Paula Roe - [Amores genuine] - Best Lovers (Desire 218.

1)

Best Lovers
Suddenly EXPECTING

Paula Roe

From friends to lovers ... and parents?

The tabloids love Kat Jackson. Marco Corelli, his friend and handsome sports
commentator, was always around to help her. Now, after a night out of the script, he is
about to become the father of her child!
Kat can not understand
as into temptation and sleep with your best friend. But when he takes her to his private
island, it's time to admit that what they feel for each other goes far beyond friendship.

Availability: expert review Project

Review: Carmita

Translation Maria Vianna

HARLEQUIN
2 0 14
Dear reader,
This year, I made a great discovery (actually two) about my writer's personality. The
first is that I can write almost anywhere, even with children screaming and the sound of
appliances around, since I have a great pair of ear buds and good music. The second: if the
hero is not clear in my head, if it does not seem sensational and require me to tell your story,
the book does not work.
When Marco came, I knew exactly what would be the perfect woman for him. Wow, I
was wrong! Also wrong about how he was, and the thought of different ways, until she finally
found the perfect man for Kat, my hero. You can read about this process on my blog! While
writing, I heard many baroque music and felt the need to mention my favorite composer. And,
of course, would not my book, if it was not set in cities I know and love, this time, Cairns,
Sydney and Brisbaine.
I would like to know your opinion about the history of Kat and Marco! Please contact me
via www.paularoe.com .

Paula Roe

PUBLISHED BY AGREEMENT WITH HARLEQUIN BOOKS SA

All rights reserved. Prohibited reproduction, storage or transmission, in whole or in
part.
All the characters in this book are fictcios.a Any resemblance to persons living or dead
is purely coincidental.
Title: Suddenly EXPECTING
Copyright 2014 by Paula Roe
Originally published in 2014 by Harlequin Desire
Title: The Billionaire'S BABY Borrowed
Copyright 2011 by Janice Maynard
Originally published in 2011 by Harlequin Desire
Cover graphic design:
Nucleo i associated designers
Artwork cover:
de Casa
Desktop publishing:
EDITORIARTE
Printing:
RR Donnelley
www.rrdonnelley.com.br
Distribution to newsstands and magazines from all over Brazil:
FC Commercial Distribuidora SA

Publisher HR Ltda.
Street Argentina, 171.4 floor
Saint Kitts, Rio de Janeiro, RJ - 20921-380
Contact: virginia.rivera@harlequinbooks.com.br

CHAPTER 1

F heartburn ten Katerina weeks since Jackson had gone to bed with his best
friend. And it was amazing.
And in that instant, driving down the Captain Cook Highway, before taking the
entrance to Cairns, she was faced with him half-naked and smiling seductively.
Kat instinctively hit the brakes and barely managed to avoid a knock on the front
car, which had stopped at a red light. The heat that burned her face down by the body
and lodged in the middle of her thighs. She looked at the huge billboard with the image
of Marco Corelli, idol of French football and top scorer that the Marseille team ever had.
He was not exactly naked. The underwear in the shape of "Y" and hands resting below
the waist left very little to the imagination, as well as the invitation: "Taste". But it was
not your hard abdomen, his accented biceps and the firmness of the muscles that
disappeared beneath the underwear that made her blood boil. It was that tentative
smile that seemed to say "Be Mine", her luscious lips and the promise in his sexy eyes.
The way the camera captured his charm as he stared down carefully disheveled hair
curls, played on the forehead and around the face.
Every day she had to go through that damned billboard and see him looking at
her, as if he remembered everything that had done that night. Of how he had to sweat,
moan, gasp.
When resumed cars to move, Kat looked back at the road.
- Damn, how I'm stupid - she murmured. Marco was his best friend since school
days. An arrogant ex-football star, who had become sport commentator, underwear
model and inveterate womanizer, always surrounded by women. She was his
companion, his confidante, his safe haven, his accomplice. Your pair when he needed
someone to accompany him to some unexpected event. And besides, he had a full
dating back and forth with his head.
Kat recalled the conversations he had had with Grace about Marco. Yes,
definitely, that night, Grace and Marco were no longer dating. This was a problem that
would not need to worry, so he had only two. Was not enough to have sex with her best
friend, of course not. Will need still get pregnant.
If you see me now, mother ... All beautiful dreams that her daughter would have
a life and a perfect career, a perfect husband and perfectly healthy children ...
She felt a stab of pain and turned pale, but composed himself as he entered the
parking Channel 5. He showed the badge to the guard, parked, walked in the room,
threw the bag in a corner of the office and checked the phone.
Four missed calls, one of his friend Connor, three Marco and a message:
returned. We need to talk. Drinks on the yacht? M xxx.

She sighed and answered. Sorry, mired in work. Impossible to get out. If you
do not know, there was a hurricane warning. K xxx.
Once you have answered, Kat passed the messages exchanged for two months,
a painful memory, which only increased his torment.
Good trip to France.
I hate having to travel. We should not have parted last night without talking.
Nothing to say. Let's blame the drink, foolishness, and forget what happened, okay?
All right for you?
Totally. Erasing memory in three, two, one ...
Our ... All right. See you in a few weeks.
And apart from that. Because of the agendas of the two, when they had
appointments, they used to not communicate, even though he always find a way to
send you some pictures of the places where he was. Now he returned and, as always,
wanted to see her, but she did not know what to tell you.
- You can not avoid it forever - Connor told him five minutes later, when she
called him.
- It is hard, but I'll try.
- Do not be ridiculous. He deserves to know.
Kat sat on the edge of the table and sighed.
- I can feel the reproachfully me reaching from Brisbaine.
- I'm not censoring, Kat. I am one of the few who knows what you went through
in recent years. The guy deserves to know.
She knew Connor would direct. Marco, Connor, Kat and Luke: the Quartet
Amazing, how they had self-styled in school time. All with very different personalities
and temperaments, but incredibly perfect when joined, as stated by Marco. He was
safe, charming, while his cousin Luke personified the bad boy, always getting into
trouble and getting arrested at school. Connor was extremely observant and
perceptive, the impartial mirror that always told you the truth without drama or embellish
it. Sometimes, Kat was frightened by how much he seemed emotionally distant, but,
ironically, it made him an outstanding businessman. Connor never allowed someone
broke into your personal circle, and she was happy for him to have allowed access for
so many years.
- I ... I can not tell - Kat said. - I'm already a mess and not be able to support all
the emotional weight.
- That's not fair, dear. Marco did not do that to you.
She pinched the space between the eyebrows, while someone made him a sign,
warning that expected in the studio.
- I gotta go. Talk to you later.

Connor sighed.
- Protect yourself during the storm.
- I will protect me. - She hung up and decided to forget the conversation. When
entered the makeup room, the phone started ringing. It was Marco. - I do not want to
talk to you - she muttered, putting the device in silent mode.
- Avoiding talking with her boyfriend?
Kat looked at Grace Callahan, the star of the morning show with the largest
audience in Queensland, the Morning Grace, who was sitting in the makeup chair,
being combed. She was a woman of 40 years - seven years more than Kat - and had
the look of someone who not only spent a lot of time and money taking care of yourself,
but I was convinced that this was the most important thing in your life. His blond hair
was carefully curled, his artificially tanned skin was smooth, his body was cast in the
gym. Despite the highly produced appearance, she had a personality that drew crowds.
Perhaps, therefore, Marco kept coming back to her.
Kat looked at the phone and agreed to avoid further explanation.
- No, it's just a ... guy.
- Really? - Grace looked at her in the mirror and stared. - A real guy? Oh,
where is my phone? I want to take a picture of this moment.
Despite its dark humor, Kat smiled.
- You speak as if I were a nun.
- I was just thinking that you were. - Grace grimaced because the hairdresser
just tugging one of his curls. - This is so exciting ... Take a little the focus of news about
Hurricane Rory. I include in the program?
Kat laughed.
- You know you can not. I'm not news.
- Yes it is. - Grace dismissed the hairdresser and makeup removed the cover of
the shoulders. - You're a celebrity. Celebrities are always news.
- Do not remind me, please.
famous.

I hate people who are famous just for being

- I'm sorry, honey, but their scandals fueled the gossip columns for years. Only
needs one more to start all over again. - Grace straightened her dress and headed for
the door. Kat was behind her.
It was true. She had nothing special. Daughter of an agent of investment and a
producer of events, student of a private school, she had taken a year off between
school and university and the wasted at parties. When I was to begin attend journalism
school at the University of Brisbaine, had offered him a job as a social columnist in
The Tribune. And then, a year later, she had left definitely the rails after the death of his
mother.

- You never corrected or clarified the facts - said Grace. - Daria a good story. She raised her hands as if indicated a huge headline. - The ex-girl of the moment,
Katerina Jackson, tells all about their marriages, the dirty side of French football and the
scandalous photographs.
- It will not happen, Grace.
- We could start over and do a whole program. We would speak of their origin,
childhood and creation. About how you brought down Marco, when he was 14 ...
- It was with a push, not a punch ...
- And how about all eventually arrested at school, as if they were part of an
updated version of Breakfast Club ...
- I knew I should not have told you.
Grace laughed.
- I will not say anything unless you agree. But I find it fascinating that your best
friends are: a football star, a millionaire investment officer and the nephew of a known
mobster, all males attractive alpha. All different. And all news.
Marco, Connor and Luke. Your best friends since the day the ridiculous and
absurd detention, at lunch, had worked just as happened in the film about teenagers in
the 1980s, and they had joined around the hatred felt by the school and same taste in
movies, music and video games.
- Why was it that you were detained? - Grace asked as they entered the studio.
- You know very well.
- You knocked out Marco ...
- I pushed him, Grace. Having turned out to friends and played all in my face.
- What? What did he say?
- Honestly, I do not remember. - Yes, she remembered the stupid comment
about his lack of "feminine attributes", for which he apologized later.
- Never mind. Luke was caught defacing the bathroom ... What was Connor's
crime?
- Correct the professor of economics and threatened to send him into
bankruptcy.
- Wow, hardness.
- This was the private school Southbank. - Kat shrugged. - The girls were afraid
to talk to Luke and Connor. I did not. From there, we join. Granted, they were men.
- And you never thought ...? - Grace raised his eyebrows. - You know ...
- What? Do Not!
- Not with Marco?
Kat's eyes widened excessively, trying to hide who blushed.

- No, Grace. I did not think. And I intend to give no exclusive interview. I am a
production assistant, and that's it. - Grace approached the yellow sofa and coffee table,
surrounded by a number of cameras. The lights came on and the director approached.
- The rest is old news. People do not want to hear them.
- They want to do. But I will keep trying - Grace said, smiling and taking the
glass of water offered to him.
- Of course it will. - Kat accepted the tea that stagehand offered her, as Grace
sat on the couch and spread his notes on the table.
- So ... Have you heard of Marco? - Grace asked casually.
- Do not - lied Kat, playing with the phone. - Three days ago he was making
comments about the French Cup.
- I knew he would arrive today. - Grace straightened her skirt over her legs
crossed. - I am preparing a surprise dinner for him this week.
- Really? - Kat felt tense and took a sip of tea to disguise. - So you went back?
Grace laughed.
- I guess I never really finished. I have plans. Let's be honest ... My biological
clock is ticking at the same pace for years. Now I have a guaranteed program and
gained credibility within the industry. It's time to start thinking about having a child.
Kat gasped, spat tea, wiped his chin and looked at Grace.
- With Marco?
- Of course with Marco! - Grace frowned and looked at the illuminator. - What is
the problem? I know you two are close ...
- Oh, no. I mean, yes ... That's ... - Kate took a breath and tried to calm himself.
- We are close and we very well, but we have a rule: never get the love life of each
other.
- Really? - Grace looked puzzled. - So he never mentioned James or Ezio, or
pass?
- Do Not.
- And you never told him anything about me?
-. It's not my business. Do you want kids: for me, fine. - Kat gave the smile that
had learned to give out of necessity. A smile for the cameras that used to appear in
front of his door and followed her to work, shopping, the gym, disturbing his friends and
family, becoming so invasive that she turns required to request a restraining order.
- Are you sure? - Grace asked. - I always thought of you there was sexual
tension, but ...
- Between me and Marco? No. Never! - Kat denied emphatically. - I mean, he's
a very handsome man and is my best friend, but he is ... - She searched the term. Independent.

- I would say he is a tough nut to crack - Grace said, smiling. - And a first
conqueror. That's good, because it would not bother me with advice on how to raise my
son.
What could she say? All Grace said was true. Marco too fond of his life and
lived it at full speed. It was no place for a permanent companion, let alone a child. Kat
swallowed, watching people circulating around Grace, while the cameras took their
positions. Despite his confusion, mad ideas and perspectives absurd that thought, the
choice was simple. He would not want a child. She certainly did not want.
Kat set the headset, turned away and stared, while Grace was smiling at the
camera 1 and started talking.
Grace could be naughty, irascible and demanding, but under the surface layer,
she had a heart of gold. Kat researching cases of misfortune and Grace put them in the
air, raising hundreds of dollars for each charitable cause that mentioned. Grace was the
face of the program: the former star of novels that had recovered from alcoholism and
drugs to become host of the highest-rated show in Queensland. Although, every day,
receive requests for interviews, for a change, Kat preferred to work behind the scenes.
No. She was happy with his life. The work met all your time, giving you room to
dating. As told Connor, ten weeks on the night of Marco farewell in a Brisbaine bar, she
had no more disposition to dating and relationships.
- It is hard work, very difficult to drive and very painful when it's over - she said,
sipping her drink and staring at his friends.
Marco and Luke had laughed, but Connor had given her a strange look, sad and
serious, that bothered her and that had caused her to ask that last and fateful round of
vodka with orange.
Kat swallowed a lump in my throat. There was nothing wrong with her. As a
teenager, had not been obsessed with boyfriends, marriages and children, and that the
distinguished of most elite girls of "Southbank Private School" in Brisbaine. Add to that
a preference for sports and alternative bands, their contempt for short skirts, makeup
and gossip, and she naturally had joined the boys. And then occurred that "incident" as
his father used to say, she pushed Marco Corelli, son of the now known crime boss,
Gino Corelli. After the furor subsided, he had received a sermon and done his time in
detention, Kat had realized that he had become a legend among colleagues. Connor
Blair, the most serious and quiet, had allowed her to sit with them during lunch. Luke,
always so angry, talked to her about the unknown bands playing in pubs. And Marco ...
Marco apologized and she gained a friend for life.
Complicated, complex Marco. The arrogant teenager with a gift for football had
become a handsome, talented and self-confident. And he knew their secrets, their
dreams and their family dramas.
Mainly their family dramas. His mother died of a degenerative motor disease,
whose gene she might have inherited. Kat had never dared to think about having
children, but now she was pregnant, did not know what to feel. After years of refusing to
investigate and claiming he would rather live without worry, she finally decided to

undergo an examination. The expected result of increased tension of a situation that

was already stressful.
So she could not talk to Marco.
Kat sighed and returned to reality. When recording the program ended, were
23h, and she felt exhausted. He said goodbye and went to the parking lot, thinking
about buying something to eat, to take a shower and prepare the house to resist
hurricane. She looked at the car and stopped suddenly.
Marco.
With her heart pounding, she looked up and down. He wore a suit, but loosened
his tie. Her dark hair fell over his forehead and the collar. The end of day beard
beginning to appear on his chin. It was a casual position, but very sexy, with his hands
in his pockets, his brown eyes would not stop looking at her. If it was a less confident
and sensual man, his face could be considered delicate, but he had an aura of pure
virility. His curly hair framed her cheekbones, sensual mouth, eyes suggestive. And
when he smiled ... Holy God, he could hear the distance women shaking in their
corsets. He made her remembered past ages of riders using powdered lush robes and
making romantic bows accompanied by beautiful symphonies and love poems.
And he had given her the best sex she's ever had in life.
Yes, he was adored by thousands of people around the world. Everyone knew
his story: the only son of Italian immigrants, he grew up in Australia, where, at 16, was
recruited by a talent scout to play on a team of French football. Marco, the Italian
romantic dreamy eyes and irresistible hair. As if that were not enough, he had acquired
an attractive French accent during the time that lived in Marseille and Paris. Marco, his
best friend.
She felt her heart contract and expand again, and wanted to die of sadness.
They knew each other for almost 20 years. Tell him I was pregnant would
change everything. Marco did not like commitments. He loved his work and women,
and the freedom to enjoy both. And she would not lose her best friend because of an
amazing night, but foolish. Could not.
Kat took a deep breath and began to walk. The closer he got, the worse he felt.
They had done very intimate things. Things she never imagined to do with it. They had
to strip and he touched and kissed her whole body. Now he wanted to talk about it, and
she would rather dive with sharks to make the mistake of reliving that night. What could
be worse? Demonstrating a courage she did not feel she triggered the alarm control to
open the car door.
- Why are you here? - She asked, controlling the urge to put his hand on the
belly and throwing the bag in the car.
- We need to talk - he spoke with a mixture of French and Italian accent that
never failed to shiver it, but that now made her arrest the hair behind her ear and
hardened face to face him. Car light illuminated the face of Marco. Kat felt her heart
speed up to see that he was very serious, but controlled his nervousness and crossed
his arms.

- About ...?
- We could talk on my boat.
Kat sighed.
- Look, Marco, it's late and a hurricane approaches. We can not do this another
day?
- Are you avoiding my calls. So do not. And the hurricane will take hours to
arrive. - He looked at the sky and squinted to see that barely felt a breath of wind.
- I'm tired.
He looked at her angrily.
- Phone calls missed.
- You will not give up until I agree, are you?
- Do Not.
She sighed.
- All right. But be brief.
He walked over and Kat stepped back. He frowned.
- You will not stick with me, are you?
- No, I will not. Word of honor.
- Great. - Marco walked away, got into his car and drove off.
Kat looked at the light of car arrow, as he turned left out of the parking lot, and
only then realized the significance of what he had done. "We need to talk." Just two
words, but fraught with implications, and conjured a series of strange scenes of his
disastrous past. Ten weeks before, they not only had crossed the line between lovers
and friends, as well as destroyed. She felt the urge to run home and hide under the
covers, but also wanted to end the strange and awkward position.
Kat sighed, got into the car, started the engine and left the parking lot. Could not
get away from Marco forever. It was time to take a deep breath and face the
consequences of that night.

The marina was stirred. People rushed to tie their boats and to keep their
equipment in preparation for the storm. Kat parked the car and walked the wooden
deck, watching the strength of dark waves that struck the pier. Within hours, a Category
4 hurricane would sweep the coast, and everyone knew the destruction it would cause.
The city hardly recovered after Hurricane Yasi destroyed North Queensland a few years
ago.
Marco boat was docked at the pier end. It was a simple and bright boat, he
made a point to describe in detail, so decided to buy it. She could not remember the

engine power, its size and fuel consumption, but remembered very well the children's
enthusiasm with which Marco had told him and reached his heart just as now reached,
as she replayed three memories years ago.
He was on the deck and offered her hand, as she crossed the plank. Kat took
his hand without thinking. It was strange. She had taken his hand hundreds of times,
but now that simple gesture caused her nervousness, as if his whole body was on alert
and wait for the next step.
It was silly, absurd. And a major inconvenience.
Damn, it is that gave sleeping with his best friend. Now she could not contain
the memories of those hands going through your body and causing sensations that had
made tremble with excitement.
As soon as Kat stepped on the boat, quietly dropped his hand and avoided
looking at him. Hated that embarrassment. They had done the unthinkable and blown
it. For a moment, she felt a sharp pain go through his heart, leaving a deep and painful
scar. Never again things would return to be the same. As happened with its disastrous
relationships, as happened after his father told him in the heat of an argument: "For
God's sake, Kat. You are not tired of the headlines in the newspapers? Stop attract
attention and do so much drama. You could not just be a normal person? "
She blushed with shame to remember the bitterness of expression and his
father's disappointment, but came back to reality when he heard the engine noise, as
they entered the cabin and stopped.
- You will sail?
-

Oui. We go to the island.

She swallowed hard and his annoyance turned into fury.

- Are you crazy? Do Not! - Kat left the cabin, but it was too late. Furious, she
turned and looked at Marco with a darting look. - I did not agree with that! If you have
not noticed, we are waiting for a hurricane. - She pointed to the pier, which disappeared
quickly. - The city is on alert. And my car is in the marina.
Marco folded his arms, leaned against the railing and pushed a lock of hair that
the wind had thrown on his face.
- First, my island home is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions,
including hurricanes. It is probably safer than many parts of the continent. Second, I
will have to withdraw your car. Third: the forecast says that the island will be achieved
only by the edge of the hurricane, the center will reach Cairns after 3pm.
- At this point, we can not go back, and God knows how long. No. Come back,
Marco.
- Do Not.
- I hate it when you're arrogant.
He twisted his mouth, but said nothing and endured the angry look she gave
him.

- Have you been avoiding my calls - he said at last.

Kat gave a groan of frustration and rested her hands on the rail grid.
- Damn. Can you be soooo annoying!
- This is the woman who says that has not told me that she is pregnant.
Kat's heart sped up and then calmed down, as she looked at the dark, choppy
water. At that moment, all she rehearsed to say turned to ashes in his mouth and he
could only the sound of waves hitting the hull and wind noise.
- I'm going to kill Connor.
Marco raised his eyebrow.
- Do not blame him. He thought I should know.
Kat sat back, crossed his arms and looked at him.
- Turn around on the boat. It is not safe to be at sea.
- I consulted the Coast Guard. Will be well for at least another hour. It's enough
time to get to the island. And we have things to discuss.
- There is nothing to discuss.
- You must be joking! You're pregnant, Kat. It's not just you. I'm also involved.
She knew it, but a wave of frustration forced the words out of his mouth.
- My body, my decision.
He was paralyzed and with a serious and shocked expression.
- Are you saying you want to have an abortion?
She blinked and shook his head, while his stomach followed the swing of the
waves.
- You know what I went through with my mother, Marco. She died two years
after diagnosis. Can I have the same disease.
He rubbed his head.
- Then take the exam. That's what I'm telling you for years.
- I already did. Also, I do not have a maternal instinct drop. Children hate me,
and ...
- Hey, ho, ho ... - He raised his hand. - Wait a minute. You really took the
exam?
- I did. Last week.
- After so many years of "no wonder" of "do not want that weight on my head,
driving my choices?" Every time we discussed when I tried to convince her otherwise?
Kat nodded. By his face, she left him shocked.
- When planning on telling me? - He asked.

