Page 13 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

It would take time to absorb all the implications, but Theo felt no doubt about his feelings. His child. His responsibility.

His chest tightened on an upswing of emotion. Wonder. Excitement. Fear.

These feelings were so tremendous, he wondered briefly if his biological father had felt such exhilaration when he’d received similar news. But only for a second.

Of course he hadn’t. There hadn’t been a paternal bone in that man’s body. To abandon the woman he’d got pregnant... Theo wouldneverdo that.

‘But something’s wrong.’ Theo knew little about pregnancy but Isla looked nothing like the rosy-cheeked women he’d seen with their baby bumps. ‘You say you’re not ill...’

Which, frankly, he doubted. She looked wrung out, as if sheer determination kept her upright. It was all he could do not to pull her close, reassure himself that she couldn’t be as fragile as she seemed.

Wouldn’t that go down well?

‘Tell me the truth. Is something wrong with the baby?’ His throat thickened as if his body rejected the notion. He’d known about the child for just minutes yet he couldn’t bear the thought of something happening to it. ‘Aren’t pregnant women supposed to glow?’

‘Glow? I wish.’ Isla’s mouth twisted. Then, meeting his eyes, her expression changed, turning slightly less martial. ‘Maybe I’ll glow later. I’ve had severe morning sickness for too long to look the picture of health. But,’ she hurried on, ‘I’m assured the baby is absolutely fine. Once we get through this stage I’ll put on weight.’

Relief seared through him that the baby was safe. Yet that wasn’t enough. The sight of Isla worried him.

‘Surely you shouldn’t be so drained? If—’

Isla raised her palm, stopping his question. ‘There’s no need for a show of concern. It’s unnecessary.’ She paused. ‘In fact, it’s insulting. Don’t play the worried ex.’

Her tone was cold. The way she saidex, like referring to something malodorous she’d picked up on the bottom of her shoe, made his hackles rise and his conscience sting.

Hadn’t they been good together? More than good?

They’d been together only a short time, but he’d felt as if Isla had come to know him better than anyone outside his family. It had unnerved him even as he revelled in the way it intensified their every interaction.

‘Iamconcerned.’

Surely that was obvious? She knew him well enough to understand that. Theo didn’t lie.

‘Really? That’s very hard to believe. Especially as you threatened to have me arrested.’

Theo’s head snapped back like he’d been slapped.

Logic had warned him not to come to England. He’d severed their liaison and it was a mistake to look back, no matter how tempting. Things were complicated enough without stirring the embers of a dead relationship. But he hadn’t been able to resist and now found himself stepping off a precipice to somersault endlessly, reality turning on its head while he struggled to get his bearings.

‘Sorry?’

Isla shook her head, eyes never leaving his. The scorn in them unfamiliar. ‘Don’t play the innocent, Theo. You know what I’m talking about. You threatened me.’

He leaned forward, hands on his splayed thighs. ‘I’ve never threatened you. I never would.’

Her answer was a derisive snort as she lifted her mug.

‘Isla?’

She didn’t look up, as if her tea were more interesting than the father of the child she carried.

Theo’s molars ground together. Indignation was a blistering rush of heat. Until recently he’d never imagined anyone would view him as anything other than a man of honour. Events in Athens had flayed his pride and now, unbelievably, Isla accused him...

‘You need to explain. I deserve an answer.’

‘Youdeserve? Youdeserve?’

Her eyes blazed, sharp as polished blades.

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