Helen Bianchin - A Christmas Marriage Ultimatum Read online

  ‘If you’ll excuse me?’ Dimitri inclined, wondering if she was aware he could read her expressive features.

  ‘Yes, of course,’ she said quickly, and glimpsed the faint mocking amusement apparent.

  It was another hour before the guests slowly began to dissipate, and Chantelle breathed a sigh of relief when Anouk suggested they should leave.

  Samuel was fading fast when she collected him from the playroom, and she lifted him high as she reached the stairs.

  ‘Tired, mon ange, hmm?’ she queried gently, and felt her heart turn over as his arms encircled her neck. He was such an affectionate child, and she pressed a kiss to his temple. It was something she hoped would never change.

  Chantelle reached the top of the stairs and found Anouk and Jean-Paul waiting for them. Dimitri’s presence sent the blood pumping a little faster through her veins, and she looked at him in silent askance as she joined them.

  Dimitri met her gaze and held it. Then something moved in the depths of his eyes. This was the woman he’d loved and lost. The child she held in her arms was his own.

  The bond between them was a tangible entity, and one he had no intention of losing.

  ‘Let me take him.’

  ‘He’s fine,’ Chantelle said quickly, unwilling to relinquish Samuel.

  For a moment she thought Dimitri was about to argue, and she hurriedly added, ‘He’s almost asleep.’

  It took a few minutes to thank their host, and make their way to the entrance lobby.

  Dimitri walked at her side as if it was his God-given right, and she threw him a veiled glare.

  ‘Nine-thirty tomorrow morning?’ he queried as they paused in the doorway.

  The marine park. In Anouk and Jean-Paul’s presence, what else could she say except ‘Thank you. We’ll be ready’?

  CHAPTER FIVE

  THE Gold Coast was the home of theme parks, and it was almost de rigueur for holidaymakers with children to visit most, if not all of them.

  At ten the parking area adjacent the marine park was well-filled, and with the sun shining brightly in a cloudless sky, the day promised heat, humidity and, if they were lucky, a fresh temperate sea breeze.

  Chantelle had come well-prepared, with hats, sunscreen cream, bottled water, change of clothes for Samuel, each packed into her backpack. A portable stroller would prove useful when Samuel began to tire. Every eventuality covered, she mused as she slid sunglasses in place.

  Casual wear was the order of the day, and she’d chosen a denim skirt, cotton shirt, and wore trainers on her feet.

  As to Dimitri, even cargo trousers and a T-shirt did little to disguise his dynamic aura of power. Designer sunglasses and the NY-monogrammed cap added to the overall look of a corporate executive on holiday.

  Chantelle had prepared in advance for the ticket box, and she extracted a high-denominational note.

  ‘What do you think you’re doing?’ His indolent drawl held a degree of musing tolerance.

  ‘I don’t expect you to pay for us.’

  ‘You want to begin an argument at this hour of the morning?’

  It was impossible to tell anything from his expression, so she didn’t even try. ‘Please.’ Independence was important to her, and she didn’t want to owe anyone anything. Especially not Dimitri.

  ‘No.’

  Apart from initiating a tussle, there was little she could do but acquiesce and throw him an eloquent glare.

  Once through the gates she focused on Samuel’s delight as they viewed the underground marine world with sharks, stingrays and various large fish held in massive glass tanks.

  There was a programme to observe, and first up was the dolphin show. Dimitri secured their seats, and Chantelle very quickly positioned Samuel between them. An action which drew an amused smile.

  The accompanying commentary proved to be a show almost on its own, and Samuel clapped as each dolphin performed its trained act, laughing with sheer delight as the wonderful sea mammals dived and leapt on command.

  ‘We can watch them again?’ he queried eagerly as the show concluded, and he made no protest as Dimitri swept him up to sit astride his shoulders.

  ‘Of course,’ Dimitri promised. ‘Later.’

  ‘Dimitri said we can, Maman,’ he assured, blissfully happy at the prospect. ‘Later.’

  They exited the area, and chose time out for refreshments.

  Man and child seemed perfectly at ease with each other, and there was a tiny part of her that envied the simplicity of a child’s trust.

