Shark In Troubled Waters

By DelSheree Gladden

Sabine Saint Laurent is known as the Princess of Paris. Polite, beautiful, charming, polished...perfect.

Everything is always under control, and when it isn’t, she handles it. It’s been an eventful few years with friends getting married, having babies, getting kidnapped, and almost dying, but she’s made it through each upheaval with poise. Just as she’s looking forward to things calming down, her entire life is upended by a startling piece of news.

Aside from her agent managing her day-to-day affairs, Sabine does not ask for help. Not even from her close knit group of friends and family. So when she finds herself struggling to cope with major changes in her life, she’s determined to power through on her own. It should be easy enough. Everything is always easy for Sabine: modeling, men, money, languages, art, cooking. Finding out she’s pregnant shouldn’t be any different, right?

Except it’s not easy. Nothing about navigating pregnancy, custody, complications, and a man she despises trying to seduce her is simple. Michael Moniteau’s intentions are questionable, but she desperately needs help and he’s the only one who understands enough to give it. It could be the beginning of something wonderful, or it could break the heart she’s kept carefully shielded for so long.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DelSheree Gladden
• Release date: Jul 29, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463868744

DelSheree Gladden

DelSheree Gladden was one of those shy, quiet kids who spent more time reading than talking. She didn't speak a single word for the first few months of preschool. Her fascination with reading led to many hours spent in the library and bookstores, and eventually to writing. She wrote her first novel when she was sixteen years old, but spent ten years rewriting before it was published.Native to New Mexico, DelSheree and her family spent several years in Colorado before returning to northern New Mexico. When not writing novels, you can find DelSheree reading, hiking, sewing, playing with her dogs, and working with other authors.DelSheree has several bestselling young adult series and has hit the USA Today Bestseller list twice as part of box sets. DelSheree also has contemporary romance, cozy mystery, and paranormal new adult series. Her writing is as varied as her reading interests.

Book preview

The Last Time

Sabine wanted very much to throw a can of hairspray at her agent’s head as he berated her for passing up a job in Milan. He acted as though he had all but sold his firstborn child to procure her the engagement. Not only was Sabine offered more jobs than she could ever want to accept, she had already informed Pierre that she intended to scale back her workload.

Her life had calmed significantly over the past few months. No one had given birth, nearly died, or been kidnapped in quite a while. Even so, she missed her little nephew, Warren, and the adorable baby Amelie, whom she had claimed as her niece even though they shared no blood. Being away from her brother, Guy, and friends she considered family had been trying.

Pierre told her over and over again that she was in her prime at thirty years old, and would be a fool to scale back. It was difficult not to remind him that she had all the money she could possibly need and if she no longer wanted to model for demanding and egotistical designers, she simply would give it all up. The fun and excitement of the travel and industry had lost its luster some time ago. As her good friend Vance would likely say, she was finally beginning to leave Neverland behind.

While Pierre was still in the middle of his tirade, Sabine stood from her chair at the welcomed command of her dresser, Elise. Pierre followed, still blathering on, until Elise shut the door to the dressing room in his face. "Merci," Sabine said to the girl.

Sweet, soft spoken, almost too nice for the business, Elise reminded her very much of her dear friend Leila. No problem. I don’t know how you can stand to listen to that guy for so long. She shook her head as she took the dress Sabine was meant to wear for the photo shoot from the rack.

I do not listen at all, Sabine said with a smile. His voice is rather simple to tune out. He has become like white noise.

Elise laughed. Why do you even pay him? It’s not like he’s hunting down jobs for you or anything.

Sabine shrugged. He manages my schedule quite well.

So, Elise said as she helped Sabine into the dress, he’s a glorified personal assistant.

Adjusting the midsection of the dress, Sabine nodded and laughed a little. "Oui, he is exactly that." Pierre was actually a very good agent and manager, but there were times he drove her mad.

Elise chuckled again and began zipping up the back of the dress. All was going well until the zipper met resistance. Hmm. Elise abandoned the zipper and leaned out from behind Sabine to check that the dress was hanging properly.

The zipper is stuck? Sabine asked.

No. I think they got your measurements wrong. Elise stuck the knuckle of her first finger in her mouth as she pondered the problem. It’s not by much, but I think you’re going to have to squish a little to fit.

That did not please Sabine at all. She had not been happy about taking this job so soon after her last one to begin with. Now the measurements were inaccurate? It was unacceptable. What are the measurements used?

Elise scrambled to the dressing table and sifted through notes and papers littering the top. Eventually she found the note she was looking for and read off what was listed. Sabine frowned when she heard them. The measurements she read were correct. The sewing must have been done incorrectly.

