Page 60 of Modern Romance Collection May 2024 Books 1-4

Ajax shook his head. ‘No, it’s fine. It’s good that it’ll be used again.’

He knocked on yet another door and Damia opened it after a few seconds, revealing that she too was just next door.

Ashling clapped her hands and Damia reached for her, saying, ‘I’ll change her and put her down for a nap.’

‘Are you sure?’ asked Erin.

Damia nodded. ‘Absolutely. That’s why I’m here, remember?’

Erin smiled wryly. She still wasn’t completely used to having assistance on tap. ‘Okay, thanks. But shout if you need me.’

Ajax said, ‘I’ll show you around and then we’ll get a coffee.’

As Erin followed Ajax around the impressive property she had an appreciation of just how vast the Nikolau wealth was. He wore it lightly, so it was easy to forget just how rarefied his world was.

There were numerous gardeners tending to gardens as far as the eye could see. There were several guesthouses. A private stairway led down to a private beach and a jetty where a small yacht was moored.

They stood on the bluff above, with spectacular views out over the sea. The horizon was dotted with other islands.

‘Most of the family have their own villas on the island. We’ll be hosting some relations and close family friends in the guesthouses, but you probably won’t even notice them.’

Erin wrinkled her nose. ‘Your family have friends?’

Ajax chuckled. ‘In their own dysfunctional way, yes.’

Erin felt warmth spreading through her. It was so easy to be with Ajax like this. Even in the midst of such grandeur and obvious tension. Too easy. Too seductive. She wanted to slip her hand into his and curl closer. Touch him. Use their desire to try and negate his family’s chilliness.

But that wasn’t her role. And she wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction of giving in.

She took a step back. ‘Where is the event taking place this evening?’

Ajax looked at her. ‘At a rented villa.’

‘This one wasn’t up to scratch?’ Erin quipped.

Ajax shook his head, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. It made Erin’s heart thump. She’d once wondered what it would be like to see this man smile or laugh.

He said, ‘Oh, no, this isn’t sufficient at all for showcasing the Nikolau dominance.’

Erin loved it that he was able to see his family for what they were. And on that note she took another step back. The wordlovewas creeping into her head far too frequently for her liking. It was as if now that she’d given herself permission to desire more for herself, a floodgate had opened. It was just dangerous to conflateloveandAjaxtogether.

‘I think I’ll go and get a bite to eat and then give Damia a couple of hours off. She’ll be babysitting tonight.’

‘I’ll come for you when we’re leaving...around five.’

Erin nodded. ‘I’ll be ready.’

Or as ready as she could be. Meeting Ajax’s parents hadn’t done much to quell her nerves.

CHAPTER TEN

IFERINHADbeen impressed by his parents’ villa, this one was on another level entirely. Apparently it was owned by another Greek billionaire, who was currently renting it out rather than living in it.

It was a soaring, white modern edifice on about three levels. It had been taken over by an events team and decorated with lanterns and fairy-lights. Uniformed staff in black and white moved through the guests—of which Erin counted about two hundred—with trays of sparkling wine and canapés that looked too good to eat. So she didn’t. Anyway, she was terrified of getting anything on her evening dress.

She’d thought it was over the top, but Georgiana had convinced her and she was glad she’d listened now because she did blend in. The dress was cream silk with a halter-neck design, leaving her back bare, and slashed from her throat to navel where a jewel detail pulled the slinky fabric together before it fell in folds to the ground. She’d teamed it with high-heeled silver sandals.

Damia had helped her with her hair and make-up while Ashling had played with all the new toys that they’d found in the nursery—a nice touch, Erin had thought.

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