‘Of course not.’ Though some immature part of him would like to think so. ‘But after waiting so long to have sex, and being so persistent about trying to see me in Athens...’ Her blush turned fiery as if he’d accused her of stalking. ‘It wouldn’t be in character for you to take another lover so fast.’

She said nothing, just clapped her lips together and put her cutlery down.

He went on. ‘We had sex a lot and there was that time when the condom split. Besides, if you really were trying to fit me up for money you wouldn’t have let Petro’s letter put you off. You’d have written back with your news. You’d have hired your own lawyer. Or fed a story to the press for some astronomical sum and hope I’d agree to settle.’

As he watched, the colour leached from her features, making him wish he’d shut up.

She shook her head. ‘You really do live in a different world, don’t you?’

Being with Isla again made him understand just how different.

Theo couldn’t help regretting how their tentative truce had fractured. He shoved his chair back. ‘Would you like a hot drink?’

For the longest time she said nothing. Was she about to demand he leave? Except instead of defiance or anger what he saw was exhaustion. Her shoulders sagged and she leaned forward, supporting her drooping head on her hand and an elbow on the table.

The change in her was so quick it stunned him. ‘Isla, are you okay?’

‘Sure. Just suddenly very weary.’

The ghost of a smile flitted across her lips but she was frowning. He guessed it was only determination that kept her from laying her head on the table and sleeping.

‘Go and get ready for bed. I’ll clear this up.’

Her head lifted. ‘But we haven’t...’ She lifted one hand in a half-hearted gesture.

He’d been careful as they ate to avoid mentioning the future. It had been more important that she get a good meal inside her. Besides, there’d been something innately comfortable, almost satisfying, about sharing a quiet dinner with this woman.

Until, inevitably, it seemed, she’d challenged and argued, as if unable simply to accept his presence.

‘Haven’t talked about the child?’

Isla sat up at his words, her back ramrod straight, eyes narrow with suspicion. Or was that fear?

Theo digested that, a rusty, metallic taste filling his mouth. Isla, scared of him?

His life had changed dramatically recently. He’d experienced things he’d never expected. But not this. The idea of any woman scared of him was anathema.

‘It’s late, Isla.’ Actually, it was quite early but clearly her body clock said otherwise. How had she managed working and caring for herself, when she had so little energy? Theo made his voice as reassuring as he could. ‘We’ll talk tomorrow. You’re right, we have things to discuss.’

‘Tomorrow?’ She said it like a foreign, unfamiliar word. ‘But you said this was a quick trip to London. I thought you were going back to Athens straightaway.’

‘That was before I knew about our child.’ The idea still made his pulse quicken. ‘I’ve altered my schedule. I’ll return tomorrow. We need to talk.’

CHAPTER FIVE

ISLASTAREDINthe mirror, surprised to see colour in her cheeks for the first time in ages.

That’s what a good night’s sleep will do for you. And not waking to instant nausea.

She couldn’t believe she’d slept so long and soundly after all that happened yesterday. It was as if her mind and body had shut down, unable to keep functioning and worrying.

That didn’t stop her worrying now.

Whatever she thought of Theo Karalis, it seemed he wasn’t a man to walk away from an unplanned pregnancy.

She rubbed her hands up her bare arms and shivered. The question being whatwashe going to do?

Her head whirled with possibilities. He lived a life of privilege and wealth. In a world where people could be made to sign gag orders to protect his privacy. Or threatened with legal action for trying to contact him. Would he aim to buy her silence? Provide financial support so they left him alone?