Page 99 of Modern Romance Collection December 2024 Books 1-4

Most people were in love when they got married, he knew that, but some weren’t. For some it was an arrangement for legal purposes, which was what he’d been thinking when he’d asked her. He’d wanted some certainty for the future, and naturally legal protection and security for her, and he’d thought she’d see the logic behind the offer. But no, apparently not.

If he took into account her childhood and how miserable it had been, then he could almost see why it was important for her to feel loved. The difficulty for him, though, was that he didn’t love her. He wasn’t sure if it was even possible for him to feel love. He was certain he’d love his children—apparently that happened automatically the moment they were born—so he wasn’t worried about that. It was she who concerned him.

He wanted her to say yes to his marriage offer. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more imperative it was that she accept. It would make things much simpler in the long run if she was his wife. He’d never have to bother with finding and scheduling lovers again, not with Nell in his bed, because their chemistry was still hot and strong. And she’d have the advantage of having his name. She’d never have to work again if she didn’t want to, and if she did? Well, he’d create a school for her and she could run the place. Why not? The possibilities were endless.

Except if she didn’t accept his offer, there would be no possibilities at all.

The tension in his gut twisted and he bared his teeth in a soundless growl.

No, he couldn’t allow it. He had to get her to accept somehow and if that meant asking for some advice, then he’d ask for some damn advice.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, Aristophanes called Cesare.

‘Another phone call?’ Cesare said the minute he answered. ‘And the second within two days of the first. Astonishing. Have you turned over a new leaf, Ari?’

Aristophanes glared out of the window and across the cluttered streets of Athens’ downtown area. ‘I need advice,’ he said flatly.

‘Intriguing. About your impending twins?’

‘No, I’m sure that won’t be an issue.’ Aristophanes ignored his friend’s slightly strangled laugh since there didn’t seem to be anything amusing about what he’d said. ‘It’s about Nell. I have offered to marry her but...she refused.’

‘I see.’ Cesare’s voice was suspiciously expressionless. ‘How could that be? You’re rich as Midas, have your health and all your own teeth. Not to mention a full head of hair. What more could she want?’

‘I don’t know,’ Aristophanes replied, irritated. Hehatednot knowing something. ‘I offered because we needed some certainty for the future. I thought it would also give her legal protection, not to mention creating a family for us. It’s the next logical step.’

‘Logical, hmm? That sounds like you. And speaking of, is this something you actually want? A wife, I mean.’

‘Of course I want a wife. I wouldn’t have asked her to marry me otherwise.’

‘It’s just that you’ve never professed any interest in wives.’

‘I’m going to be a father, Cesare,’ he said curtly. ‘And you married Lark when you discovered she’d had your child.’

‘True,’ his friend admitted. ‘Though it did take some time to learn how to be a proper husband and father.’

‘I’m sure it will not be a problem for me,’ Aristophanes said, because he was sure it wouldn’t be. Again, if Cesare could do it, so could he. ‘I only need her to accept my proposal.’

‘Did she give you a reason for refusing you?’

Aristophanes was conscious of the ache in his jaw, a tight feeling running across his shoulders. ‘She wants to be loved,’ he said tightly.

Cesare sighed. ‘Of course, she does. So I suppose this means you’re not actually in love with her.’

‘No.’

‘And I suppose she’s not actually Satan incarnate and thus completely unlovable?’

‘Of course not,’ he growled, bristling with defensiveness. ‘She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. She’s intelligent, honest, stubborn, passionate and—’

‘Yes, yes,’ Cesare muttered. ‘I get the idea. Are you sure you’re not in love with her?’

‘I’m not’ he said, irritation becoming annoyance since this wasn’t about him. It was about her. ‘It isn’t me we’re talking about, Cesare.’

‘Fine, fine. So she wants to be loved.’

‘Yes. I told her that our children will love her, but apparently it wasn’t enough.’ He picked up a pen and toyed restlessly with it. ‘I wanted her to explain what kind of love she wanted, but she refused and told me she “couldn’t be bothered”.’

‘Hmm,’ Cesare said. ‘Difficult.’

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