I rechecked the measurements myself when the dress was delivered. There have been mistakes before and, if I don’t catch them in time, I get in trouble, even though I have nothing to do with the sewing. Elise frowned, perplexed.

Shoving aside more papers, she uncovered a measuring tape and quickly looped it around Sabine’s hips, waist, and bust. Uh… She twisted the measuring tape in her hands. Your bust size. It’s…bigger.

Pardon? Sabine demanded. Her measurements had been exactly the same since she was sixteen years old. That was when she had begun modeling professionally and she spent an obscene amount of time making sure her measurements remained exactly as she wanted them. Her naturally trim figure made that easier for her than it was for some, but she still worked hard to keep her body in top shape.

I’d ask if you’d had some work done, Elise said, but it’s less than an inch difference and I think I know you well enough not to have to ask. Maybe it’s just that time of the month? She shrugged, but her voice sounded hopeful the discrepancy was as simple as that.

Sabine frowned. The birth control she was currently taking made it so she only had her cycle every four months. It made things considerably easier with her work to not have to worry about it so often. Pierre knew her schedule and usually booked her jobs in accordance. Sabine wasn’t sure exactly when her next cycle was due to begin.

Perhaps, she said uncertainly. She had never had this problem before.

Elise bit her knuckle again. Are you okay making it work, or do you want me to go track down someone who can adjust the dress?

Adjusting the dress would take too long. It displeased Sabine to let the situation slide, but she had a plane to catch that evening and did not want to be delayed. It will have to do as it is.

Looking relieved, Elise scurried back around to the zipper and directed Sabine to pull her shoulders together in order make closing the zipper easier. She managed it quickly, but as Sabine relaxed her shoulders, the tightness across her chest irritated her all over again. Trying to alleviate at least some of the discomfort, she tried adjusting her cleavage but winced as an odd soreness assaulted her, and she stopped.

Are you okay? Elise asked. Is the dress pinching pretty bad?

No. I must have overextended myself with the weights yesterday. That had to have been the cause but, as she considered it, she remembered she had opted for yoga the night before instead of weights. Her personal trainer had kept the routine fairly light as she had been scheduled to work in the morning.

Ignoring the usual boundaries of personal space, Elise set to work adjusting the dress and Sabine’s breasts in order to keep them from escaping the tight bodice. I’m sure you’re right, and it’s nothing, but…well, just to be careful… Elise stepped back and pressed her knuckle against her bottom lip. You’re one of the nicest people I know, and you’ve always treated me like a person instead of a doormat when we work together, and this may sound dumb, but my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago. She was okay after treatment, but it started out with changes in her breast tissue and soreness, and I’d just hate myself if I didn’t say anything and it turned out to be something like that. I’m sure it’s not since you’re so young and everything but, you know, I just thought…

Thank you, Sabine said, startled not only by the frightening warning, but by the fact that this young woman felt so concerned about her. I will have Pierre make an appointment to have everything examined. It is a good idea.

Elise breathed out a huge sigh of relief and went back to prepping Sabine for the shoot. They were both heading out to the waiting photographer a few minutes later, but her words stuck with Sabine. It was fortunate the shoot called for seriousness. She was not sure she could have managed light or playful with her mind suddenly so filled with heavy thoughts.

Her sister-in-law, Charlotte, was currently undergoing what would hopefully be her last round of chemotherapy for a very aggressive form of leukemia. Complications had nearly taken her life the previous year and left Guy and little Warren without her. Charlotte and Sabine had grown very close and she had seen how difficult the treatment had been on her. Fear that she could be forced to undergo something similar, or worse, if Elise’s concerns proved true, made it impossible for her to truly focus.

As soon as the photographer called the shoot to a close, Pierre was at her side. Before he could say a word about her lackluster performance, she launched into a list of demands. I need an appointment with a physician before my flight this evening. If the flight needs to be delayed, that is fine, but I still want time to return to Paris before flying back to Chicago, so do not delay it too long. I want a cab waiting to take me to the appointment by the time I am finished changing. Lunch after the appointment…something light.

Pierre did not comment on her brusqueness or her odd demands. An impromptu medical visit was not the strangest thing she had ever asked him to arrange. Elise made a quick reappearance to help her undress, and then excused herself to let Sabine change back into her regular clothes. By the time she exited the building, Pierre had once again proven his worth and was standing next to a taxi with her purse and several notes.

