Desired: Love in London Series 3: New Adult Romance by Demelza Watts

addressed her brother as Nic — he hated it. She watched as he forced a smile and sat down.
    “So, Mia, it’s nice to see you again.” She looked pointedly at Mia, smiling, but her eyes were cold.
    Mia didn’t say anything, but picked up her glass to drink her water. She felt Gino’s eyes on her, but didn’t look up.
    “So, I’ve not eaten here before. What’s good on the menu? I’m eating for two now, right, darling?” She flashed Gino a grin as she picked up the menu.
    “Actually, Louise, I don’t think we’ll be staying for long.” Mia couldn’t wait any longer. She checked her watch and looked over Louise’s shoulder. Jack would be here any minute and they had arranged the seating so that Louise would have her back to the door. She smiled as she saw the door open and watched as Jack caught her eye. Right on time. His face was solemn, his lips pursed in a thin line as he made his way over.
    “What do you mean? You invited us to lunch, didn’t you?”
    “Well, we thought there was someone you would like to meet first.”
    Gino raised his eyebrow, looking at both Mia and Nico. “Who else is coming?”
    At that moment, Jack arrived at their table. Louise was sipping her water and did not immediately look up. When she did, her face drained of all colour.
    “Hello, Louise. Long time, no speak.”
    “Er, hi, Jack.” She looked at Mia with panic in her eyes. “What are you doing here?”
    “Louise, who’s this?” Gino sat up, watching the interaction between the two.
    “Do you want to tell him, or should I?” Jack’s face had reddened as he spoke through gritted teeth. Louise quickly gave Gino a reassuring smile and scraped her chair back.
    “Jack, please, can we go somewhere and talk?”
    “No. I don’t think so.”
    Mia and Nico watched silently as Gino stood up. “What’s going on here?” His tone was hardened as he glanced at both Louise and Jack.
    Louise shot both Mia and Nico a dirty look. “It’s just a big misunderstanding. Please, Jack, another time.”
    “Shut up, you bitch.”
    She flinched, but didn’t say anything.
    “Excuse, me. Just hold on a moment here.” Gino looked at both Mia and Nico with anger and frustration for their silence. “What’s going on here? Either explain or leave!”
    “I’m happy to explain. This woman here is carrying my child.”
    Gino’s face paled as he sat down. “What are you talking about?” His voice was ice as he looked at the two of them.
    Nico stepped in, speaking softly. “Gino, you need to hear him out. His name is Jack.”
    “Sorry, but I don’t need to be here.” Louise grabbed her bag and started to stand up. Mia stood immediately, towering over her, eyes flashing. “ SIT the hell back down.”
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    T hree days had passed . Three long days, where she couldn’t get hold of Gino. His phone was turned off. She recalled the drama that had unfolded at the restaurant. Louise had caused a huge scene, drawing the attention of the other diners. She denied the truth fiercely, until they produced the phone records detailing their conversation about the abortion. Jack produced his bank statement, which showed the twenty thousand pounds transferred to her account.
    Knowing that she couldn’t lie any further, she began to sob, openly begging Gino for his forgiveness. Gino was silent through the heated argument. When he saw the final proof, he looked at her with such disgust in his eyes that she shrank away from him. Warning her never to contact him again, he walked away, closely followed by both Mia and Nico, who left Louise and Jack at the table. By the time they had left the restaurant, Gino was nowhere to be seen.
    “Give him time, Mia. This is a huge shock for all of us. I’ll call him later.”
    She nodded sadly as she made her way home. That was three days ago and neither she nor Nico could get hold of him. She had begun to worry as she dialled Nico’s number.
    “Any news, Nico?”
    “Morning, sis. No news, I’m afraid…