Awaken to Pleasure - By Nalini Singh Page 0,16

I know you, too, understand those things. I need a hostess who I know will be exemplary. If Nick is still basically the same boy I met, we'll get along fine." He paused and then added, "Because of your love for Nick, I also don't have to worry about word of our arrangement ever being splashed across the tabloids, should we part ways."

And what about me?Taylorwanted to ask, despite the selfishness of such a question.Jackson's proposal seemed so cold and calculated, disregarding the emotional links already tying them together.

Before she could answer, he said, "You'd have the security and stability you want for Nick. I promise you that whatever it takes, Lance won't touch him. I can tie this up legally for years, if that's what it takes." The hardness in his tone underlined each word.

"But dragging Nick through that type of case..."

He put down his coffee cup before answering. "That's a worst-case scenario. My gut says it won't happen. Lance's reputation is built on professionalism and discretion. He won't want his dirty laundry aired in public."

"But he's already filed a lawsuit against me." She squeezed her cup, trying to warm suddenly cold hands.

"He saw you as powerless. Family court operates a lot behind closed doors and he was probably counting on that. But once I get involved, he'll know that the media will sniff out every single detail, including the way he left Nick." His conviction made her want to believe.

"What happens if we marry?" Being married to JacksonSantorini was almost impossible for her mind to comprehend. She'd barely been able to handle a kiss and now this?

"No judge is going to pickHegerty's side over mine, no matter how deep they are in each other's pockets." There was a harsh edge to his voice that reminded her of some old-world mobster, at once terrifying and magnificent. "At worst, we'd get a fair hearing. I'm not going to lie to you, if that's what happens, it's likely Lance will be granted partial custody at least."

She respected him for not sugarcoating the truth. The worst-case scenario was still better than the certain failure that she'd been facing until now. "And at best?"

"At best,Hegerty will withdraw. In fact, I'm betting on it. He doesn't sound like a man who picks on those strong enough to fight back." His lip curled in disgust.

"I'd do anything for Nick." She found her way with those words. "Are you sure it'll work?" For Nick, she'd even chance marrying the one man who threatened to batter down the painstakingly wrought walls around her heart.

"Yes. I protect those who belong to me." The statement was without compromise. "Nick would have every advantage."

"So long as we're together," she blurted out. "Your family's track record isn't so good." She wouldnot put Nick through the pain of gaining a father, only to have that father walk away. Her own experience at Lance's hands had taught her that sometimes it was better to never have a father at all. "And what if we divorce before he's eighteen? Lance might try again."

He nodded, those dark eyes going even more opaque. "I'm willing to make a commitment to a certain number of years together. I was with Bonnie for six."

"But not happy."

"No." A bald truth.

"Why chance that again?" Despite her concern for Nick, she remembered the deep sorrow she'd sometimes glimpsed inJackson's eyes. That hidden pain had only deepened since their last meeting.

Something terrible had happened. Something worse thanBonnie's affair, her suicide and the ensuing media frenzy. Whatever it was, it had wounded him terribly. She couldn't bear to cause him more pain.

Worry for Nick andJacksoncollided. How could she buy one's joy with the other's unhappiness? She couldn't. Both her men deserved better.

And so didshe .

"I hardly think you'll take up drugs and spiral into depression. You care too much for Nick." He spoke of their marriage as if it were only a business arrangement. As if the tender kiss last night had never happened. Perhaps that powerful moment of trust had meant nothing to him, used as he must be to far wilder displays of passion.

"As for Nick having every advantage, I'll set up a trust fund for him, to be his whether we're together or not." He walked over to stand at the foot of the stairs, looking down at her from his considerable height.

She narrowed her eyes, worry about his reasons for the proposal, and confusion over her own feelings, momentarily overridden by irritation. He'd better not offer her money as