Page 11 of Our Secrets and Lies

‘Right, of course, I’ll be off.’ Damien left quickly, looking utterly star-struck.

Gabriel brushed Damien’s seat and sat down. ‘Is he another of your boyfriends?’

Lucy felt herself blushing bright red. ‘Oh, gosh, no. He’s just a classmate. It’s very nice to meet you, sir.’ She proffered her hand, which Gabriel took and crushed in his own.

Lucy pulled hers back. God, this was so awkward. She had no idea what to say.

‘I presume you know why I’m here?’ he asked.

‘Not really.I was expecting Tom.’

‘Yes, well, Tom won’t be coming. This is a most unfortunate business.’

‘I’m really sorry. It just … Well, we were careless that one time and I’m just sorry.’

He glared at her. ‘It’s a little late for apologies.’ Fishing in the inside pocket of his coat, he produced a thick envelope. He handed it to Lucy. ‘Inside this envelope you will find a return ticket to London andan appointment at an excellent clinic.’

‘Thank you. I really appreciate you helping us out, it’s very decent of you. Tom and I are so grateful.’

Gabriel’s lip curled into what was supposed to look like a smile. ‘Miss Murphy, people make mistakes and get themselves into hot spots. But there is always a solution. The key here is to have this mess sorted out quickly and discreetly so you can putit all behind you. Go to London, terminate this pregnancy and never speak of it again. Move on with your life. I hear you’re a bright girl, and no girl with an ounce of a brain wants to have a child while she’s in university. I also think you and Tom should stay away from each other, let things cool down a bit. Iunderstand you’re in the same class, but in a group of eighty students I’m sure youcan avoid him easily enough.’

Lucy felt as if she’d been slapped. ‘What … what do you mean? Tom’s my boyfriend … We’re a couple.’

Gabriel pursed his lips. ‘I strongly recommend a cooling-off period. Give each other some space to move on from this. Look, Tom is easily distracted and I didn’t spend a fortune on my son’s private education to have him do badly in university. Tom is a boy who needsto focus on his books to do well. I’ve told him that I want him to concentrate on one thing only this year, getting good results, which means he won’t have time for relationships.’

‘I won’t distract him, I promise. In fact, I’ll help him study. I love Tom and –’

Gabriel’s hand curled into a fist on the table. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. This is a silly college romance that has gone very wrong andcaused a lot of trouble. Now be sensible, forget about Tom, let him concentrate on his studies and you concentrate on yours.’

Lucy swallowed hard. She had to make him see that this was love, real love. ‘I understand you’re upset about the mess we’ve got ourselves into, but we really do love each other, and I know it may sound silly but it’s very real, I promise you.’

Gabriel stared coldly ather. ‘I have to get to court. Listen closely so there is no misunderstanding. I’m not asking you to stay away from Tom, I’m ordering you to.’ He stood up to leave.

Lucy felt her shame and humiliation turn to anger. ‘I’m sorry, but I won’t.’

‘Excuse me?’

‘You heard me. I will not stop seeing Tom. I’m mad about him and he’s mad about me.’

‘Keep your voice down,’ he hissed. ‘I have just arrangedfor you to have the best medical care available. You should be on your knees thanking me, you ungrateful girl.’

She put the envelope on the table. ‘Here, take it,’ she said, her voice shaking.

Gabriel picked it up and handed it back to her. She refused it.

‘I’m not leaving until you guarantee that you will go through with this termination. I don’t want you changing your mind or trying to convincemy son that having a child with you is a good idea. No stupid girl with loose morals is going to drag my son down.’

The thought of keeping the baby had never entered Lucy’s mind. She couldn’t have a baby: she was only twenty-one. She’d have to drop out of college or defer, and all of her goals and plans would be changed.

‘I’m waiting.’ Gabriel held the envelope out to her.

‘No.’ Lucy was surprisedto hear herself say it, but she suddenly felt filled with conviction.

‘No?’ Gabriel’s face went bright red.

Lucy could see that he was shaken. The thought of her not getting rid of the baby was freaking him out. Good. She wanted to rattle him, the bastard. ‘If I decide to change my mind, that’s my prerogative.’

Gabriel put the envelope on the table and said very quietly into her ear, ‘Do notcross me, or I promise you, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.’

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