- Just tell! - She said, wincing as he realizes he barely hide his grief. - And
speaking of not count ... What about you and Grace?
- What's with me and Grace?
- So, there you and Grace!
He was confused.
- What the hell are you talking about?
- From you and she have a child together?
By his face, she left him surprised.
- Since when?
- She told me you were back.
He sighed and put his hands on her hips.
- For me, this is news. We just since before the World Cup in France.
- How long before?
- Long before our night together,

cherie

- He spoke kindly.

She swallowed hard and avoided remember.

- Are you saying that Grace is lying?
He shrugged.
- Maybe, illusion?
Kat closed her mouth and took a deep breath.
- This is a tremendous disaster. - Was it his imagination, or she turns tightening
the lips? But the reaction was fast and soon disappeared.
- I can not stop her from taking the final decision as to what will do, Kat. If I were
you, no matter the test result, would have the baby. But the choice is basically yours.
- Fortunately, you're not in my shoes - she said quietly. - You were not there.
He saw what the disease did to my mother, day after day, for two years. I refuse to let
that happen to my son.
- Kat ... - he murmured almost like a groan.
The boat passed by another wave and suddenly, lunch seemed to be secure in
Kat's stomach. She swallowed hard and took a deep breath before looking at it.
- I'll be with you as long as you need me to be - said Marco. - You are my best
friend, cherie . That's what friends are for.
Friends. Kat felt his insides squirm and nausea resurface. This was not a
declaration of love, a "we will be happy forever," an "I can not live without you." Marco
offered her friendship and support, as well as made during the tragedies of his personal
life, which had become embarrassingly public. She swallowed her humiliating
disappointment.

- Marco ... I do not know. Not made a decision yet. Besides ... - She took a
breath. - I can not ... I will not have a child just because you want. And whatever my
decision, so you know, the media will be in a frenzy. Your career is more important than
the first page of gossip.
- Kat ...
- You know what were the headlines last time. Really think I do that to you? I ...
Damn! - She put her hand in the stomach.
He took her arm, worried.
- Is there anything wrong? What ...
She turned to the side, but it was too late. He vomited on the deck and on top of
Italian leather shoe Marco.

CHAPTER 2

- And u should have seen this coming - said Marcos severely as she turned to
vomit at sea. He tried to hold her, but Kat shook her shoulder and moaned.
- Damn it, do not do it.
Marco looked up at the dark clouds. Going to rain a lot. If your captain, Larry, was
fast, the crew could return to the mainland before the storm. What he and Kat had to
discuss concerned only two, and he did not want anyone disturbing their privacy.
He looked back at her, leaning over the rail, and got bored. You should know that
she would be sick. Normally, Kat was not good navigator. Being pregnant, then it would
be even worse.
- Anything I can do to help her? - He asked, realizing she made a great effort to
control nausea. Kat hated vomit, and several times he had handled her hair, her back
and whispered massageara words of comfort as she vomited.
She was leaning over the rail, regardless of the wind and the drops of salt water
that lashed his face, until they approached the dock Sunset Island, 20 minutes later.
Once the boat was anchored, Kat rose, covered her mouth and made a face.
- Bathroom - she mumbled, running into the cabin.
Five minutes later, as Marco was trying to solve what would be the best way to
start the conversation between the two, she reappeared, very pale and wan, with a layer
of lipstick on the lips.

Once she reached the deck, the strange and tumultuous sensation he felt was
replaced by anxiety. He had no control over the situation, and that scared him. But she
looked so calm and collected that Marco felt the urge to kiss her to end her composure
and leave it as confused and frustrated as he felt.
What an absurd idea! Kat had made it clear he wanted to forget what had
happened. Whereas rationally, would be the wiser. They were friends. The friendship
between the two survived the disastrous relationships of each, the death of her mother,
her marriage and divorce, the two her, harassment of the media. Of course the
newspapers always had hinted that the relationship went beyond friendship, but they
used to find favor and ignored the comments.
But now, as he was tormented with an insecurity that it was not usual, Kat
seemed to be quiet. As if it had already taken a decision and feel confident.
She was very strong. Sometimes, too strong. And that was something that drew
him and at the same time, bored him.
- I do not know what else we would have to talk - she said, noting that the crew
prepared the landing. - This is a waste of time. With the hurricane approaching,
everyone should know where we are.
- Before zarparmos, I told port authorities, to his father, my mother and Connor Marco said quietly.
- Oh. You really planned everything in advance, right?
He ignored the sarcasm.
- It's all right. We're safe. - He needed help laughing to see the face she made.
The saved? Without this: not when she contracted her face like that. He knew
exactly what she must be thinking. If I thought like him, would be remembering that
night and passing every second. Kat wanted to avoid running alone, especially in a
confined space. Marco noticed that her breathing was heavy and his eyes darkened,
and he felt a pressure in the groin. He had been extremely excited to realize that she
really was remembering the night they had spent together. The night when, rather than
satisfy him, left him with greater appetite.
The hoarse moan that he released was drowned out by the noise of preparations
for landing. He took the Kat's arm, but she frowned and planted his feet on the boat
floor.
- As a protest, you want to stay on the boat? - He asked.
- It Should.
- This idea would be foolish. If you have not noticed, a storm approaches.
- It was you who brought me here.
Marco sighed.
- Come,
safe.

cherie . Let's go home. If you want to yell at me, at least we will be

She seemed to evaluate the alternatives available to them.

- All right. But as soon as the storm pass, you take me back.
He almost laughed. Almost.
- Combined.
She walked past him, across the board and landed, beating the heels on the floor
while Marco sent the crew would use the reserve boat back to the mainland.

The s two traveled west coast of the island on a golf cart. As always when I
went there, Kat held his breath and was amazed to see the house down the road. Made
of wood and glass, supported by large columns hidden by tropical vegetation, the house
consisted of simple lines, arcs and a sloping roof. Was made to withstand stronger
storms, but also to provide the magnificent view sunset on the Pacific Ocean.
That was the paradise of Marco, where he could relax and be himself with his
friends, be the man she knew so well and have come to know your body intimately,
which made her moan and that made her reach ecstasy .
While Kat admired the house and tried to control his thoughts, they covered the
last part of the road. Marco stopped at the door and helped her out of the buggy.
- We need to protect the windows before the storm reaches us - he said, looking
at the sky.
Kat nodded and followed him along the balcony surrounding the house. While the
wind speed increased and the trees began to sway, both worked in silence, lowering the
windows shields. Once arrested the latter, they returned to the house entrance.
- Birds and bats disappeared a few hours - said Marco. - They know that there is
something wrong.
Kat felt a chill.
- The Department of Meteorology said the eye of the storm will reach Cairns.
- Yes, they are expecting the worst: Falling communication towers, lack of
electricity. The ports will be closed. Not the best place to be now. Let's go.
- I have nothing to wear - she said.
- Use the clothes you left the last time. If you need, you can use mine.
Run around wearing the Marco clothes, savoring the aroma, knowing that they
were leaning on your skin? No. Kat said nothing as they entered the lobby known
granite and crossed the corridor leading to the back of the house, past the indoor pool
that had a bar on the right and a source left.
Finally, they reached the heart of the home: a show that conjugated the kitchen
and an entertainment room with comfortable sofas, a huge TV, a dining table, curved
walls with glass windows from floor to ceiling. This is where she and Marco guests used

to spend most of the time, eating and talking about their lives, the world situation, the
Marco in Marseille house and of course in European football.
Kat went straight to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of soda and stopped near where
usually via the Pacific Ocean window, but was now covered. During the day, the beauty
of the blue sky stretched indefinitely, even kiss the sea in the distance. At night, the
absolute darkness enveloped everything, except the tiny lights of the continent on the
horizon. At that moment, she was more than aware of the gathering storm behind the
protection panels and should resemble the vortex formed by his thoughts as he heard
the footsteps of Marco behind her and felt the scent of his aftershave, that brought back
memories of that night, for ten weeks.
- So here we are safe from the storm - she said, her back to him, leaning against
the chilled bottle neck.
- Yes. - He opened the door to the courtyard and out onto the deck. - But, as
there was an alert, we must take every precaution to protect us.
- Your basement - she said, as he began to collect the deck chairs.
He smiled and nodded.
- And you mocked me for having it renovated.
She pulled a chair inside.
- Let's be honest: the worst you had seen was a tropical storm, not a hurricane.
- There is a first time for everything.
That night, those words took on a new meaning. She saw him bring chairs inside,
while absently pulled the label of the bottle and hoped he broke the silence.
Finally, he closed the door and put the chairs in a corner, saying nothing. Kat was
about to explode.
- Marco ...
- Kat ...
The two spoke at once, but she stopped and waited for him to continue. When he
sighed and rubbed his head, Kat wanted to scream. He knew exactly what it was like
sticking your fingers in that hair, as was soft, curly, and that was enough to pull it at the
time of his neck so he turned his head and put his mouth at the exact point of your neck
...
Damn, I need to stop thinking about these things!
Kat looked at him and saw him looking at her intently, watching every move and
expression that she did, and felt naked. Absurd, because that night, the last thing he
thought would be undress her and take her to bed.
What a sight that caused. No, no, stop it!
Marco turned suddenly and broke the mood.

- We need food - he said, walking into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. And we need to prepare for tonight.
Kat's stomach protest because of the returned lunch, and went after him.
- What do we have?
- You choose. I will protect the glasses.

K took at rolls, cheese, cold cuts and potato salad, while Marco stretched wide
adhesive tape side to side of the glass windows. After they had eaten, they sat on the
couch and had coffee. The TV on but without sound, transmitted news about the
hurricane.
It was a familiar scene: the coffee, the TV changes, the position of the two on the
couch. She at one end, occupying two seats and hugging a cushion; it in the opposite
corner with his arms and legs crossed. But it was hard to ignore the tension that heavy
in the air.
This time it was Kat who broke the silence:
- You know, Grace was preparing a surprise dinner for your back.
- He was? - He raised his eyebrows.
- He was.
- That'S Perfect. - His smile spoke loudly.
- Why does this look?
- What look?
- Do not give me that. You know.
Marco sighed.
- I do not know why she insists. We finished for months.
- I understand - Kat said, pressing her lips. Marco would not lie to her. Grace
would be deluded? Yes, Grace loved to promote their relationships. Out well with that
TV executive three months ago, with the Russian writer, with former actor novel.
Marco turned to her, giving her all the attention, and Kat forgot the love life of
Grace.
- Kat, talk to me. We talked about everything ...
- Not all.
- Stop avoiding the issue and talk to me. We will assess the situation rationally.
She shook her head.
- Did not you hear when I spoke of the exam?
- I had not asked that. I asked if you wanted to have the baby.

- I do not want to turn this conversation into a debate about free choice.
He grimaced.
- Me neither. I'm asking you to consider all of your options.
- That's what I have done since I found out I'm pregnant. Please Marco, do not do
it. I can not hold on, knowing that there is a possibility that child have the gene of a fatal
disease. I know that, supposedly, women have a biological clock that awakens the need
to have children, but I'm telling you I'm not one of them.
However, there were times when she would give wings to your imagination, in
which occupied his thoughts with something besides work, of your apartment in Cairns
and lonely nights that were waiting for him. She imagined a future in which would have
a house, a garden, a husband and children. That was a scary thought, that was out of
breath and accelerated the beating of your heart.
Do Not.
Kat sighed.
- I do not know what to say. Do not even know.
- This is a start - said Marco. - It means that you do not clung to the idea of
abortion.
- I will not make a decision until receiving the test result. I will not ... - She
swallowed hard and looked away. - I can not hold on. If the test is positive ... Anyway,
what would I do with a baby? It's me we're talking about ...
He frowned.
- Do not be ridiculous. You're a great person. You are fun, beautiful, intelligent
and have friends who love her.
She blushed at the compliment.
- But being a mother?
- Other women began with much less you.
- But it's a full-time job. A commitment for life. - She pressed the tip of the pad. With these things you can not improvise. What if I screw up?
- No parent is perfect. See the Connor family. I guarantee that you will do better
than them.
Kat nodded. It was impossible to avoid Blair, mainly because his father was a
partner Connor's father in "Jackson & Blair". Unlike the relationship established with
parents of Marco, she had never liked Stephen Blair, an ambitious man who had a thing
for blondes, and his wife Corinne, a socialite addicted to academies and Botox.
Connor's childhood had been the perfect model of the dynamics of a fragmented family,
the dream of every therapist ... Much more than hers.
- My father is not much better - Kat said. - He prefers to nourish resentment
because of old headlines expressing any approval.

- At least his parents were happy. Well, so ... - He paused diplomatically.

Even his mother being diagnosed, Kat thought. His parents had been hard, but
fair, even when it exceeded the limits during adolescence, drinking, smoking and fleeing
to go to parties. They used not express affection, but after diagnosis of his mother, his
father had become a bitter, angry, intolerant and unhappy man. And she seemed to
have never done something right after he left the University of Brisbaine and devoted
himself to the crazy nights of the city: the only way to find not think about the illness of
his mother.
Until the night she arrived home at sunrise, staggering drunk, and found his
father waiting for distilling contempt from every pore.
- You had everything we could give you, and look just for you! His mother is
dying, and you use a perfect education to get drunk on weekends!
- Perhaps the problem is that! - She replied. - That's on my mind all the time. I
need some time to clear his head, to forget. Otherwise, I'll go mad!
His father clenched fists. For a moment, she imagined that it would be able to
give in to temptation and hit him, but the specialty of his father was hit her with words. A
month later, her mother died and she had taken refuge in France, where Marco was the
darling of football and where she had begun to realize that the world was more than
short skirts, crazed parties and drinks free.
No wonder that the press loved to hate her. She behaved like a spoiled rich girl,
Kat thought, swallowing hard.
- But since then, you matured - said Marco. - And your father is still stuck in the
past, rehashing old resentments. We need not be like our parents. Not with our son.
Our son. The words hit her like a punch in the chest, causing her to lose her
breath.
- Look, Marco, let's face it. You worked hard to get where he is. You have a
beautiful career and a wonderful life, wonderful. No commitments, no strings attached ...
- Kat ...
- No, let me finish. At any time, you can get on a plane and go to the other side of
the world. You have a bunch of women at your disposal ... and they are many.
- Kat ...
She ignored the warning tone of his voice and continued:
- I do not want to force it to change, and that's what a child does, in ways you can
not imagine. The frenzy of the press affect our lives and our careers.
- If you decide to have the baby, I'll do what is right.
- What is right? What? We went back to the 1950s? You do not have to marry me
because I'm pregnant.
- Who said anything about marriage? - He asked, after a while. - I'm talking about
stand by your side. As a friend.

Kat raised his eyebrows, feeling a pang of disappointment. It was not good
enough to marry: was it? She opened her mouth to speak his mind, but closed it again.
That would be a horrible manipulation, and she refused to do so. I could not put Marco
in that situation. The last thing she wanted was to get married.
- Great. I'm terrible at relationships - she said cheerfully, shaking cup of coffee. - I
tried several times, but it's not my style. Relationships are confusing, painful and always
end in disaster. I do not want to ruin our friendship.
- You're not bad. It was you who forced James to betray her. It was you who gave
those pictures to the press. - Marco frowned severely. - And as for Ben ...
- Do not remind me, please. - If there was a museum of disastrous relationships,
it would be considered as their main assets: his first marriage, at 22, with the advertising
manager of Jackson & Blair, Ben Freeman, who had shown to be a misogynist and
selfish bastard; the second, five years later, had been a lightning marriage to a
landmark teammate and was annulled just 72 hours later, when she flagrara James with
a waitress in the bridal suite. And there was little more than a year, had become
engaged the rebel Australian football player, Ezio Cantoni, who had taken pictures of
her naked and "accidentally" sent to the tabloids.
She was tired of surveillance, insecurity and anxiety. It was painful, humiliating
and tiring. And not worth the effort to keep your sanity and your self-respect. And now, it
would involve a child in all this? Kat sighed and shifted on the couch.
- Honestly, Marco, how would you participate? You did not plan to move back to
France after the Award of Football Federation Australia, in three weeks?
- It was just one of my alternatives.
- That's not what you said a few months ago.
Marco sighed and looked at the window closed.
- I am considering several things. The courses for coaches, the issue of
sponsors. My contract with the TV network will be renegotiated next month. I had not
yet solved if would go to France.
She was thoughtful for a few seconds.
- Oh, no. Do not you dare change his mind. I will not leave.
- You will not leave?
- No -. She ignored the irritation of Marco. - We are not married. Damn, we are
not boyfriends. We're just friends that will eventually have a son.
Marco said nothing. He looked at the window and then at the clock, marking 1:15
a.m..
- It seems that out there is getting worse. - He stood up. - I think we should go
down.
- OK.

He reached out, and Kat accepted automatically. The snow conditions led to
forget the discussion. The innocent touch of his fingers around his hand caused him a
sense of frustration, which she did not want to surrender. He led her to the door leading
to the cellar, which was in the basement and he will reform, thinking about that kind of
situation.
The wine was stored on one side of the room. In the other, there was a sofa, a
fully stocked fridge and a small generator to power the lamps, he lit it.
Kat stopped at the door, looked around the room and assessed the situation.
- Do not worry, cherie - he said, squeezing her hand. - We are safe.
Security. Again that word. He closed the heavy door and turned to her. Kat
swallowed the panic and gave a shaky smile.
The two soon became comfortable in the environment. Kat decided to make a
coffee while Marco checked the air passage at the top of the wall and lamps. A few
minutes later, they sat on the couch. Marcus took the UNO playing cards and the two
prepared to meet the night.
- So how is working for Grace? She is still a suitcase? - Marco asked, shuffling
the cards.
- Oh, she's not so bad.
- Um ... - He did not seem to believe.
- Actually, I miss my old job in London.
- Which one? One in which you worked in the period between Ben and James?
- Yuck! - She grimaced. - You cut the most significant moments of my life to a
space between my ex.
- I'm sorry. - But he did not seem to feel. - Let me correct. The job you had at 25,
at Oxfam, where he spent two years in London in complete anonymity?
She looked at him, not believing that he was not being sarcastic.
- It was only a year, but it made me feel better than anything else I had ever
done. I had the feeling that ... - She fell silent and began biting the nail.
- What ...? - He just gave the letters and opened it.
- What I should do something else. Make donations or set up a charitable
foundation. - She waited for him to protest, to repeat the refrain of his father as to leave
a good job on behalf of a doubtful dream. But he looked at her and said simply:
- You never told me that before.
Kat shrugged and took a letter from the table.
- I stopped thinking about it after talking with my father.
- Let me guess. He said you could not run a charity, which is very expensive. In
the current economic situation, why change a steady job for a dubious fantasy, in which
you will lose interest in a short time?

- Exactly.
Marco sighed and put a yellow license number 2 on the card stack. The silence
began to regret, but he quickly added:
- You made a budget? Researched how much would need to do this?
- Do Not.
- Then find out. Make a strategic plan. Talk to your former co-workers. See
counters. Fuck your father. I say this with all due respect - he added with a smile,
placing a card on the table. - You're smart, smart and has experience. You can join a
crowd, raise funds. You know how to handle the press. Regardless of the examination
and baby a result, you could do that.
Kat got your cards according to color, thinking furiously. Well she wanted. Amid
the gossip and entertainment that the Morning Grace took to the air, the human
interest stories were those most attracted to, giving her the urge to do something to
ease someone's burden, to bring a little joy the lives of people who really needed, not
just make donations to causes that arose.
- This will require much more than a ten minute segment - said Marco. - You will
have greater media coverage, follow the process, devote more time. It really will make a
difference.
She placed a number of chart 2 on the stack and mumbled something, marking
the end of the conversation. Marco said no more. During the next half hour, the two
played and pretended that all was well, despite clicks the house and force of the wind,
which increased. Finally, Marco turned on the radio and the news filled the room.
Suddenly, the light went out and Kat was startled. The generator was put into
operation and the lights came back to light, but it failed to alleviate your panic.
- What are we doing here? - She muttered, running his finger along the letters,
looking at the generator. - We went out during a hurricane alert! This is crazy. And it's
dangerous.
- We are not in the path of the hurricane. You think I would do something that
would put us in danger? Trust me. We're safe.
She began to tremble and Marco wrapped in a blanket. Kat hoped to complete,
he tenderly kissed his forehead. Damn, she was really looking forward to it. He always
gave him kisses like "you're my best friend", forehead or face. And often embraced. But
he never kissed her on the mouth. Not until that overnight.
During the next 20 minutes they played, as the rain and the wind became
stronger and newsletters turned into local reports, interviews with people who were in
shelters or who had chosen to stay at home.

M eia hour later, the hurricane arrived.

They forgot the game and huddled on the couch, making silence and sticking to
the radio. The wind blew the house, whipped the trees and shook the windows. From
inside their refuge, they heard the air move, the creaking of the trees bent and broke the
mercy of the elements, the impact of shrapnel falling. The house remained firm, but the
wind and the rain remained constant, hitting her in waves.
The radio relayed crucial information about the time the hurricane reached the
coast. An hour passed, then two, until the hurricane finally pulled away from Cairns and
headed south, before disappearing into the sea. And then began the news about the
devastation, reported by survivors.
- We will need to start from scratch. We lost everything.
- We have family, friends, the community. We will recover.
- I do not know if we can build again. We had no insurance.
- You are recomposed and go ahead, right? It's what you do.
- Please help us. Our house ... Everything was destroyed. We need help.
A lump formed in Kat's throat when she heard this last appeal, made by a woman
and her family, who had been in hurricane route. She had the feeling that his heart was
being pierced by claws and let the escorressem tears as the extent of damage was
reported in detail.
Marco put a hand on his knee, trying to comfort her. She was startled and looked
at him. And almost broke down to see his face a mixture of sadness and understanding
that reflected everything she tried to hide.
Kat saw him swallow hard, as she wiped her tears with his finger.
- Do not cry - he said softly, touching his face. - It's all right.
- But all these people ...
- They will recover. You know. There were no deaths, and this is very good. It's
okay. We're safe.
She sniffed.
- I was scared.
- I know. - He leaned over, grabbed her face and kissed one cheek. Then
another. A few years ago, she admired with that French custom, but now his heart beat
stronger, as he walked away slowly, his face alight with a smile.
Calm down, Kat. If you do not behave normally, he will know that there is
something wrong . But hold out little things like smiles, hugs, affection, unfazed by what
the two had done?
Kat looked at the mouth of Marco, that sensual and lovely mouth that seemed a
sin in a man already so beautiful. Yes, that would be the best way to describe Marco
Corelli. Outwardly, he seemed arrogant and safe, facing the audience, the cameras, the
press, with a naturalness that balanced the experience and the charm. Always got what
he wanted, was an interview, the best table in the restaurant or a woman. But she knew

that public image was only part of Marco. He was generous, loyal. Burning and caught
up with the people he loved.
He looked at her, watching her expression and every gesture. Kat realized he
had been looking at your mouth and dreaming, like a hussy football fan. He felt his
throat go dry and stared at him.
And his breathing returned to wheezing.

