Bentley did not care that it had cost him a small fortune. It was meant for her. If she did not want it, then the only fitting place for it was in the rubbish bin. He gave the limo driver the evening off and called a cab.

It was close on seven in the morning when Bentley sauntered back to the rented villa.

'Good morning Mrs. Blakely,' Bentley serenaded. Tessa was enjoying a bowl of muesli and reading the local morning newspaper. Bertha was also having breakfast.

'Bentley. Good heavens you reek of alcohol!'

'I guess I had a few,' he hiccupped.

'Bottles I'm sure,' Tessa wrinkled her nose distastefully.

'Bentley?' Brad's crisp voice was authorative behind Bentley.

'Morning sir,' Bentley spun about nervously.

'That's correct it is morning,' Brad stated the obvious. 'What, are you doing in a tux?'

'This?' Bentley looked down at his tux as if it had just automatically appeared on his body. Tessa lowered her head, suppressing the grin that was threatening to appear.

'Darling we're going for a walk,' Tessa pushed her bowl away and stood up. Brad looked at his wife curiously. He was dressed to work. He really did not have the time right now to inspect the expansive gardens of their rented villa.
Kim St Claire had surprisingly been ecstatic at receiving the promotion. He was scheduled to meet with Kim, the financial and the editorial teams in thirty minutes sharp. His wife thought it was time for an afternoon stroll. His P.A. thought it was dinner time.
What the hell!

'Fifteen minutes Bentley,' Brad growled. 'I want you dressed for work.'

'Yes sir.'

'What the hell is that smell?' Brad sniffed into the air.

'Let's go,' Tessa tugged on Brad's arm dragging him away. She looked over her shoulder at Bentley, as if warning him to get his act into gear.

'Thank you,' he mouthed, offering his boss's wife a salute before he rushed to his room to have a quick shower and be ready before the boss returned. The boss seemed to be in a foul mood.
Bentley hastily completed an icy cold shower. Still under the weather, he skipped breakfast. Brad had wanted Bentley to drive them to the office. Bentley mumbled incoherently and dashed to find them a driver. Technically with all the alcohol still in his bloodstream, he was beyond the legal limit and could not get behind a wheel this morning.

'Where's Bentley gone to?' Tessa asked Keri.

'He should be in his room,' Keri answered avoiding Tessa's eyes.

'But he's left already,' Tessa replied.

'Oh.' Keri was shocked. Her mind was in turmoil. She looked at Tessa pleadingly as if begging not to be questioned.

'Those earrings are absolutely stunning Keri.'

'Yeah. I've never seen white gold so close up before,' she laughed nervously.

'That's platinum Keri,' Tessa's expert eye knew it cost a king's ransom as well.

'Platinum! OMG,' Keri swallowed nervously. 'I did not know' she quickly removed them. 'Could---could you please keep them in your safe Tessa. They are from Bentley,' she looked away. Keri did not tell Tessa, she retrieved them from the rubbish bin.

'If Bentley bought it for you, he would want you to wear them.'

'I know, but now I'm nervous. Good heavens, I can't believe he spent so much money.'

'You two had a good evening then?' Tessa smiled. She assumed Bentley had taken Keri to Ferdinand's nightclub.

'Y---yes.'

Tessa laughed. 'Bentley did look like a very happy cat that indulged in a bowl of cream.'

'Really?' Keri was shocked. 'I mean, I guess so,' Keri rambled on.

Keri is like acting so weird! Did she go to bed with Bentley? Oh heck, I should mind my own business?

'Excuse me Keri. I want to get Lyndon dressed.'

'What's wrong my baby?' Lyndon was on his bed, looking forlorn. Tears were dripping down his flushed cheeks. Instinctively Tessa lifted him into her arms.

'My daddy said you must not carry me, momma.'

'Is that why you are crying my angel,' she kissed his tear stained face.

'No. I'm crying because you sent my Charlie away.'

'But I did not darling. When I came to kiss you good night last night, Charlie was on your bed,' she hugged Lyndon to her bosom. 'I asked Charlie to take care of you,' she murmured in his ear, 'and he was so cute, he placed his head on your chest.'

'Really?' Lyndon's glassy eyes brightened. 'Then where is my Charlie now?'

'Maybe daddy took him out to the garden to ---you know.'

Lyndon giggled. Tessa ruffled his hair adoringly. 'Put me down momma. I don't want to hurt the baby.'

'Give me a big smile first,' Tessa negotiated. Lyndon grinned, lifting his face up to his momma so she could inspect his smile.

