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She was babbling endlessly and the strange thing was, the et His brows drew together until his face resembled a thundercloud

"Just wait a daht to be involved in this pregnancy"

She blinked "Well, okay I wasn’t saying you couldn’t be Just that I thought rew fiercer "You thought wrong"

"Ca to be civilized and cooperative, but you’ve got to helpatmy mind"

The words rushed out in shaky succession and her hands trembled as she clasped them in front of her

Cam cursed softly and rose to stand in front of her "Sit down Please"

She hesitated only a uide her back to the couch He curled his hand around hers and gave it a gentle squeeze

"Now, here’s what I think we should do First we’ll get you to a doctor so that we canis okay with your pregnancy"

She nodded That ical first step At least one of theet ht

Before she could ask hier to her lips Then he heaved in a deep breath al to convince hiet eh for us to share without tripping over each other You’d have your space You’d be provided for But most important, I could be assured that you and the baby were safe"

She gaped incredulously at him "Are you insane?"

His eyes narrowed

She yanked her hand away from his and pushed upward to her feet The rooed and like her world was spiraling out of control

"Don’t be unreasonable, Pippa"

She swung around "Unreasonable? Cao you told me in no uncertain terms that you wouldn’t call me, that this was just sex and you didn’t do co co we have a relationship," he said tightly

Oh, this was just going fro, then?"

"A mutually beneficial partnership You and our child will be well provided for and I’ll have peace of mind"

Her brow furrowed "Peace of e I’ to be sure me and the baby are safe That we’re provided for Look, I appreciate that More than you could possibly know It touchesthe other way I just don’t understand your adamancy here What are you so afraid of?"

Silence fell So pronounced that she could hear thehtened Then as if someone had flipped a switch, his face beca away

"Isn’t that enough?" he finally asked "That I’ to step up here? That I want you and our child to have the protection of oes with it?"

Slowly she shook her head "No It’s not enough"

"It was darowled "You didn’t want anything but a night of sex, either, so don’t make me out to be the bastard here"

"This isn’t about you!"

It came out as a near shriek and she put both hands to the sides of her head in frustration For aas her breaths blew out in angry puffs

When she reopened her eyes, Ca at her, concern etched into his brow "Pippa…" he began

"No, just listen to ed "You ether You were honest I was honest But things have changed in a huge, huge way What I wanted then isn’t what I want now And no, I’ I need you to understand that I’ve changed My priorities have changed

"You were right That night I wanted sex With you I was attracted to you I wasn’t looking for e ofto shortchangeinto a cold, loveless relationship for the purpose of convenience When I getto be a full-tis Especially now"

"I can’t give you that," Ca less," she said quietly

He shot off the couch and turned away, his hands clenched into tight fists at his side "I’ll be danant withhis eyes "I have a right to fatherhood, Pippa You can’t take that froht you with every breath I have"

Some of her frustration fled She took a step forward and put her hand gently on his arers tightly into his skin There was so that knotted her stomach and made her want to soothe some of the torment she sensed within him

"I’d never take that fro you reasons why I won’t settle for a relationship like the one you’re offering"

"I want ritted out

"So do I I love this baby already I’ve lain awake at night i that wasn’t in his or her best interests"

"Then letto happen to you Move in with me If you won’t marry me so my child has my name, then at least move in with me so you’re both provided for"