CHAPTER 3

In spite of probably have taken a few minutes, Kat did not know what happened
because it seemed to be instantaneous. In an instant, she was sitting, her heart racing,
his hand on his face, feeling the warmth of his kisses. He smiled at her, which
entreabria lips. He groaned, and the next moment the two kissed.
She hugged him around the neck, let out a hoarse moan and surrendered. He
pulled her against his chest as if to absorb it. She left.
During the long kiss, she felt his hands pulling her clothes, going over your skin,
caressing her, making her heart beat so strong that seemed to jump out of the chest.
Marco pushed her over the couch and lifted her skirt to her waist as she pulled his shirt
and tried to open his pants.
- Let me do that. - He pulled her hands down his pants and quickly, increasing
their excitement. Kat felt his pulse speed up when he put his knee between her legs and
opened them, touching her hips on his, before going into your body. The two released
the air in a whistle, as she looked at the eyes that were staring at her with passion.
Marco groaned, made her over him with her legs, raised his arms, held them above his
head and began to move.
Kat could not think or breathe because I felt the sensation of being completely
filled. He was not slow or delicate. He did not say romantic words. Simply took
possession of it, and as soon as she recovered from the shock, did the same,
welcoming them into her body, wiggling her hips against his, biting her neck, breathing
hard. He protested vaguely and increased the pace, causing her to feel the fabric of the
sofa cushions scratch his back. She moaned, but continued to move, knowing full well
that part of your body would be marked, regardless. Gave himself up to that moment
and forgot everything else: there were only the two, their heavy breathing ringing in
harmony in the silence, and the smell of excitement and sex spreading through the air.
With the body throbbing, she lifted her hips, eager to break free. And when the
orgasm went through his body almost without warning, left her dazed, hitting her in

waves, causing trembling and breathing heavily. He also tied his hands when Kat heard
him moan in pleasure with their lips and felt he shuddered convulsively. Give
satisfaction to it increased its excitement. With a groan that came out of the chest of the
fund, she clasped her legs around him, pulling him against his body.
It was ... It was ... She groaned and closed his eyes, not wishing to return to
reality. But it was impossible. The reality was necessary.
Kat felt the air cool your skin. Her body ceased to tremble. The breathing Marco,
next to his neck, calmed down. Soon, the wind whipped the house interrupted the
moment of intimacy. Marco released her hands, walked away slowly and stood up.
They had done it again. After all she had told herself, warnings he had heard
mentally.
Kat opened his mouth to speak. He closed it and opened it again, but gave up.
He sat down and pulled her skirt down, in embarrassed silence as the two ignored each
other. When there was no disguising, she finally sighed and looked at him. Marco had
moved to the other end of the couch and picked up the cards.
- Marco ... - she said, his throat dry.
- Huh?
- I ... We ... - She stopped and put her hands in her lap. - You can stop it and look
at me?
When he looked at her, Kat had to stifle a groan. He was very serious, with a
solemn expression that made him want to move your hand to your face and try to get a
smile from those thick lips. Lips that she had just enjoy.
- What are we doing? - She said, knowing it was flushed. - How did we get here?
Marco sighed, leaned back on the couch and crossed his leg.
- The first time there was alcohol.
- And this time there was ... - She gestured, indicating the storm that began to
soften out there. - That's not what I meant ... I never thought of you that way.
- I Got You.
She could not look at him without feeling embarrassed, and it unnerved her. The
truth is that she had thought about it more than once, but always refused to let it be for
more than a moment. Assign more than that to fantasy would be strange and useless.
He would never see her as more than a friend; so what was the point? And she had
been happy with that position during all those years.
Apparently, so far.
Damn. She felt the blood boil under the gaze of Marco and could not sit still. Up,
went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of water and rubbed her neck, delighting in the
shock of the cold in her warm skin.
She was exhausted. Tired of thinking. I had no idea what he was doing. She was
confused and could not attribute what happened to alcohol, as he had done last time.

Maybe he could give the heat of the moment? No. If I wanted to, could have
stopped. But not wanted. Wanted to kiss him, feel his body on his, breathing hard on
your skin, and left him to possess.
He made her forget everything for a while ...
Kat opened the bottle and took a long drink, reasoning furiously. He could not be
distracted now. Had important things to consider, things that would change his life.
She looked at the vent window, announcing a new day full of light and promise. A
new morning that reveal the effects of the chaos caused by the hurricane. As they had
heard on the radio, many people had lost everything, not just their homes. Personal
belongings, souvenirs, significant objects had been taken by mother nature within a few
hours. It was a miracle that no one had died.
Kat was relieved, a second before realizing that she was alive and Marco too.
Return to the mainland, would check the damage to their homes, she would receive the
test results and, according to him, would make a decision.
Then she realized that Grace would want her to do the coverage of the hurricane
and he discovered a story of special interest to submit the application segment
donations. It was what they had done after the flooding in Queensland, the Great Fire of
forests and the recent earthquake in New Zealand. Still, while there, knowing that the
effects of the cyclone spread out there and listening to the radio news, she could think
of ...
With test results.
In March. On baby.
In the son of the two.
And his thoughts were mixed again, making useless words.

M arc watched, but she seemed to ignore it. With brown hair disheveled, wet
neck and buttons buttoned blouse wrong, she was sexy.
- I think we gave a latent sexual tension increased because of the storm - he said
finally.
Kat was startled, looked at him and took another sip of water.
- For sure.
He waited for her to say something more, but Kat focused on the bottle. Marco's
eyes went down to his legs and went up to her belly, which hardly existed. Suddenly, he
felt invaded by emotion, a mixture of desire and urge to protect her and the flame of life
growing in her womb. Few people knew the real Kat: a lovely, fun woman who would do
anything for a friend, who had fought the superproterora parental influence throughout
his life. That had been taken to hell because of the illness of his mother, the headlines
and a number of men who did not deserve. She was smart, exalted and stubborn. Too
stubborn. After taking a decision, did not change his mind.

How foolish decision not to take the exam. He felt the bowels revolverem every
time I thought about it and tried to convince her otherwise. Finally, she decided to do it.
While Kat did not look at him, the tension of his shoulders, the contracted mouth,
he knew she knew he was watching her. Marco stubbornly continued to look for her, but
after a few minutes, he gave up and turned on the radio. She came and sat before him,
and they both heard the news with concern.
- Is not it ...? You do not find it strange? - She asked suddenly.
- What? Hurricane?
- No. We..
He could find anything but strange.
- Not really. And you?
- Yes No -.. She avoided looking at him. - I do not know.
- All right.
Kat sighed and started to touch the lip with his finger, but stopped.
- This is ... We should not have done that.
- It's too late, cherie - he said without change. - Although I have expected this
reaction.
Kat looked at him.
- Expected?
- You have a tendency to run away when things get too close.
- Not true!
He was surprised with his indignation.
- It is true yes.
She squinted, leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
- Ben was a selfish bastard, who kicked me to realize that I did not want children.
- I was not talking about him. - Marco clenched his fists to remember. - And still
think you should have let me punch him.
- And be sued for assault? Come on.
Marco shook his head.
- Anyway, I was talking both literally and metaphorically.
- James was with another woman in our hotel room during our honeymoon. Ezio
took pictures of me naked and sold to the tabloids. - She tossed her hair behind her
shoulders. - For me, these are breaking grounds.
- What about us, Kat? Having sex with his best friend is one of your reasons to
break through?

- Sex always ruins everything.

He was angered by the immediate response. She was still avoiding the question.
But when she looked away, embarrassed, preventing him from seeing his expression,
Marco felt like kissing her.
But if managed and stayed put.
- What do we do now? - He asked casually.
- The press ...
- Screw the press - Marco muttered, putting his hands on the table. - What do
you want to do?
- Marco ... - His name sounded like a groan, while Kat massaged his temple. - I'm
tired. I know you like to discuss things ad nauseam , but we could not do that now,
please?
He noticed the way she was lying in his chair, eyes half closed, wrinkles in the
corners of the mouth, and felt guilty.
- You should get some sleep.
This time, she did not argue.
- You too.
- I'm still in the European time zone. I'm not tired. - He stood up and straightened
the sofa cushions. - Lie down here and sleep.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she laid, and he covered her with a blanket.
- Thank you - she whispered.
He returned to his chair and sat down when she already closed her eyes. Soon
after, fell asleep.
Marco folded his arms and let his thoughts fly, as he looked at her, for her long
lashes, to the soft curve of your face, with your long hair down the neck and your slim
figure occupying the entire length of the couch. They were friends since that incident,
when they were in grade 9, changed everything. Have 14 years is a stage of life that is
self-confident and bold, as it does not admit restrictions, and it was terrible, full of
arrogance and presumption. Wanted to show off to friends, making a stupid comment,
and Kat unexpectedly reacted and pushed so hard that he fell sitting. He played with
her, stating that, from that moment, had come to worship him, and this, combined with
the detention period, with the innocent smile of Kat, with his humor and his loyalty, had
cemented their friendship two.
From there, they had formed an inseparable quartet - he, Luke, Connor and Kat until, when he was 16, had offered him an opportunity to play football in Europe, and he
exchanged Australia by France. Their lives had followed different paths: he, playing
soccer; her, facing her mother's illness and the headlines. He was impressed to find it
again three years later, shortly after she lost her mother, but never questioned.
Friendship resumed from where they left off. They traveled together, and Kat had been
in his home in Marseilles, for a few months. Then she circulated between Europe and

Sydney for almost six years, as if looking for its place in the world. And, until it fix in
London, he wondered if she would ever find. Three years ago, she started working in
the Morning Grace and since then, seemed to be happy. The two kept independent
relationships, but she offered her shoulder during the painful years that his father had
been bombarded by the media, faced an investigation and finally cleared out the money
laundering charges in the previous year. Kat was the girl he left when he had no
girlfriend and needed a companion for any event. She was his co-pilot. Her best friend.
And now his mistress.
And have a son. Your child. Of the two.
Marcus felt dry mouth to imagine Kat, your Kat with her growing belly. Radiant,
smiling. Happy.
But she is not happy, are you?
He became discouraged. Do not think about it .
The problem is that for the first time, Kat was refusing to talk to him. Strange,
because they had never had difficulties to talk about any subject. I mean, about almost
everything. The restriction to talk about their relationship was still in force, even though
he already had wanted exceed that limit several times. And he had bitten his tongue
and had been frustrated.
Marco returned to watch her. Kat projected a very confident image, but his
friends knew that she was simply Kat Jackson full of doubts, frustrations and dreams
that he feared not accomplish. He had a wicked sense of humor, loved to read fiction
stories from the crime novels, was fanatic Star Wars , but I loved the reruns of Star
Trek , had a huge collection of anime and music recordings 1980s She hated pickles in
burger. Loved penguins and bags, was fun, beautiful, impatient, argumentative and
incredibly intelligent. But the press will label the surface and head wind, portraying it as
a party girl, attracted to bad boys. The fact that, at 17, she has been dedicated to jump
from one party to another, using revealing clothes and high heels, and left shooting
drunk, not helped at all. The tabloids loved to stamp the image of spoiled brat in the
gossip pages. No wonder she had got a job as a social columnist, a position he
occupied until his mother's death.
He lived in France, where became the football idol in Marseille, with a million
dollar contract, being treated like a rock star. It was absurd that someone barely out of
adolescence had been thrown into the world of celebrities and top models and
actresses namorasse while her best friend was facing major problems.
Marco stifled a groan of anger. She appeared at the door of his house, a week
after the Marseille have won the French Cup, and fell into his arms. They had spent
three weeks together, touring through Europe, airing his head and returning to the old
friendship.
Those months had served him alert. He stopped drinking, started to make
responsible choices, to invest their money rather than spend it on expensive wines,
objects that never used and old cars did not drive. Now he and Kat were 33 years and
never spent more than two days without communicating, unless he was traveling on

business. They said everything to each other, painful and personal it was. Except for the
restriction to talk about the relationship.
He still did not believe she had taken the exam. He still remembered the
tremendous fight that had taken a week after Kat's mother's death, when they had
almost ruined their friendship.
- How can you not want to know? - He asked.
- Because I do not want! I do not want a death sentence to influence my way of
life!
In this she was not alone. He researched and found that many people would
rather not know they would have a fatal disease. But that did not stop him to feel the
heart cringe every time he thought of her, in her Kat, having the same mother's fate: to
die within two years after being diagnosed.
Marco let out a long sigh and looked at the window for ventilation. The wind had
become a strong breeze, the news on the radio buzzed. He took a bottle of water,
opened and drank its contents in a few gulps. Rubbed his head.
The attitude of "not want to talk about it" was not typical of Kat. She always told
him the truth, however painful it was, and he did the same with her. The only change
was sex, which confused things. It was strange and awkward, silent, hiding his mind. He
did not like it one bit.
Marco mumbled and tried to accommodate the chair. So packed by the wind, he
could fall asleep.

CHAPTER 4

M arch was the first to wake up. He saw that Kat was still asleep, took the
phone and found that was unsigned. He looked out the window and then to Kat, who
stretched, massaging the brand that the pad left on your face. Still sleepy, she was
lovely, and he gasped at the thought that it was impossible not to feel like waking up
next to her forever.
- What time is it? - She asked hoarsely.
- Seven - he replied.
Longing to find something to do that was not looking at the long legs that she
threw off the couch, with your eyes still half closed and his hair, he returned to pick up

the phone. Of course he immediately thought the only subject that were avoiding: that
moment. In that amazing moment on the couch when she desmanchara under him.
- The phones are not working - he said, increasing the radio.
Soon, they had information about the hurricane Rory consequences.
- So, the ports are closed - concluded Kat, fixing her hair with her fingers.
- And also airports, except for emergency cases. - Marco stood and stretched,
flexed his back and knees.
- Are you fine? - She asked.
- Um ...
- Does it still hurt?
- Only when I sit for long.
- It must be strange to have pins in the knee.
He smiled.
- We get used. It could have been worse.
She agreed, knowing what he meant. The injury he suffered during a game just
with a brilliant career, but he was lucky: not prevent him from walking. Sometimes he
was still bitter, but refused to surrender, thinking about the incredible opportunity that
had presented to him a few months later.
- The sea must be full of debris. You will need to clean it before - he explained.
- So we're stuck here until further notice.
- Until they release the maritime traffic, in a few days ... What? - He asked to see
her smile.
- There must be a dozen women who would give a leg to get stuck with you on
an island.
Marco sighed.
- Why do you do this, Kat? Why always remember the women? - She seemed to
be so confused that the irritation Marco turned into frustration. - Forget It. Let's see if the
boat was damaged.
- I was joking - she said.
- I know. - He offered his hand, but the brief hesitation Kat before accepting it and
up, talked loudly, increasing the vague feeling that something was wrong.
But when he opened the door of the house, the attention of the two was fully
occupied by the outside world. The air smelled of rain and mud. The sky was clear and
the sun was shining through the trees, making everything clearer. Palm trees were still
standing, but many were defoliated. The floor was covered with debris and branches.
While they assessed the damage, one parakeets flock returned to their nests.
Marco waited until they were sitting in the buggy, going to the pier, before saying:

- You know that everything will be different when you have your child, do not
you?
She looked at him, but Marco has focused on avoiding fallen branches and piles
of mud rain spread on the way.
- It Will Be?
-. Of course Je vous le ...
- So save me, Marco. If you repeat that damn clich, I'll hit you.
He closed his mouth, but could not hide the laughter of your voice.
- You do not like him, do you?
- Je vous le garantis . I can tell you? That's bullshit. No one can guarantee
anything.
- The press seems to think so. All hope my prediction for the games.
- So full of himself? Have you missed before.
- Just you remember that. Three times in two years - he said, laughing. - Um ... I
saw her smile.
- I do not smile.
- Of course smiled. I hate to see you so serious and angry, cherie .
Kat crossed his arms and looked ahead.
- Keep your eyes on the road. There are scattered wreckage.
They reached the pier. The trees were leafless, the sea, full of fragments, but the
boat was still anchored, dangling in the water, crashing against the pier.
Marco looked at the bow of boat stern, before going on board to inspect it. Ten
minutes later, he left satisfied not find any damage, and the two returned home.

A fter having opened all the windows and they went looking the pool, Kat's
stomach began to snore so violently that she grimaced.
- I need to eat something - spoke as they entered through the patio door.
- Of course - said Marco, going to the kitchen. - What do you want?
- I do.
- For Real? - He asked. - Have you learned anything from the last time I was
here?
- Do not be funny - she muttered.
- Do not learned. This means that I will cook. - He looked at the counter. - As
always, you make coffee.

- Combined. - She took the coffee beans and grinder. It seemed absurd to
perform tasks as usual, when everything around them was outside the normal range. A
hurricane hit the coast, devastating lives. A previously solid friendship was broken
because of one night. A child would change both their lives forever.
Stop . She looked at the grinder pulverized grains. Still could not make a
decision. Not before receiving the test results.
The two took breakfast watching the news showing images of destruction, until
Kat felt the throbbing head of concern. She looked at Marco, then stared at the plate.
The silence became heavy and all she wanted was to find a way to break it.
- I know you will be included in the Hall of Fame during dinner FFA, next month.
- I'M Going.
- You want to take someone? - She asked casually.
- You, if you will.
- Of Course. - The answer came automatically. The annual awards dinner of the
Football Federation of Australia always happened in a five star hotel and it was fun.
Ironically, in a country where the predominant sport, football was rarely mentioned on
national television, including the important event of the delivery of prizes, the fashion of
it. June. In three weeks. Three weeks ten ... She frowned. No. Do not think about it. You'll be in Australia there?
He agreed.
- I have to supervise the courses for coaches, make a new ad for the
and will appear as a guest earlier in the season of The Big Game in October.

Skins

- Still on the crest of the wave. I knew that the knee injury would not reassure
him.
- You always right, is not it? - He said, smiling.
- Always.
The two were silent and did not return to speak near the end of the meal.
- What are the other news? - Asked Kat. Marco took a long time to respond.
- Ruby will be on the cover of Playboy month of next - he said at last. She
waited for him to continue. He dropped his fork and took a deep breath. - She's my exwife. I should not care what she does.
- Really.
- We are separated for four years and divorced for two.
- Exactly.
He sighed and folded his hands on the table.
- Call me old fashioned, but see the attributes of my ex-wife exposed for anyone
who buys the magazine goes beyond my tolerance limit. Those things are private.

- I agree - she said, looking at him directly. Marco picked up her fork and began
to play with the dish food scraps.
- She did not consult me. I do not care about the media harassment, but I would
have been warned in advance.
Kat nodded, knowing what hit him deeper than he showed. Although the media
have already begun to stir to access the Ruby photos, the problem was not in the
damage done to the reputation of Marco, but what he really was: an honorable man, he
respected women, who valued education and that despite the series of girlfriends and
their arrogance in the field, was known in French football league for behaving like a
gentleman.
- We should get married, you know? - He said, suddenly.
She stopped on the way to the fork mouth.
- Excuse Me. You said ... we should get married?
He leaned over the table with a very serious expression.
- Exactly.
- How come?
He looked at her as if he expected her to say something else, but Kat continued
to stare at him in silence.
- Why not?
For me to propose marriage, you should be madly in love with me.
swallowed the words and frowned.

Kat

- Because we do not need - she argued.

- So you're not concerned about reports about your pregnancy?
- Of course I am. I worry about everything that is published, but can not live in a
bubble. What does this have to do with marriage?
- We would lessen the damage. If we ...
Kat raised his hand.
- Excuse Me. If we what?
- Just listen. For over 20 years, you did not show any symptoms. Until proven
otherwise, we assume that the result of the examination is negative, right? Whether you
like it or not, marriage is a respectable option. You are pregnant with my son. As soon
as the news about Hurricane cool, the press will search for the next big thing, you'll love
this and give you an exceptional attention. You and your family will be persecuted.
When they find out that I am the father, will come after me. - He raised his hand,
preventing her to stop. - The papers will dig up all our relationships, including our
marriages and our divorces. You bet they will find a way to involve my father. Someone
from my station will know everything, and I'll suffer the consequences because my
contract has a clause referring to a code of conduct. Attention will drag on indefinitely.
Maybe they explore the romantic angle of terms was "isolated during the hurricane."

- Marco ...
- Think of the alternative. We got married in a quiet ceremony and give a press
statement. It is done. Everything will be announced as and when we want. The press
will have a story for a week or two. Of course, instead we have to tell Grace, but there
would be no impact on my station or desencavariam our past. Everything would return
to normal.
She looked at him and put his fork on the plate slowly.
- Is not that simple.
- Of course not. Will not avoid attention, but will decrease the time that we spend
in the headlines.
- Do you really marry me? - She asked.
- Why not?
She stared at him for a long time. It would be the wife of Marco. Mrs. Corelli. Kat
felt her heart give a vertiginous leap, but that alarming reaction made her panic and
swallow before his heart plummeted back to reality. He wanted to marry her for the
wrong reasons. Duty. Responsibility. To avoid publicity. Not for loving her.
Marco did not think it that way. She knew he loved her, but he was not in love
with her. There was a big difference.
Anyway, she did not want him to be in love with her. Not at all.
- You know it makes sense - Marco insisted.
Again, those annoying words. Sense. Sensibly. Judgment. Logic. All she wanted
after the betrayal of Ezio. And Marco offered.
- I do not want to get married. - She sipped slowly.
- Never? Or just me?
- I already got married twice.
- I know, cherie . I was there to pick up the pieces, remember?
The Kat's heart sank. Yes, he was. He was always there. During the divorce, the
terrible media attention, his mother's disease consequences. He was their rock, more
reliable than your family and any friend. He left everything to hear his angry outbursts,
her sobs, monitor his drinking when she put in a cardboard in a fine French bar. And
then he had taken her to wander anonymously through Europe. Now, was there again,
stepping forward and offering to take responsibility for something they had done for
want of judgment.
- I can not marry you, Marco - Kat said. - It would be selfishness.
- How come? The suggestion was mine. There are other people involved that
may be hurt.
- Oh, that makes me feel very special.
For Kat's disappointment, he laughed.

