Page 33 of Twin Surprise for the Italian Doc

It would be enough.

She would protect her children with everything she had and, right now, there was a threat to them.

Their father.

It wasn’t simply that he might know the truth and be about to make a claim either. Georgia was aware of a threat thatcame from within herself. This extraordinary pull that she felt towards Matteo was dangerous. Being this close to him, as the small group followed the photographer towards the staircase that led to the main entrance of the castle, was enough to have her whole body vibrating with awareness of him. Everything seemed more acute. She could feel every breath she was drawing in. The pale moonlight feltbright enough to be a spotlight.

And then, as they reached the first steps, Matteo was suddenly right beside her and his hand circled her elbow.

‘Take care,’ he said quietly. ‘These steps are old and they could be slippery.’

Oh...dear Lord... The touch of his fingers against her bare skin took her straight back to that night. To those stolen hours of lovemaking that she could never forget.

Her head was telling her to pull her arm free. To smile politely and tell him that she was fine. Every other part of her was simply on strike. Any words refused to emerge. She could actually feel herself leaning into him, letting him support her balance, allowing her sense of touch to soak in the delicious heat that was making her skin tingle.

It was Matteo that broke the physical contact, droppingher elbow as if it was too hot to handle the moment they reached the bottom of the long staircase.

‘We’ll do the bride and groom first,’ the photographer told them. ‘Down here, so we’ve got you framed by the entrance archway and the braziers.’

Georgia and Matteo were left standing to one side.

Alone. Together.

‘It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?’ Georgia scanned the scene that would become the backgroundof the image. There were spotlights on the turrets towering above them and the round sweep of the Half Moon Battery. Dramatic flames danced over the tall braziers that the bridal couple were positioned between. ‘Perfect spot for a wedding, isn’t it? Did you know that the chapel was built in the twelfth century?’

She could hear herself speaking too fast and would probably cringe when she rememberedthe artificially bright note in her voice.

‘It’s the oldest building in Edinburgh.’ Her words slowed as she glanced sideways to catch the intent stare Matteo was giving her. ‘Um... St Margaret’s chapel, that is...’

‘So, is he the man with the beard?’ Matteo’s tone was clipped.

‘Sorry...what?’

‘The man with the beard who was sitting in the second row.’ He sounded impatient now. ‘That’s yourhusband?’

For a moment, Georgia was confused. If Matteo had known about her pregnancy, surely he would know that she didn’t have a partner?

How muchdidhe actually know?

Luke and Kate were kissing now. A tender moment that would make a fabulous photo to remind them of this occasion.

Georgia had to close her eyes in a long blink, however. Shame was pushing past confusion. Of course Matteothought she had a partner. He believed she had been cheating on him when she’d gone to bed withhim.

‘That’s Dougal McGregor,’ she heard herself saying aloud. ‘My boss.’

Matteo’s breath came out in a silent whistle. ‘The boss, huh? That’s nice.’

Georgia’s eyes snapped open. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’

Matteo’s gaze seemed to be fixed on Luke and Kate. They looked like they were sharinga joke now and Kate’s head was tipped back as she laughed. Luke was grinning down as he held her in his arms. Maybe this would be the photo they kept on display, rather than the kiss, because they looked like the happiest two people on the planet.

Georgia was not happy. Matteo must have felt the anger in her glare because he turned his head. One eyebrow rose.

‘You’ll be well looked after,’ hemurmured. ‘Even if you’re not married.’

‘Oh?’ The single syllable was a warning but Matteo merely shrugged.

‘He’s the father of your baby, isn’t he? Of course he will look after you.’

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