Page 83 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

He took a long draught from his glass. ‘That’s something I want to discuss with you. Seeing my family.’

Portia snatched a breath.

Was that why he’d been so forthcoming, answering her questions? They’d strayed into personal territory, discussing his relationship with his Greek relatives. Yet Lex had answered every query, letting her into his private life in a way she suspected few others were allowed.

Had he been softening her up to meet them? As part of his plan to convince her to marry and stay in Greece?

Predictably her muscles tensed.

Portia shook her head. It was one thing to have a quiet holiday here in private. It was another to meet his family. Her world was already out of kilter with the news Lex wanted to be a permanent part of it. She wasn’t ready to get so involved in his life. Keeping her distance protected her from hurt. Meeting his relatives would complicate things.

‘Hear me out before you say no,’ he urged.

‘You promised privacy. Peace and quiet.’

‘I did and I’ll keep my promise.’ After a moment he continued. ‘It’s my father’s birthday next week. My sister, Zoe, rang soon after we arrived on the island to check when I was coming to Athens. I was swimming and when she couldn’t raise me she rang my housekeeper.’ He shook his head. ‘Aspasia let slip that I had a female guest and Zoe’s been threatening to visit ever since.’

Portia stared. ‘Surely she knows if you’ve got a woman here you want privacy, not a visit from your sister.’

Heat climbed her throat. Because she was imagining him here making love with another woman? Or because, despite her caution, she wanted to be that woman?

What a tangled mess!

‘Of course she knows. But you have to understand Zoe has spent years trying to find me a long-term partner.’

‘Oh.’

Portia’s stomach plummeted. It shouldn’t be a surprise. She’d wondered if Lex had a woman in the wings.

‘She also knows I’ve never brought a woman here.’

‘Really?’

Lex removed his sunglasses, his gaze meeting hers with a warmth she felt all the way to her curling toes. ‘Really. This is my private place, my retreat.

‘I’ve fended Zoe off for the last week but she’s threatening to turn up anyway if I don’t bring you to Athens. My sister is warm and goodhearted but bossy. For some reason she thinks I need taking in hand.’ He smiled ruefully. ‘I was already going to invite you to my father’s birthday dinner. I’d like you to be there.’

‘But I’m an outsider.’

Those denim eyes held hers and her blood sizzled. Sometimes it felt like a losing battle, trying to stave off her desire for this man.

Was that weakness? Was she fighting the inevitable? The idea scared her.

‘You’re not an outsider, Portia. We share so much. Even if you don’t want to marry me, you’re my oldest friend.

‘Friendstrusteach other, Lex. They don’t believe the worst then cut them off without a hearing.’

Portia’s chest tightened as emotion welled from deep inside. Emotion she’d suppressed too long. Because she’d tried to move past the bitterness of disappointment, not wanting to dwell there. ‘Youdiscardedme.’

He nodded, his face grave.

‘I let you down badly.’ His words, slow and deep, had the resonance of a tolling bell. ‘I’m ashamed of what I did. I was a stupid kid and couldn’t quite believe my luck in having won you. I was proud and selfish but my confidence was a veneer. When it cracked I saw it as proof I’d been fooling myself.’ He raised his hand. ‘That’s no excuse. Thereisno excuse. But it’s an explanation.’

He paused, his gaze holding hers. ‘I’m sorry, Portia. If I could undo the past I would. But I’ll make it up to you now. I want to look after you.’

His expression made her chest squeeze. He could still make her feel too much.

‘You’re going to be the mother of my child. You’re carrying the next Tomaras in your womb. Let me share the responsibility.’

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