- And you are. You are my best friend.

- What about Grace?
- What about her? I told him that we broke up. She's delirious.
Kat crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, trying to coordinate your
thoughts.
- This is not the solution, Marco. I do not want to force you to do something you'll
regret it ... No, let me finish - she said, to see him open his mouth. - You love your
freedom. You love power grab your luggage and travel to work. I understand, but I need
someone constant, that is beside me. Parenting the distance does not work. I know this
from experience. A child can not be reduced to an appointment on your calendar, the
one you see when you have a few weeks off.
He looked at her for a long time and rubbed his head.
- This is ridiculous.
- What part?
- Oh, all that. - He put his hands on the table and looked into his eyes. - Do not
tell me what I feel, Kat. Of course I love my job, but it's just a job.
- Are you kidding? Football is his life. It is part of who you are. You would die if he
did not.
- You speak as if I was opening his hand. I'm not.
She sighed.
- We go back to the beginning. Being Marco Corelli takes to travel the world.
You'd be away from your child for months. - Away from me , she thought.
- What would stop to go with me?
She blinked.
- If you do not remember, I have a job. - Damn, he did not give up? Her head was
spinning with the possibilities with mixed emotions. It was all speculation, fantasy. She
could not make a decision based on that. No, when I could not even have a future. The
weight was so great that Kat gasped and stood up. It was too much for her. - I can not
think. I need some air. - Without waiting for an answer, she went to his room.
With his head still spinning, she opened a drawer and found the clothes he had
left there on the last visit. He took a blue jean skirt and a white blouse. Applied
sunscreen and changed quickly. Fifteen minutes later, when he left the room, Marco
was gone.
Kat searched his sunglasses in the bag, picked up the previous day's newspaper
and opened the door to the courtyard, thanks for Marco not be in view. That was good.
It would be a rest of the questions for which she had no answers. A time to think. And a
relief from emotional reactions that still contaminating your thoughts every time he
smiled, ran his hands in her hair, touched her, or ... simply breathing.

The tiles surrounding the infinity pool warmed his feet and the morning air ruffled
his skin. The sun spread over the ocean and the sky was cloudless. Kat put her
sunglasses and watched the wreckage that spread storm on the deck and on the tiles,
dirty pool, full of leaves. He went to the equipment cabinet, grabbed a broom and a
sieve and set to work. It was nice to have something to do. The sun was shining,
making her sweat as she cleaned the deck and the ground and then took the sieve.
When she turned to fish the leaves floating in the water, her shoulders ached pleasantly
and his forehead was wet with sweat. She sat in a lounge chair and picked up the
newspaper.
Were only five minutes until it began to remember what had been avoiding
thinking. Sighed, folded the paper and tucked it under his leg.
- Regardless of the outcome of the examination, you want to have a baby? - She
wondered aloud, as if that attributing due seriousness to the matter. - I do not know.
Maybe. - Pause. - Kat, you're thinking again about what others will think, not what you
think? - Yes, she was. His father would be furious when he found out she was pregnant.
The press would have a glorious day. Grace would ... She was not sure what your boss
would do. On the other hand, Connor and Luke would support and would be happy. The
opinion of the two weighed more than all the others put together. - Forget the test result
and think. Having a child let her happy?
With a sigh, she remembered the strange sensation felt when given wings to your
thoughts and imagined a house, a husband and children. Kate gasped and felt his heart
shrink. His emotions were confused completely. Maybe it was the effect of storm.
Maybe it was because she had suppressed her feelings for a long time. Maybe
because, deep down, she did not want to be the woman who all felt pen, the woman
who gave the impression of "not caring" but dying inside when someone made a joke
about his decision not to have children.
When her mother was diagnosed with a progressive disease that attacked the
muscles, but kept lucidity, she had done a research on the motor neurons and read the
statistics, had analyzed the chances of survival and mortality rates, and lost a piece of
the heart every detail had discovered. After a few weeks of agony, she joined the books,
had taken the markers, cleaned the history of computer and solemnly decided not to
take the test to see if carried the disease gene.
Had dealt with his decision and accepted. Assumed the mask capable and
efficient working and ignored any discussion of family and children. The illness of his
mother was not a secret, but she refused to let this be reason to feel sorry for her. To
the outside world, she had made a conscious decision not to have children. If someone
wanted to be sarcastic on the subject, the problem was the person. She had a thick
skin, I could handle it.
But now ...
A son. A family.
- Emotional involvements are terrifying - she concluded aloud.
Kat looked at the ocean. Ready. Just said. It was terrifying. Open up meant being
vulnerable. He had done it so many times in your relationships that increasingly became

more difficult to recover when they ended. Most, unpleasantly. She opened when
revealed to Ben did not want to have children. The next day, he asked the divorce
through a text message.
Hang On. She was talking about Marco. Marco would never hurt her. He
understood like no other man. Understood the popular hit songs she played in the car
and sing along with it. Let her choose the movies you would see, most of the time. The
two talked, argued and laughed together.
It was his perfect match.
Kat sat up abruptly, his body very tense. No. Definitely not. She would not. Not
with him. He was your friend, not a future ex. She should be thinking about the baby,
not imagining a unilateral romance.
- Right. - She tore hair sweaty neck. - The baby. Think of it. - Kat hesitated. Since
when had begun to think of it as being real? - Then, you will have it?
She left the question sound in the air. The breeze was blowing, the trees swayed,
parakeets shouted, interrupting the silence. Kat put her hand over her stomach, closed
his eyes and gave wings to the imagination.
A son. A thumbnail of her and Marco, a beautiful child curly hair, pretty mouth
and cheekbones sharp. With dreamy brown eyes Marco, or hers, blue, to contrast. A
naughty child and bold, charming and confident. A combination of the two, but totally
unique. Not a black and white copy, but a copy with your own colors and shapes.
She felt a lump in my throat and let out a sob. Wanted to have the child. Really
wanted. It was as if he had an epiphany, a luminous revelation in which, the more she
thought, the more it made sense.
Marco was right: things would be different with your child. The prospect of being
a mother was frightening, different and away from your comfort zone. She never had the
luxury of thinking about having a family. Katerina Jackson had dealt with the paparazzi
and lived among the cream of society, with celebrities and stupid boyfriends. Gone
through two divorces and become stronger. Had the good fortune of having money,
friends and support. When the genetic test this negative, would have passed the last
hurdle.
- Mother ... - she said softly, stroking the belly. - I ... That's Incredible..
Needed to tell Marco.

CHAPTER 5

K at up and went back into the house.

- Marco? - Her voice echoed off the walls. She stopped and listened intently.
Listened to music? To be more exact, violin.
Kat frowned. Marco loved listening to heavy rock and pop music. Never shown
preference for the classics. She followed the direction of sound and stood before the
door leading to the indoor pool. Of course, he was enjoying a personal moment, but it
was something that needed to tell him. She opened the door and, as always, caught his
breath to enter into that environment: painted arches of white, floor Greek bricks, heated
pool kidney shaped, with a full bar in the center. On the right, an alcove, which always
made her had sinful thoughts.
Thoughts that suddenly turned into reality when she saw Marco shirtless, lying
down, listening to music.
Kat stopped and held his breath. He was facing her, with eyes closed and a look
of concentration, moving his hand in time with the melody. A beautiful and poignant
melody that touched your heart and led her to stifle a sigh.
She looked eagerly at him, letting the eyes travel throughout your body, starting
with black hair, down his face, his broad shoulders, the muscular chest, the firm belly.
When they got to her hips, she was more than excited. Who would watch him listening
to music would leave so excited?
And she was. It was as if his insides were suddenly on fire to the music, and she
began to melt as she looked at him.
And she continued to look. It was as if the music had owned and commanded, as
he conducted the melody.
Kat had never felt so excited.
The song ended suddenly, and he opened his eyes, taking her there, still, looking
at him with a abobalhada face. She had no time to try to preserve their dignity and run.
The gaze of Marco seemed to have no expression, his face shone with sweat. He
stared at her for a while and then brushed the hair from his forehead and wiped it.
Kat felt his throat go dry.
Marco was his best friend. It irritated her, made her laugh and cry. He was her
rock, her shoulder friend. And she was his companion, whenever he needed, his
consultant clothes, his drinking companion and confidante. Of course she loved him. As
loved Connor and Luke.
But now, as he looked at her with emotions slowly returning to her face, she
could think of as she wanted.
He was magnificent. The perfect example of beauty and passion, her face framed
by dark curls worthy of a Botticelli, the classic profile that estonteava women, even
before he opened his mouth and spoke with that wonderful French accent.

Kat curled her fingers on the straps of her blouse.

- Since when do you like classical music?
Marco lifted.
- Since last year.
- And you did not tell me? - Strange. - What song was that?
- The "Idylle sur la Paix", Jean-Baptiste Lully - he said, absently pulling the pants
bar.
- I do not know.
- Musician and dancer of the seventeenth century. He opened the Baroque style
in France.
- Oh. - She smiled. - So it's not anyone famous.
- He was the composer of the court of Louis XIV ... A musical genius who knew
how to get what he wanted and was a close friend of Molire. It was fascinating, but
unlike Beethoven and Mozart, do not talk much about it.
- What a pity.
- I have a few books and a French film about it. - He turned off the CD player. You should watch the movie. Would like. - He smiled. - Mostly clothes. Historically
inaccurate, but showy.
- You need to translate for me.
- I can do that. - He rubbed his chin and then put it around his waist. Kat stirred to
see so much exposed skin and your heart fluttered. He looked at her with an inscrutable
look, but his eyes darkened a very familiar way, as they came down from her face to the
back, the shirt did not cover. - Kat ...
Her name sounded delicious with that accent, and she broke down. He realized,
and everything to do was raise my hand and move the finger so she obeyed and
circumvention of the pool, stopped in front of him and let out a long sigh. Irresistible was
the perfect word to describe Marco Corelli. Irresistible and romantic. Especially with that
curly dark hair and those perfect lips.
He caused impact: that she was right.
She held her breath as he twirled his finger in a lock of his hair and pulled him
slightly before attaching it behind her ear. He leaned slowly and stopped his mouth with
just one blow.
- Kat ... - he said, staring at his lips.
She staggered, felt the skin crawl and held his breath in the throat.
- Yup?
- Kiss Me.

Kat sighed and looked up. Marco's lips were warm and had a light mint flavor.
She pressed her mouth on him, heard him let out a hoarse moan, and felt that he pulled
her by the shoulders.
Mixed breaths. Hearts racing. Skin boiling. It all happened quickly, as if your body
wait for that exact moment to wake up. When he stuck his tongue between her lips and
plunged it into her mouth, she felt her legs start to shake. He hugged her tighter, holding
her weight as she melted. They stood like that for a long time, savoring each other,
releasing moaning, breathing heavily. When she reached the maximum of excitement,
he began to push her to bed in the alcove.
She was carried away, by hanging on him, he continued to kiss her. He grabbed
her buttocks and pulled her against his body, as he sucked her lip. Kat gasped as he felt
his erection through the clothes and had the sudden desire to be naked, that he would
cover and walked into your body.
- Marco ... - she moaned as his legs touched the edge of the bed.
- Huh? - He spent his lips to her chin in her neck at the base of her neck, causing
her to lose her breath.
- Take the pants.
She felt he was smiling next to her throat, before opening his pants and push it
down. Barely had time to think that he would be naked, and he was beginning to
undress her. Soon, she was out of her blouse and Marco hugged her and kissed her
hungrily, before descending the mouth down her neck, causing him chills, took your bra,
touched her breast and pushed her on the bed. She pressed her body against his hand
and groaned, to provoke him. Marco knew what she wanted, stroked her nipple with his
finger and then his mouth.
Kat began to shake, which seemed unbelievable, considering that was always in
control of what he was doing. But with Marco was different. He brought chaos to
organized your world, using the tongue and mouth to make her feel sensations never
experienced before. Forgetting their scruples, she gave that moment. Stuck his fingers
in the waistband of his underwear Marco, took it out and touched him. He said
something that made her even more excited, but stepped back and looked at her.
- Kat ... - mumbled it. - Do you want to ...? May I ...?
She took a deep breath, sighed and ran a hand over his face, while the desire
and the excitement spread extensively all over his body.
- Yes - she said, kissing him tenderly. - I want you. All over. - She bit her lip and
sucked it. - Slow down, please.
Marco sighed and closed his eyes. She saw him holding his breath, as he tucked
his knee between her legs and touched the middle of her thighs by stimulating it with
experienced fingers that led to moan. He put a finger inside your body, and then
another, causing her to reduce her to a quivering mass of desire.
- Marco! - She did not care for sound desperate, to show as desired. At that
moment, all that mattered was the mouth of Marco, his hands ... And suddenly, he was

placed between her thighs, and entered his body. Ah ... The world disappeared and all
that was left was the heat and strong heartbeat, echoing in every nerve. When he slowly
moved his hips and plunged deeper, she lost her breath and opened his eyes to look at
him.
His face was so close she could feel his breath. How could she resist the
sensations, the delicious excitement to welcome you inside your body? He moved
again, and Kat realized that, instead of resisting, would enjoy that moment.
She moaned and shifted the body, keeping pace, if sticking to it, closing her
eyes.
- Marco ...
- Huh?
Instead of answering, she took his hand and guided it.
- Here, touch me here. - He did as she asked and stroked it. - Oh, well. - She bit
her lip and lost feeling in his fingers teased him, as he sucked her nipple and continued
to move.
A few minutes passed, as they moved in line until she felt she would explode, but
he surprised her, walking away and causing her to turn back. Before she knew it the
interruption, he held the buttocks, pulled her against his body and had behind.
She gasped and held his hands on the bed. He hesitated.
- Kat? Are you fine?
She was? No. I was feeling I would die, because your body threatened to
explode with pleasure.
- Yes, I am.
- Are you sure? - He stroked her back, hips, before moving his hand around her
waist and touch her breast.
- I will not be if you do not continue.
He gave a sly laugh that made her push her body against him and realized he
inhaled the air loud, before holding her hips and start moving.
Kat held her breath, felt that he leaned and nibbled on her shoulder, holding her
breasts and filled your body completely. She let out a sob when the maximum of
excitement, leaned on his elbows and could no longer control. He began to tremble
convulsively, to sip the air with difficulty, and his whole body throbbed with pleasure.
- Marco ... - She repeated his name like a mantra. He felt he nibbled her neck
and said his name, as his hoarse cries of pleasure echoed in the environment.
Kat realized vaguely that loosened the body on the bed, with the body of Marco
still glued to it.
- That was ... You are ... - she cooed. He took on her face and turned it gently.
- Kiss Me.

She kissed him sweetly. He groaned and walked away.

- I'm sorry. I'm too heavy to stay on top of you. Especially when ... - He paused,
letting her conclude the rest, which Kat made quickly. Really, it broke the climate. She
sighed, watching as he moved back and forth in the dark to wear the underwear.
- Marco, we need to talk.
Finally, he turned to her and put his hands on her hips. Kat did not know what I
expected to see in her eyes. Fun, from realizing observed, a sarcastic look on the clich
phrase, a desire to rest. But his gaze only showed the deliberate composure who
anticipated what would follow.
- I think we should.
Right. All right. Kat curled up on the table.
- Very well. I do not want to make an important decision without knowing the test
results, but I know that if the test is negative, I want to have the baby. - Silence fell over
the two. He said nothing: waited for her to speak anything else. The simple fact that he
knew she had something else to say it was unnerving. - I do not want this child to have
a father halftime. Or you participate fully or not participating.
He frowned.
- What makes you think I will not participate?
- I do not want you to solve based on what I want. If you want to return to France
again.
He stifled a groan of frustration.
- You can not tell me a thing and I do not want to think about what you want. It's
not how I operate.
- I know, but you should. I'm giving you permission to get away from all this mess.
- You're not being consistent. - He looked at her in a way that made her blush. First, you say that or I'm at it totally or I'm not. Then you say that I should do what I
want. - He made a halfhearted face. - Let me ask you a question: knowing me as well
as you know, you really think I would leave?
- That's not what I'm saying.
- It is just that. - He seemed to be very tense. - That's plummet, Kat. Thank U.
Kat was amazed. It would have hurt?
- I just ... I do not want you to feel trapped.
- How long have we met? - He asked. She calculated.
- 19 years.
- Exactly. And during all this time, you've seen me do something I did not want to
do?
She hesitated.

- Do Not.
- There it is. - He put on his pants and zipped up.
- But ...
- Holy God, Kat, give to stop? Stop ... - He finished dressing and looked at her in
frustration. - If you will match me their old boyfriends, I prefer to go take a shower.
- Great. Go.
- So that's it? You said all you needed?
- Apparently. - She crawled to the edge of the bed with the dignity he had left, but
furious. As he left, she threw herself back on the mattress. Could be more unpleasant?
In just one day, they had gone from best friends to lovers who fought. To her, it was a
record. It was not what she wanted. How could fix the situation?

D pray: K at was very stubborn.

Marco was in the kitchen making more noise than necessary to get the utensils to
prepare lunch, before going to the courtyard where there was a barbecue.
She was so determined to make their own decisions, not to consider a different
opinion, which had not yet occurred to him ...
Of course their long absences from home were inconvenient. Sometimes he
thought he played hide and seek with people's lives. After the knee injury, was forced to
prematurely retire and accepted willingly employment that a TV network offered him.
From there, a world of opportunity had opened before him: the advertising contract, the
football schools. He could not regret it, because everything was almost perfect. But now
what? Their dissatisfaction aroused and refused to disappear.
He missed all, you can drop everything and go have a beer with friends. But with
Luke and Connor living in Brisbaine, he and Kat in Cairns, each with their work
commitments, synchronize schedules had become a challenge. Marco put the steaks
on the grill and she hissed, echoing his irritation. If they were together at the time, the
problem would be analyzed and resolved. Instead, he made a proposal of marriage and
awkward for some reason, she had been offended and the two had grown distant.
When the meat was almost burned, the attention of Marco was awakened by a
movement. He turned and, through the window, saw Kat standing in the room, watching
television, and took a shock. She was barefoot and very sexy, wearing shorts and an
old shirt that reached the height of its beautiful thighs. The memory of what they had
done in the courtyard of the pool reached, as well as the most serious problems that the
two avoided discussing them until there was left no choice.
Marco swore. Never waited so anxiously for the result of an examination. The
result would change both their lives forever, for better or worse. Now he understood why
Kat had resolved not want to know. It had to be a very strong person to want to know,

but also needed to be strong to live life fully, always carrying the burden of uncertainty.
Kat was stronger than he thought.
Angry and humiliated, Marco turned his attention to the grill and waited for her to
come. It was not long.
- Can I help you with something? - She asked, pausing at the door.
- We need drinks.
- Of Course.
He watched as she went to the kitchen. Beautiful legs, back straight. Marco
swallowed, put the fillets on a plate and went inside.
When Kat took the plate that he offered him, he felt her perfume and shivered.
- What are you using?
She looked down and pulled the shirt bar.
- This? It is the top of pajamas.
- Not Your perfume..
- Oh ... - She looked surprised. - Clove and citronella. I put in the drawer of my
underwear ... - She paused to see him smile. He could almost read his thoughts: "What
beauty, Kat, talk about your underwear, why not?".
- Enough? - Asked Marco.
- Huh?
He indicated that the meat put on the plate.
- It is enough for you?
- Yes, thank you.
He saw her sitting at the table, take a look at it and focus on the plate. The
moment of laughter was gone. What was wrong with ... Okay. He sat down, while
looking at her. Kat was nervous. How come? He played with it hundreds of times about
very personal things. Yes, but who was playing the best friend Marco, not the lover
Marco. Things had changed, and she seemed to be ... uncomfortable.
Marco stifled a curse. What should I do?
- Kat - he said quietly.
- Huh? - She replied, without looking up.
- For me it is also strange.
She looked at him.
- What, specifically?
- You and me.
- It is ...? - She swallowed. - There is no you and me.

There was? The question floated in the air. The second multiplied, until he
realized that franzira the forehead and she returned to look at the plate.
- So we are only occasional partners bed.
She let the sarcasm go unnoticed.
- I do not think this is a good idea.
He stared at her, until she looked at him. And then he stifled a groan when he
remembered the curve of her waist, her buttocks, his body quivering with excitement
and groans of the two to reach the climax.
Kat's eyes widened when she saw him getting the nostrils, and looked back at
the plate.
- You are my best friend, Marco. I do not want to ruin our friendship.
- She was not spoiled, just ... - He sought a word. - You are different.
- Other ... - She grimaced.
- Of Course. We slept together. Let's have a baby. How would this do not
become different things?
- I do not want it to be different.
- You made that very clear. - He took a deep breath. - But it would be stupid to
deny.
She looked up sharply.
- Are you calling me stupid?
- Do Not! Damn, Kat ...! - He tried to calm himself. - I did not call her stupid. - He
rose from the table, taking the dish. - Want to change the past is a waste of time, and
you know.
She said nothing and looked away. Marco swallowed a groan of frustration. That
look of "you're right, but I will not admit" irritated.
- It was good the way it was - she said, staring at the plate.
The blow hit him like a shot. She did not want. No: she did not want anyone.
Made clear. It should not take it personally. But how could do it, if they had been
together three times and she always said she wanted to be friends? He knew what she
was doing. The situation was getting emotional and Kat tried to push him away. Out
what she had done when her mother died, and was doing again. Only this time, she had
to deal not only with pregnancy hormones, but also with the expectation of the test
results.
If that was how she wanted, he would agree. For now. I would be silent, keep his
hands off her and give her all the support, and only that. Over time, after to leave the
island and return to reality, maybe things would change. It was necessary. Because
they had exceeded the limit, and he would not stay aside as she wanted.