  A small seed of doubt rose to the fore. Had she been wrong in keeping Samuel’s existence from Dimitri? Yet she knew unequivocally that if he’d known, life as she’d known it for the past four years would have been vastly different.

  He would have insisted on sharing custody. Something she hadn’t been ready for then, any more than she was ready for it now.

  Yet how could she deny her son? Nerves tightened into a painful ball in her stomach at the thought of explaining Dimitri was Samuel’s biological father.

  Surely he was too young to harbour any resentment against her?

  ‘All done?’

  Dimitri’s voice broke into her thoughts, and she spared him a quick glance as she secured Samuel’s hat and reapplied sunscreen.

  ‘Where to next?’ she managed brightly, and saw Samuel’s attention was held by the distant monorail.

  ‘Can we go on that ride? Please,’ he added quickly, offering Dimitri an appealing smile.

  ‘Don’t see why not.’ Dimitri held out his hand. ‘Do you want a skyscraper view?’

  As if he needed to ask! Riding a man’s shoulders was a new experience, and, judging by Samuel’s willingness, one he couldn’t wait to repeat.

  There was no doubt her son loved every minute of the day’s outing. He was almost too excited to eat lunch, and following the sea lion show he began to visibly wilt.

  ‘I’ll carry him,’ Dimitri said quietly when Chantelle suggested the stroller, and he simply lifted Samuel to rest against his chest, with his head curved into one shoulder. Within seconds the little boy’s eyes drooped closed.

  ‘He’s already asleep,’ she said quietly. ‘Perhaps we should leave.’

  ‘There’s a shady spot over by those trees. Let’s go sit down awhile.’

  There were a few jetskis on the lake, together with a small powerboat towing a clown-suited man on waterskis.

  Tricks, thrills and orchestrated spills that had the audience gasping, and she watched with pretended interest as her son slept peacefully against his father’s chest.

  Anyone observing them would immediately assume they were a close family unit. But that was far from reality.

  ‘Is Daniella still on the scene?’ It was a stark query, but one she felt impelled to ask.

  Dimitri’s gaze narrowed. ‘We share mutual friends.’

  An advantage Daniella had used without scruples in the past. ‘Uh-huh. So you see each other from time to time?’

  ‘Occasionally.’

  Well-orchestrated occasions, seemingly innocent, yet deliberately planned by an actress who knew how to play the game.

  ‘How remarkably—’ she paused fractionally ‘—convenient.’

  ‘Her purported relationship with me was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.’

  That wasn’t how Daniella figured it. ‘So you said at the time.’

  ‘Something you didn’t believe then,’ Dimitri discounted silkily. ‘Any more than you do now.’

  She shot him a look that lost much of its effect given he was unable to detect her expression beneath the shaded lenses. ‘Perceptive of you.’

  ‘We’ve done this already.’

  So they had. If he was telling the truth, Daniella Fabrizi had a lot to answer for.

  Samuel napped for a while, and woke to the sound of the park ranger announcing the afternoon sea lion show on the speaker system.

  Their attendance capped Samuel’s day, and on arrival home he clung a
s Dimitri released him from the car seat. ‘Thank you for taking me to see the dolphins, and the sea lions,’ he added, then planted an impulsive kiss on his father’s cheek.

  Chantelle stood transfixed for a few seconds as Dimitri returned the affectionate gesture.

  ‘I like you,’ Samuel said with childish candour.

  ‘Thank you,’ Dimitri responded solemnly. ‘I like you, too.’

  ‘Will you come and see us again?’

  ‘You can count on it.’

  ‘We’re going to see the fireworks tomorrow night.’

  Chantelle’s heart ached with emotion. Samuel—stop, she wanted to urge, only the word remained locked in her throat.

  Fireworks and Christmas decorative-light displays formed part of the lead-up to Christmas, and Anouk had elicited information on all the activities available for children.

  ‘You can come too,’ Samuel invited earnestly, and she intercepted quickly,

  ‘Maybe next time. Dimitri has a busy schedule.’ She summoned a smile as she met his gaze. ‘Thanks for giving Samuel such a lovely day.’

  Dimitri let her make her escape. For now.

  ‘We’re going to see pretty lights,’ Samuel declared as she selected his clothes. ‘There will be lots of bangs.’