'Oh, I love you so much,' Tessa twirled around with Lyndon and in that instant, a familiar happy bark was heard from the garden. Lyndon gasped and pointed to the window. Tessa chuckled and lowered her baby boy to the floor.

Lyndon rushed to the window, wrestling with the plush velvet curtains. He was entangling himself more that opening up the curtains.

'Stop Lyndon, you are going to bring the rail down.' She hurriedly rescued the curtain. Lyndon climbed onto the sill and opened the window.

'Morning Charlie!' Lyndon yelled down to his puppy. The dog barked incessantly, his tail wagging in delight. Brad waved from the garden.

'Hi darling,' Tessa greeted Brad.

'Momma can I go to my daddy please?'

'You need to visit the bathroom first angel.'

He looked disappointed. His smile disappeared. 'Morning my daddy,' Lyndon waved. 'I am going to wash and then I am coming to you.'

'Better hurry,' Brad grinned. 'Charlie is real impatient.'

'Quick momma,' Lyndon ripped of his sleep wear. 'Can I brush my teeth tomorrow?'

'Lyndon!' Tessa's stern voice, put paid to Lyndon's attempted antics.

'Sorry momma,' he pouted, looking so gorgeous in his designer trunks, his plump stomach visible.

'Gargle your mouth,' Tessa handed him a glass of water. Lyndon took a mouthful, threw his tiny head back and gargled melodiously.

'What song am I singing momma?' Water was trickling down his chin.

'You mean humming my baby,' she took the glass away and pulled a sweater over his head.

'What was I humming momma?'

'Baba black sheep?' Tessa guessed with a smile.

'Yes,' Lyndon clapped. 'Why is he called a black sheep momma?'

'Um---.' The bark from the window was a welcome relief.

Lyndon ran to the window again, forgetting his question. He looked over his shoulder at his mom pleadingly.

'How about you have your breakfast outside with Charlie,' she offered.

'Thank you momma,' he dived down the stairs.

'Lyndon walk---don't run,' Tessa scuttled behind him.

'My daddy, I'm sorry, but momma carried me.'

'Why?' Brad looked at Tessa questioningly.

His eyes dropped to her stomach. She was still not showing, but then she was not even six weeks pregnant as yet. His wife kept her body in amazing tip top shape. Her healthy, well tone figure and hour glass shape resembled that of a lady in her early twenties. She followed a strict regimen of healthy eating, cardio work-outs and drank tons of mineral waters. Brad could not wait for her to start showing. She looked adorable, when pregnant. Her skin and hair glowed. There was a permanent twinkling glow in her eyes, like she'd just been made love to rather thoroughly. He loved everything about his stunning wife.

'I was crying for Charlie when momma came to my room,' Lyndon looked up into his daddy's face.

'Why did you have to cry?' Brad asked sternly. 'You could have asked mummy or Stacy.'

'He'd just woken up darling. It was a natural reaction,' Tessa came to Lyndon's defence.

Brad dropped down on his haunches. 'You are four years old Lyndon. Babies cannot speak, therefore they cry. Is that clear?'

'Brad you're wanted at the office,' Tessa laced her hand into Lyndon's and centred herself between Brad and her baby boy.

Brad lifted his head up to meet Tessa's emerald eyes that were like twin rims of icicles. He was not an insensitive father who was of the opinion that men should not cry. If the emotion warranted it, so be it. But damn it, he did not want Lyndon behaving like a sissy for no apparent reason, crying just because his pup was not in his room, risking his mummy's pregnancy.

Now his wife was livid, sending him to the office, when she knew they had the day off. His plan had been to spend the day with his wife and son today. They were leaving to Singapore this afternoon. He had hardly seen much of Tessa in the last forty eight hours. There had been meetings after meetings, and an unscheduled television interview with the Australian national broadcaster. His considerate wife had taken it all in her stride. She had been patient and supportive, spending the time with their son without complaint, whilst he performed his numerous duties as chairman of GR. His wife knew quite well that Bentley had requested a day off. How was he supposed to function without his P.A.?

'I shall meet you for lunch,' Brad figured he would have to find something to do to amuse himself for a few hours. Tessa shifted away when Brad tried to kiss her lips.

'I have plans,' she lied.

'Cancel them,' he instructed. 'I shall return to collect you at one P.M. See you later son.' Brad strode away before Tessa could further argue with him.