CHAPTER 6

N the morning following, Kat was in bed, staring at the ceiling as the sun coming
through the blinds.
They had spent the afternoon in a heavy silence, that neither the sound of the
television managed to relieve. Finally, she asked leave and gone to bed, getting hours
looking out the window and listening to the night sounds.
Marco, her lover? Absurd.
Still, when she lost her head, had forgotten who he was and had given far.
Madness. Excitement.
Damn, she could not avoid the memories that invaded his thoughts at the most
inopportune moments. The way he kissed her, as if never saciasse. The way he stroked
her, leading her to tremble in anticipation. And the way he had, as if she belonged to
him.
And you with this talk of "we're just friends" . He accepted without argument. She
just told him that he was the father of her child, nothing more.
The question was whether she wanted him as more than a friend. I wanted to
start something that could end in disaster? Or worse, wrap it in an emotional confusion,
did not know the result?
You can not .
Kat rolled over and hugged the pillow. She knew Marco Corelli as anyone, but,
on this subject, had no idea.
And there was Grace.
Everything was confused, and she still needed to think about what would Grace.
Thought about not saying anything, but the experience taught him that it was better to
be honest. In addition, she liked her employer and respected her: she deserved to
know.
Sorry, Grace. You know that guy you want to have a child? He will have a child
with me . Kat cringed. Grace, I know you had plans with Marco ... Yuck. Horrible.
Grace, we need to talk about something that happened ...
It just sounded good in your head. On second thought, many things seemed to
sound better in your head. Do not know why he was rehearsing. It worked better
offhand. Should think about it after he received the test results.
- Can not wait to get out of this damn island - she muttered.

M eia hour later when Kat entered the room, the table was set for breakfast, and
Marco, watching television, channel jumped channel in search of news.
- What is the situation? - She asked, making use of cereals.
- Communication towers return to work within a few hours. - He went to the
kitchen and grabbed the toaster.
- Great.
- Eager to escape, cherie ? - The smile he gave was cold.
- I am anxious to know the result of my examination.
He agreed and engaged with the toaster.
- Marco ...
- Huh? - He kept busy with the toaster. Kat bit her lip.
- Nothing. We should see that DVD you were talking about me. Perhaps, after
breakfast.
He looked at her with an imperturbable expression.
- Of Course.
The two ate in silence, watching TV. Still happening , she thought, staring at the
television. Hated that embarrassment, as if one expected the other to mention the
elephant in the room.
It was a torment.
When Marco raised, taking the dish, she followed him with her eyes. He had a
way of walking that netted him a number of admirers, while still playing for Marseille.
And yet surrendered. Kat sighed and stood up. They had just three times in bed, and all
of them, she had been amazed. But admit that I would have him as a friend and lover
was scary. It would be foolish to start something that could implode with the test results,
she would need necessarily face, and did not want Marco passed by even a third of
what it had come to see someone who loved languishing slowly.
She went to the sink to wash the bowl and, without thinking, pushed him around
the waist to push him away. He jumped like a scalded cat, causing her to be frightened.
- Sorry - she said, with almost cheek to cheek on his shoulder.
- Your hair tickles - he said, taking the dish sink and away.
- I'm sorry - she said without conviction, opening the tap. Realized that will stir
with him, to hear him contain a groan. - You should put a blanket.
- What?
She indicated the shirt with short sleeves and ruffled arms.

- If you're cold, should put a blanket.

Marco gave him an indecipherable look, that intrigued and excited. How could
look at it without your pulse quicken? But he needed. Had already embraced and fun
and played with the safety of platonic friendship. Now she just wanted to kiss him ...
Take it to bed.
Kat clung to the control he had left and returned.
- Let's see the movie.

And it was linked from the first minute, from the first classical chord. Of course,
as the movie was in French, Marco had to translate. Every time he spoke with that
deep, soft voice, she lost her breath. The music was beautiful and exciting, the
costumes were extravagant, sharpening your senses. Moreover, with Marco sitting
beside her, she felt the warmth of your body, your perfume. Kat tried not to wince at an
intimate scene and concentrated on the screen to not kiss him, as he translated a
particularly hot dialogue. But had to swallow, contain a shudder, and raised.
- I need a drink. You also want to?
He put his arm around her waist and pulled her back to the couch.
- Not until the scene is over. That's incredible.
- Leave run. I'll just take a second.
Marco pressed the pause button.
- You always do this. It is unbearable!
- It will be fast - she said, trying to get loose. - Let go of me.
-. No Louis will confront the mother. You will lose an important part.
Kat tried to get rid of his fingers, but he did not let go. She started laughing and
gasped when he pulled harder, causing it to fall on him.
- Drink can expect.
- But ...
- Quiet, woman. I'm trying to see the movie, and you're pissing me off.
Kat gave a theatrical sigh, settled her head on his lap and was watching the
movie. Marco put his arm around his waist and his hand on his hip.
Oh, shit! She tried to concentrate on film, but could not. Caught between the
tension-filled scene and the soft voice of Marco, who translated, she began to feel the
body heat. Breathing hard. He could not get the screen eyes or turn off, because Marco
seemed to surround her, touching her hips, exhaling their perfume, speaking in an
intimate tone.

Kat tried to move, but felt his body twitching under his head. He touched her hair.
She closed her eyes and swallowed hard.

W hile stroked the hair Kat, Marco heard her let out a gentle sigh, barely enough
to listen. She realized that she had been tense and wanted to bury his face in her hair.
- Marco? You should stop.
He did not become a fool.
- I think I can not.
She turned her head in her lap and looked at him. Marco groaned and could not
help: needed to kiss her.
And so it did.
She had time to protest or get away, but had not moved. As expected him to
come closer, to cover his mouth with his lips. Kat let out a sigh that ended in a whimper.
It was all he needed to know.
The two were kissing for a long time, until Marco walked away with a lament.
- What are we doing, Kat?
Her eyes widened.
- I do not know, but we can not talk about it?
- Kat ...
- Please Marco. With all that is happening, we will not talk about it.
His hand came down by Kat's chin, down her neck and stopped in his throat, a
possessive gesture that she ignored.
- At some point we need to talk.
- But not now, right? - She raised her head and tried to kiss him, and he drew
back as if thinking reject it, but then let out a hoarse moan, took her face and kissed her.
Suddenly, he pulled away.
- We Should ...
- Stop? - She asked.
- Are you asking or telling? - He heard her gasp and saw his sad look. She would
say ...? He would ...?
Impossible.
Or was it?
- You're right - he said, getting up slowly and going to the kitchen. She would
have prevented, would have said something if he thought different, would not he? But
while he prepared a drink, the silence spoke loud and clear. He was not wrong in

relation to that look: a mixture of apprehension and desire. Had seen him in the eyes of
other women.
But now it was Kat, your Kat.
No, not yours.
He wandered through the kitchen while she was on the couch, until they heard
the unmistakable sound of the cell.
- Did you hear that? - He asked.
- What?
- My cell phone has signal.
- This means that the towers are working - she said.
He raised his eyebrows, rushed to pick up the phone and checked the messages.
She did the same. Marco felt disappointed. It was ridiculous: they could not stay there
forever. Needed to return to their lives, the reality: work, test results, media harassment.
He rubbed his head dejectedly. The fact that they have been isolated because of
the hurricane would be a party to the press. Grace would want to know that story. And
the result Kat exam that scared him ... He looked at her and saw her frown. All would
harass her, and she could wriggle out of the press, but not ... Grace Grace was
demanding and competitive, and he knew she had been trying to start an exclusive
interview Kat, which until now had refused to give him. But after the last few days,
Marco was sure Grace would not accept a "no" answer.
Suddenly, he felt the urge to flee and take Kat to some place where they could
relax in anonymity and ignore the outside world. Perhaps to Japan? Alaska?
Or they could stay there.
Kat gasped and he returned to stir the dishes.
- The geneticist called. The result of my review was.
Marco turned away, but she had opened the patio door and went out. The door
closing noise was like taking a slap in the face. She left out. Damn. He tried to occupy
making a coffee, not to indulge in grief. Kat would talk to him in due course and, as
always, he would be there to support her, whatever the result.
But suddenly, Marco was paralyzed. The dread that thought he controlled during
the last days had returned, leaving him despondent. Could not miss it. Not your Kat. Not
the woman he just realized that I was completely in love.
How? What?
Before he had a chance to digest the revelation, Kat came back and stopped in
the middle of the room, very pale.
- Kat?
- I know they should not say this over the phone - she spoke slowly. - But Dr..
Hardy and my mother knew a long time ago, and I did not know when we would go back

to the mainland, and ... - She paused, took a deep breath and looked him in the eye. Sorry, I'm stretching me. I just ... - She stroked his hair and sighed as he stood there,
her heart in her throat and throbbing pulse.
- You're scaring me, Kat. What did he say?
- They will do another test to confirm the result, but ...
- What?
- Preliminary tests gave ... - Her eyes widened in amazement. - Positive. - She
swallowed and her voice was trembling. - They were positive.
Holy God.
For a moment the world seemed to stand still. Marco realized that asked "what?",
But the shock stifle everything else. She was ... she would ...
No. NO.
He looked at her in silence, unable to believe until he noticed the tears streaming
down his face, and felt his heart broken.
No, no, no.
He ran to her just when she let out a guttural sob. He held her tightly, feeling
helpless because he could not help her because he could not contain his tears because
he can not do anything but hold her and whisper absolutely useless words, as she cried
and broke your heart.
As she sobbed, wetting his shoulder with tears, Marco swallowed hard and tried
to contain the pain itself, but also crying, while thought Kat needed him to be strong.
Otherwise, it would be useless.
But, as might be strong when, inside, suffered so much and rebelled?
The revolt that grew every second made Marco contain the tears.
- Let's do another take. And then another. They may have made a mistake. It
always happens.
Kat mumbled something unintelligible and looked up with an expression so
tormented that he was not held and kissed her.
She let out a sob and also kissed him. And when he put his tongue inside her
mouth, she moaned, grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him.
Marco lost the reason, while the desire exploded. He held her and continued to
kiss her. Kat moaned with pleasure and tried to rip the shirt into your pants and began
to push it, and suddenly, the two were on the couch, he, lying, and she was on top. He
could not think or speak. The commotion soon eliminated any sense to trace.
Dominated by a crazed desire, the two began to undress frantically, a longing that did
not give rise to sweet words of love, that reduced the two people who desperately
needed physical and emotional contact to prove that he still had the strength and were
alive.

Kat put his hands around his head, as he pulled her skirt and panties, enjoying
her soft, warm skin. While kissing her, he held her by the hips and fit it in your body.
She held her breath and felt the dive in it. For a moment they stood motionless, closely
linked, looking at each other, breathing in the same measure.
She was ... Amazing.
Marco ran his finger in her face and wiped her tears and tenderly kissed her
eyelids.
- Kat ...
- Please, Marco, do not say anything. - She silenced him with a kiss.
Instinctively, he grabbed her hips and began to move, commanding the pace.
With the rapid pulse, he was not sure that he had heard sobbing, because the only thing
she could hear was the beating of his own heart, sensual sound of flesh rubbing meat
and the panting breath noise of the two.
Kat leaned forward and bit his lip.
- Marco ...
- Yup?
- Please touch me.
He granted his request. Kat closed her eyes, satisfied, and covered his hand,
coming down around her waist, going through her belly and up to her breasts, caressing
her nipple. She sighed, pushed the body over his and bent to kiss him repeatedly until
he felt it would explode until the friction and heat of their bodies reached the point where
the two were about to fall apart.
Marcus felt that she contracted the body around it, and groaned. He held her by
the hips and pulled her up to feel that Kat shivered, closed his eyes and let out a cry of
pleasure.
He also began to shake and let out a cry of satisfaction. Kat came loose on his
chest as Marco said his name and held her tightly. With shaky and sweaty body, she
panted from your neck.
- Do not move. Stay still.
- I'm not going anywhere,
calmed.

cherie

- he said, stroking her hair as her body

He loved her.
When this happened? How? He tried to remember, replaying every moment.
Happened that night, ten weeks? Or was before?
Marco frowned. No matter when. He loved her as a friend and a lover. As the
smart, funny, beautiful and extremely vulnerable woman he knew so well. Amara the 14
year old girl with beautiful hair and bright blue eyes, that had faced. Amara vulnerable
and foolish girl of 19, who both needed him, the girl who cried the blues on his shoulder.

The woman who had made mistakes in life and in love and standing continued, that
forged their way regardless of the people who criticized it.
The woman who had just received the worst news of his life.
No. Try as he might, he could not avoid reality, and realized the time she came to
that conclusion. Kat took a deep breath and hugged him tighter.
- Do not do that - he said affectionately.
But it was too late. She came off him in silence. While she dressed, he closed his
pants. When Marco got up, held her breath to see her expression. How much strength
she doing to stay so calm and controlled? Was trying to contain, so that he would not
see his despair.
When Kat turned away, blasphemy Marco swallowed seemed to cut his throat
like a shard of glass. Do not you dare lose my temper. Not when it is doing everything
to himself.
- We need to figure out when we can return to the mainland - he spoke kindly,
admiring her thighs, the soft curve of her hips, shoulders she straightened as she turned
to him and pull the hair back.
- Yes I also need to make some calls..
- Kat. - He held her by the waist. To the surprise of Marco, she did not protest
and was carried away. They stood quietly embraced, like two friends. Finally, he said: Let's not jump to conclusions. They want to do further tests. Let's wait for them to make
a decision.
She nodded silently, and Marco realized she was already thinking, planning,
making decisions. Kat's head never stopped working, and just that day, she needed to
make sensible and logical choices ...
She walked away, and he released her reluctantly. Kat took the phone.
- I need to make some calls.

CHAPTER 7

Fter that Marco has confirmed that the port of Cairns would open in a few hours,
Kat used his powers of persuasion and some supplications to get an appointment with
the geneticist, the next day. Then the two came into contact with some people, to say
they were alive and well.

For what they had understood, Carns was in chaos. Some areas of the city had
no electricity or water, and the phones worked poorly. In the tropical climate, it was
essential that these services return to work as soon as possible, but that would be a
task that would require a coordinated effort of government and private companies. At
least, so that the ports were clean and running, the city would receive ships with
supplies and could begin to recover.
With this information, the two began to look after the house, taking the tape from
the windows, bringing together the best they could of debris that probably would require
weeks of work to be fully removed, because all services would give priority to the
mainland.
It was good being busy, focusing on physical exertion to lift and remove the
waste. Kat assumed that would not have time to think about exams, the baby, Grace
and Marco situation, but as long as your clothes are soaked with sweat, she realized
that her head is not easily distracted.
You can not have this baby . She could not. Out exactly why we decided to never
have children. What his mother had endured, she passed to see it weaken and die
because of a relentless disease ... The suffering was so great that she would give
anything to prevent what happened. It was one thing to know that would have the same
disease, to know exactly what was going to face every day for the rest of the time he
had left, but add a child to that equation? No. Never.
Kat glanced at Marco and then looked away. Yes, the pain of an abortion would
be deep, but it would be preferable to a life of anguish, knowing that this could have
been avoided and that she had not done so by selfishness. Do not let the child and
Marco go through that suffering.
She tried not to think, but could not. The thoughts invaded his head, forming
various scenarios until she could think about it. Kat gritted his teeth and shoved the rake
on the ground so hard it broke the cable. Drugs. Think about something else. Anything.
Think of the hurricane. At work. Yes, at work . Grace would want her to seek stories that
desencavasse news. I would be so busy that would not have time even to scratch.
Much less to think about ...
Kat blinked. And then it would start again. Grace would select stories worthy of
attention and gather donations, while dozens of other stories were only mentioned in
passing. The futility of it all caused him frustration.
She spent the next half hour working and when his arms were already aching, he
saw that the two had managed to clear a lot of the trash that was around the house.
Finally, Marco stretched his body and grabbed a bottle of water that was under a
tree, took a sip and took the phone.
- We will be terminated.
Kat wiped the sweat from his neck and took the other bottle he offered.
- OK.

- We'll get to the mainland around 15h. - He saw her agree and drink a sip of
water, saying nothing. - Kat ...
She looked at him and drank the remaining water. What he saw in his eyes made
her tremble inside.
- Marco ... Do not say anything.
- But I need to say ...
- No - she said briskly. - Do not say anything. We've talked, and see in him. I do
not want to talk about it until you know the outcome of other tests. Promise you will not
say anything else.
She realized he clenched his fists and his mouth twitched, and waited. The
second multiplied. Faced her mother's death without speaking. He did not remember to
have had some more serious talk with his father about what was going on, than felt. His
father had never been communicative and in that case simply fallen silent mouth. Not
speak and dive at parties until a not distinct from each other, was the only way she
knew to deal with those situations. If Marco say more, she would fall apart.
- Combined.
She breathed in relief.
- Thank you. Now ... - She tried to smile, but it came out bland. - I do not know
about you, but I need to take a shower before we return to civilization.

M arch never knew how she managed to stay calm throughout the day and
witnessed your energy, your willpower to face the strong rocking of the boat quietly and
very pale, controlling nausea.
As they approached the continent, watched the terrible results Hurricane Rory in
Cairns. The news that they had heard on the radio there was the prepared for such
devastation. Several boats had been thrown by the wind and were stacked on the dock
as if they were toy. Majestic palm trees had fallen - some reaching homes - or been
uprooted. Debris, sand, trees, broken glass, destroyed buildings ... Everything had been
ripped out of place and reassembled in a strange way, as the small boat jammed in a
luxurious beach house, hanging a bike on a lonely palm tree, a fallen plasma TV in now
through a pool full of sand. Had torn tiles, broken personal items and broken dreams
scattered by the wind.
The hurricane turned the coast an unrecognizable place. They landed in silence
amid the pitfalls that still floated along the quay, crossed the remnants of The
Esplanade and went to the next street, where Marco had sent a car expecting them.
The path through the city was also done in silence as the two looked at the
devastation caused by the hurricane.
Physical devastation that followed the emotional.

Marco swallowed, glanced at Kat and returned to observe the police and rescue
teams who directed traffic and controlled dozens of media outlets, vying place with
volunteers and business owners who wanted to start cleaning.
No. He had to stop thinking like that. Did not know yet. Not until, as she said, they
had proof. And then the two would deal with whatever was necessary.
Kat's cell phone rang, and it was a relief. After a quick conversation in which she
spoke the more he heard that, she hung up.
- Grace needs me.
He nodded and said he would take her there.

W hen stopped in front of the studio, Kat got out and turned.
- Thank you. Then I'll tell you how it went.
- Are you sure you do not want me to come? - He asked for the third time.
- Grace always trusted me. She should know by me. The sooner she gets
knowing the better. - She smiled wryly. - I will provide you with the news that she both
are wanting. - Marco snorted, but said nothing. Kat thanked again, said goodbye and
left.
As she entered the studio, his head was still on the island, away from Grace. It
was as if time had been there had the isolated in a bubble. Now it was facing reality. Kat
sighed, took his badge and entered the building. It was time to focus on what needed to
tell Grace.
- Say what comes to mind. - Outside the advice of Marco. He was right. Some of
his best material for The Tribune had been spontaneous and impromptu. Much
preparation meant that things seem too edited or scripted. That was a time when she
did not want to sound false.
Heart pounding, crossed the hall and asked an assistant where to find Grace.
Just entering the canteen, stopped at the door, looked around the room and saw the
woman sitting in a corner, talking to the executive producer of the program.
Kat took a deep breath and approached with a smile.
Grace saw her from a distance, cried out, up and caught the attention of
everyone.
- Kat! My God, how nice to see you! How are you?
Kat found herself enveloped in a cloud of perfume, while Grace hugged her and
kissed her.
- You were very vague on the phone ... You were on the island with Marco, was
not he? The hurricane hit the island or went off? There was a lot of damage? You took
photos? Sit down and tell me everything!

Conscious of being the center of attention, Kat smiled, greeted everyone, let
herself be held and touch and thanked concern until you feel your mouth start to hurt
from smiling so much. When the confusion subsided and all returned to their tables, she
leaned over and spoke in Grace's ear:
- I need to talk to you in private.
Grace raised his eyebrows.
- Of Course. Let's go to my room.
They took a few minutes to leave the cafeteria and go through the corridors.
When they reached the blue and yellow office Grace, your favorite perfume was in the
air.
- What is it, Kat? - Grace asked, curious. - You want my opinion on some new
material?
- No -. Kat sat on the edge of the chair, feeling his insides squirm. - It's about
Marco.
- Oh?
That would be more embarrassing than she thought, because it was someone
she liked, someone who, even though she was subtle or embellish the words, would be
hurt. This time it was personal, and she hated need to do this.
- Grace, Marco and I ... He and I ... We are ... - We are what? Dating? Sleeping
together? Let's have a baby? - Involved - she said weakly. That's it. Put your skills to
use .
Silence settled, becoming even heavier because of the scent that wafted through
the air. Within seconds, several emotions went through the perfectly made-up face of
Grace - surprise, confusion, bewilderment - until she furrowed her eyebrows, showing
his displeasure.
- Sorry ... What was that?
- Marco and I are involved.
Grace crossed her arms.
- Yes, that's what you said, but what does that mean? One way or another, you
always got involved.
- We slept together.
Grace's eyes widened.
- What? When?
Kat swallowed, but he endured.
- Ten weeks before he left for France. - And in the days ... But she did not have
to say this because, for the face of Grace, she has deduced.
Grace started flashing and his silence said it all or nothing. Instead of trying to
explain and justify something that hurt her, Kat decided to wait.