  Chantelle held out her hand, and experienced a warm tide of affection as he wrapped his arms around her legs.

  It had been another hot day, and the temperature hadn’t cooled with the onset of evening.

  Chantelle stepped into cotton fatigue trousers and a singlet top, slid her feet into trainers, and scooped the length of her hair into a ponytail, then she helped Samuel don shorts and a T-shirt, added sandals and a cap.

  ‘We’re having lots of fun, Maman.’ He lifted his head and gave her an infectious grin. ‘I love it here. And I love Grandmère and Jean-Paul.’ He looked thoughtful for a few seconds. ‘I like Dimitri, too.’

  Oh, my. ‘That’s nice.’ What else could she say? Least said, the better! ‘Shall we go join Grandmère and Jean-Paul?’

  Tonight’s adventure took in a massive fireworks display at one of the Coast’s major shopping complexes, timed to begin at nightfall.

  A twenty-minute drive, time out for parking and gaining a position among the gathering crowds of people meant little spare time before the display began.

  Jean-Paul hoisted Samuel on top of his shoulders, whereupon Samuel emitted a blissful sigh. ‘I can see everything. But Jean-Paul is not as big as Dimitri.’

  Chantelle met her mother’s gaze, saw the faintly raised eyebrow, and revealed quietly, ‘Dimitri carried him on his shoulders while we were at the marine park.’

  ‘Uh-huh.’

  ‘Don’t,’ she swiftly cautioned, and Anouk offered a musing smile.

  ‘Chérie, I’m merely doing the maths.’

  ‘It won’t do you any good.’

  Anouk’s smile broadened into a fulsome curve. ‘We shall see.’

  ‘Maman—’

  The warning went unheeded as a brilliant series of skyrockets exploded in myriad sprays of vivid colour.

  Samuel laughed and clapped his hands in delight.

  ‘Dimitri. Dimitri’s here.’

  She wanted to vent her frustration, and almost did, except Dimitri moved in close and she made do with lancing him with a telling glare.

  ‘Dimitri,’ Anouk greeted warmly. ‘How nice you could join us.’

  With Samuel perched high on Jean-Paul’s shoulders, it wouldn’t have taken Dimitri long to pinpoint them among the assembled crowd.

  His presence had an unsettling effect, and she hated the familiar curling sensation deep inside. Unbidden, her pulse-rate picked up, and she felt its thudding beat at the base of her throat.

  Could he see it in this dim light? She hoped not.

  He made no attempt to touch her, but it was enough that he was there, positioned mere inches from where she stood.

  Samuel was in his element, laughing and clapping with delight at each bang and subsequent burst of colour. The designs were many and varied, and lasted a while.

  ‘Dimitri, look!’ He twisted towards Dimitri and pointed to one spectacular star-burst.

  Jean-Paul had a firm grip on his legs, and he appeared to have no sense of fear as he called, ‘Look, Maman, isn’t it magnificent?’

  ‘Magnificent,’ Chantelle agreed. His delight was catching, and Anouk turned towards her.

  ‘He’s a beautiful little boy. Such innocence, so much heart.’

  ‘Indeed,’ Dimitri drawled in agreement.

  All too soon the display concluded, and the crowds began to disperse.

  Samuel made a sweeping gesture with his arms. ‘They’re all gone.’

  ‘But it was wonderful while it lasted,’ Chantelle offered gently as Jean-Paul swung the little boy down onto his feet.

  ‘Oui, Maman.’

  She leant down and ruffled his hair. ‘And now we must go home. Tomorrow is another big day.’

  ‘We’re going out on the boat.’ He looked up at Dimitri. ‘Jean-Paul’s boat.’

  ‘Yes, I know.’ Dimitri picked him up and held him in the crook of one arm. ‘Would you like it if I came along too?’

  ‘Yes.’

  There you go, Chantelle muttered beneath her breath. Male bonding achieved in record time. A few hours a few days apart, and her son had reached an almost instant rapport with Dimitri.

  She should be grateful. She assured herself she didn’t mind sharing Samuel…she just didn’t want to share him with Dimitri.

  Together they began wending their way towards the vast parking area, and Chantelle turned towards Dimitri as they reached the base of the steps. Anouk and Jean-Paul were walking ahead of them.

