Page 67 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

Portia slanted another sideways glance at him as they stood before the exclusive hotel. She reached out, threading her fingers through his.

‘It doesn’t matter, Lex. I didn’t expect anything from him. That night he threatened all sorts of things, including to disinherit me if I didn’t do as he wanted. So it came as no surprise when he did just that. You know he didn’t have a forgiving temperament.’

Forgiving temperament! The man had been a narcissist. Totally greedy, self-indulgent and temperamental. It was a wonder his daughter had grown up the way she had, but then Lex’s memories of her mother were all positive.

‘He still had a duty of care. And surely a legal obligation to leave you something. You were his only child.’

‘I think that’s why I inherited the painting. To show I hadn’t been left out completely, in case I tried to challenge the will.’

‘But you didn’t challenge it.’ He didn’t bother to make it a question. He knew the answer.

She looked down at their joined hands. ‘There were a few things I’d have liked, some mementos of my mother for instance. But I’ve got by without them all this time. It would just be sentiment. He probably withheld any trinkets of my mother’s, knowing I’d like them.’

Suddenly she smiled. ‘But he did me a favour. The money from the sale of the painting is a game changer. Until now I’ve been busy making ends meet and putting a little money away, but now I’ve got a financial cushion that means I can work fewer hours and focus on study.’

The double doors before them opened and a staff member emerged, carrying designer luggage down the broad steps towards a waiting car. Behind him in the foyer guests stood talking.

Impatience stirred. This wasn’t the place for a private conversation. It also reminded him that their time together was up. Soon they’d leave for the city too.

Holding Portia’s hand, he guided her away from curious eyes, towards a side entrance.

It was clear now to Lex that a brief, passionate weekend wouldn’t obliterate his need for her.

The feel of her hand against his undid his resolve. Or perhaps it was the proud angle of her chin, making it clear that the details of her past and her future were private. Despite her exuberant, breathless physical hunger for him.

Adrenaline shot through his blood as her hand twitched in his.

He didn’t want her emotionally dependent on him.

An emotionally barren childhood with a distant mother had made him wary of relationships. He hadn’t known love or been close to anyone.Until Portia.Their debacle of a relationship had gutted him, destroying any fragile belief that he was cut out for romantic love.

Business had been his salvation. His thirst to succeed was as strong as ever, fuelled by the need to prove himself, including to his new family. Work and his family were enough for him.

Yet at the same time this, with Portia, wasn’t over.

‘We—’

‘Lex, I—’

‘You first,’ he invited.

They’d reached the side entrance and Portia slipped her hand from his, shoving it deep into her coat pocket.

A moment ago she’d looked almost regal in her determination, as if bestowing a favour in talking about her father. Suddenly she looked less sure of herself. Her glance darted around before settling near his mouth.

Instantly heat coiled in his groin. He wanted to kiss her again until her hair was mussed, her breathing heavy as she clung to him, eager for more. They’d go to their suite and—

‘It’s been a fantastic weekend, Lex.’ Her voice was low and husky. He felt it like suede stroking his skin. Anticipation stirred. ‘I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.’

He hoped his smile wasn’t too smug. ‘So have I.’

‘I’m glad things have worked out for you and I wish you well in the future.’ She drew a deep breath. ‘The sex has been...amazing. But there’s no future in it. It’s better if we don’t meet again.’

Suddenly those dark eyes fixed on his. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Heknewshe felt the current of attraction as strongly as he did. It was there in her face, in her straining body as she leaned closer then shifted back half a step as if afraid to get too near.

‘We need to go our separate ways from here. I know you have a flight to Athens later and I can get a lift to the railway station to save you coming all the way into London.’

He was still gathering his stunned thoughts when she went on. ‘So thank you, Lex. And goodbye.’

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