Grace came around the table, sat down and leaned back in his chair with an
expression that revealed nothing.
- I understand. A party of particular party, was not it?
- Grace ... - Kat felt her heart clench. How hard it was! - At that time you were not
together ...
- I appreciate you have worried ... - The wry smile of Grace reached Kat like a
stab. - This makes me feel better.
- I must say that I did not plan ...
Grace raised his hand.
- Stop. I do not need to know the details. - She looked at Kat, until he felt burned
by the betrayal and humiliation and began to sweat. - When I talked about having a
child, you did not tell me anything.
Kat nodded.
- I'm sorry, I did not know what to say. At that moment, what had happened
between me and Marco was just ... Just once. We had resolved to forget and go on. But
now, after the last few days, we talked and everything became a little more ...
complicated.
- How?
Kat blushed.
- Only ... complicated.
Grace frowned.
- You're not pregnant, are you?
Kat was shocked to hear the question and had to catch her breath.
- The ... what?
- Are you pregnant? - Grace repeated, with the contracted face.
Kat hesitated to deny automatically, because it was Grace, a person she admired
and respected, whom she had confided some facts of his personal life. And with that
hesitation, she gave herself, clearly confirming the suspicion of Grace, who smiled,
increasing their conflict.
Please do not ask. I can hardly stop thinking about it ... And the test result still
made it worse.
Kat bit her lip and looked away.
- No comment.
There was silence for a few minutes. A silence during which Kat swallowed all
the emotions that had been facing in recent days. Damn, she could not go out of
control. He could not lose his cool. Had his moment of weakness with Marco, left to be

dominated by intense feelings and become vulnerable. Could not do the same every
time someone mentioned the subject. Otherwise, would be reduced to a bubbling mass.
Finally, Grace sighed.
- I can not say I'm not hurt, Kat.
- I know. I feel very, very much. But it was nothing planned. If there's anything I
can do to compensate for it ...
- An interview.
Kat blinked and frowned.
- What?
- Can you give me this interview about which we talked. - Grace got up and put
his hands on the table, with a twinkle in his eye.
Wow, that was somewhat ... Kat shook her head.
- That's ... not.
- You still says "no"? - Grace raised an eyebrow. - After what just told me?
Knowing that, in this business, nothing is secret for long? - Seeing that Kat was
frightened, Grace shook his hand in the air. - Well, honey, you should know that I do not
would leak information to the press, but, so other people are involved, it will be
inevitable.
Kat was silent, while Grace watched for a long time and then took a makeup bag
inside of your desk drawer and touched up her lipstick. It was true. The secret could be
saved by one person, but over the next few weeks, she wants wanted or not, most
people would be involved.
- My offer still stands - Grace said, referring to the phone messages. - We would
do it your way, according to final approval. You know it's not often that I say this.
Kat thought for a moment.
- So, despite what happened to Marco, is everything okay?
- No -. Grace smiled slightly.
- Grace ... The situation between us will be strange?
- It is likely - Grace replied, still tense. - You denied for long. I always knew there
was something between you ... something that already happened before I came on the
scene. I should not have been so surprised.
Kat swallowed the guilt and looked away.
- It is not true ...
- Oh, please! - Grace looked up melodramatically, opened the door and left. - I
deserve some credit. You and Marco always had something.
Kat followed her without saying anything, until Grace turned to face her.
- When you make it public?

- If, Grace.

If we are made public.

Grace looked at her with irony, over his shoulder.

- Oh, it's when , dear. You bet.
- We do not think about it.
- Really? - Grace continued to walk. - You better start thinking. You know the
gossip always find a way to spread.
Kat looked at her. That would be a threat? It seemed to be. But to be honest, she
understood that Grace was so bitter. And if I could do something to compensate her,
she would willingly.
To give you an exclusive interview?
Yuck. That idea was crossed in his throat for the rest of the afternoon, until Kat
finally come home, take a quick shower, sank into bed and fell into a blissful.

CHAPTER 8

N the day following, Marco and Kat sat in the waiting room of Dr.'s office. Hardy,
hoping she would call. Most North Cairns buildings survived the hurricane, but the
landscape had become strange: part of the city had been toppled, while another had
been proudly standing as if nothing had happened.
Instead of telling you that everything would work out and that she would be fine,
Marco quietly held the hand of Kat and from time to time he stroked his fingers. The
minutes passed.
One, five, mar.
He glanced at the clock and then, for the tenth time, examined the clean room.
Despite the destruction out there, life went on, people needed tests and diagnostics, to
know what was wrong with them if they are to treat. There were few people waiting: a
young couple, a man, a woman with two small children. Marco imagined that they would
have problems, why they were there, how they would react to bad news, which had
promised change, if the prognosis was favorable.
He saw the young mother open a book and show the little boy, and smiled at her.
In a few years, Kat would be doing the same thing.
Or not.

- Thank you for coming with me - Kat said with a smile.

- I could not be anywhere else, cherie . - Marco shook her hand, disguising its
concern. She needed him to be strong. Was there as his best friend, not as the man
who loved her so much that it would sell the soul to be in place.
She broke the wrinkle he formed his forehead with a fingertip.
- Do not be so.
He kissed her hand and looked away.
- Excuse Me.
- Please, Mark, if you falter now, I will not endure.
He held his breath, nodded and exhaled.
You need to tell her .
His face twitched, and Marco stared at the floor. No. She told him that they were
just friends and nothing more. If he told her, had no doubt that the friendship between
the two would end. Discuss that subject and show her that should be together, at a time
when she had so many problems to face, would be to risk losing everything. He did not
like to wait, but wanted to have her in your life. As frustrating as it was, would have to
wait.
But not for long.
A door opened and all eyes turned to Dr. Hardy, who addressed them both with a
smile.
- Good afternoon, Kat. Glad you came - he spoke softly, but was heard by the
people closest, which immediately recognized.
Kat blushed and stood up, shook hands with Marco and followed the doctor to
the office.
- Did you see how is the city? - Said dr. Hardy with a worried expression.
- Yes It's unbelievable..
- It was not as bad as Yasi, but it was ugly.
Kat nodded, with a serene expression. But the way she contracted lips, Marco
could see she was restless.
- So ... - Marco said. - You redid the tests?
- Remade. - Dr. Hardy coughed, took off his glasses and threw them on the
folder.
- And ...?
The doctor checked the contents of the folder for a time that seemed endless.
Finally, pulled a sheet and took too long to read it.
Kat leaned across the table and frowned.

- What?
Dr. Hardy blushed.
- First, I want to say I'm sorry for what you have spent. We tend to follow strict
rules that unfortunately I broke because of my friendship with her mother. - He coughed.
- But now I can say that ... - He looked at it and looked back at her. - There was a
confusion in the laboratory. Some samples were labeled incorrectly. The result of your
test was negative for neurodegenerative diseases.
The feeling was it took a hefty chest, right by the best striker in the world. The
sob Marco mixed at the highest and delicate sob Kat. She widened her eyes and froze.
When he spoke, his voice was panting, as if she had run up the stairs.
- Sorry ... What?
- The results of his blood tests came back negative for motor neuron diseases.
You are immune and healthy, and ...
The heartbeat of Marco drowned the rest. Kat was healthy. The result was
negative. The relief he felt did not compare to what I felt at other times, as to be called
to the national team, to hear the verdict of innocent after the trial of his father, upon
hearing the news that walk again after surgery who had knee. It was pure joy, a joy that
took his breath away and made him feel a laugh rising inside the chest, before he
suppressed.
She will have a baby. Our son.
Marco gave a exalted exclamation, turned to Kat and hugged her too hard and
perhaps too emotion, but the happiness he felt was difficult to contain. She would live
and see the child grow, get started, go to school, date, get married.
She would live.
He pulled back enough to pick up on her face, knowing that your smile stretched
from ear to ear because she did the same.
- Free - she whispered, with the cheerful face covered with tears.
- Free - he repeated. - We will have a child.
She widened her eyes and nodded.
- Oh, if we ... - Kat swallowed.

The test gave negative. She would have a baby. Still failed to assess the
extent of the two things that would change his life completely. She already had covered
stories of survivors enough to know how emotions are mobilized to handle that kind of
information. At that moment, I felt a mixture of excitement and awesome, uncontrollable
panic, which caused her to lose her breath, choked with a laugh, feel her eyes filled with
tears.

Marco wiped his face with a trembling hand. She looked at him and felt like
laughing, shouting, dancing and face the world. He was able to do bold things for simple
fun. Wanted to accomplish all the foolish and crazy dreams that she and Marco had
imagined while still in school, competing to see which would be absurd. Bungee jump at
the Eiffel Tower, rent Disneyland for a day, down the bike Everest, fly a military fighter
plane.
She wanted to live.
After so many years refusing to take the test, pretending not to worry and passing
unbearable hours of anguish, she finally had relief. Everything seemed unreal, as if she
walked in a dream where nothing could reach it. And the tender kiss of Marco, his joy
with the result ... There could be no better time than that.
Kat could not find words to describe. Amazing and wonderful would be little to
sort that turning point in his life. She did not have the disease gene.
Dr. Hardy cleared his throat, and she and Marco turned to him, surprised.
- Thank you, Doctor. - Her smile was so wide it hurt. - That was the best news I
could get.
- You're welcome. - The doctor leaned back in his chair and rubbed his head. But there is a problem.
- What?
Dr. Hardy coughed.
- The blood of his mother was type O, right?
- It was what was recorded in the hospital forms - Kat said.
- Your blood type is AB.
- Yup.
- This is where the problem lies.
Kat shook her head.
- Sorry, I do not understand.
- In other cases, I would recommend other blood tests, would make a speech on
check results and would advise you to talk to your doctor ... But I knew his mother a
long time and you owe it. - Dr. Hardy sighed. - What I'm trying to tell you is that it is
impossible for someone who has blood has a son with the AB blood.
Kat was surprised and shook his head.
- It must have been an error. We need to retake the exam blood type.
Dr. Hardy looked at her with sympathy and concern.
- I'm sorry. We did the test three times. There is no mistake.
What?

Kat stood there, trying to decipher the meaning of that revelation. Very well: his
mother was blood O; she was AB. There was no relationship between O and AB. That
meant ...
Suddenly she shook hands with Marco tightly.
- Wait a minute ... Are you telling me that it is impossible that my mother is my
mother?
Dr. Hardy agreed.
- Do Not! - She said firmly. - The tests are wrong. As ... as the first result of my
exam! It was a mistake. A human error.
- No, the exam is right. This time, we were very careful. Everything was done
correctly. - Repairing as she was pale, Dr. Hardy paused. - Look, Kat, I can put you in
touch with someone who ...
She rose so quickly that felt dizzy.
- No ... I do not ... - She did not complete the sentence. He opened the door and
left the office.
Impossible. Ridiculous. It had to be a mistake.
Kat went through the waiting room and crossed the hall without hearing Marco
call it. Stood before the elevator door, pressed the button and tried to organize the
events of recent days, separating them into compartments, trying to find a bit of peace
and order. He could not. Was far from being quiet. Believed to have a deadly disease,
and live with the feelings, the concern with the emotional upheaval caused by this belief
had it drained. Yes, she had managed to deal with that fact, even if, ultimately, refused
to accept it. And now, when his greatest wish had come true, he had learned to be free
of the disease ...
She did not know who it was.
Who was his real mother? His father was his father? Brothers would have
somewhere? Where he was born? It would be like a family member?
Someone had given her and left without looking back? Was stolen? Or was loved
by his parents, who had died in a terrible accident?
She felt a lump in my throat, put her hand to her mouth and stared at the elevator
door, as she felt her eyes fill with tears. It was as if someone had erased all his past,
every moment and memory, replacing them with ... what?
Dozens of questions.
Kat felt rather than saw Marco at his side, a silent presence that little could help
to calm your inner turmoil.
His name was really Katerina, or was that also a lie? His father knew? Someone
you know?
Who was she?

The elevator door opened. Kat swallowed a sob and went, still plugging his
mouth as if to contain his emotions. Marco hit the ground button and finally broke the
silence.
- What will you do?
She stared at the elevator door, trying desperately to control, blinking repeatedly
and swallowing. Could not have a crisis at that time, not there. Maybe later ...
- I'll talk to my father.
- The flights were canceled until the airport is released - said Marco.
- I know. I'll take the first available flight to Brisbaine.
- I'm with you - he said.
Desperate to focus on something else, Kat took the phone and selected a travel
site.
- You do not need to do this.
- I want to.
- You'll have time?
- I'll get. This is important - he said firmly.
She looked at her determined expression and looked away quickly. Of course
you want it to go . As in all other occasions in which had passed through emotional
crises, the presence of Marco would help her overcome this more.
- All right. I'll keep you posted. - The elevator reached the ground floor, and they
crossed the lobby and out the automatic doors. - You can leave me at home? - Asked
Kat.
- Of Course.
The two went to the car in silence. When Kat got in, sat down, groaned and
closed his eyes. Was physically and emotionally drained. Fortunately, Marco decided to
stay silent.
When they reached the building where she lived, the two had not exchanged
another word. What could she say? Had experienced an emotional whirlwind and felt
the need to focus on something else. But when she got out of the car, turned to him and
saw his worried expression, his pose broke up.
- Kat, are you okay? - He asked.
- Not really. - She gave a shaky smile. - But I will stay.
- You want me to go?
She stepped back and shook his head.
- No, thank you. I need to be alone for a while. I need time to clear his head.
- That's right - he spoke with a skepticism that almost made her laugh. Almost.

- I'll call you. - With that, she walked away with disappointment echoing the beat
of heels on the sidewalk. What did you expect? She said no and he accepted without
discussion. But she had been stripped of its history in the space of an afternoon and did
not know what to think and what to feel. So instead of focusing on the confusion
surrounding his birth, it would be wiser not to have answers, rather cling to the problem
had been avoiding discuss.
She and Marco.
Marco's life led him to stay away six months a year. She did not want to have a
piece of your time. She wanted him to commit one hundred percent, but could not ask
him.
Kat went into the house, threw the bag on the kitchen counter and opened the
refrigerator. It would be easier for both her to create the child alone. He could do this.
Ask a license at work, hire a babysitter, as did other women, and had the good fortune
to have a fat bank account to make your life easier.
But still ...
She never ceased to resent the way their parents had played their duties. His
mother was present when he could, but always involved with his work promoting events,
had lost much of its activities during high school. And your father ... Well, she would
have had more chance to fly the ship Enterprise that to see him at his side. It would
have taken a shock if he had attended any activity in which she participated.
The constant and painful absence of parents had hurt, giving you the impression
that they were not interested in her, that had tired and found something else to occupy
them, increasing their insecurity. The bitter taste of instability still caused him chest
tightness.
But she was not the daughter of his mother, is not it? Maybe her parents had
been committed to it because the blood ties that bind families did not exist. Maybe she
had been a disappointment, someone who does not expect much. And when his mother
became ill ...
Kat suddenly felt nauseous and clung to the kitchen counter.
If Nina was not his biological mother, and they knew it all the time ... They knew
she did not have the gene that lead to disease. They knew and had not told him. For
nearly 14 years, his father had several opportunities to give you this information,
reassure her. But had not. Left her to believe have a bomb in the body, and that could
be triggered at any time.
The scream that came out of Kat's throat sounded almost primitive and it really
felt disgusted. As the secret about his birth could have been more important than your
physical and mental health?
The hands were shaking, as she poured a glass of juice and let out the package
on the counter. His head throbbed with the effort of trying to understand it all. Could go
crazy from walking in circles, or could act, but, until she met his father, there was
nothing to do.

It was not true. She could start fixing the damage.

Kat picked up the phone, went through the agenda and finally called a number in
Brisbaine, she thought she would never use: the phone the public relations specialist
who had helped on the occasion of his last disastrous divorce and after the publication
of your photos scandalous.
- Emma? - Kat said, when the girl answered. - I would like to hire her.

CHAPTER 9

T hree days later, Kat had asked to be exempted from work on Friday afternoon
and she and Marco took a flight to Brisbaine. She scored a meeting with his father
during the break he did for lunch. Not that he have lunch, Kat thought as they entered
the elevator that would take them to the offices of Jackson & Blair International
Investments. She grew up hearing stories about how his father and Stephen Blair had
overcome the difficulties of a humble origin and built his company, as they had
committed all its boldness, determination and dedication to reach to be one of the ten
largest companies Australia today.
But every sacrifice comes at a price. Kat barely remembered his father during his
childhood. He remembered his long absences, his mother take her to the office to
spend some "time" with him, weekends in trying to get your attention while he was on
the phone or locked in the office or was absorbed with important documents. In this, she
and Connor were identified, recognizing that educated the same way, no need to put
into words.
If Keith Jackson intimidated as a child, Stephen Blair had ten times the same.
While going through your room, on the way to his father's office, and glimpsed the
imposing silhouette, dressed in an expensive suit, arguing with men equally welldressed, she felt the nerves prickle. He was a man who thought silently, a man for
whom perfection was all to whom something was only good if your way.
Having a father as he should be a nightmare for Connor.
Five minutes later, Kat Marco left in the waiting room and into the father's office,
feeling a mixture of anger, fear and frustration. Calm. Stay calm . The truth was on his
side and she had the courage to face it, because what he had done was wrong.
- Katerina ... - Keith Jackson smiled when he saw her enter the room and close
the door. - I'm surprised by the television network has given him off during the hurricane
coverage.

- It was just an afternoon. - But not for Grace. She suspected that her employer
soon you would charge the favor.
- So what is so urgent for you to fly Brisbaine to talk to me?
She sat before him and said nothing. During the flight two hours, rehearsed
several times, until you feel dizzy and exhausted. It was possible that his father did not
know, which meant he also knew that the chance of her having her mother's illness was
virtually nonexistent. The two could have told you, but had fallen silent and let her pass
by suffering, anguish and the decision not to take an exam. Every time she thought it
was provoked, but decided not think to have a confirmation, and then fall apart.
- I need to ask you something and I need you to tell me the truth, right?
He frowned and shook his mouth impatiently, as if she had said it was going to
buy a purse or spend the weekend at the beach.
- Father - she said without preamble, looking directly at him. - I was adopted?
He was paralyzed, with an expression that mingled shock and confusion. Kat
waited quietly as he leaned back in his chair and blushed slightly.
- What kind of question is that?
- A perfectly legitimate question, considering that it is impossible that the type of
the mother's blood could bear a child with blood type AB, which is mine.
His silence said it all.
- Why are you doing blood tests? I thought you did not care.
- I'm pregnant, father. - The confession had come more easily than she had
expected and was liberating. - I was wondering if he had the disease. By the way, I
have not. But considering that my mother was not my mother, you already knew that. She had never seen him so quiet. Really had taken her speech. Kat stifled a nervous
laugh, crossed her arms and looked at him, who insisted on saying anything. Great. It
would be up to you. - You had an affair? She left with a baby?
- Do Not! - He blushed harder. - This is ridiculous.
- So I was adopted.
He nodded briefly. Kat controlled anger that boiled inside her.
- Holy God, Dad! For years, the sword hung disease over my head, took my mind
like a death sentence. - She raised, red with anger. - How do you explain not telling me?
Why would you let me spend years of worry, thinking ... thinking ... - She could not finish
the sentence, to see his father's face twisted in pain as it was painful.
It was like the night his mother died, the only time she had seen him frail and
vulnerable, helpless, out of control. Only one man.
She had been terrified, as he was now.
Kat slowly sat up and grabbed the arms of the chair.

- So why adopt me? And why keep it a secret? - She asked, with a more
comprehensive look. - Father, if Mom could not have children, was no where to be
ashamed of. Why do not you tell me?
He sighed and curled in the chair.
- Because we had taken an oath.
- To whom? - When I saw him shake his head, Kat's anger aroused again. - Tell
me, father!
He raised his eyebrows, angry.
- Why discuss it now, Kat? You do not have more things to worry about? As an
example, the reaction that the press will have, when they find out you're pregnant?
She blinked and swallowed a curse. It was with this that he worried?
- I'm taking care of it.
- I think ... - He looked very skeptical.
Kat felt a shiver of anger, but tried to stay calm and not get result.
- We are talking about my blood tests, Dad. - She desperately wanted to tell the
whole story of the last days had passed, play the false positive result in your face,
communicate their anguish, their anger and all the other emotions by which he passed.
The words reached her throat and she choked on a sob. Had to clench his fists and bite
his tongue to control.
He was silent again and she looked at him, knowing that his face reflected
everything she thought, her emotions bubbled to the surface. When he looked away,
she almost was pleased.
- Your mother wanted to tell you - he spoke carefully, pulling the coffee cup to the
center of the table. - Several times.
- And why did not she tell?
- It was never the right time. She knew you'd ask questions she could not answer.
- He looked surreptitiously. - So, never pressed to take the exam. The possibility that he
give positive was virtually nonexistent.
Kat's breathing became breathless as she remembered the last days. Dera
negative. The examination gave negative, right?
- Who are my biological parents?
He hesitated for a moment.
- I can not tell you. I gave my word.
- Who would have sworn something? Who would have much power or deserve
such loyalty that ... - Kat fell silent and feverishly went over all the possibilities, until it
occurred a crazy idea, something so absurd that seemed perfectly feasible.
No. It could not be him.

But ...
Of course he could.
That meant ...
She straightened in his chair.
- It's Stephen Blair, is not it?
- No -. He spoke so fast that the wrinkles around your mouth accentuated. He
had spoken so quickly that she barely managed to hear and understand the nerve that
throbbed near his eye, the grim hand, the pursed lips. All signs of guilt.
- Of course it is. - She stood, feeling dizzy. - I'll ask him.
- No you will not!
The father's firm prohibition made her stop. She turned to face him and saw an
expression of anger, tension and fear .... It was enough to calm her.
- Tell me, father - she said sweetly. - Please.
He pursed his lips. Kat could almost see him mentally assessing what the
consequences to say or to remain silent. Fortunately, he decided quickly.
- You can not tell anyone, nor Connor.
She blinked and leaned against the chair, as she realized the implication: Holy
God, Connor was ...
Connor was his brother. That was ...
She could not even imagine ... Connor. His brother. Stephen, his father. So ...
- Who is my mother?
He sighed and motioned for her to sit.

