The Greek Billionaire's Secret Baby (Contemporary Romance) by Michele Dunaway Page B

like a thunderbolt and Lauren found herself stammering. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. “I…”
    “Dead men can’t speak, Lauren. Even if a paternity test proves this baby is Alex’s, my eldest son will never believe you didn’t betray him with his brother. You will just have to make him realize, make him understand that it doesn’t matter one way or another, that the two of you belong together and that you can love each other again despite whatever sins he feels you have.”
    “It’s not that simple,” Lauren said, trying to hold herself together. She would not cry again for what she’d lost. “He has told me in no uncertain terms that he’ll never love me ever again.”
    “Alex would say that. He’s a very proud man and he’s been hurt deeply. You shredded his pride. It’s an uphill battle, perhaps even impossible. But be like Sisyphus and push your stone up the hill again and again until finally, perhaps the gods will you let you reach the top and have a happy ending.”
    A movement made Maria pause and within seconds Alex came back into the living area of the suite. “That was Claudia,” he said. “I’ve taken the entire next week off work. She’ll coming by here each day to bring me only what work is truly important. Theo and the others will handle the rest. Theo’s always wanted a bigger role in the company, so this is his chance.”
    “That sounds extremely wise.  Even with a nurse, Lauren and the baby will need your help. Besides, these are crucial bonding times for Nick.”
    “I plan to be here for that,” Alex said. His gaze found Lauren’s and she flushed slightly. “I know my priorities.”
    A gentle dig, and perhaps one she deserved, Lauren thought as for the next week Alex remained true to his word and worked from home. He was there for the baby’s two-week check up, and after the doctor said how well baby Nick was doing, Alex even extended his work-from-home for another week.
    Lauren found herself growing stronger each day, and found she relied less on her nurse for basic daily functions.
    Her stomach muscles had healed enough so that she could sit on her own and walking was not as tiring as it had been. During the past two weeks she’d also seen a calmer, gentler Alex, one more like the man she’d met so long ago, more like the man she’d first lived with and loved. To Lauren’s delight, the nurse had finally been dismissed as Lauren’s doctor had declared her able to do things on her own.
    Like right now. It was time for Nick’s middle of the night feeding. She rolled over and slowly swung her legs over the bed, her feet finding the insides of her soft slippers. Her eyes adjusted to the semidarkness created by the nightlight’s gentle glow. The clock beside the bed flickered to read 2:16 a.m.
    Unlike the previous nights, though, something wasn’t quite right, but Lauren, having just woken from her restless sleep, wasn’t quite sure what it was. She checked the crib next to her bed.
    Nick was gone.
    Mother’s homing instinct had her tying her robe about her waist and walking out into the living area.
    Except for one small lamp near the fireplace, the room was dark. As she approached, she could see the movement of the rocking chair and hear the gentle thump thump of wooden runners hitting the hardwood. An empty baby bottle sat on the floor.
    “You were supposed to stay asleep,” Alex said as she’d entered his peripheral vision. “Nick ate a good three ounces and went right back down.”
    “I can see that,” Lauren said. Her throat constricted as she looked over Alex’s shoulder.
    Was there any more beautiful or peaceful sight than this? Nick lay against Alex bare chest, safe and secure in his father’s arms. Nick’s tiny lips puckered as he slept, almost if he were cooing in his sleep. His little fist rested on his father’s palm like a quarter awash in a moneybag, a quarter trusting that it was safe inside something so big.
    Alex stopped rocking. “What