Page 47 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

Then, at last, she’d be able to move on.

Wasn’t that what she’d wanted all these years?

She drew a sustaining breath and swung around, discovering him closer than she’d thought.

Had he always been this tall?

Tall and broad across the shoulders and chest. She had an overwhelming impression of lean, hard strength, of implacability.

She’d never been nervous around Lex, despite the whispered mistrust of many locals. They’d been wary because he was different with his swarthy looks, unknown background and reclusive mother. But to Portia he’d been a friend, confidant and then finally...

But he’d changed since then. Even those remarkable blue eyes looked different. Once she’d been just as likely to see laughter there as anything else. Now they were guarded.

And that’s none of your business. Say what you have to then go.

‘Lex, I—’

Movement on the other side of the room caught her eye. A man in a dark suit entered from the back of the suite, carrying a large tray.

‘Over here, sir?’

‘Yes, thanks, Mason. We’ll look after ourselves from here. I’ll see you in the morning.’

‘Very well. Good night, sir, madam.’

He inclined his head and left the suite.

‘You have a butler with you?’ She supposed it was what billionaires did, yet still she was surprised.

Lex gestured for her to sit before handing her a bone china mug that smelled enticingly of rich chocolate and was topped with whipped cream.

‘Mason’s employed by the hotel. One of the perks of staying in the presidential suite. Can you really see me travelling with a butler?’

Portia shook her head. ‘I don’t know you anymore.’

Something flared in those blue eyes that she couldn’t read, then he inclined his head. ‘It’s been a long time.’

He offered her the food the butler had brought. Dainty blinis with smoked salmon and dill, and fragrant quiches so tiny they’d be a mere mouthful. But she was too tense to eat. She shook her head and sipped her drink.

The rich but not overly sweet chocolate was balm to her stretched nerves. She sipped again, wrapping her hands around the mug, soaking up its comforting warmth.

Lex poured a small glass of red wine and took a nearby armchair. He lifted his glass. ‘To old acquaintances.’

Portia raised the mug and sipped but she couldn’t relax. She was caught in a web of old memories and sharp, new sensations. This wasn’t the boy she’d given her heart to so long ago, despite the powerful drag of physical attraction.

But they had unresolved issues. Now she understood why she’d been so on edge these past few weeks. She wouldn’t be able to rest until she set the record straight between them.

‘Do you—?’

‘That night—’

Both stopped, waiting for the other. She felt her heart pound too high and fast. Saw his eyes narrow.

‘What about that night, Portia?’

There it was again, that silken undercurrent in his tone when he said her name. An insidiously strong undercurrent that tugged at the defences she’d built so painstakingly over the years.

She licked her lips and clutched her mug tight.

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