M arch was in the waiting room, distracted with cell and controlling not to walk
from one side to another. He looked at the receptionist for the fifth time, and she, as he
had done before, looked away and pretended to be busy.
Finally, he got up, went to the 20th floor window and enjoyed the beautiful
panorama of Brisbaine.
Marco sighed. When Kat was a girl, Keith Jackson was the example of freak
work. But while he was moody, tense and indifferent to people outside of your social
circle, Kat's mother was the exact opposite. Although Nina was not the perfect mother,
every time Kat spoke of her, his face lit up, his eyes shining with love. He had lost count
of how many times he had seen Kat swallow the disappointment at being relegated to
the background by the mother, the broken promises, but all that had lost importance,
when Nina had fallen ill. When Kat appeared at the door of his home in France, a few
weeks after his mother's death, seemed to have lost something essential, something he

doubted she would be back. But over time, she returned to what it was, your Kat.
Changed, more mature, but basically the same.
- Excuse me. You Marco Corelli?
Marco looked at the receptionist and smiled automatically.
- I am.
The girl was smiling wider.
- I knew it! My brother plays in a local team and watch religiously to broadcasts of
European games. He is excited about the selection for the World Cup this year. - She
laughed. - He'll be jealous I have known him.
Marco could only smile back.
- Thank U. We are all excited about the selection.
- You will broadcast the game again? Our whole neighborhood to what you're
doing to watch. - She stood, holding a pen and paper.
- That's the intention. - He reached out, and she shook it in silence. During the
next few minutes, he answered curious questions, gave an autograph and smiled for a
photo.
- Congratulations on the award of the FFA - she said, returning to his desk so the
phone started ringing. - My cousins of Sydney will be watching the red carpet. - She
stopped and picked up the receiver. - I'll send the picture to them and envy ... Jackson &
Blair, good morning. How can I help you?
- Marco?
He stifled a laugh and turned to hear the voice of Kat, whose pallor ended his
relaxation. He said nothing. He opened the door for her, waved to the receptionist and
followed her to the elevator.
- So? - He asked, as they descended. - What did he say?
She opened her mouth, then closed it and stared at him with a stunned
expression. He held her shoulders.
- Kat?
- I'm ... - She shook her head as if she did not believe. - My father is ...
- Yup?
Kat took a deep breath.
- My biological father is Stephen Blair. Connor is my stepbrother.
Marco gave a rude word that echoed off the elevator walls, but she even blink.
He turned and watched the descendants numbers that followed the story indicator.
- Apparently, Stephen had an affair with the daughter of the housekeeper, and I
was the result. - She pressed her lips. - This happened after my mother found out I was
a carrier of the disease and resolve not have children.

- And where is the housekeeper?

- They gave her money and she returned to New Zealand. She died a few years
ago.
Marco frowned.
- So they adopted. Why do secret? And how?
- They spent a year in the United States to hide the fact that my mother was not
pregnant. - Kat sighed. - Stephen begged my father to say nothing, using the old clich
that "my wife will want the divorce, my life will be destroyed, the company will suffer."
My father agreed.
- And your father told you that willingly.
- At first, no. - She contracted the mouth, as he digested the information.
- You will tell Connor?
The elevator door opened and they crossed the elegant lobby of marble and
crystal.
- If you were him, would want to know?
- Yes, it would. What about Stephen? You will tell him that you know?
She was silent, as they left for George Street.
- I do not know. I think I'm right in saying that it makes no difference to him.
- Yes. - Marco looked around. - No matter what you decide, if you tell Connor ...
Things always end up spreading. I'm not saying that one of us would say something
deliberately, but the more we know, the more likely.
Kat agreed with him and took a look at both sides of the busy street, watching
people passing by. Marco noticed that one or two people were amazed to see them,
and knew they had recognized Kat, not him. The attraction that Kat's fame still
exercised astonished, because it was almost a year since she did not appear in the
headlines. But that would soon change, spectacularly. The station where he worked had
received dozens of phone calls, asking where he had been during the hurricane, and he
knew that Kat had hired a PR to handle the press. And there was Grace, who insisted
on an exclusive interview.
After Kat announce your pregnancy, the press would add one plus one and the
nightmare would begin.
Marco suppressed a groan as she remembered what she had spent the last time.
Too much stress, too much trouble. On the outside, she kept the pose, but he knew,
inside, your confidence and your self-esteem had been shattered.
That would not be good for the baby.
They got into the car, and were paid for the car, absorbed in his own thoughts,
until he glanced at the clock and saw that they would have three hours to catch the flight
back.

He turned to her and leaned against the car door.

- Kat.
- Marco - she said gravely.
He missed his good humor. The last few days had left him so exhausted that he
wondered if one day everything would return to normal. I just wanted to see her smile
again. It asking too much?
- You do not need to do this, you know? You can publish a statement and stay at
my house for a few days until all pass.
She stared at him for a while and then shook his head.
- I work, Marco.
- A job that, from what you told me, Grace is making it very difficult.
- She is angry. In understand why.
He let out an exasperated sigh.
- If you will not accept my suggestion nor give an exclusive interview with Grace,
explain to me again why we got married it would not be a good idea.
She made a face, and he realized he had made a mistake.
- Marco, please ...
- Look, I'm still trying to piece together everything that happened and figure out
the best way to handle the situation.
- And you think I do not I? - She protested. - My head is confused. My life is
crazy. And my past, all I thought was true, went out. Thirty-three years of life. - She
looked away in frustration. - Ask me to marry you is ...
Squealed excitedly interrupted. They both turned and saw two girls who had
loosened her shopping bags on the floor and took pictures with their cell phones. One of
them started jumping in the same place and laughing.
- Oh, my God, you're getting married? This is awesome!
Click, click, click.
Marco was angry, hid his face with his hand and looked at Kat, but she walked
away and opened the car door. As soon as she got into the car, he did the same,
started the engine and they left the parking lot.
She swore under his breath and looked in the rearview mirror.
- That was ...
- It was probably nothing - said Marco, making the curve to enter the freeway. - A
couple of fans.
- A couple of fans with cell phones and social networks available - Kat mumbled,
looking out the window with the contracted face. As at other times, he knew what she
was thinking.

Here we go again.
Phone calls, questions, harassment. His family being harassed. Photographers
camped outside his door, your workplace, the academy. Television and radio dissecting
and analyzing every move she made, offering advice.
And he could do nothing.
- Kat ... - He started to say, but she raised her hand and made a call.
- Whatever the outcome, the press statement will be made today - she told the
off.
- Maybe it's not so bad.
Kat looked at him as if he did not believe his ears.
- Believe me, something will happen.
He could not deny. The two were almost 20 minutes in silence, until he stopped
in the airport parking lot and turned to her.
- Tomorrow I need to be in Darwin - he said.
She turned to him.
- Oh?
- It is one of the training schools I rode. We will inaugurate it in the presence of
the mayor.
- When you come back?
- In a few days. I'll be back on Monday.
- All right.
- Listen, Kate. I do not want to leave her in the middle of this mess, but I also
have appointments in Melbourne and Sydney. Only'll be back the day before the award
ceremony of the FFA.
She shrugged.
- It's all right.
- No, it's not. - Her attitude irritated. She acted as if he had expected his absence.
- Next week, I'll do an ultrasound.
- Why did not you tell me? - He protested.
- I'm saying now.
- I could have changed my schedule.
- No, when their appointments are scheduled months in advance. Either way, it's
just a scan.
Marco rubbed his head.
- I'm not leaving, Kat.

- I know, but you better be left out, until I make a public statement, is not it?
Marco gritted his teeth and opened the car door.
- No, I do not think. This is starting to get ridiculous. There comes a time when
you should say "fuck it", ignore what others say and live your life.
He got out of the car, slammed the door and headed to the airport terminal. Kat
followed him. Thanks to the incident in the city parking lot, he spent the whole time
looking around, wondering if someone would be taking photographs of two or listening
to the conversation. It was unnerving.
Finally, they made the check-in and entered the VIP room of the airline, which
contained a bar, an eating area, comfy sofas and a communications center. They
settled and asked food and drinks, but silence settled between the two. Marco
examined the cell, Kat consulted your emails on the tablet. No one said anything.
That's how a friendship ended ?, he thought, staring at the phone screen. Not
with an exalted and spectacular discussion, but as awkward silence she could not even
look at it?
It was not a fight. They do not hate each other. It just ... It just ...
She did not want to marry him. He wanted to marry her.
He scowled to the phone. The two had known each other for 19 years. He would
not leave her to drive out of your life. So which exceeded that crisis would have a
serious talk about everything, including marriage.

F hi one kind of record. After just one day, the wedding plans of the two came to
social networks and then to the newspapers, spreading what could have been just a
note between the wedding news and celebrity divorce, which were aired regularly on TV
. Marco and Kat naturally occupied much media space and, with the tabloids and TV
networks camping at her door, she had to hire a driver to take her home to work and
vice versa.
Some photos were published: a Kat out of the car before the season; a day that
she did not completely shut the house curtains; some old photos, taken at a party,
which had already been shown.
The latter were published two days ago and, since then, she had not had more
news of Marco. Kat already picking up the phone several times to call him, but gave up.
Needed to talk in person, not by phone.
Of course, Grace had been superfuriosa with the scandal. The pressure had
increased labor and, consequently, increase their stress related family problems. At the
end of each day that infernal work, she came home, threw himself on the couch and
went back to thinking about the issue of adoption and how could find out if their
biological mother had had a family who would also be his.

How to tell someone that you are your sister? Okay, it was Connor, one of his
best friends, but still ... She wanted to do the revelation correctly.
Armed with a laptop and a bowl of cereal, she sat on the bed and began to do
some research. Thanks to the forums and chats, got some information, read about
people who were in the same situation and how they had managed to find their
biological families.
That night, when she had already recorded the last site Bookmark and closed the
laptop, her head turned to reality. In less than seven months she would have a son. The
query memory that scored for the next week left to shiver of nervous, and she curled up
on the bed and rubbed his belly. A formal consultation. Checked.
Was really happening.
And Marco would not be present.
Kat opened her eyes and refused to let the blame to dominate. There was
nothing she could do. He could not change the whole scheme because of it. It was just
as she had said, a scan. There would be other opportunities where he could be present.
But she had told him she did not want.
She really knew what she wanted?
The next day, without finding an answer, Kat plunged at work, in the frenzy of the
tragic Hurricane details, looking for stories that now seemed full of sadness. During the
team meeting, when discussing the merits of each story and preparing to cause
maximum impact on the public, she could not help thinking about what Marco said to
him, to go in search of his own dream.
A charity, a foundation that she administer, for which raise funds and where
accompany each case, from the beginning to the end.
She began drafting an increasingly detailed list, to complete two pages of notes.
That night, during the time that used to work out on the treadmill, she reorganized the
list mentally, causing finally resembled a plan. The more I thought about it, the more
excited I became. Came to pick up the phone to call Marco, but gave up.
Of course, he was busy, and that was why had not called him.
Kat turned off the mat, took the bottle of water and drank half its contents to cool.
As fantastic as it had been, sex ruined everything. She was thinking like if they were in a
relationship, and not as a friend. Good friends do not care who would call before: just
phoned. They did not care how many days, how many hours and minutes had passed
without speaking. And, of course, would not let the other turned away in silence.
When she would pick up the phone, it rang. It was Connor.
- Hello, gone - she said with excessive animation, as he picked up the towel and
went to the kitchen.
- What are you doing tomorrow? - Asked Connor.

- Saturday ...? - She held the phone with her chin and took the hot water pot. The usual. Watch TV, eat at home, hide the numerous paparazzi camped in front of my
house.
- Where is Marco?
- Walking around Darwin, I think.
Connor was silent for a moment, realizing the tone in which she spoke.
- You had a fight?
Kat sighed.
-. We are not having ... a difference of opinion.
- Something about the engagement that is shaking the press?
She returned to the living room, turned on the TV and took the sound.
- Partly. I just ... - She sighed. - It's complicated. The baby, the press, labor. I feel
guilty for his presence has been obscured by the eagerness with which the media seeks
a declaration. Do you believe that someone questioned yesterday while he was cutting
the ribbon opening?
- The press is full of idiots. And that's why I'm going to visit her.
Kat sat on the sofa arm.
- If this were true, you would have come much earlier.
Connor laughed that rejoiced.
- Let's sit on the couch, ignore the press, a pizza and see The X-Files .
- That sounds divine.
- Or we could go to Marco Island. We would have complete privacy.
- Do not start. Soon they would be calling me to you, instead of Marco.
Connor laughed.
- I do not know ... I like the sound of "Katco". It is much better than "markat".
- Stop it. - He laughed, and she joined him. - You're an idiot, Connor.
- Shh, do not tell anyone. Would ruin my reputation.
When powering off, Kat still laughing. Her emotions were on edge, had many
questions to ask, but did not know how to approach Stephen ... If really was what he
wanted to do. To be honest, he always frightened him. Only had no difficulty accepting
Connor as his brother. She had always loved him like a brother and even more,
because he had never felt obliged to love him because he is his relative.
Kat went to the bathroom, admitting that he was eager to tell you. Connor would
not know how to react, but hoped he felt the same as she.

N the night following, half an hour after she got home from work, the intercom
rang.
- Residence of Jackson ...?
- I knew that someone is having a party with pizza.
She smiled at the voice of Connor.
- Of Course. With beer and jugglers.
- I'm in.
She opened the door. Five minutes later, he came to his apartment, bringing a
bag of clothes, a pizza box and a huge smile.
- You are my savior. - She hugged him and took the pizza box.
He came with his gangly walk ever, looking to fill the entire space with its size. He
threw the bag next to the couch.
- Darkness is not good for the paparazzi . I do not see any out there.
Kat put the pizza on the coffee table.
- Oh, they are there ... You just can not see them. They're like cockroaches. They both laughed, and she went to the kitchen for drinks and dishes. When he
returned, he checked his cell.
- What happened? - She asked.
- Everyone is thinking about marriage. - Connor put the phone on the table and
spread on the couch. - My mother insists bother me. Apparently, a successful face 33
need to have a wife to look more stable in the eyes of conservative European investors.
Kat put her hand over his, a gesture of sympathy.
- I can say that in my case and Marco was not what was expected.
Connor sniffed.
- It is. Twice each, right?
- For me, two. For Marco, one and a half.
Connor put a bottle of beer on a coaster on the table.
- So is there any truth to the rumors?
- Which ones? - She threw a chair.
- In speaking of marriage. All are waiting for an official pronouncement, instead of
unsatisfactory "no comment."
- I know. - She stared at him. - Yes - she said at last.
- Yes, what? Marco actually proposed to her?
- Sometimes.
Connor whistled.

- Wow. And?
Kat shook her head.
- He offered if only to avoid the nightmare of advertising, which seems ironic,
considering that we are already in it. I have not yet announced that I'm pregnant.
Imagine what this will cause - she said, opening the pizza box and smelling it. - But
enough of this subject. I have something more important to talk to you ...
- Wait, come back a bit. - He leaned toward Kat. - More important than you be
happy?
- What?
He sighed.
- Do not you see?
- What?
Connor slammed his hand on the table.
- You and Marco. You were made for each other.
Kat felt a chill you down the back and looked away.
- That's not it, Connor. He is my ...
- Best Friend, yes, I know. - Connor looked up at the ceiling with impatience. You two hit both on the same key I've been wanting to strangle someone. Why not
admit that they love each other and end up with this drama?
- I love you, Connor. And I love you too.
- I say the same, sweetness. But you're not in love with me.
Kat raised his eyebrows and denial come into his mouth, but she bit her tongue.
- Forget about it for a moment. I need to tell you something. - She held her hands
between his knees and leaned toward Connor. - You know that blood test that I did last
month?
- What about him? - Connor stopped chewing and put a slice of pizza on the
plate, wiped his hand on the napkin and gave her full attention. - Oh, Kat, do not tell me
they screwed up again ...
- No, that's not - she said quickly. - The reason why my test was negative was
because ... well ... - still seemed unbelievable, but say it out loud made it more real. Keith and Nina are not my biological parents.
There was silence in the apartment. Connor frowned.
- What?
- I did the blood test. Nina and Keith are not my biological parents - she repeated
patiently.
Connor's eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

- Impossible.
- It is true. My blood type is not compatible with my mother. We went to talk to my
father, and he confirmed.
- We? Marco was with you?
She nodded.
- And there's more.
- Wow, what?
Kat smiled.
- Connor ... - She looked directly at him. - My father is Stephen Blair.
Everything seemed to stop for a few seconds - maybe more. Until the belly laugh
Connor filled the room, startling her. Kat looked at him in silence, as he laughed and
shook his head. What does this mean? He would have been ... Disturbed? Happy?
Furious?
- Are you fine? - She asked, after a while.
He stood up.
- Not really. Give me a break.
She saw him walk from one side to another, they touch their head, put the other
at the waist. It was of concern not know how he would take the news.
Finally, he turned to her.
- You know what? I was sure it was something. I knew it.
- What?
He shook his head.
- There are about ten years, I heard the end of a discussion. Did not yield to hear
much, but I ended up concluding that my mother and my father were talking about a
child. Back then, I could not know it was you. In fact, I never would have guessed.
Kat was intrigued.
- What were they saying?
- Mom was extremely furious, it was evident. Dad did not want to talk about it, as
always. In the end, she ended up winning a new handbag and expensive necklace and
everything seemed back to normal.
Kat leaned back in his chair, processing information.
- You never told us that.
- I do not tell everything to you.
It was true. When it came to his family, Connor was extremely reserved. It had
taken years until he had said something, and even then only because all witnessed

fights between their parents and could understand, but Connor always showed
embarrassed.
- My mother is complaining of my father's adventures, you know it - he said,
absently pulling the label on the bottle of beer.
Kat agreed with a solemn expression.
- I just heard more than usual. Apparently, my mother still had not forgiven him
for going to bed with someone on the day I was born.
Kat pursed his lips. Connor projected an image so effective that people refused
to believe that beneath the elegant suit and pretty face there was a heart of gold. She
knew he wore the mask to protect yourself from deep emotions, but sometimes he let
shake more than all the others put together.
- My sister, huh? - He took a sip of beer and smiled. - How do you feel about it?
She was his sister. Had a brother. With so much going on, forgotten the impact of
this detail, but at that moment, seeing him smiling, the way he wrinkled wrinkles that
formed in the corner of his eyes, the curve of his nose, the reality hit her. Kat smiled
broadly.
- We must embrace to commemorate this important moment?
- Of course. - Connor opened his arms, she got up, walked over and was
involved in a hug.
The relief, the joy that Kat felt at that moment, after a series of bad news ... It was
like getting rid of a burden that weighed on his shoulders. She snuggled into the arms
firm, solid and loving Connor and let the tears to flood her eyes. Did not believe that was
going to be so happy.
Damn pregnancy hormones.
- You want to tell your father that you know? - She asked, speaking close to his
shoulder.
Connor stepped back.
- I do not know. After so many years keeping secret, do you think he would want
us to know? In addition, this can cause a violent reaction against his father.
Kat nodded.
- The fact that he knows will not change anything, does it? I mean, I do not want
to be included in a will or something.
Connor laughed.
- But it would be fun to be called grandfather in seven months. - He cast a
meaningful glance at Kat's belly.
- You're terrible.
He laughed, and Kat again felt free of the weight of recent weeks. Finally,
something went well. If she could fix things with Marco ...

Her face should have disclosed something because Connor raised his eyebrows,
worried.
- Problems?
- Oh, besides the gossip, the hormones and the fact that Marco does not want to
talk to me?
- You have not exactly talked to him, is not it?
She opened her mouth to protest, but gave up.
- The TV network is renegotiating the contract with him. Naturally, they are also
speculating about it.
- They will not release him. He is a great attraction - Connor said, leaning over to
pick up the beer bottle and smiling.
- Why are you looking at me like that?
- It's amazing that you are finally together. I always knew there was something,
even though you deny.
- We're not together, Connor. We are not even speaking.
- Just because he's not here. Wait until you see again ... Next week, am I right?
- Yes At that awards event..
- There it is. You will be in Sydney, in a hotel. It will be the perfect opportunity to
talk alone. - As Kat did not answer, he slammed his finger in the bottle. - Listen. You are
amofinando your head with what would be the best thing to do? No. Just tell him you
love him, kiss him and make up.
- But I do not ...
- Of course.
- No ... - Yes, you love , she thought.
It was like a revelation. As elementary something had changed inside her. The
false positive result, adoption, baby: everything had added to culminate in that moment,
forcing her to see what really mattered in his life, to re-evaluate it, to find out what had
really value for it.
The answer was so simple that Kat gasped with fright.
Marco. It was him.
Kat sighed.
- I always told him that we were just friends, Connor - she said, voicing doubts
that plagued him in recent days. - At one point he came to believe in what I said.
- Hey, we're talking about Marco - Connor said. - Either way, you are your best
friend and you will have a child. It will not cut it from your life forever.
Kat nodded, saying nothing. She rejected three times and had classified as a
friend, and Marco contradissera not even once.

It said something.
Kat sighed and sat on the couch. In any case, would have a response within one
week.
The feeling was frightening. More frightening than anything she's ever done in his
life, because he would say to be subject to rejection.
He could reject it. Saying he wanted to continue being friends. The question was,
she would be satisfied with that?

CHAPTER 10

The s five following days were insane, a whirlwind of activity. Kat plunged at
work, covering the stories of Hurricane Rory, watching others, controlling donations, but
the intense media attention directed to his personal life began to have an effect on their
work. Some sponsors had withdrawn at the last minute, leaving her frustrated and
angry. On the outside, Grace did not seem to mind, but Kat knew she was furious. This
added to that contained tension that existed between the two, and the environment had
become an unpleasant place to be.
Marco called her once, on ultrasound, but except this time, your text messages
were short and gentle. Kat felt heartbroken to realize that their friendship had suffered
irreversible cracks.
Concluded he needed to do something. And on the eve of his flight to Sydney,
she entered the Grace room and closed the door.
- I agree.
- With what? - Grace asked, looking over coffee cup.
- With the interview. With exclusive statement. - She raised her hand to see that
Grace was going to say something. - But everything, absolutely everything, go through
me before it is published.
Grace blinked, opened a broad smile and raised.
- Kat, this is amazing! Wonderful! Ah ... - She came around the table and hugged
Kat, wrapping her in a cloud of perfume. - It brightened my week, my month ... Probably
my year! - Kat pulled away, smiled slightly to Grace, who sat on the end table. - Can I
ask you why now?

