LITMIR.BIZ

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      Shannay had positioned the figurative nail, now she chose to hammer it home. ‘To gain my sympathy, and dilute the major issue here.’ She waited a beat. ‘Your plans to gain custody.’ Her expression hardened a little. ‘Or is that not to form part of this discussion, and you’ll instruct your legal representative to inform mine of your intention?’

      She was fearless when it came to protecting her child. He admired her strength and determination … and pondered if she was fully aware it was no match for his.

      ‘It will take time to work out a mutually amicable custody agreement,’ Marcello offered with deceptive indolence. ‘We need to consult and compare our individual schedules, and above all, ensure the arrangements we propose suit Nicki’s best interests. Her emotional welfare is the priority, is it not?’

      Defensive assurance rose to the fore. ‘My daughter’s emotional status is just fine as it is.’

      ‘But circumstances have changed,’ he posed with deliberate calm. ‘Nicki is no longer the child of one parent. She has two. The legal system is purported to be fair. If we’re unable to reach an amicable agreement, a court judge will review our respective cases and award custody.’ He paused deliberately, his gaze intent on her expressive features. ‘Given the facts, do you doubt any judge will deny me reasonable access to my daughter?’

      No, she conceded the hollow knowledge. But she was confident she could insist such access be confined within Australia.

      ‘Why do I get the feeling there’s an underlying reason behind all this?’ she demanded with increasing vexation.

      ‘One you obviously haven’t considered,’ Marcello ventured, then elaborated with faint emphasis. ‘Nicki’s rightful inheritance as a legitimate member of the Martinez dynasty.’

      Her chin tilted, and her eyes became dark, gold-flecked obsidian. ‘For this, you require proof of paternity?’

      ‘A considerable fortune is involved.’

      Sufficient to put Nicki on a spoilt-little-rich-girl list and all that entailed.

      ‘No.’

      ‘It is her right as a Martinez heir.’

      ‘Never sure of being liked for herself, or for who she is and what she can do for them? Living in a gilded cage, guarded and protected? Unable to enjoy the freedom of a normal childhood?’

      Marcello drained his coffee and signalled the waitress for another, indicating only one when Shannay shook her head.

      ‘Wealth brings risks. Bodyguards are discreet. It’s something one learns to live with.’

      She made a sweeping glance of the area, then returned her attention to him. ‘Next, you’ll tell me yours is seated near by.’ It was a comment veiled with deliberate cynicism, and she caught the slight twist at the edge of his mouth.

      ‘Three tables to your right. Tall, dark hair, shades, dressed in jeans and polo shirt. Carlo doubles as my personal assistant.’

      So much for flippancy.

      She hadn’t sensed anyone’s presence, or felt that inexplicable prickling at the back of her neck … and she definitely hadn’t seen anything to arouse suspicion.

      But then, the possibility hadn’t occurred to her. She was here in Perth, Australia. A woman and her young daughter living a normal life.

      Far, far removed from Madrid and the Martinez lifestyle where protection of its family members formed an integral part of their existence.

      She was all too aware of Marcello’s veiled scrutiny, the watching quality as he gauged her mood, divined it, then closed in for the kill.

      ‘Sign the permission form, Shannay. Apply for Nicki’s passport, and request urgency on the grounds overseas travel is imminent.’

      A chill shiver slithered its way down her spine. Without a passport Nicki was confined within Australia.

      Once a passport was issued, her daughter would be able to travel … anywhere, independent of her mother.

      The mere thought escalated her nervous tension and sent her mind spiralling with very real fear of abduction … by Marcello, if he was so inclined to take Nicki to Madrid, with or without Shannay’s permission.

      Something she’d fight to guard against, at any cost.

      ‘Or else you’ll drag me through the courts, Marcello?’

      ‘Why not view a sojourn in Madrid as an opportunity for Nicki to become accustomed to my home, my family, and to enjoy aspects 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

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