'Bye my daddy. I love you,' Lyndon waved with his free hand, the other was draped around Charlie's neck.

Tessa wondered where Brad was going. He had no work scheduled for today. Unless he would go to Kim and help her acclimatize at her new post. From her vantage point in the garden, Tessa saw Brad chatting to the butler. Stacy seemed to have been summoned. Brad was talking to her. More like instructing her, she was nodding profusely. Tessa was curious about Brad's conversation with Stacy. She did not want Brad trying to indoctrinate their baby's behaviour. Lyndon was still young. If he wanted to express his emotions through tears, then he shall. She would not allow her husband to turn their son into an insensitive, ruthless, cold hearted brute.

'You girls have no plans for your last day in Australia?' Tessa smiled at Keri and Stacy lounging in the shade at the poolside. Tessa was taking Bertha shopping before the weather got really hot around lunchtime.

'This heat is a bit too harsh for me,' Stacy replied. She had suffered severe headaches from the morning they hand landed here. She had kept it to herself. Stacy was pleased her employers had not dragged her off into the vicious sun to take care of their little boy. Tessa Blakely was such a sweet employer. She was so undemanding.

'What about you Keri? I thought you would have plans?' What Tessa did not say was, she thought Keri featured in the plans Bentley had made for their last day in Australia.

'It's lovely here at the pool,' Keri smiled.

'I could call somebody to give you both a guided aerial tour of Sydney's famous attractions,' Tessa offered.

'No thanks, it's no problem really,' Stacy smiled.

'That's okay. We're leaving this afternoon,' Keri spoke quickly. She wished they could leave right away. She also wished she did not have to be in the same plane with Bentley. Things seem to become strained between them and it was all her fault.

'You must enjoy your lunch Mrs. Blakely.'

'I beg your pardon,' Tessa looked at Stacy.

'Mr. Blakely asked me to watch over Lyndon. He said he's taking you to lunch. He also gave me strict instructions that Lyndon and Charlie must remain indoors. Lyndon is not to wander about the gardens in his absence.'

Oh. Was that what the conversation was about?

'Thank you Stacy. You do an excellent job with Lyndon.'

'It is only a pleasure. Lyndon is the most adorable and pleasant child I've worked with.' Stacy was shy to compliment her boss on raising such a well balanced little guy. Like any typical child, Lyndon created challenging moments, but overall, it was a dream job, serving the Blakely's.

Keri wondered where Bentley was. She missed his text messages. Generally when he was with Mr. Blakely for extended periods, he would often send her flirty text messages that had her blushing. Today, he had left before she had woken up. She did not know where he was. She had tried calling his mobile. He had not answered.

Tessa was dressed and waiting for her husband with ten minutes to spare. After frolicking in the pool with Charlie for about three hours, exhausted now, Lyndon was having an early nap.

Tessa paced about the entrance hall waiting for Brad. She was annoyed with herself for being ready ahead of schedule. She walked into the lounge, sunk into one of the comfortable soft cushioned settees and called her mom. Her dad had also wanted to say "hi." Joseph had been disappointed he could not greet his grandson. Her father had made her promise to call back later that day so he could talk to Lyndon.

'I promise,' Tessa laughed as she ended the call. 'Bye daddy. I love you.'

As she turned to place her mobile back into her handbag, Tessa found Brad casually leaning against the wall, waiting for her. Thank heavens it was her father she had been talking to. Not that she indulged in any illicit conversations with any other males.
What the hell do I care!
The smile disappeared off her face. She glared at her husband.

'Ready?' he straightened up, smiling courteously.

Tessa stood up, she ignored his question. Brad did a double flip when he saw the dress Tessa was adorned in. His eyes bulged. Actually he would hardly call it a dress. Where was the rest of it? It was scraps of ivory material put together, but like an unsolved jigsaw puzzle, there were many pieces missing. He tried to make sense of the garment. It had a higher collar, like a Chinese gown. A column of material ran from the collar down to the hip. Three vertical strips of material ran on either side from the shoulders down to the hip. The mid-drift was completely bare. Her tiny shapely waist was visible. The garment sexily hinted more than displayed a flat board stomach. Conservative amounts of cloth covered her pelvis and ended just below her sexy thighs. Her long slender legs were complimented by killer stilettos.

He groaned softly. 'Why don't you put a jacket on?'
It sounded ridiculous even to his own ears when it was a blistering hot summer's day.

'Perhaps you'd like to go to lunch on your own!' she tossed indifferently.

