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Page 297

| now had been ruled by how many men she took to her bed each day and night, but who wanted to change her life because of a child. |

| "Tell me," Sasha encouraged her. "What's troubling you?" |

| "I am not a strong person," Bianca cried, tears streaming from her eyes. "I thought I was. But out here in this emptiness, I am discovering much about myself that is not good." She eased her hands from Sasha's and covered her abdomen with them. "I fear for my child. I could never be a fit mother. Sasha, will you take my child and raise it as your own? You are a woman with heart and Ashton is a man who cares for people. You could be wonderful parents to a child.'' |

| She suddenly grabbed Sasha by the shoulder, her eyes wild. "Please tell me that you will take my child and raise it as your own. Please, Sasha. Please promise me that!" |

| Sasha was taken aback by the request. "Bianca, you know that I will do anything to help you," Sasha said, taking Bianca's hands, holding them tightly. "Are you asking me to take your child because of who you were married to? Because you are treated so terribly? Is it that you truly fear for your child's safety, not that you will be an unfit mother? Let me send Ashton to Stanford's sheep station to teach whoever is responsible for frightening you a lesson. There is no reason on this earth to live in fright like you do. Better yet, come and stay with us, Bianca. We'll make do until we can get you back to Melbourne." |

| Bianca emitted a low sob. She jerked her hands |

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