Page 111 of Modern Romance October 2025 5-8

But he liked that hint of concern in her voice. How long since anyone had taken an interest in his well-being?

Again the past crowded in. His mother’s embrace, his father carrying him on his shoulders, his sister sharing her favourite toy elephant when Gio had fallen from a tree and cracked a bone.

‘I should be asking you that. You’re the one who’s—’

‘Don’t fuss. I’m pregnant, not ill.’ At his stare she shrugged. ‘All right. I had a touch of morning sickness. But not often and I’m fine now. You must admit that day was enormously stressful.’

Gio nodded, remembering her milky white face and his fear she’d faint. His worry for her had eclipsed all else. Except guilt that his actions had contributed too.

‘It was.’ He’d been frantic that he’d arrive at the church too late and then when he’d got her to his home, seeing her so vulnerable… Shaking off the memory, he said, ‘Pregnancy suits you. You really are blooming.’

Her instant, almost shy smile told him he’d said the right thing, but it had only been the truth.

He’d never thought of Stella as shy. But expecting a baby was a huge thing, as he was discovering, still grappling with the news. For Stella, experiencing the physical changes, could anything be more life-altering? That strengthened his determination to support her, despite his ambivalence about fatherhood.

‘Have you spoken to Morosi?’

Instantly her smile faded and he silently cursed his need to know.

At her request he’d provided her with a phone soon after arriving at his villa. Until now he hadn’t pried into who she’d contacted. But the thought of Eduardo Morosi niggled, despite Stella’s eager passion the day they arrived and their new understanding.

You’re jealous. Even though she deserted him for you.

Stella stared past him. ‘I have.’

She didn’t look happy and Gio was torn between hoping that signified a permanent rift and wondering what she felt for the other man. He should bide his time, not pry. But look what had happened when they’d met and he hadn’t clarified the situation. He’d believed the worst of her and they’d parted under catastrophic circumstances.

He turned to survey the deep blue water ahead. ‘He definitely doesn’t have any claim to the baby?’

For a long moment he heard only the sound of the engine. Eventually she spoke. ‘What do you mean? I told you the baby is yours.’

Gio opened his mouth to speak, then realised anything he said would be a mistake. Only his neediness had pried the question loose.

‘You think I don’t know the baby’s father?’ Her voice rose. ‘That I was too busy bed-hopping to keep track?’

He whipped his head around and his flesh shrivelled under a glare even her sunglasses couldn’t disguise. Her colour was high. Her breasts rose with each rapid breath and her anger wrapped around him, squeezing tight.

Her voice grated between gritted teeth. ‘I never slept with Eduardo. Is that what you want to hear? Not that you have any right to ask, given how we parted.’

But he’d needed to know. The thought of Stella with another man threatened to eviscerate him. Relief and triumph warred. ‘I know I don’t have the right to ask about your sex life.’

He eased the throttle, bringing the boat almost to a halt. Her set features and crossed arms spoke of hurt and rejection. He’d undone some of the trust they’d built.

‘But I’m glad to know.’ He hefted a deep breath. ‘For what it’s worth, I haven’t been with another woman or thought about one since you, Stella.’ He saw her startle and nodded. ‘The only sex I’ve had has been with you, every night in my dreams.’

‘You…’ She tugged off her glasses, stunned dark eyes surveying him. Gio dragged his sunglasses away too, letting her read the truth in his face.

Wonder replaced her outrage.

‘I haven’t been with anyone either.’ She swallowed then lifted her chin almost defiantly. ‘Ever.’

Just as well Gio had slowed the speedboat to a crawl. His hand jerked on the control as shock and delight blindsided him. She hadn’t slept with Eduardo. Gio had been her only lover.

It shouldn’t matter. Her past was her private business. Yet possessive pleasure filled his belly.

His woman. Only his.

Such thoughts were archaic and outdated. But there was truth there. Gio had no claim on her past but in that moment he discovered an absolute certainty.