LITMIR.BIZ

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of the city in the security of your company?’

      She knew what would follow, and he didn’t disappoint.

      ‘Ramon will have time with his great-grand-daughter. Is that too much to ask of you?’

      ‘And how is this holiday to be explained to Nicki? She’s intelligent for her age. She’ll ask questions, expect answers.’

      ‘Why not lead her into the truth a step at a time?’

      Shannay viewed him with scepticism. ‘A suggestion from a man who has no experience with children?’

      ‘Is it so difficult to accept such a suggestion might have some merit?’

      ‘I’m all ears,’ she evinced with deliberate mockery.

      ‘Not to mention doubtful and prejudiced.’

      Her eyes flashed chips of gold fire. ‘With good reason.’

      ‘Let’s focus on the current issue, shall we?’

      ‘Oh, by all means.’

      He wanted to take hold of her fire and change it to passion, to still the anger and have her sigh beneath the touch of his mouth, his hands. To come alive and move with him, savour the anticipation, the slow emotive path to sensual ecstasy they had once enjoyed.

      And would again. He intended to make certain of it.

      For the challenge … and for revenge.

      ‘Allow Nicki to know I’m a relative of Ramon. It will explain why I am escorting you both to visit him in Madrid.’

      ‘You think Ramon will go along with that?’

      ‘I know so.’

      ‘And Penè?’ Shannay gave a laugh of cynical disbelief.

      ‘Penè will conform,’ Marcello declared hardily.

      ‘Sure, and cows jump over the moon!’

      ‘Your analogy amuses me.’

      ‘But … apt.’

      ‘You seem to forget I control the Martinez finances, from which Penè is allocated a very generous contribution to suit her preferred lifestyle.’

      She got it. And knew he was sufficiently ruthless to enforce the threat should his aunt choose to ignore his wishes.

      ‘Perhaps you’ll explain when you intend Nicki should know—’

      ‘I’m her father?’ Marcello intervened. ‘When the right moment occurs.’

      Which possibly might not be during their few weeks in Madrid. It even seemed feasible, for she and Nicki would obviously be staying in hotel accommodation, and making daily calls to see Ramon … whose illness would preclude lengthy visits.

      There would be time to show Nicki some of the cultural aspects of her paternal heritage, to explore and have fun. It would be so easy to give in. And she almost did. Except there were still matters needing clarification.

      ‘What’s the catch, Marcello?’

      ‘Why should you think there is one?’

      His voice was too mild, too neutral. ‘I have reason to be wary of your motives.’

      ‘While I have been nothing but honest with you.’

      Shannay regarded him carefully, seeing the latent power apparent, and chose to play a few cards of her own.

      ‘Before I’ll agree to anything,’ she voiced with quiet determination, ‘you need to furnish notarised documentation stating a custody schedule for the next two years, subject to my approval and renewable at my discretion.’

      His expression didn’t change. ‘Perhaps you’ll offer some indication what arrangements you find acceptable?’

      ‘Nicki can spend two weeks with you, twice a year.’ It was so small a concession it was almost pathetic. ‘While you, of course, are welcome to visit her in Perth as frequently as your business interests permit.’

      ‘Those are your terms?’ His query was silk-smooth and almost deadly.

      ‘There’s one more thing. Return airline tickets in Nicki’s and my names, and accommodation for two weeks.’

      ‘Three.’

      ‘Excuse me?’

      ‘Three weeks. Airline tickets are unnecessary. We’ll travel in my private jet.’

      She barely managed to hold back a choked laugh. How could she have neglected to remember the private jet? ‘In that case, one-way tickets from Madrid to Perth.’

      ‘Specify a date, and I’ll ensure the jet is available for your return.’

      Shannay rose to her feet, retrieved a note to cover the cost of her latte, and slid it beneath the saucer.

      A gesture of independence, she assured silently as she caught up her wallet. ‘I’ll print up a copy of everything we’ve discussed and give it to you when we meet at the park.’ She cast her watch a quick glance, and was surprised at the passage of time.

      Without a further word she turned and retraced her steps to the apartment building, aware of the strange feeling in the pit of her stomach.

      She’d expected Marcello to argue her terms, even dismiss them out of hand.

      Why hadn’t he?

      Because he’d achieved his objective … her permission for Nicki to meet Ramon Martinez, patriarch of the Martinez dynasty.

      Yet she had set the boundaries.

      What was more, she’d insisted on a number of specific conditions to be set down in notarised legalese. Plus Nicki’s passport would remain in Shannay’s possession for the entire sojourn, she’d make sure of that.

      All contingencies taken care of, she decided with satisfaction as she printed out two copies, closed down the laptop, then she collected a cool-pack filled with fresh fruit and drinks, caught up her bag and took the lift down to basement level.

      Nicki’s excitement was palpable as Shannay collected her from kindergarten and drove towards the park.

      Yes, she assured, they were on time.

      Yes, she’d remembered to bring a packet of sliced bread to feed the ducks.

      And yes, she was sure Marcello knew where to meet them.

      The park was a popular spot, and there were several couples and families relaxing on the grassy banks overlooking the water.

      It was a beautiful early summer’s day, with the whisper of a breeze teasing the heavily leaf-laden trees as Shannay selected a pleasant spot and spread a picnic rug on the ground.

      ‘I think he’s here,’ Nicki announced breathlessly minutes later. ‘Yes, it’s him.’ She raised her arms and waved to attract his attention.

      Smile, Shannay bade silently as Marcello joined them, and she buried the faint resentment at just how easily her daughter appeared to be falling beneath his spell.

      As picnics went, it was a tremendous success … from Nicki’s perspective.

      The best, Nicki accorded with enthusiasm as she recounted every high point … and there were many, mostly centred around Marcello.

      There was no doubt about the mutual attraction developing between father and child. Nicki’s giggles and unaffected laughter testified to it. So too did the unguarded affection Marcello displayed for his daughter.

      He was a natural, Shannay had to admit, unsure how she felt about their burgeoning bond.

      Dammit, it had to be a good thing, she allowed as she drove to work later that afternoon.

      If she repeated the words

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