A Cinderella To Secure His Heir. Michelle Smart

offer that you had an affection for my nephew.’

      ‘Affection does not cover a fraction of the love I feel for him,’ she told him fiercely.

      ‘I am beginning to understand that for myself.’

      ‘Good, because I will never let him go without a fight.’

      ‘I understand that too but you must know that, if it came to a fight, you would never win. I could have gone through the British courts and made my case for custody—I think we are both aware that my wealth and power would have outmatched your efforts—but Domenico is familiar with you and it is better for him if you remain in his life than be cut off.’

      She held his gaze and lifted her chin. ‘I’m all he knows.’

      He raised a nonchalant shoulder. ‘But he is very young. If it comes to it, he will adapt without you quickly. For the avoidance of doubt, I do not want that outcome.’

      ‘What outcome do you want?’

      ‘Marriage.’

      Drum beats joined the chorus of sound in her head. ‘What on earth are you talking about?’

      He rose from his seat and headed back to the bar. ‘Once I have Domenico in Milan, it will be a simple matter for me to take legal guardianship of him.’ He poured himself another large measure and swirled it in his glass. ‘I recognise your genuine affection for each other and have no wish to separate you. In all our best interests, I am prepared to marry you.’

      Dumbfounded, Beth shook her head, desperately trying to rid herself of all the noise in her ears so she could think properly. ‘I wouldn’t marry you if you paid me.’

      He took a large swallow of his drink and stared at her with that same expressionless look. ‘Then I take Domenico home and find another woman to marry and be a mother for him.’

      She pinched her nose and breathed deeply. She would rather die than allow another woman to raise the little boy she loved so much.

      But this was no bluff. She did not doubt that for a second.

      ‘I would prefer not to take that option.’ His words swam through the noise in her head she still couldn’t drown out. ‘But bringing Domenico home means the time is right for me to take a wife. He will thrive better if he has a permanent female influence in his life. A marriage between us is the ideal outcome for all of us and has the potential to be successful.’