“What I can't have. You. All to myself, always. I would…” She broke off, her plump cheeks pink, her blue eyes averted.

“You would what?” Alessandro put one finger under her chin and lifted her

face, so she could look at him.

Whatever she saw in his eyes must have strengthened her resolve. “I would

marry you if you would have me. I wish we could. It would be so much better.”

“Better for whom? As you've said, there's a real impediment to us being

together.”

She nodded slowly. “There is, but I think I would still choose you, even knowing what's coming. I would rather have you while I can.” An odd note in her voice gave him pause.

“What are you not telling me, cara?” he asked, seeking answers in a face

whose expression he'd never seen before.

“You've given me more than a piano, Alessandro.” She looked at him

intently, urging him to understand.

Understanding warred with disbelief. “Dio mio, are you joking?”

“No.”

“But…” he sputtered. “Is this some kind of ploy to force me to forgive you?”

“Not at all. Look at me and see for yourself.”

He pulled back the covers and regarded her nude body. Her curves looked

rounder than ever, her breasts massively swollen, her belly full.

“How long?”

“Nearly five months, I think,” she replied.

“Why didn't you say anything?” he demanded. And why didn't you notice, man?

“I was waiting for the right moment. I thought I had time.”

“Then why tell me now?”

“Because I made such a terrible mistake. I don't want to lose you. Despite my

bad behavior, I want you, only you. I love you, Alessandro. Can't you please forgive me?”

“Perhaps, but I'm not going to make it easy on you. First, you're going to have to do something for me.”

“Anything,” she vowed.

“Apologize to Katerina and her husband. You made their visit

uncomfortable.” He scowled at her. Don't get cocky, wench. You have a ways to

go.

Her expression turned contrite. “Yes. I'll do it first thing.”

“And no more flirting,” he roared. “That hurt me more than you can imagine.

We look odd enough together. If you appear dissatisfied, I look like an old fool.”

“You're right. I didn't think.” Her eyes skated away from his, and the shame

on her face told him what he needed to know.

“You're a very bad girl, Aimée,” he said, unable to remain angry with her.

“Are you going to punish me?” she asked, wide-eyed.

“Yes, I think so.”

“How?” The wench looked worried.

Good. “Let's see how loudly I can make you scream.”

Very loudly, it turned out. She had to put the pillow over her face to muffle

the noise of her orgasm.

CHAPTER 17

A imée and Alessandro weren't the only couple making love that night. In

the guest bedroom, Christopher tenderly undressed his wife in

preparation for a thorough bedding.

She participated willingly, opening his buttons. Despite contending with

complicated party clothing and its multiple layers, they stripped each other nude

in no time. Katerina stepped close to Christopher, pulling his head down for an