Brad wished he could carry her up the two flights of stairs to the bedroom instead. He knew every man would be ogling her, his wife, instead of focusing on their bloody meal. He would request a private booth.

'Let's go,' Brad sighed, extending his hand out for her. Again she ignored him. 'Wait,' Brad pulled her into his arms, in a fierce iron grip. 'You look so sexy,' he murmured huskily. His lips brushed across hers. Tessa's hand gripped his shoulders. He nibbled gently at her throat, pressing his hardened form against her.
Tessa sighed, entangling her fingers into the curls of hair at the nape of his neck. Hungrily, her mouth captured his. She dipped her tongue into his mouth, seeking, entangling, caressing. Her palms cupped his face, holding it in position so she could better enjoy the kiss.

'Oh, I beg your pardon,' an apologetic voice disturbed them. Tessa drew her lips away, but she remained in his embrace. Not that she could escape even if she wanted to. Brad still held her waist in a vice grip.

'That's okay Keri.' Tessa turned around. She leaned her back against Brad's chest and laced her fingers through his. 'We were about to go out to lunch.'

'Oh enjoy,' Keri smiled.

'Would you like to join us?' Tessa offered.

No! I want you to myself.

'No thanks. I was actually going up to take a nap.'

'See you later then,' Tessa smiled again.

'I'm glad she said no,' Brad dipped his head. His lips caressed that hollow point between her neck and shoulder. Tessa sighed, angling her head. Brad turned her around in his arms.

'I am sorry,' he murmured in her ear. Tessa slowly opened her eyes. Brad's eyes were looking rather remorseful. 'I should not have spoken to Lyndon in that manner.'

'It's not me you should apologize to.'

'I went up to Lyndon's room. He is fast asleep.' Brad lifted her chin so she could meet his eyes.

'I know you will do everything in your power to protect our baby,' Brad spoke softly.
He knew why she would fiercely protect her child. She had not enjoyed that protection when she was growing up. Tessa would never allow Lyndon to be subjected to what she had suffered.

'I love you.'

'I love you too,' she flung her arms around him tightly and buried her face in his shoulder. She did not want Brad to see her vulnerability. She had never told him, yet somehow, he knew. He was more sensitive to her fears than she had given him credit for.

'I promised you lunch,' Brad smiled. Tessa nodded, not trusting her voice.

Brad helped her into the limo. Tessa was quiet. She did not speak at all. It was as if he was not there. When they got to the exclusive restaurant, the limo had hardly stopped, when the door was held open for them. The maitre'd smiled at Tessa more that what Brad thought constituted polite courtesy. He was equally taken aback when his wife addressed the maitre'd by name and chatted with him for a few minutes. Does she know them all in every continent? As Brad had guessed, every male's head turned as Tessa was being ushered to her seat. He relaxed somewhat, when Tessa reached for him and entwined her fingers through his. He felt ten feet taller, when she looked into his eyes and thanked him, as he held her chair for her.

'What's wrong?' Tessa reached for Brad's arm. Her thumb gently traced the plump vein throbbing on the inside of his wrist.

'Every man here has his eyes on you,' Brad growled.
She was not aware of that. Neither was she interested to test his theory. She loved Brad, adored him. He was the only man in the world she wanted. He should know that.

'Should I come and sit next to you?' she smiled.
He would love that. So he could drape his arm around her. Kiss her lips, slip his hand under her miniscule dress and watch her eyes burn up with passion.

'No thank you,' he twitched his lips. 'I much prefer to admire your beautiful face and look into your gorgeous eyes. I can't wait to undress you,' he murmured hoarsely.

'We're leaving this afternoon Blakely. You're not going to get the opportunity to undress me.'

Brad look at his watch. 'We only leave three hours from now,' he smirked.

Tessa was prevented from responding when Brad answered his mobile. She smiled inwardly. They had not even opened their menus as yet. Neither had they ordered their drinks. She would have mineral water. Brad liked sampling the local wines wherever they travelled.

Tessa looked behind her shoulder to catch the waiter's attention. Surprisingly he scurried to her. At the same time Brad ended his call. She wanted to enquire who it was, Brad looked troubled. Something he did not openly display in public. Tessa waited until the waiter took Brad's order and left before she asked him.

'Who was that darling?'

'Bentley,' Brad's voice was laced with restraint.

'I suppose he's making sure we will be ready to leave on schedule,' Tessa smiled.

'No. He informs me he will meet us in Singapore tomorrow.'

'What?' Tessa was taken