The Italian Surgeon Claims His Bride. Alison Roberts

      

      Time had stopped.

      Jenna’s gaze was locked with Paolo’s, and her awareness was so totally focussed on the man beside her.

      As his was. On her.

      He lifted his hand, using his middle finger to smooth a blob of soapsuds from just below her eye. The touch was so light, so intense, it could be nothing less than a caress.

      The connection unleashed something almost frightening. Jenna wouldn’t have believed that Paolo’s eyes could darken that much. Or that she would ever hear him utter a sound that was pure, raw desire.

      ‘You,’ he said, very softly, ‘are beautiful. Bella.’

      And then Paolo tipped his head and kissed her.

      Softly. Slowly.

      It wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough. And Jenna knew Paolo was thinking exactly the same because her gaze was still locked onto his—as it had been from the first moment he had touched her face.

      There was no question of whether or not they would make love. It was simply a matter of when…

      Dear Reader

      Mills & Boon are celebrating their 100th birthday this year. How amazing is that?

      For a whole century readers of romance have been loyal to a genre of fiction that celebrates what I believe matters the most: the relationships between people. Love…

      I fall in love with every one of my heroes, but a gorgeous Italian like Paolo in THE SURGEON CLAIMS HIS BRIDE was deliciously irresistible. That means there’s a part of me in every heroine, of course, but it’s more than just the part that falls in love. I suspect that you also relate to the same ideal. One that recognises the meaning of true love and what is precious about the connections to other people that mean we are not alone in the world. Not simply the magic relationship between lovers—we also cherish the bonds of family and friends. As Paolo and Jenna learn, it is possible to feel utterly vulnerable and yet to feel completely safe at the same time. Maybe that’s the essence of feeling loved?

      I’m proud to be writing these stories as Mills & Boon enters its second century. May the tradition continue to bring us all moments of joy.

      Happy reading

      With love

      Alison

      The Italian Surgeon Claims His Bride

      Alison Roberts

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      MILLS & BOON

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      Alison Roberts lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. She began her working career as a primary school teacher, but now juggles available working hours between writing and active duty as an ambulance officer. Throwing in a large dose of parenting, housework, gardening and pet-minding keeps life busy, and teenage daughter Becky is responsible for an increasing number of days spent on equestrian pursuits. Finding time for everything can be a challenge, but the rewards make the effort more than worthwhile.

      Recent titles by the same author:

      CHRISTMAS BRIDE-TO-BE

      THE PLAYBOY DOCTOR’S PROPOSAL†

      THE ITALIAN DOCTOR’S PERFECT FAMILY (Mediterranean Doctors)

      A FATHER BEYOND COMPARE*

      ONE NIGHT TO WED*

      EMERGENCY BABY*

      Contents

       CHAPTER ONE

       CHAPTER TWO

       CHAPTER THREE

       CHAPTER FOUR

       CHAPTER FIVE

       CHAPTER SIX

       CHAPTER SEVEN

       CHAPTER EIGHT

       CHAPTER NINE

       CHAPTER TEN

       CHAPTER ELEVEN

      CHAPTER ONE

      WHAT the hell was going on here?

      It was like a good-cop, bad-cop scenario. Hardly what Jenna Freeman had expected when fronting up to this fabulous old house in Hamilton Drive, one of the most exclusive parts of town, to attend a job interview.

      A woman who looked to be in her seventies was beaming at Jenna approvingly. The other woman, twenty years her junior, had fixed Jenna with a steely glare. Both had formidably strong personalities.

      ‘I’m not sure I understand,’ Jenna said carefully. ‘Is there something wrong with the little girl?’

      ‘With Danielle? Good heavens, no! She’s perfect.’

      The gazes of all three women shifted automatically to focus on the subject of their conversation and Jenna found herself smiling.

      Yes. Danielle did look perfect.

      As babies went, this one was a stunner.

      Jenna had met a lot of babies in her career as a paediatric nurse and could almost always find something appealing about them. Some looked like they should be advertising baby food in glossy magazines. Others had heart-melting smiles. Some were placid and cuddly and easy to care for, others noisy and fascinated by the world around them.

      They were all different and yet this one—nine-month-old Danielle Romano—was in a class of her own.

      She looked ready for a photographer’s attention in the beautiful pink smocked dress, long white socks and pristine patent leather shoes. A band that matched her dress squashed some of the silky-looking black curls on her head and sported a bow on top as perfect as the similar decoration on the shiny white shoes.

      Small fingers were playing with the bow on one shoe right now. Carefully. As though Danielle was confident she had all the time in the world to explore the shape and feel of the object. The wealth of bright toys surrounding her in the playpen couldn’t