The next few weeks had been the greatest whirlwind of Lauren’s life. They continued to meet in luxurious hotels to make love like crazy. Then, to show how much he loved her, even though he never said the words, Graham would shower Lauren with expensive jewelry. Lauren had fallen madly in love.
Lauren entered the lift in the lobby of the Four Seasons and punched the number of the floor where Graham had a room. Glimpsing her reflection in the mirrors lining the wall, she caressed her stomach gently and smiled a secret smile.
The last few mornings she’d woken up feeling sick, and when she missed her period, she decided to do a home pregnancy test. When two bright pink lines showed a positive result, shock slammed into her. How could she be pregnant? Graham always used a condom. Well, except for that one time in the shower, and as a result, she was going to have his baby.
Shock soon turned to excitement because she’d found the man of her dreams and they would have a happy family. And she couldn’t wait to tell him the wonderful news.
When she arrived at the harbor view suite, Graham was already waiting for her. Normally, she would have taken the time to appreciate the breathtaking view of Sydney Harbor and the Sydney Opera House, but she was too excited to do any of that.
As always, Graham had champagne and strawberries waiting, not that she’d drink the champagne now that she had a precious life to take care of. Also, a blue Tiffany & Company box sat next to the crystal flute, another gift to show her how much he cared.
Rushing over, she threw her arms around his neck. Graham greeted her with a long, passionate kiss, and tugged the zipper down on the back of her dress. He was in a hurry. He must need to get to work.
His work demanded a lot of his time, so on days when he had to rush off they made love fast. But before she lost herself in the drugging kiss, she pulled free to tell him the exciting news.
Impatience showed on his face and strong hands grabbed her around the waist, smashing their bodies together. Giggling, she placed her hands on his heaving chest and pushed away from his alluring mouth. “Stop. I have wonderful news to tell you.”
“It can wait. I can’t. Take off your clothes,” he said, loosening his tie and hanging it on the back of a chair. He reached for her again, but she quickly stepped away.
“It can’t wait. I’m so excited I want to tell you now, and then we can celebrate however you like.” She slid her hand up his chest, trying to sound seductive, wanting to be more sophisticated for him, but she never could pull it off.
“Hurry up then. I don’t have much time,” he said as he unbuttoned his shirt.
Sighing over being hurried, she said, “I hate when you have to rush off. I was hoping we’d spend the night together.”
“I can’t, I have to be up early for work in the morning,” he snapped.
When her eyes widen at his tone, he placed soothing hands on either side of her face and kissed her gently on the lips. “I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m busy, that’s all. What is it you have to tell me?”
Taking a shaky breath, nerves suddenly crept in about telling him about the baby. But she let the words spill out before she lost the nerve. “I’m pregnant.”
Color drained from his face, and he stepped away. “What?”
The quietly spoken word had the effect of an icy blast. Lauren rubbed her arms to ward off the chill, her excitement from moments ago slipping away along with her smile.
Red replaced his colorless complexion, and his eyes grew as dark as the devil’s. “You slut!”
“W-what?” Lauren stammered as she stumbled back from the explosion of his fury.
“How many guys have you fucked while you’ve been with me? And now you think you
can claim that the bastard is mine?” He laughed without mirth. “I know what you’re trying to do.”
Shock at his reaction left her speechless.
A finger as deadly as a pistol pointed in her face. “You’re after my money.”
Because the words caught behind the lump in her throat, she shook her head rapidly.
He gave her a cruel scoff. “Don’t think I don’t know about the shithole you live in. I’m your ticket out of that slum.”
Finally finding her voice, as weak and shaky as it was, she managed to say, “The baby’s yours. I haven’t been with anyone else. I don’t want your money. I love you, and I thought you loved me too.” Hot tears poured down her face.
For a second Graham froze, then he threw back his head and laughed hard and harsh.
He picked up his suit jacket lying on the bed and then his tie and draped them over his arm.
“You stupid little girl. You were a good fuck, that was all.”
