Page 37 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

‘Considering the fact that almost everyone here is now looking at us,’ he said, ‘it might be a good moment to reinforce that statement with a display.’

‘A display...?’

But Erin’s words dissolved in her mouth as Ajax’s fingers tipped her chin up a little, and then his head was lowering and his mouth covered hers in a light kiss. A light kiss that burned her all the way through to her core.

She wanted to lean into him, absorb his strength and heat, feel that heat surrounding her and his big hands moving over her. For a moment she was sure he wanted to deepen the kiss. His other hand was on her waist and she felt him tighten it, but then he pulled back abruptly and Erin opened her eyes to see him watching her.

A wave of mortification washed through her body. She was exposing herself spectacularly, but he seemed completely unmoved.

He took her hand and led her down the patio towards another door. They were going back inside to the ballroom.

Erin took her hand from his when they were among the throng again. He glanced at her, but she pretended not to notice.

‘What is it, Erin?’

That sense of exposure was still prickling over her skin. ‘I’d like it if you warned me in advance of any...touching or kissing.’ She knew she sounded unbearably priggish, but the way she’d wanted to cleave to him at the first touch of his mouth to hers was terrifying.

‘Can you consider it a warning if I say now that we may have to indulge in spontaneous shows of affection if I deem it an opportune moment? I may not have time to ask the question.’

Now Erin was sorry she’d said anything. Next he’d be asking if she wanted to draw up a contract, laying out the terms and conditions for these public displays of affection.

She still wouldn’t look at him. ‘It’s fine. Forget I said anything. I just wasn’t expecting it...’

‘Erin, look at me. Please.’

Reluctantly she did so, vaguely aware that a charity auction was starting. She resolutely didn’t look at Ajax’s mouth.

‘You’re right. I shouldn’t have just assumed it would be okay to kiss you like that. Please know that I would never want to do anything to make you uncomfortable, so if you’d prefer we didn’t touch at all—’

Thatsuggestion sent a shard of panic down to Erin’s gut. ‘No... Look, I’m overreacting. Forget I said anything. It’s fine.’ In a bid to defuse the tension she’d created, she asked, ‘What’s the charity in aid of?’

‘It fights against domestic abuse. It’s a cause very personal to Leo and Angel.’

Erin looked at him and he said, ‘I don’t know the details—I don’t think anyone does—but I believe that Angel’s father was...violent.’

Erin went cold at the thought. ‘That’s awful.’

Leo and Angel were up on a dais, urging the crowd on to make bigger bids for different lots. There was a lot of raucous cheering and laughter as people vied with each other.

The next lot flashed up on the screen behind Angel and Leo: a romantic dinner for two at one of Athens’ most exclusive rooftop restaurants.

To Erin’s shock, Ajax put his hand up, and a friendly bidding war broke out between him and a couple of others.

It was soon whittled down to just two, and the price rose and rose beyond anything that might be considered acceptable for a dinner for two. Erin kept waiting for Ajax to bow out—it was getting ridiculous—but he seemed determined. Finally, when the price was eye-wateringly high, the other bidder faded away and Leo Parnassus brought the gavel down on Ajax’s bid.

Ajax turned to Erin and took her hand. He lifted it up, gave her a subtle look, as if in question, and she nodded barely perceptibly. Her heart was racing. He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand, causing a flurry of whispers and sighs. More whispers than sighs.

Erin’s face burned. Because even though she knew it was all for show, and entirely cynical, the imprint of Ajax’s mouth on her hand was like a brand, and she knew that somewhere deep down she wished that this was a real romantic gesture.

So sure your emotions aren’t involved?asked a little voice.

That incendiary thought made her pull her hand free. She didn’t look at Ajax—she didn’t want to see his expression.

The auction had ended and the crowd were milling around again.

Erin thought of something. ‘I got the signed contract back.’

Ajax looked at her. ‘I have signed over full custody to you.’

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