Dr. Frances saw you when you had those terrible headaches the last time we were in New York, so I made you an appointment with him in order to forgo the ‘new patient’ hassle. He is not a specialist, however. Pierre paused, waiting to make sure his choice would be sufficient. Sabine nodded and he continued. He will see you in twenty minutes, so there is no need to change your flight. You have a reservation at Gramercy Tavern at noon. If the appointment runs long, message me and I will make adjustments to the reservation.

"Merci," Sabine responded before stepping into the taxi. Pierre would join her for lunch, but certainly not for a trip to the doctor. She was sure he would occupy himself with more complaining and coordinating of jobs she did not want.

The ride across town to her appointment was incident free and she arrived at the office a few minutes before the appointed time. By the time she made it up to the reception desk, the woman greeted her cordially and told her the nurse would be out to get her promptly.

Is there anything I need to fill out? An update?

No, the woman replied, your assistant already updated everything.

Sabine supposed it would unnerve most people to have someone so familiar with her medical history, but she found it quite handy. She sat down in one of the waiting room chairs, but was called back almost immediately. The nurse directed her to a private room and asked her to take a seat on the raised patient chair.

Your agent didn’t know what you needed the appointment for today, the nurse said.

My breast size has changed and I am experiencing soreness as well.

The nurse nodded and scribbled down a few notes. When was your last period?

I am not sure of the exact date, but it was about three months ago.

Are you taking birth control?

Sabine nodded and gave her the name of the medication, which the nurse seemed to be familiar with. So, you’re not due for your next cycle for another month or so, correct?

"Oui, I believe so. I would have to ask my agent for an exact time."

The nurse seemed a little surprised by her comment, but shrugged it off. All right, well, let me grab the doctor. He’s finishing up with another patient, so while you’re waiting… She took a small plastic cup with a lid out of the pocket of her scrubs and handed it to Sabine. There’s a bathroom two doors down. Go ahead and just leave the sample on the tray in the bathroom and I’ll collect it when you’re done.

She excused herself after that and left Sabine to stare at the cup. Unsure of why they needed a urine sample, she supposed it was probably routine and followed the nurse’s instructions. Usually very healthy, she only visited the doctor on rare occasions outside of her yearly physical. Her last appointment had been exactly that. She remembered having her blood drawn, but couldn’t remember whether or not she had been asked for a urine sample. Perhaps she had just forgotten.

By the time she made it back to the examination room, the nurse was waiting for her with a paper gown. Go ahead and put this on. Dr. Frances wants to do a breast exam to check for any lumps or changes in the tissue.

Of course. Sabine took the gown and quickly changed once the nurse left. A few minutes later, a knock on the door preceded a male voice asking if she were ready for him to enter. Once Sabine gave him the go-ahead, the gray-haired man stepped into the room with a smile.

Ms. Saint Laurent, it’s nice to see you again. He sat down across from her and donned a serious expression. Are you in the habit of doing regular self-exams?

"Oui, Sabine said honestly. She took her health very seriously. I have noticed nothing unusual."

Dr. Frances nodded. I’m glad to hear that, but I’ll go ahead and perform a thorough exam if that’s all right with you.

Sabine gave her consent and lay back on the table.

These types of exams made most women uncomfortable, but Sabine had long ago gotten used to a lack of privacy and unfamiliar hands poking and prodding her. In a matter of minutes, he had concluded his exam and announced that he found nothing suspicious. Sabine began to sit back up, but the doctor interrupted with a request to ask if she were okay with him performing a pelvic exam.

May I ask why? Sabine inquired, beginning to question her initial reason for coming to see him.

Dr. Frances encouraged her to sit back up at that point. Sabine, what made you come in today?

I was concerned the soreness and change in my bust size may be a sign of breast cancer. It was suggested by my dresser. Her aunt…but I am beginning to get the impression you believe it to be something else. She had the oddest urge to take up Elise’s habit of biting her knuckle. Why she had not even considered the alternative before, she was unsure, but she was certainly thinking about it now.

I’m still waiting for Joanna to let me know the results of the pregnancy test I asked her to run on your urine sample, but it is the most likely possibility, he said. Breast cancer is a possibility as well, but your age and no family history put you at low risk. I can certainly send you for a mammogram and additional tests if it turns out you aren’t pregnant, but I think this is a case of the simplest answer being the correct one.

Sabine stared at him without speaking. She knew it was a possibility even if she hadn’t thought to consider it before that moment. She hadn’t been dating anyone recently. She hadn’t even had sex in several months thanks to her busy schedule and trips to Chicago in between jobs. Her interest in dating had dulled just as her enthusiasm for modeling had after the death of her dear friend Stephanie and the anguish it had caused both her and Vance.

