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“Novros,” Rafael said, rising from the table with sudden sharpness “We have business to discuss It is time”

“Yes,” the other

“Excuse us,” Rafael saidfor a particular smile at Dominique “We will join you on the terrace in a moment Miss Grey, will you show them the way, if you please?”

“Of course, sir,” Louisa said over the lump in her throat

Once outside in the arden and the sparkling Bosphorus below, the guests scattered in pairs into the shadows Louisa directed severalthe kadayif, the shredded puff pastry filled with nuts and honey, along with strong Turkish coffee, brandy and other liqueurs, serving theoblets

As the ht Blinking fast, she stared up into the inky-blackness of the sky twinkling with distant frozen stars

Just yesterday, she’d been his mistress Just yesterday, she’d been free Just yesterday, she’d had everything she’d ever wanted

A lot could change in just one day

By early autumn next year, she would be a mother She would have a baby to love and care for

But would her child have a father? Would Rafael have any love for their baby—or would he just resent and despise the innocent child for being forced upon him?

A shudder went through her body She was afraid she already knew He did not want a wife Did not want a child She had been a fool to ever drea to run away and not even give Rafael the chance to despise and abandon them

Why had she not kept to her original plan and waited to beco a mother?

Because she’d been in love with Rafael for years And at twenty-eight years old, she hadn’t felt principled and idealistic Her virginity had started to feel like a burden She’d started to feel like she would never be wanted—never be loved

She took a deep breath when she heard the guests flirting and laughing aarden As soon as she could get Rafael alone, she would be the idealistic, principled girl that she’d been raised to be She would be strong She would force herself to tell hi but hurt her

Wouldn’t she?