Page 21 of The Baby His Secretary Carries

“Nothing. There’s nothing I can do, either.” Sasha’s parents were there. They didn’t know about Libby or that Molly was carrying Sasha’s second baby. Molly couldn’t be seen at her side and risk revealing that. “But it helped me to talk about her. Thank you for that. I was feeling as though I was being held under water. Now I’ve finally caught a breath. Please don’t tell Gio about this. He already has a lot to worry about—”

Gio strode back in looking like a pressure cooker emanating steam from its seams. His dial was definitely hovering at the red line.

“I have arrangements to make,” he said flatly. “How are you, Nonno?”

“Better than you, I suspect.” His voice was weak, but his gaze was sharp as he took in his grandson’s simmering mood. His expression softened when he asked Molly, “When can you come back so we can talk more?”

“Why don’t we bring dinner?” she suggested.

“I’d like that. Maybe a little wine, too.” He winked. “Can I have a moment with Gio?”

“Of course.” She faltered briefly, worried Otto would reveal something of what she’d just told him, but he gave her a reassuring smile so she went to inquire about the blood work.

“Keep this one,” Nonno said after Gio had caught him up on how he planned to deal with his father.

“Molly?” Gio’s fuse was already short, so Nonno’s remark burned right against his skin. “I would have kept the last one. She chose to leave.”

“You chose a woman you didn’t love and expected her to be satisfied with wearing your name and spending your money. I could see it would never work. That’s why I didn’t give her Nonna’s ring. Molly is different. She has a big heart. You can trust her with your own. Get her pregnant. Do whatever you have to do, butkeep her.”

Good news, Nonno. She’s already pregnant.

Gio pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Se insisti,”he vowed, because what else could he say when his grandfather’s eyelids were drooping so heavily. He was exhausted after being attacked by his own son, demanding he change his will. “Rest up. We’ll be back soon.”

The hospital staff had instructions to call Gio with any changes—or the names of any visitors—so he left Nonno drifting to sleep, found Molly and took her to the office.

“Here,” Molly said in the car, surreptitiously offering him the ring she had removed and glancing at the driver, who had earbuds inserted to give them privacy.

“Wear it.”

“Gio—”

“My parents will have the news of our engagement across the Italian Riviera by lunch. Draft a formal announcement as soon as we’re in the office. I need this leverage against them. They see an opportunity because Nonno is ill, but anyone who is anyone understands the significance of you wearing the family ring.Iam Ottorino’s heir. Not my father.”

“This wasn’t our deal,” she hissed, but pushed the ring back onto her finger. She faced forward, mouth tight, eyes shining with distress.

You can trust her with your heart.

Not if she had one foot out the door. On the other hand, Gio was not looking forward to another well-publicized breakup.

Keep this one.

He had promised his grandfather he would, but there was a knot of resistance within him. He knew he needed to marry, that he needed an heir. Otherwise, if something happened to him, his parents really would have a chance to swoop in and destroy everything he and his grandfather had built. But what was he supposed to do? Marry his secretary and claim her baby as his? It was ludicrous. Hell, until yesterday, they hadn’t spoken two words about anything that wasn’t work-related.

But that kiss...

Stop it.

“We have a lot to cover this morning,” he said with more snap than he intended, making her stiffen. “I want to revisit the closing dates on the Athens deal. I’m not signing anything until I know that Zamos is in the clear.” He began rattling off the rest of his priorities, pleased when she efficiently began delegating to Nelo, directing him to push tasks onto his counterparts in London and New York.

By the time they were striding into his office, the aroma of fresh coffee was in the air, a tray of biscotti was being delivered and Gio’s desk phone was ringing.

“Signor Donatelli,” Nelo said of the call, hovering with his tablet.

“Bene.”Gio picked up the receiver and said, “Vittorio.” Gio waved for Molly to shoo everyone from the room. “No, you stay in here, Molly.”

“Buongiorno,”Vittorio Donatelli said in Gio’s ear. “I saw the report that your grandfather is in hospital. I’m so sorry, Gio. I hope he recovers quickly.”

---