“A child means the world to you, doesn’t it?”
He remained silent concentrating on the road. “It isn’t only about duty, though. I admit I want a son to carry on the Lombardi name and title, but it’s more than that. And, yes, I married you because I thought it was time to be a father and…you were very desirable.”
The truth hurt. He’d never loved her. Even though she’d known it deep inside, the shock of hearing him admit it made her heart shrivel up.
“It was my brother’s death that made me understand I couldn’t take anything for granted. It was time and you—the first time I looked in your eyes I realized you’d be perfect.”
“Every girl’s dream. To be swept off her feet to become a baby-maker.”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not getting to knowyou properly first. I thought marriage to me, to be a part of my family, was what you wanted.”
He was looking at the road, straight ahead. His mouth was a firm line and she could almost see regret etched on his forehead. Regret for marrying her or regret that he’d been so dictatorial?
“Would you have married me if you’d known I didn’t want children right away?”
His foot pressed the accelerator. “No.”
A profound sadness swept her. Abby looked out the window so he couldn’t see her eyes fill with tears. She took a deep breath to try to stifle the shock. She didn’t know why the pain his words caused was unbearable when she’d already known the truth.
She tried to cover the silence. “You’ll make a wonderful father.”
He shifted in the bucket seat.
“How do you know?”
She turned and looked at him.
“Because you’re ruthless and determined in everything you do, and that would include protecting and loving your children—or anyone lucky enough to have your love.”
For an instant she envied Dante’s child.
He reached over and took her hand, raising it to his lips for a brief kiss.
“Our child will be blessed with two parents who love him. I wouldn’t have married you if I hadn’t known you’d be a fine mother. You have a big heart and you see the best in everyone.”
“Him? It could be a girl.”
He grinned. “Then it will be very enjoyable ensuring she has a brother.” The deep husky notes in his voice sent shivers of desire tingling through her.
“What happens if you find a woman you could love? You might want a child with her instead.”
His cheeky schoolboy grin faded and he wore the stern mask of the conte. “I never wanted a divorce. It was you who asked to end this marriage. I married you and if you become the mother of my child, there is no way I would dishonor that. Before our deal, divorce was something I wouldn’t contemplate—ever.”
“Ever is a long time.”
He suddenly swung to look at her.
“Sometimes it is not long enough.”
The road drew his attention once more.
“I have to fly to Paris tonight for business. I’ll be back before your grandmother’s operation tomorrow afternoon.”
“My grandmother will want to know why I have decided to return to you. I’d rather not let her know the real reason. It will upset her and she needs to be stress-free.”
He raised an eyebrow and nodded. “What would she believe?”
Abby bit her lip and clamped her hands together to stop herself from biting her nails. Her grandmother would notice. “Um. The only reason she would take at face value is that we realized we have been idiots and that we love each other too much to throw everything away for silly pride.”
