“No. It was a false alarm.” I chickened out. “The doctor assured me the shots were doing their job.”
Suddenly, Alessandro exhaled a long breath and slumped back into his chair. “Then it appears we have nothing to worry about,” he declared calmly.
“But what if I was pregnant?” I couldn't help but ask. “What would happen?”
His brows snapped together once again and he shrugged. “Why does it matter?”
“I’m just curious,” I breathed.
Suddenly, he rose to his feet and strolled around the desk. “I don't see the point in having this discussion. Why don't you just drop it, Olivia?”
“I would just like an answer,” I persisted, my eyes following his movement.
He stalked behind me, and rested his hands on my shoulders, giving them a light squeeze. “To what question,” he intentionally taunted, making me say it.
“Do you want to have children?” I asked insecurely.
He smiled, and his breath grazed my skin as he brought his lips to my ears. “Do you?”
I gulped and glowered up at him. “I asked you first.”
He smirked and shook his head. “To be completely honest with you...no. I’ve never imagined myself being a father. And in my line of work, children can become”—his jaw clenched as his stormy gaze drifted off somewhere distant—“complicated.” He blinked as though snapping back to the here and now, and fixed me with his stare. “So, there you have it, Olivia. I don’t desire having children, so naturally you won’t be having any either. It looks like it’ll be just me and you until death do us part, tesoro.”
My pulse fluttered in my neck. Until death do us part indeed. It seemed I had no other choice.
He shrugged nonchalantly as though this entire conversation was as insignificant as me asking what he wanted for dinner. “Happy now?”
“Very,” I whispered with a sour expression.
Unable to handle another second of Alessandro’s presence, I got out of the chair and stepped away from him. He stood perfectly still, observing my retreat to the door. “You seem awfully upset about something so trivial, tesoro. Are you sure there is nothing else you might want to share with me?”
I shook my head.
He smirked. “Perhaps, I should give that doctor of yours a call.”
A shiver of nervousness passed through me, but I fought to remain calm on the surface. If I tried to talk him out of it, he would only become suspicious. “Go ahead,” I said nonchalantly. “I have nothing to hide.”
“So, my refusal to have this conversation about expanding the family is the sole cause for this moody behavior?” he inquired.
“I’m not moody,” I snapped. “I was just curious about your opinion, that's all.”
“And you've got it. I think I’ve been clear enough,” he retorted. “There is no need to reopen the subject in the future.”
“Fine,” I mumbled and spun on my heels.
“One more thing,” he warned, making me pause in the middle of his spacious office. He waited and I had no other choice than to face him again. When I finally did, he bit out with absolute finality. “Olivia, I’m not the kind of man who appreciates unwanted surprises, so don’t get any ideas in your head. Capisci?”
I swallowed hard at his words, the underlined threat tasting like acid in my mouth. “I understand,” I agreed quietly. “I won't mention it again.”
I stormed out of Alessandro's office in panic mode and ran straight to Broderick, knocking at his door with manic speed. He was right all along. Talking to Alessandro had been a stupid idea and there was a real possibility he might call the doctor and find out the truth for himself. The consequences could be devastating. The ultimate measure I would have to take was sickening, but I couldn't let him harm the baby. I just couldn't. The moment Broderick opened the door I stepped inside his bedroom, in the fear Alessandro followed behind me. I was completely distraught.
“Olivia,” I heard Broderick's baffled voice. “What happened?”
I whirled about and glared with resolve. “I changed my mind.”
He nodded slowly, aware of what I meant. “I knew you would.”
I expelled a shaky breath, fighting to keep some sense of composure. “I don't have a choice,” I said with sheer desperation. “I have to protect my baby.”
“Hey...don't worry about a thing,” he whispered reassuringly, stepping closer. “It's going to be okay. I'll make sure of it.”
I nodded with an absent mind, avoiding to speak, because voicing what I asked him to do would only make it more real.