  ‘I’ll take him.’

  ‘My car’s not far from here.’

  Within minutes they reached Anouk’s Lexus, and Chantelle began settling Samuel into his safety seat.

  ‘We’ll take Samuel home, chérie,’ Anouk offered. ‘We can detour past a few of the houses displaying Christmas lights. It’s still relatively early. Why don’t you join Dimitri for a coffee?’ She turned towards Dimitri. ‘There’s a delightful area at Main Beach filled with trendy cafés. Chantelle will give you directions.’ Her gaze swung back to her daughter. ‘You so rarely go out, and it’s such a pleasure to baby-sit my grandson.’

  ‘Grandmère will read me a story,’ Samuel declared, oblivious to his mother’s growing tension.

  ‘I don’t think—’

  ‘Darling, you think too much,’ Anouk chided. She crossed round the car and slid into the passenger seat, whilst Jean-Paul, the traitor, took his position behind the wheel.

  She’d been neatly shanghaied, and with an adroitness part of her could only admire. But then, Anouk was an expert at subtle manipulation.

  So where did that leave her? With Dimitri, and reliant on him for a ride home. She watched the Lexus reverse out and purr towards the marked exit before she turned towards the man at her side.

  ‘If I thought for one minute you had a hand in this, I’d hit you!’

  ‘Now, there’s an interesting thought.’

  His indolent drawl almost undid her, and she speared him a dark glare. ‘You can skip the coffee.’ She was on a roll. ‘In fact, you can skip taking me anywhere. I’ll take a cab.’

  ‘And disappoint Anouk?’ he queried mildly. ‘Besides, we need an opportunity to discuss arrangements for sharing custody of Samuel.’

  For a few seconds she was rendered speechless, then the impact of his words hit with cold reality.

  ‘Coffee,’ Chantelle capitulated, and earned his wry amusement.

  He gestured towards a line of parked cars to his right. ‘My car is over there.’

  She didn’t want to do this. Dear heaven, if she had her way Dimitri would disappear in a puff of smoke. But given that unlikelihood, she had to face facts.

  A discussion. Well, there was no harm in conducting a discussion. It didn’t mean she had to agree to anything.


  ‘I assume you’re aware how to reach Main Beach?’ she queried stiffly as Dimitri eased the car through the exit and branched off to connect with the main road leading through the heart of Surfer’s Paradise.

  ‘I acquainted myself with a map.’

  Chantelle settled for silence unless spoken to, and it was only when they neared the traffic-controlled intersection adjacent Main Beach that she offered directions.

  Trendy cafés lined the attractive boulevard, and it irked a little when he slid the car into a recently vacated parking spot.

  ‘Do you want to choose, or shall I?’ Dimitri queried as he locked the car and joined her on the pavement.

  She gave a faint shrug. ‘Coffee is coffee.’ It was a popular area, with patrons filling most of the outdoor tables.

  They wandered the southern end of the boulevard, and secured the first empty table available.

  The waitress was efficient, and appeared within minutes to take their order.

  ‘You’ve done an excellent job rearing Samuel.’

  Chantelle looked at him carefully. ‘Let’s not play games, Dimitri.’

  ‘Just cut straight to the chase?’

  The waitress returned with bottled water and two glasses, then crossed to another table.

  ‘It’s a wasted exercise, because I doubt there’s anything you suggest that I’ll agree to.’

  ‘Because you fear the effect on Samuel.’

  ‘Yes.’ She drew in a deep breath and expelled it slowly. She held up a hand, and began ticking off opposing points on each finger. ‘He’s too young to travel without an accompanying adult. I wouldn’t want to entrust him to the care of anyone other than myself. I’m not in a position to take several leaves of absence from work.’ She paused beneath his intense interest, and endeavoured not to allow him to diminish her in any way. ‘You travel extensively. When would you be able to fit Samuel into your current lifestyle?’ She lifted a hand, then let it drop to the table. ‘Oh, dammit, none of this is easy!’

  The waitress delivered their coffee, and Chantelle watched as Dimitri added sugar to his, then took an appreciative sip.

  ‘What if I was to offer a solution?’ He replaced the cup down onto its saucer and spared her an enigmatic look.