Page 44 of Bound by Their Christmas Baby

She swallowed. ‘It felt weird.’

He scanned her face intently and then nodded. ‘No matter. There is tonight.’

Her stomach rolled with anticipation.

‘I have to catch up on some work. Have lunch with me later? There’s something I need to discuss with you.’

If she’d been planning on refusing, the last short sentence scuppered that intention. Curiosity fanned in her chest. ‘Okay.’

She took a step towards the door but, instead of letting her go, he pulled her back to his body, firm, and she felt then that he was so hard, all of him, and she groaned softly under her breath.

‘Did you miss me?’ he asked softly, lifting his hand to her hair and tangling his fingers in its length.

‘You were only gone for a night,’ she pointed out.

‘Was I? It felt like longer.’

CHAPTER TEN

THE BUTTERFLIES IN her stomach were rampant, swishing their delicate wings against her sides, making it difficult to concentrate on anything. She barely noticed the beautiful table she was led to, in a part of the castle she was yet to explore. A balcony beyond would be beautiful in warmer weather, but for now it remained sealed off, thick glass doors keeping the cold out but allowing an unimpeded view of the alpine scenery. A light dusting of snow had begun to fall and some of it settled on the railing as she watched. The table was round, large enough to comfortably accommodate six, but only two place-settings had been laid, and with the kind of cutlery and glassware one would find in a six-star restaurant.

She sucked in a deep breath, telling herself it was ridiculous to be nervous. The engagement ring Gabe had given her sparkled on her finger and Abby tried to draw strength from the beauty of its design—and failed. It was so lovely and perfect that it only added to her nervousness.

The domestic who’d shown her to the table had poured a glass of wine and Abby took a sip now, grateful to have something to occupy her hands. The alcohol was cold and yet warmed her insides. She closed her eyes and drew in another deep breath; when she blinked them open Gabe was striding into the room, a large black shopping bag held in one hand, so handsome that her breath snagged in her throat.

‘I was held up,’ he said by way of explanation rather than apology.

A wry smile touched Abby’s lips.

‘It’s fine. I’ve only been here a few minutes.’

He nodded, taking the seat opposite her. Out of nowhere another domestic appeared, pouring Gabe some wine. He looked at the man with a frown. ‘We can manage. I’d prefer not to be interrupted.’

The man said something in Italian, smiled at Abby and then disappeared.

Abby’s frown was instinctive. ‘You don’t strike me as a man who would like having staff.’

He lifted a brow. ‘Forty thousand people work for me.’

‘I don’t mean in a professional sense,’ she said with a small shake of her head. ‘I mean household staff.’

‘You get used to it.’ He shrugged.

‘I don’t know if I ever could.’

‘You mean, if you ever will,’ he corrected.

She nodded slowly.

‘You must have had servants?’

‘God, no.’ She laughed, having no idea how beautiful she looked as the creamy midday sun bounced across her blonde hair, causing it to shimmer. ‘My father hated the idea of having people in our home. He’s very private.’

At the reference to Lionel Howard something between them shifted, a darkness descending on the table.

Gabe spoke first with a heavy sigh. ‘Tell me how it started.’

Abby lifted her shoulders. ‘How what started?’

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