The only person she had been seeing occasionally was her longtime friend André. They only got together every once in a while, when they happened to work together or both ended up back in Paris at the same time. The last time had been….

A knock at the door interrupted Sabine’s thoughts and her heart seemed to stop for a moment. The nurse, Joanna, stuck her head into the room after getting approval from Dr. Frances and held out a slip of paper. The doctor took it, and she disappeared as his eyes scanned what Sabine was sure were the results of her pregnancy test. She watched him take in a deep breath and set his shoulders back. It took him a moment to look up at her.

I assume you weren’t actively trying to get pregnant. Sabine shook her head and he nodded. Well, regardless of that fact, the test results are positive. There is a possibility of false positives, and I can order a blood test to be sure, but…

He trailed off, and Sabine felt confident he believed another test would only give her the same results. How long? she asked, outwardly calm while inwardly scrambling to understand.

How far along are you? Dr. Frances’s brow furrowed. Just from the breast tenderness and enlargement, I would guess you’re around six to eight weeks. Without having a firm date for your last menstrual cycle, we’ll need an ultrasound to get an exact due date.

Sabine felt a small flutter of panic at the words due date, but she subdued it quickly and pressed forward. A blood test would be advisable, yes? To be sure?

It is the most accurate. I can call you with the results since I assume you’ll probably be travelling again soon, he said.

Sabine nodded. This evening. Back home to Paris.

Dr. Frances wrote something down in her chart. You’re perfectly fine flying now and, unless there are complications, you can fly up to about eight months. After that, you’ll be grounded. Given how much you travel, I’m sure you’ll need to factor that into your plans.

Not being able to fly wasn’t something Sabine had even had a chance to contemplate at that point. It was more than mildly disconcerting to be unable to leave a place whenever she wanted, but she catalogued that as well and moved on to her next question. What should I do now?

Silently, she listened to the doctor tell her about vitamins, finding an obstetrician, when her next appointment should be, and much more. It was a tremendous amount of information, but she took it all in with numb patience and filed his instructions away on her mental to-do list.

Sabine, Dr. Frances asked in a gentle voice, are you okay? I know this must be quite a shock, but you seem to be handling it very calmly.

Placing her hands in her lap, the paper gown crinkled. I am processing everything, but I am fine. The news was startling and would necessitate changes, but she felt confident she could handle it. She always did. That was who she was.

He took her at her word and asked her to lie back down so he could finish the rest of the exam. As he did, Sabine’s mind was miles away, half the world away in Paris…two months earlier when she had gotten a call from André to say he was in town and wanted to get together. Dinner had ended back at his apartment and turned into breakfast the next morning. They knew each other well, well enough for Sabine to know exactly what his response would be to the news.

Chapter 2

Partner

Pierre was waiting for her with a car as she exited the doctor’s office, thanks to her text before changing out of the paper gown and back into her clothes. They would be late for their lunch reservation due to the length of the appointment, but she knew Pierre had likely already called the restaurant to alert them. As soon as she slipped into the backseat, his mouth popped open, prompting Sabine to hold up a hand.

Not until we get to the restaurant.

Her demand was immediately followed. His mouth snapped closed, leaving Sabine to think in peace. A million thoughts raced through her mind at once. Almost anyone else would have been seriously overwhelmed at the least, on the verge of having a meltdown at the worst. Sabine, though, only sat primly in her seat as her mind whirred and she quietly considered her options. They too were bursting to the point of being nearly unmanageable.

This upheaval was nothing new to Sabine. As constantly chaotic and in flux as her life usually was—especially of late—she was used to taking in large amounts of information and being expected to make quick decisions. Her job taught her well and early, and the recent personal experiences involving her friends and family had taken it to a new level.

Aside from all of that, Sabine was confident in her abilities. She spoke multiple languages, had an array of artistic talents, a quick mind for business, and a strong will that got her through many difficult situations. She did not fail at anything and she never shied away from a challenge. A baby was unexpected and somewhat frightening, but not unwelcomed. Her thoughts had been turning more and more toward settling down and having a family over the last few years. Now those thoughts had become reality in a surprising way, but Sabine steeled herself and was determined to be ready to embrace this next stage of her life. She was resolved to take the news in stride and refused to even consider it would not be exactly as she expected.

Pierre kept his word and remained silent until they were seated at their table. His intake of breath alerted Sabine to a mounting tirade, which she upset by speaking first. "Pierre, I know you will not be happy to hear this, but we must discuss drastic changes. I have made a decision and I will hear no arguments, oui?"

