Page 79 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

It was a rare thing. Even in the short time they’d been reunited and become lovers again, he’d sensed hidden constraint. They’d given themselves to each other with physical abandon. Yet Portia kept back part of herself.

He’d done the same. Neither were those naïve youngsters who’d believed love conquered all, ready to lay hearts and souls completely bare.

Seeing her now, her pleasure unfettered, Lex realised how much he’d missed. How much more there was to Portia than the sexy woman capable of satisfying, even outstripping his erotic fantasies.

He wanted to hoard her joy like a miser hoarded gold.

He wanted her to look at him like that every day.

He’d missed her, he acknowledged.

‘This is yours?’

Her sweeping gaze took in this end of the island, the forest to their left and to the right his villa with its informal garden that meandered down to the beach.

‘It’s a very small island.’

She frowned. ‘You own yourownisland?’

‘There’s an old monastery on the far side of the hill but it’s deserted now.’

He didn’t explain that the church had let him buy the property for a sizeable sum. Some people were awed by his money, but Portia wasn’t one. He remembered her comments about some of her father’s guests. She was used to mixing with wealthy people. But she’d never been impressed by people who flaunted their money, or expected it to excuse rudeness or a sense of entitlement.

Is that how she saw him? Arrogantly flaunting his wealth? He wasn’t going to apologise for his success.

‘I was living and working in Athens but wanted somewhere quiet to come home to.’ He gestured to the far side of the garden that gave way to a grove of twisted, venerable olive trees surrounded by a froth of wildflowers. ‘It’s peaceful. I do some of my best thinking here.’

She nodded, her smile returning as she took in the view. ‘The scenery is totally different but it reminds me of the field below the woodland at Cropley.’

Lex remembered the tranquil place with its rich scent of growing things. Sheltered by forest on three sides, it had an otherworldly air. It had been one of her favourite places to escape when her bombastic father made life difficult. ‘I remember—’

‘Do you commute by helicopter every day?’ she said quickly, making him wonder if she felt she’d revealed too much. Her expression now was unreadable and he sensed she’d shut a door on him. Or was it on her past?

‘Not usually. It’s a short trip by boat to Piraeus, Athens’ port. I brought you by air because it’s quicker from the airport than travelling by road to the port then making the crossing. I wanted the trip as fast and easy as possible for you.’

‘That’s kind. Thank you.’

Lex led her towards the house. He wanted to protest it wasn’t kind. It was what a man did for his...

What? Lover? Fiancée? She hasn’t agreed to marry you yet.

But she would. He’d make it happen. He was determined to look after her and their child.

Portia stopped at a curve on the path, the sun turning her dark honey hair to old gold. The spring breeze was cool, ruffling her hair, but the sun was warm. The English drizzle was a distant memory. ‘Thanks for offering this holiday, Lex. A fortnight taking time out from work is what I need.’

Her tone wasn’t that of a lover. Her gratitude was genuine he knew, but she sounded like she spoke to a stranger. Her voice was polite but edging towards brisk, like someone determined to be upbeat. It struck a discordant note after her unfettered enthusiasm moments ago.

She was putting up barriers.

Why had he thought that coming here would make everything easier?

‘It’s the least I can do.’ He caught her eye and held it, willing her to see how invested he was. ‘You know I want what’s best for you and the baby.’

‘I know.’ She paused. ‘And you know that in coming here I’m not agreeing to anything else.’

There it was. Not just a barrier but a solid wall topped with razor wire. She was warning him off, keeping him at a distance.

As if what they’d shared, and the future they’d face together, didn’t matter. He understood her caution. Their ill-fated affair had scarred them both. Yet it frustrated him that she couldn’t see the obvious, that creating a family for their child was the best way forward. He was willing to put aside his doubts about a permanent relationship and embrace the future. Surely she could do the same.

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