Kat shrugged.
- It's a matter of time. It's time.
- It's true - Grace said, watching her carefully.
- Yes. It's time to set the record straight once and for all. The about everything. She stared at her mistress without blinking. For a brief moment, the two hit it without
words. That would be the great moment of Grace, and was Kat who would give you.
Both knew that there would be another opportunity, and knew that things had changed
between them, during the last weeks.
Kat knew and Grace knew.
- When? - Grace asked finally.
- Next week. After my trip to Sydney.
After a brief hesitation, Grace agreed.
- I'll prepare everything and notice you.
- Combined. You can wait until after the awards, to start advertising? The night
should be the players, not mine - Kat said with a smile. To his surprise, Grace agreed.
- Of Course.
- Thank you. - Kat went to the door, unprepared for the wave of sadness hit her.
The two knew they were not scoring only one interview, but also his farewell to the job.
Despite knowing that was destined to something better and greater, something that
cheered his heart, quit his job brought him grief. Despite the stress, defects and recent
personal problems that appear work on time, when she needed, so she always you
would be grateful. - Grace, I wanted to thank you for ...
- No -. Grace shook his head, smiled gently and answered the ringing telephone.
- Am I thank you. It was a pleasure working with you, Katerina Jackson.
The two stared at each for a moment, Grace answered the call and Kat left.

K flew at to Sydney on Saturday and spent the day being cared for, massaged
and embellished, pleased to have taken control of the situation. Meanwhile, Marco
spent hours under strong light studio, wearing only underwear, fulfilling the advertising
contract with the Skins . The first time I actually met was half an hour before the limo
arrive to take them to the FFA awards ceremony.
When she heard the knock on the door of his hotel room, nervously adjusted her
light blue dress and held her hair behind her ears. All phrases rehearsed to tell him
came to his mouth, as she opened the door and stopped to see there, beautiful and
perfect, wearing a suit, with disheveled hair and an amused smile in the mouth.
He looked her up and down, noting every detail, from the firm and prepared coke,
pendants earrings them, to the long prom dress, whose neckline showed off a
respectable amount of your lap.

He offered her his arm, saying kindly:

- You look beautiful.
And the heart of Kat melted.
Twenty minutes later, they came out of the limo and stepped on the red carpet.
Kate soon recognized the players who participated in the European championship and
who had gathered to pay tribute to athletes born in Australia. As always, a crowd of
rabid fans and onlookers pressed on the other side of the ropes, taking pictures. She
realized that smile and that appeared calm.
She was ready to face the crowd.
Within minutes, Kat felt more confident and its voltage decreased as she mingled
with people who knew and chatted with old friends.
The night would be good, she thought as they walked the red carpet slowly. No
harassment of the press, without it being the focus. It would just be a dinner and award
prizes. She turned smiling, he saw a familiar figure walking towards him and stopped.
James Carter. Cursed James Carter.
The former teammate Marco team, the Irish central defender that bewitched for
over a year and had talked her into marrying him for a quick ceremony in Bali. And that
72 hours later, a woman brought to bed of the bridal suite. It would be too much to hope
that he had been fat and ugly since the last time she saw him? On the contrary, he was
more handsome and tanned, with broader shoulders and the waist thinner. The elegant
suit called attention to your body healthy so quietly that, for the uninitiated, he seemed
to have been forged without any effort. But she knew very well.
- What? - Marco squeezed her arm, worried.
- James is here.
He twisted his lips.
- Really?
Kat frowned, forgetting that were on the red carpet in front of the cameras.
- He should not be in Italy or something?
- It Should. - Marco took another step, and they continued to walk. - Look, he's
just one of the presenters. It will be on stage for most of the time not in our table. He will
not approach, and if you do, do not say anything.
- For you it is easy to talk. It was not you he cheated.
Marco sighed.
- Calm down, okay?
- I'm always calm - she muttered.
He squeezed her hand, she smiled and suddenly, everything returned to be like
before when they felt so close and comfortable.

Damn, she missed it. It had been three weeks since they were not seen and she
had not realized how much felt its lack, until it appears on your door, formally dress with
a silk tie. And when he smiled ... It had taken it all join forces to not grab the same time.
Feeling the heat in the bowels, she noted the amount of people who were
enjoying the red carpet and the known figures of the Sydney football league. Taking a
deep breath, smiled and walked away your worries. That night was Marco, and she
would enjoy. Let the stress and problems for later.

The lounge party easily accommodated 200 seats. The lamps embedded in
the ceiling spread a soft light on the tables decorated with arrangements in the art deco
style. People were scattered around the bar and a screen above the stage showed
significant moments last season of game, the rock sound.
Despite the presence of cameras and James, Kat felt less nervous than I
expected. The attention of the night was centered in prizes and the players and not in it.
There was indiscreet questions, photos and even stares and whispers by outsiders.
Sure, there were cameras, but she could smile politely and realize some pictures. As
long as James remained distant, as he had done during the last hour, she would come
away unscathed.
She smoothed her dress, giving thanks to the empire style model that disguised
the belly began to round and caught himself not to touch the belly, a revealing gesture,
as he went to the bar. Despite being a restricted and she event feel more relaxed,
everyone had cameras and a Twitter account.
Kat came to the bar, ordered a drink and looked around distractedly, with a smile.
A smile that faded as soon as she sensed that someone had stopped behind her. She
raised an eyebrow and prepared to say something, but when he looked back, the words
stuck in his throat.
- Hello, Kitty.
James Carter was standing there, as if casually, hands in his pockets and with
their faces lighted up by a charming smile. Kat looked around to see if anyone was
watching, and when he saw that no one looked at them, gave him a withering look.
- What do you want?
James's smile was perfect. Too perfect.
- What? Not a "hello"? Not a "how has your life in recent years"? - Your Irish
accent seemed to wrap it like molasses, bringing you ambivalent memories.
- I have nothing to tell you, James - she said.
- This is to greet an old way ...
- An old what? Friend? - She snorted. - We will refer to things exactly as they are.
You are my former traitor, an "ex" drinking and playing, and that has a serious problem
to manage your money.

- Kitty, dear ... - he said with a hurt expression. - Do not be so. I came not look for
it to reopen old wounds.
- Do not call me like that. - She grimaced. - And then, why? To give something
more to comment?
- No -. He went on to hands over his eyes. - But you are a woman who seems to
attract the paparazzi like a magnet. Magazines and newspapers only talk about you. I
came to the awards and ...
- I'm not interested in your life. - Kat interrupted and turned to the bar. While
waiting to be served, I felt he was watching her. Damn, not fall into the trap. Ignore it
and go back with Marco. Ignore it ... Ignore it ... She sighed and turned to him. - Very
well. What do you, James?
- I Beg Your Pardon.
Kat was surprised.
- Sorry, this article is missing ...
James took a step toward her and she recoiled instinctively.
- Believe me, Ki ... Kat. I'm really sorry.
- Sit?
- Yup.
Kat blushed.
- Feeling does not erase anything.
- What do you want me to say?
- Nothing. Absolutely nothing. - She thanked the waiter and took the drink.
- You know, after the divorce I spent a year down to the bottom - he spoke in
tone tense, following her through the crowd. - I got involved in a car accident and spent
a lot of time in rehabilitation. I became a completely different person.
Kat stopped.
- I know. I read in the newspapers. - She recalled the headlines, the shock and
then the relief he felt to know that he was getting face several battles. - But I do not see
how this has anything to do with me.
- I said, I want to redeem myself.
- Great. You already apologized. Now, I must go.
- Hang On. - He grabbed her elbow, she stopped and looked at him coldly.
James released her and watched the noisy crowd around them.
- Just because apologized, you can not expect to be forgiven. This is typical of
you, James - she scolded. - Selfishness. I was his trophy wife and you betrayed me.
There is no way to forgive that.

- I know. - He was discouraged, and for a moment it seemed really sorry. - I can
not justify my past behavior.
- No, you can not. - She moved on, hoping he would take the hint, but he
continued to follow her until she came to the table.
James pressed his lips in frustration.
- You never let me explain. I wanted to talk to you during the honeymoon, but you
stormed out. Incidentally, you also was no saint.
- What?
- You had a size of Alaska resistance. He carried his strength like a symbol of
their bravery, and not as the defense it really was. And I always needed to compete with
Marco. Marco Corelli it was perfect, it did nothing wrong and whom everyone loved.
- He is my best friend!
- Of Course. You can swear, here and now, he never thought of it as something
else?
- Of course not! - But she hesitated a second, and James look said it all.
- You slept with him?
Kat took a deep breath and looked around.
- Oh, James. I will not get into that with you. This is ridiculous!
He looked at her with the contracted face of anger, sighed and rubbed his neck.
- Look - he murmured, looking at the floor. - I did not come here to fight. I just
wanted to ...
- All right, Kat?
Kat turned and swallowed what he meant to find Marco's steely gaze that held
her by the waist. He was so surprised by the sudden gesture of intimacy that you forgot
to back off and leave a space between the two. And Marco ... He seemed to have been
bewitched and turned to stone, but under its apparent immobility and coldness, she
realized that he was prepared to go into action at any second.
Dangerous.
- James - Marco said finally, in a discreet and polite tone.
James looked surprised, but he controlled and extended his hand.
- Hello, Marco.
Marcus looked at his hand, but did not move.
- Congratulations on the award. Year Player is a great achievement.
James looked at Kat, with a mixture of frustration and caution.
- Thank U.

She had to admit that his ex was refined. From the sophisticated cutting hair to
the soles of carefully polished dress shoes, the man had everything he needed. And
used the charm and appearance to get what he wanted.
When James gave a smile that seemed to say "let's all be friends," she could not
help but smile. Oh, you're great, is not it? Polished so ... And Marco knew him very
well ...
- So Kat - said James. - We need to have a conversation. I'm in room 1405.
- It will not - said Marco before she answered. Kat looked at him, annoyed, and
turned to James.
- We have nothing to talk, James. It'S Over.
James frowned, looked Marco's eyes and looked at her.
- No matter what you think, Kat, I would like to clarify our differences and start
again from scratch.
- You have a problem with hearing? - Marco asked coldly.
- Get out, Marco - James replied. - That's my business and my wife.
- Ex-wife. Now she is my fiancee. Oh, please, do it - Marco whispered to see that
James clenched his fists.
- Bride? You two are getting married? - James's eyes widened in amazement. So, this only confirms things.
Marco became exasperated, and James straightened his 1.98 m and stared.
It was like watching two dogs growling and fighting for the same bone.
- No, we will not - said Kat, who could not believe that Marco had spoken
engagement, away from him. - Enough: you need to go, James.
James sighed.
- Look ... - He shoved his hands in his pockets. - I did not want to discuss it here,
but you did not give me no choice. I was invited to write my biography, something
inspiring nature about overcoming obstacles. I can not fail to mention you.
Kat held her breath.
- Do Not.
James looked at Marco and looked back at her.
- Whether you like it or not, Kat, you were part of my life. Would you approve the
text before, but I can publish it without your approval.
- James ... - She took a deep breath, waiting for her head to calm down. Could
process it, but it would require time and money and attract more attention to the book
than he deserved. Or ...
- If I did not like what was written, I can change?
- It depends what it is. But of course ... - James agreed. - I'm open to change.

That did not mean anything, but it was all he offered. Kat nodded.
- Very well. When the chapter is ready, send me by email.
James nodded and pursed her mouth into a smile she had ever considered the
most devastating of the French national football team. She watched and remembering
the past, as he walked away, but it passed over the camera that was filming the whole
event James stopped and turned.
- Congratulations on your engagement - he said loudly, causing silence in some
groups talking. - I knew this public statement was just a smoke screen ... Very clever. I
hope they are happy. May not matter, but I already knew that one day this would
happen.
Dozens of people had heard and looked at her and Marco. Suddenly, a bright
chorus and congratulations echoed in the air.
No. Oh, no.
Kat stomach made a comeback, but she kept her pose. Thanked the greetings
and tried to deny.
- We're not ... No, we do not ...
It was late. The damage had been done.
She gritted her teeth, again denied, through the crowd and walked to one of the
doors, cursing James. The exclusive interview with Grace should fix things and it ruined
everything: need to do it early.
When Kat came to the door to the counter and picked up the phone, Marco
grabbed her arm.
- Stop, Kat.
- Marco ... - She was about to burst and his concern irritated her even more. - His
bride? - She looked at him angrily.
Marco shrugged, greeting with a nod the people passing by them.
- I thought he needed an incentive to leave.
- With a lie?
Marco looked at her for a moment.
- What bothered her more? The unwanted attention or I have defended my
ground?
- You have no right.
- Not when you will have a child with me? - He murmured.
Kat leaned against the wall. Now they were alone, could not control the
memories came back a wave, ruffling his skin, estonteando it. Marco's lips and the
sensations that had caused him, the warmth of his breath on the skin, the wonderful
hands now, he stuffed in his pocket.

- You have no idea what this will lead? - She asked. - Of how people will ...
- Go what? Gossip? - He rubbed his head. - Damn, Kat, I got tired of hearing it.
I'm trying to help you, but you insist on saying "no". Stop complaining. You know you
could stop this, saying "yes".
- Above all, that's what ... I'm not managing to cope ...
- I know. - He was very angry. - I can only imagine how you're feeling, because
you did not call me, did not want to talk about it. It's like trying to get information from a
pole.
She blinked and frowned.
- Marco, I ...
- This is not the best place to talk - he said, holding her wrist. - Come on.
She swallowed the not he meant and nodded. And, as he led her through the
crowd, Kat's breathing became breathless anxiety.
That was it. Finally, the two would talk. It would be the end of the friendship or the
beginning of a relationship. She was praying that it was the second because the first cut
you a vital part of the heart.
She could not stand it. Never.

CHAPTER 11

D ez minutes later, the two entered the Kat hotel room, and she forgot all to see
him loosen and remove the tie. It was amazing how she reacted to the presence of
Marco. Her body shivered, his blood was boiling and she could not tear his eyes from
her body, her face, her hair.
When he turned to her, was very serious. Riddick.
- You first - he said.
She swallowed. Could finally tell you everything? How could do this? Just
thinking shook his nerves. But what is the alternative? Living with this torment, thinking
it might have worked if she had had the courage to express your feelings?
Kat barely had time to think, and he was already beside her, with an
impenetrable look. She played the elegant wallet on the table, crossed his fingers and
stared at him. The words were stuck in his throat, and it made her extremely nervous.
- I'm waiting - said Marco.

- I'm thinking.
He crossed his arms and stared at her.
- Stop looking at me!
- Sorry - he said, squinting. - Where do you want me to look?
- I do not know ... Anywhere. The view - she replied, pointing to the window that
overlooked the port of Sydney. - You're making me nervous.
- This was not my intention, cherie .
- I know. Look, there are many things we need to discuss, and I wanted to tell
you personally. Maybe you should sit.
- It's the baby? It's okay?
- Yes, it's okay. - She took a deep breath and let it out. - I read about the
renegotiation of the contract.
He shrugged.
- Do you know how the media likes to twist things.
- So you will not go back to France?
- It is one of the options being discussed - he spoke with caution.
- Can I See. - She paused and bit her lip, looking for the right words. He crossed
his arms and raised his eyebrows.
- It does not seem you, Kat, always measuring his words. Tell me what you have
to say.
He was right. She had faced more than its share of difficult situations. Would be
able to go through it again. As much as if he had prepared, was this: needed to tell him.
However, its determination seemed to have broken up, leaving a deep hole
painful. She could want much, but it would be neither right nor fair. Not when I was
madly in love with him, but he saw only as her best friend and the wedding would be a
means of controlling his nightmare with the media.
She did not want to marry him, because he was not in love with her. This was not
selfishness, was it? Was noble. It was good. Meant she cared for him and did not want
to see you unhappy.
Even if it destroy it.

D selves, she was trying to kill him! The control Marco was cutting up quickly,
as he sat there, waiting for her to say something, until he could take no more.
- Kat. - He stood up so abruptly that surprised her. For a few seconds, Marco
tried to find words, ruled inadequate and chose only those needed to say. - I love you
to.

She stood and stared. Then sighed and gave a smile that cut the heart of Marco.
- I love you.
- No - he said, holding his breath. - No, I really love.
- And I ...
- You do not understand, Kat. - He shook his head, his heart racing. - I'm in love
with you. I want to marry you not because of the agitation of the press or by any moral
obligation. I want to marry you because I am madly in love. Wanna be with you, but only
if you also want.
Surprise was not enough to describe the look on her face. Kat stood, choking,
and for a terrible moment Marco revived all the rejections that had suffered. The soft
moan she gave and the contraction of his face deeply hurt, but he could do nothing, but
wait she rejected him gently.
- I ... - She frowned and took a deep breath.
- Kat ... - he said, hating the hoarseness of his own voice. - Say something.
Anything.
She closed her eyes and opened them again, and his look said it all.
- These past few months ... The last few weeks ... They were terrible for me. The
pregnancy, a baby, the case surrounding the adoption. My head has been busy with ten
different subjects, and I got tired. Nothing is perfect, Marco, and I realized I did not need
to be. - He was silent, waiting for her to finish what she wanted to say. Do not have long
to wait. - It took all this for me to realize what really matters. - She spoke like a
revelation that was also to herself and took his hand. He offered no resistance when
she laced her fingers with his. - What matters is you. I do not want to spend the rest of
your life wishing he had the courage to tell you what I feel. I do not want to spend more
or a day without being with you, talk to you, love you. If that means I'll have it only six
months a year, so good: I want to enjoy these six months.
He closed his eyes as if the words the reach, and Kat waited.
- Dieu .
When he opened her eyes, she saw them let the weak-kneed.
Suddenly, he pulled her and kissed her hungrily, with a kiss full of emotion and
feeling. She moaned in surprise, parted his lips and hugged his neck.
- Kat ... - he murmured next to her mouth, stroking her hair. - Do you know how
much I missed you during the last weeks? - He kissed her again, and she thought she
would die of joy.
When he pulled away, his eyes was unmistakable.
- Je t'adore, cherie - he said, kissing her corner of the mouth. - Love you long
ago, but you have been so stubborn, and I ... - His voice trailed off, and Marco kissed
her again, with a mixture of desperation and greed.
She sobbed and pressed her body against his.

He loved her. How was it possible? After all she had spent, how he had this
incredible man, wonderful, his best friend and also lover?
- Come here. - She took him to her room, feeling the blood spread throughout the
body throbbing. He pulled his shirt out of the waistband and ran a hand over his chest,
doing the same with kisses. Tried to control the nerves, breathing deeply, but that only
made inhaled the scent of Marco. - Do you have a delicious smell.
He laughed.
- Thank U. Your perfume is also not bad.
She laughed and kissed his hip.
- That's what I'm hearing is a groan of approval?
- It is ... - he said hoarsely, making her smile. - Kat ...
- Yup?
- Stop talking.
When she started down the mouth by your belly, he groaned and dropped on the
mattress. As she drew a flaming path through his body and held him by the hips, he
began to speak Italian.
- You are perfect - she murmured.
- No ... - he protested.
- It is - she insisted. - And this part right here ... - She ran her hand on the side of
your hip muscle that formed what is known as "Adonis belt". - It is a temptation.
- Is it? - The Marco breathing became more breathless.
- Yes, right here, below the waist. She drives me crazy ...
- Like, crazy?
- That way. - She unbuttoned his pants quickly and touched it with his mouth,
brushing his lips on her skin, going to the center of the "V".
When she pulled his pants down, he began to breathe heavier, stoking it further.
He lifted her hips to facilitate she take his pants, and she swallowed hard before the
Marco view, lying ...
Wishing it.
- Kat ... - It was just a word, but so full of vulnerability that moved.
She ran her hands through his contracted muscles, grabbed him by the hips and
covered it with his mouth. When he arched his hips, she held it in place.
- Shh. - She continued to give him pleasure, rejoicing with their own power. And
when he felt his body twitched, she stopped. He protested, muttering a curse.
- Kat? What ...?
She slid over his body and nibbled her lip.

- Impatient - she murmured next to her lips.

- Tricky.
- Come on. - She closed her eyes and embedded in his body. The two moved at
the same pace, two people in love and finding happiness in each other. And when the
strain was too much and the sensations she felt became uncontrollable, she was carried
away by the wave of pure ecstasy that left her trembling and exhausted. With a hoarse
groan, Marco did the same, holding her tighter, while their sweaty bodies exauriam.
The minutes passed, the silence marked by heavy breathing of the two. Kat lay
with dozens of words on the tip of my tongue, but was afraid to talk and stop that perfect
moment.
Finally, when their bodies cooled and calmed their hearts, Marco looked at the
clock beside the bed.
- Maybe we should go back to the party.
- Maybe.
He laughed.
- What enthusiasm ...
- Considering the alternatives, I know where I would be.
- I know how you feel.
They did not move for some time.
- Marco ... - Kat said finally. - I'll leave my job.
- Really?
She looked at him.
- I'll open a charity. I do not know what it will be yet. I'll think about it during
pregnancy. - She gave a slight smile and held his breath as he ran his hand
affectionately by his belly, smiled and kissed her.
- I do not want you too tired - he said.
- Can I hire people, delegate.
He continued kissing her.
- You really want to do this?
- You think I'm capable of?
- Chrie , you can do what you want.
She melted with his smile and the minutes passed, until she came back to reality.
- So ... - she said sweetly. - As for the story of marriage ...
- Yup?
- The offer still stands?

He blinked.
- Do Not.
- What?
He held her face and kissed her.
- It's not a business proposal. I'm asking you to be my wife, to stay with me for
life, to have my children and make me happy, and let me also make happy. It's a
marriage proposal made with love.
She gasped and all he could do was look at him, how affectionate twinkle in his
eyes, the curve of his mouth. And she fell in love even more for it.
That was ... absolutely perfect. More than perfect.
It was Marco.
She felt the tears flow a second before he collected one of them with a fingertip
and smile tenderly.
- Tears, cherie ?
She sniffed.
- Are the hormones.
- Can I See. There are tears of happiness?
She sniffed again and blinked rapidly.
- Maybe. - Seeing his face, she laughed. - Most Likely.
- I know. - He gave her a sweet and tender kiss that was all she could want to
mark the moment. - So, will you marry me?
- Of course I will - she replied without hesitation. - You are my best friend. My
Marco. I love you to.
- And I love you, my Kat.