pushed back the rebellious lock of hair that tumbled onto his brow. What was it about this woman that drove him to such levels of agitation? Again he recalled that feeling that she had bewitched him.

‘Forget what I said. If she is quite happy with the arrangement then that suits all of us, does it not? I will call in to see her later, to see how she’s settling in. And to thank her for co-operating at last!’

Releasing a sigh that sounded as if he’d been holding it in for ever, he crossed the floor to squeeze the other man’s shoulder affectionately. Narrowing his gaze, he examined him searchingly.

‘Have you been okay? Dolores tells me that she’s been making sure you’ve been eating well and are getting as much rest as possible. I trust that there’s been no more chest pain or anything like that?’

Alberto scowled. ‘Between the two of you, you make me feel like a sick child who needs round-the-clock care! Now, instead of fussing over me, why don’t you sit down and tell me all about your trip to Brazil. Was it worthwhile?’

His son grinned. ‘Need you ask? You should know by now that I never embark on a business trip that isn’t fruitful!’

CHAPTER THREE

IT HAD BEEN a long time since Bastian had been up this way to look at their properties. And even though he knew their caretaker Mario made sure that everything was kept in tip-top condition, Bastian was surprised to see how homely this particular rental house looked.

It was built in the style of a traditional Italian farmhouse, and inside the old-fashioned brick ceilings had been restored and a tasteful degree of modernity added. The kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms were particularly spacious, and the sea views spectacular.

Outside, at the front of the house, he could see that the earth in between the concrete slabs they’d had laid looked to be recently dug over, ready for planting. Already some bulbs had been bedded in and had started to sprout. There were tantalising glimpses of pink, blue and yellow blooms. Most of the frontage had been pragmatically concreted into a patio...they hadn’t had flowerbeds there for a long time.

Was Lily responsible for this very satisfying new arrangement? He knew Mario would never have taken it upon himself to do such a thing without discussing it with him first...

Rubbing a hand round his jaw, Bastian was still mulling over the changes as he nimbly negotiated the steps to the front door and was surprised to find it open. With a brisk knock against the wood panelling, he put his head round the door.

‘Anybody home?’ he called out, first in his native Italian and then in English.

‘Is that you, Alberto? Just give me a minute, will you? I’m in the middle of something...’

At the sound of the voice he hadn’t realised quite how much he’d been longing to hear, he stepped inside. His pretty tenant was seated with her back to him at the rustic chestnut desk he’d installed long ago, her pencil deftly moving across a large sheet of paper on a drawing board, clearly intent on concentrating.

Her sunlit hair was scooped up behind her head with a simply knotted scarf fashioned out of some emerald-green gauze, and it exposed the lovely ballerina-like slope of her neck. He stilled for a moment, aching to touch his lips to that flawless and inviting bare skin. Thankfully he controlled the impulse just in time, because Lily suddenly turned round and saw him.

Immediately colouring, she said, ‘Signor Carrera... I didn’t know you were back from your trip. When did you return?’

Dropping her pencil onto her sketch pad, she got to her feet, unconsciously smoothing her hand over her hair. Today she was wearing a sleeveless white top that exposed her delicately tanned slim arms, teamed with apricot silk palazzo pants that rippled like the gentlest of streams when she moved.

Bastian tried doubly hard to keep his desire at bay.

‘Yesterday...in the early hours of the morning.’

‘Then no doubt you must still be feeling quite tired?’

‘Not at all...the thought of coming home always helps revitalise me.’

‘Well, I...’ Flushing a little, she gestured towards the kitchen. ‘Can I get you a drink of something?’

‘No. There’s nothing I want right now.’ Except you, his mind flashed. ‘How do you like your new accommodation?’

‘I love it. I don’t know why I worried so much about moving.’

‘Good—that pleases me. I can see that you’re working. Mind if I take a look?’

‘Be my guest. It’s an illustration I’m doing for a new book,’

As she stood back to let him draw closer Bastian breathed in the intoxicating scent that indelibly clung to her. It reminded him of all the good things in life that he loved combined... How could he have forgotten it after the intimacy they had shared?

Even as his blood heated at the memory his gaze fell on the captivating sketch of a tortoiseshell cat with enormous green eyes and an exaggerated suggestion of determination on its face.

‘Is this for someone else’s story or one of your own?’

‘Does it matter?’

‘Yes, I think it does. It’s very good, but I’d rather it was for one of yours.’

‘Why?’

He folded his arms and looked at her...really looked at her...almost as if for the very first time. His examining gaze reunited him with the reality of her beauty and grace and, whilst he’d never been possessive about women before, the pleasure and satisfaction that coursed through his veins at knowing he’d made her his, couldn’t be measured.

‘Two reasons. First because it reminds me of you, and I’m guessing any stories you write must equal your drawing talent, and second because it’s too good to give to someone else.’

Feeling undeniably self-conscious, she nodded. ‘Well, you’ve guessed right. I took your advice and this is an illustration for one of my own stories.’

‘So you have taken up your writing more seriously?’

‘Let’s say I’m trying to.’

‘And what’s this expression of determination on the cat’s face about?’ The corners of his mouth lifted in gentle amusement.

‘You’ll have to read the book to find out. That is if it’s published.’

‘Why wouldn’t it be when, going by this engaging illustration, you clearly know how to bring a children’s story to life? What’s the title?’

