Frankly, he wasn't sure if he could do any better if he were in her shoes.
Kira didn't just deserve his love; she deserved his respect.
Austyn was a pragmatist, but he admired her for her blind optimism, even though it was unrealistic at times.
Kira was the very embodiment of 'Hope springs eternal.
Austyn's heart had never ached so much for anyone before.
He only wished he had met her sooner.
But he didn't have a time machine.
All he could do now was hold on to her tighter.
Kira felt as if all the air was getting squeezed out of her lungs.
She hadn't expected Austyn would have such a strong reaction to her story.
She didn't mean to upset him.
'Those days have passed. It's fine now. I'm fine now.' She caressed his arms. 'I just wanted you to know how grateful I am. You didn't just save my father's life. You also saved mine."
And now they were about to have a baby and become a real family.
Kira felt like the luckiest woman alive.
Between winning the jackpot and marrying Austyn, she'd rather choose the latter.
Which was why she could not tolerate those things Gideon said about Austyn.
She straightened up and looked him in the eye.
'I met Gideon today.'
A dark shadow flitted across Austyn's face. 'Did something happen?'
Was that why she looked so upset when she showed up at his office?
'He said some things.'
'What kind of things?'
'He said you married me because you wanted something from me.'
Kira watched Austyn carefully. 'I didn't believe him, of course.'
Austyn didn't realise he had been holding his breath until he exhaled.
'Did he say what I wanted from you?'
'No. Which is why I didn't believe him. He was just making this up, right?'
She looked at Austyn, hoping for confirmation.
He nodded. 'He lied. Don't listen to him.'
Kira couldn't see Austyn's hands, which were clenched into fists.
Hope Springs Eternal
He had to force himself to remain very still and not to give anything away.
'I knew it.' Kira huffed. 'I knew he was just slinging mud at you."
J
Austyn shifted his body so she wouldn't hear his heart thumping. 'You should stay away from him.'
Kira thought about what happened earlier and shuddered.
Gideon had looked so determined.
He would have forced her to get an abortion if she hadn't escaped in time.
She set her jaw. 'I'm not seeing him again till the baby's born."
Austyn was relieved.
Kira relaxed and snuggled up to him.Exclusive content from .
She dismissed all thoughts about Gideon.
She was in a happy place right now.
She was safe, and she wasn't alone.
***
Austyn made up an excuse about a last-minute meeting and left his office.
'Close the door,' he ordered when Kai entered the conference room.
It was just the two of them inside.
Austyn paced.
He yanked off his tie and tossed it onto the long table.
His chest heaved.
Waves of anger emanated from him.
Kai stood quietly by the side and wondered if Boss had a spat with Young Madam.
What else could account for his fury?
The leather chair nearest to Austyn toppled over with a loud thud.
Austyn kicked it again.
It wasn't enough to vent the rage in his chest.
'Get me all you can on Gideon Garner. Call up a couple of Pls. Offer them as much money as they want. I want a full report on Garner's activities in Stamford. I want to know who he talked to, where he went, what he did, everything.' 'Yes, Boss.' Kai was already taking down notes on his tablet.
'Call him. Arrange a meeting ASAP.
'Uh, what should I tell him the meeting's for?'
"Tell him I'm inviting him for dinner.'
'Yes, Boss.'
Austyn couldn't remain calm.
Kai had left the room to make calls.
Austyn kept replaying Kira's words in his mind.
What had Gideon said to her, exactly?
How much did he know?
Did he mention Leland's name?
Probably not, or Kira would have said so.
Still, Austyn could not allow Garner to get in touch with Kira again.
He was keenly aware of how much Kira loved her father, maybe more than the love she had for him.
She would never forgive him if she found out the truth.
Austyn would take the secret to his grave.
For that to happen, Gideon Garner had to disappear.
***
Deborah got out of the taxi and stood where she was.
She made a call.
It went to voicemail.
She tried again.