Wary of what she was about to tell him, he still nodded. "Oui, Sabine, you know I will do as you ask."

I need you to contact André Toulouse and find out his current location. If he is not in Paris, change my flight to wherever he is staying. I only need a few hours to speak with him, then I need a flight back to Paris to collect what I need to return to Chicago for Vance and Natalie’s wedding. While in Paris, schedule a press conference. I have an announcement to make.

She paused to take a deep breath and Pierre’s eyebrows rose, knowing this was the part he would be expected not to argue about and also knowing he was not going to be pleased at all.

I am retiring. Immediately.

Pierre’s mouth fell open. He spluttered for a few seconds, clearly wanting to talk her out of the decision, but then his expression sobered and real concern flooded his features. You are sick?

A small smile graced Sabine’s mouth. She complained about Pierre frequently, but they really were good friends and had worked together nearly fifteen years. "No, mon ami, but I am pregnant and I wish to raise my child in peace, with family."

The shock he had expressed at her announcement that she would retire was doubled at the news of a pregnancy. André, he is the father? Sabine nodded and Pierre rubbed his hand across his chin. He will not be of any help.

I know this, Sabine said, her stubborn independence brushing off the idea that she would need any help. I do not expect any. I intend to relocate to Chicago to be near my brother and his family.

Not to Paris, or the countryside with your parents?

Sabine shook her head. I love my parents very much, but the way they raised Guy and I, neither of us want that for our own children. Guy has become a wonderful father and I want my child to know his or her cousins. I will still go back home often, but I feel this is the right thing to do.

As startled as Pierre was by everything, he smiled at her. I think it is a good choice, though I will miss working with you. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. You will be a very good mother.

Sabine appreciated his confidence, even if she felt slightly less sure herself. Their conversation soon moved to business and the details of what so many changes in her life would entail. Sabine paid attention to everything, but part of her mind was anxiously leaping forward to the forthcoming encounter with André. As close as they were, this would be the end of their friendship, and that hurt her more than she wanted to admit.

***

She waited at a charming local eatery in Spain for him to arrive, looking perfectly calm and controlled. Inwardly, she thought of their years together as friends at first, and then as lovers. André had always been somewhat reckless, but never failed to be there for Sabine when she needed him. He was not the sort of friend who would spend hours talking with her. He was her refuge when she needed to get away from the stress of her daily life to simply enjoy and forget. André gave her a sense of home in many ways. They had both been raised by largely absent parents, and though they had different goals in life, they understood one another in a way that was comforting.

When André finally arrived—ten minutes late as usual—he showed not even a hint of suspicion. He kissed both her cheeks when she stood to greet him before pulling her in for a familiar embrace.

What a welcome surprise! he said as he took his seat. I was quite startled to get Pierre’s call that you wanted to meet. Are you here to work? I did not think you had anything scheduled until next month.

Not working, Sabine said as she stirred her tea slowly. This is a personal visit.

André’s eyes lit up, clearly making the wrong inference. I must be back in one hour, but this evening…

I am flying back to Paris after lunch, Sabine interrupted.

Confused, André settled back in his chair. I do not understand.

André, I am pregnant with your child. She forced herself to remain perfectly composed as she gave him a moment to recover from his shock. The child is yours, I have no doubt of this, though if you need assurance, I will be happy to provide such a thing when I am able.

André held up a hand and shook his head. If you say the child is mine, I have no reason to doubt you, Sabine. You are a very honest person and would not lie to me about such a thing. I believe what you say, but…

I expect nothing, she assured him. I only felt it right that you know. I leave anything else up to you and hold nothing against you if you wish not to be involved. We have been friends a long time and I know your feelings on the matter.

Stunned, but clearly grateful for her candor, he ran a hand through his hair slowly as he formed his response. I have no desire for children.

I know this. He had always been very upfront with her about that fact. In truth, his lifestyle would hardly be suitable to raising a child and he would never give it up. André was the type of person who jumped into a decision with two feet and never looked back.

I would be a bad influence, and I do not wish to be father only in name. That would not be fair to the child, André said thoughtfully.

This did startle Sabine. Her expression wrinkled before she could stop it from betraying her. You do not wish the child to even know who you are? She shook her head. André, I will not lie to my child or mislead. That would not be fair either.

Holding up a hand, André said, "You may tell the child I am his or her father if you feel you must, but I want no legal claim. The birth certificate, I do not wish to be listed as the father. After the birth, I will sign whatever documents are required to absolve my rights and leave the child solely in your care. You will be a good and kind