‘If I had my way I’d like it to be called There’s No Such Word as Can’t.’

‘Is that a piece of advice you were given growing up?’

With an awkward shrug of her slim shoulders Lily tried for a smile but didn’t quite manage it.

‘Yes...but I haven’t always been able to apply it. My teacher once said it to me on a school trip to France, when I woke her up in the middle of the night because I couldn’t sleep. I was afraid of the dark, you see. After telling me there was nothing to fear, and that soon I would be back home and wishing I’d enjoyed the trip more instead of worrying, she told me to go back to bed and try harder to get some sleep. That’s when I said, I can’t.’

‘How old were you at the time, Lily?’

‘About nine or ten.’

‘Being away from home at that age would be bound to make most children anxious. I’m sure you weren’t alone in feeling that.’

She frowned. ‘The other girls in my room didn’t seem to have a problem. The thing is... I should have been braver. I felt like such an idiot.’

‘You were no such thing,’ Bastian said firmly. ‘You were just a child. Anyway, I don’t doubt your teacher’s comment helped you because you remembered it. Perhaps you’re more determined to overcome your fears now, yes?’

‘I’d like to think so.’

‘It seems to me that a lack of belief in yourself is what hurts you the most, Lily.’

‘How do you know so much about me when we’ve only just met?’

Her near-whispered response was tentative. And even the air around them just then felt as if it was holding its breath, loaded as it was with a peculiar kind of danger that only they knew the reason for. Bastian was quite aware that the inevitable discussion that loomed was as potentially threatening as a hand grenade thrown into the room.

‘Mind if I change my mind about that drink you offered?’ he asked.

‘Not at all—what would you like?’

‘A cup of coffee would be good. Black, one sugar.’

‘I’ll see to it. Why don’t you sit down?’

He elected to sit in the armchair, judging it to be safer than the couch after what had happened before. But his mouth was dry as sand as he waited for her to return with their drinks, and he still didn’t know what he was going to say.

How could he explain the reason for what had seemed inevitable as soon their eyes had met?

Besides, Lily was not simply some pretty young woman he’d had an inconsequential tumble with that he could put down to experience and quickly forget. Their connection had gone way deeper than that, and as a consequence she had really got into his blood...

‘Here you are. I hope I haven’t made it too strong for you?’

Carrying both their drinks over to the generous-sized occasional table, his hostess turned one of the mugs towards him then sat down on the sofa.

‘Grazie.’ Smiling, he took a sip. ‘Perfetto...you have made it just how I like it.’

Sounding relieved, she murmured, ‘I’m glad. So, how did your business trip go?’

She was just making small-talk, but she couldn’t disguise her tension and Bastian easily detected it. Coming to a sudden decision, he returned his mug to the table. Then, drawing the back of his hand across his lips, he leant forward to meet her gaze candidly.

‘We won’t waste any more time talking about my trip. You and I both know we have to discuss what happened before I left,’

Of all the scenarios she’d imagined for when her charismatic landlord returned, Lily had not envisaged him being so blunt. As if to heighten her predicament, an unhelpful wave of nausea rolled through her just then. The strong scent of the herbal tea she’d made seemed to be making her feel queasy.

Returning the offending brew to the table, she sat back in her seat and folded her arms across her waist. She wasn’t showing yet, but in a couple more months she would be. Her breasts already felt noticeably heavier.

Lifting her gaze, she carefully examined her companion. How could she have forgotten for even a second how handsome he was? With his curling dark hair, seductive long-lashed brown eyes and the fit, muscular body that was clearly no stranger to working the land, she could tell his occupation had helped to make him fit and strong. In another age he would have been in demand to sit for any of the great artists or sculptors, she was sure...

‘I don’t know quite what you’re expecting me to say, Signor Carrera...’

There was a flash of amusement in his dark eyes at her formal address. ‘So we’re back on landlord and tenant terms, are we? I’m asking if you’ve had any further thoughts about what happened between us...or have you assumed we’ll carry on as though nothing remotely out of the ordinary happened at all?’

Lily didn’t have a prayer of behaving as if the memory didn’t disturb her. She’d sensed the heat rise in her cheeks the instant she’d realised her unexpected caller wasn’t Alberto but instead his compellingly attractive son. Many times she’d fantasised about what she would say when she saw him again, but now she was tongue-tied and awkward. Particularly because she yet had to tell him about the far-reaching consequences of their brief but unplanned afternoon of pleasure.

‘I’m not saying we should act as if nothing happened. To tell you the truth, we can’t.’

‘What do you mean?’

Her insides were churning with crazy feelings of hope mingled with anxiety. Seeing Bastian again, the last thing...the very last thing she could do was pretend indifference to the situation.

‘Are you trying to tell me that there’s someone else on the scene? Is that why you want to forget about what happened?’

The affront in his voice took her aback. Tucking a stray strand of pale gold hair back into her bun, from where it had drifted free, it wasn’t easy to keep her hands from trembling.

‘There isn’t anyone else...and I can hardly forget what happened when—’

‘When what?’ He leant forward, his hands on his knees as if he were immediately ready to spring to his feet and confront anything he found remotely disagreeable.

Understandably nervous, her heart racing like a greyhound’s as it came out of the trap, Lily lifted her head and bravely met the Italian’s glowering stare.

This was no time to give way to fear, she told herself.

‘When I find myself expecting your baby.’

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