Page 92 of Modern Romance January 2025 1-4

Lex had presented it to her before they left his apartment. Despite every effort to hold back, she’d found herself breathlessly accepting the gift.

She’d assuaged her conscience earlier when she accepted his generosity, telling herself that the trip to Greece was a wise move for her own health and the baby’s. And it made sense to accept the sumptuous dress she wore tonight, rather than stand out in her budget-priced cotton sundress amongst the haute couture.

The solid gold bangle was completely different. Even though he said he’d bought it on a whim because it matched the dress perfectly.

It was studded with deep red rubies that formed a series of flowers embedded in the old gold. The engraved scrollwork around the edges almost perfectly matched the embroidered detail in her dress.

Portia had fallen in love with it instantly and hadn’t found the strength to deny herself this pleasure, though she’d told herself she should.

Zoe’s reaction confirmed her own. This gift wasn’t a meaningless frippery purchased by a man with too much money. Maybe that was why she’d been touching it all evening, as if the contact would confirm that Lexdidfeel something for her again. Something more than guilt and protectiveness because she carried this baby.

What did Zoe see? A statement of intent?

‘Yes, I believe it’s antique. I love it.’

The other woman nodded. ‘A gift from Lex?’

Portia straightened her shoulders. ‘It was, as it happens. My budget doesn’t stretch that far.’

She refused to pretend to be someone she wasn’t.

Zoe didn’t even blink. Nor did she narrow her eyes as if wondering whether Portia were a gold-digger, after Lex’s money. ‘Fair enough.’ Then that irrepressible grin appeared. ‘That makes gift choices easy for Lex. Men have such difficulty choosing presents, don’t you think?’

‘Actually, I disagree.’ The weekend escape to a luxurious country house hotel had been perfect. But even in their youth, before he had money, Lex had surprised her with small but thoughtful gifts that had made her feel special. ‘Some of the nicest presents I ever received were from—’

‘From Lex? So youarevery old friends?’

Portia hurried to set things straight. ‘Our relationship isn’t what you think. Until recently I hadn’t seen your brother in a very long time.’ Quickly she changed the subject. ‘You’re not afraid your brother’s hanging out with someone who just wants his money?’

The Greek woman huffed out a laugh. ‘I can’t see you in that role and he’s too canny for that.’ Her expression turned serious. ‘I trust his judgement. I trusthim. Maybe you should do the same.’

Trust him? But at what cost to herself?

Portia wondered that all the way back to his penthouse.

She was torn, tempted to take a leap of faith and admit Lex’s plan for their child had merit. Yet her instinct for self-preservation held her back. Life was safer when she relied only on herself.

But was it time to stop playing safe?

‘You’re quiet, Portia. Was this evening too much for you?’

‘No, I enjoyed myself.’ She’d been surprised to find herself liking most of the people she’d met. ‘And your family are lovely.’

‘I’m glad you feel that way. They clearly like you too.’

The warm resonance in his voice reminded her of Zoe’s words. How much family and belonging meant to him.

She and Lex had more in common than she’d let herself believe. Sometimes the sense of something vital missing from her life, the sense of loneliness, was incredibly strong. Perhaps he’d struggled with that too.

‘I like your sister.’

‘You do?’ He took his attention off the road for a second to shoot a glance her way. ‘I saw you two with your heads together. I was going to rescue you then you laughed and I assumed everything was okay.’

‘There was no need for rescue. And if there had been I’d have done it myself.’

‘I know. You’ve made that clear.’

She frowned, trying to pinpoint his tone since it was too dark to read his features properly. It wasn’t disapproval she’d heard, but could it be disappointment? Did he want her to turn to him for help?

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