Page 100 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

Lex walked into the kitchen and slammed to a halt. She was perched on a high stool, a white-knuckled hand grasping the edge of the countertop and her other hand cradling her almost flat abdomen.

He was there in seconds, an arm around her back, his other hand on hers where it rested over their child. His heart was in his mouth, his words urgent.

‘What is it,Chrysi mou? Are you sick? Light-headed?’

‘No, I’m fine. Maybe I just did a bit too much.’

With one glance he took in the cooking utensils and the large baking dish of food, but he was more concerned about the way she shivered.

‘Come and sit somewhere more comfortable.’

‘You need to put the moussaka in the oven. It’s already preheated and—’

‘We’ll worry about that later. First let’s get you settled.’

He gathered her into his arms, comforted by her warm weight against him, and carried her out towards the stairs.

‘I don’t need to go to bed.’ Her voice was sharp. ‘Just take me to the sitting room. Please.’

He took her there, planning to lower her onto a comfortable armchair. But at the last minute he changed his mind and sank down with her on his lap instead, still cradled in his arms.

Something had been wrong for days. He stood a better chance of finding out what with her here in his arms.

She didn’t try to wriggle out of his hold and his disquiet eased a little as she leaned against him. That was one thing the past weeks had cemented, their physical relationship was all he could wish for.

But it worried him that she had something on her mind, something that made her white with worry, yet didn’t share it with him.

Didn’t she yet realise he was here to support her? He’d promised to be the best husband he could.

‘Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?’

She drew a shuddering breath and shook her head, her soft hair tickling his chin. ‘It’s nothing.’

Lex shuffled in his seat, moving her slightly so he could see her face better. ‘We’ve been honest with each other haven’t we,Chrysi mou? But now you’re shutting me out. Obviously something’s wrong.’ He paused, not wanting to go on, yet needing to know. ‘Is it me? Something I’ve done?’

‘No.’ The single syllable sounded choked. ‘It’s not you.’

His stomach dropped. ‘Is it the baby?’

She stiffened, a shudder ripping through her, confirming his fears.

‘What is it?’ He fought to keep the urgency from his voice, to sound calm, though his pulse had skyrocketed. ‘Are you in pain? Are there contractions?’

Portia shook her head. ‘Nothing like that. I think the baby’s fine. The doctor said it was, just hours ago.’

She’d seen the doctor and hadn’t mentioned the appointment? His gut knotted. What did he not know?

Lex held her close, moving one hand against her in concentric circles designed to soothe. She’d stopped shivering and she leaned into his touch in a way that told him she needed comforting.

‘Are you going to tell me what’s going on?’

‘I’m sorry.’ She sat straighter, no longer leaning close, and he missed the contact. ‘It’s just me worrying over nothing.’

The hitch in her breath told him it wasn’t nothing. ‘All the more reason to tell me.’

He stroked his hand along her chin then lifted it so he could meet her eyes. They were huge in her pale face. Haunted. He wanted to cuddle her close and tell her everything would be okay. But he needed to understand.

‘Talk to me, Portia. Help me understand.’

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