Page 38 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

What willpower? She inhaled his scent, drawing in his heat and strength, senses sparking in the newly charged atmosphere between them, and couldn’t pull back.

She’d struggled not to be drawn in by his spell. It was a losing battle.

‘Isla? Speak to me.’

For the first time she detected real uncertainty in him. Did he too fight not to succumb to the pull between them? She’d told herself Theo was immune and didn’t feel that desire any more. But reading his taut features and the slight unsteadiness in his hand, it hit her that she wasn’t alone in this.

‘To say what?’

His gaze scorched her. ‘That you want me. As much as I want you.’

Isla moistened dry lips, knowing how much rode on her answer. She must have hesitated too long for abruptly Theo withdrew, scraping his chair back from the table as if needing to put as much distance between them as possible.

‘Sorry. I don’t want to pressure you. I keep forgetting you’re sick when you look so...’ Theo shook his head. ‘I’m out of line—’

‘You’re not out of line.’ Caution died with his withdrawal. ‘You’re right.’

Her breath caught as, instead of triumph in those gleaming eyes, she read relief, crowded out a moment later by excitement. His expression was raw and hungry and it matched exactly what she felt.

‘For the record I’m not sick. I feel better than I have in ages.’ The enforced rest had restored a lot of her strength.

Something crackled in the air. That lightning spark of sexual connection that had arced between them from the first. The fine hairs on Isla’s arms stood on end, her breasts felt fuller and pressed against her bra where her nipples peaked.

Did Theo notice? His nostrils flared as if he scented her arousal. Far from feeling shy about it, Isla experienced an upswell of pride and confidence.

Why shouldn’t she admit to desire? Why shouldn’t she satisfy it? They both understood the situation. This wasn’t about romance. Theo had admitted that she wasn’t his first priority. But hehadadmitted to wanting her and suddenly that was all she could think about. Easing the gnawing hunger she carried wherever she went.

Surely she was entitled to that at least?

What had she to lose? She’d learned from disillusionment. She wouldn’t expect too much this time, just the physical pleasure Theo could give her.

‘You want me.’

It wasn’t a question. Theo’s tone conveyed satisfaction and something she couldn’t identify. But Isla wasn’t in the business any more of trying to understand Theo’s emotions. This was sex, pure and simple.

As for the baby and Theo’s outrageous proposition, those decisions were best left to another day. When she could think straight.

‘Yes.’

The smile that unfurled across his face made her light-headed. But not as much as when he scooted his chair forward, reaching out and threading his fingers through hers. The electricity in the air was inside her now and she could barely sit still, so potent was his effect.

‘I want you, Isla, you have no idea how much.’

He rose, pulling her to her feet. As they crossed the room Giorgio appeared, all smiles, carrying their jackets. Theo helped her into hers, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary, before he shrugged into his and passed a credit card to their host. Isla was barely aware of what was said, only that Giorgio invited them back. Then they stepped out into the crisp night, Theo taking her hand as they turned down the lane.

Neither spoke. Every sense was focused on what lay ahead. She stumbled and he wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close and steadying her. She felt the urgency rise in him too yet he kept his pace steady, not rushing her over the uneven surface.

Cool air brushed Isla’s cheeks but inside an unquenchable fire had ignited, burning low in her body.

So wrapped up was she in the man beside her that she barely noticed a flash of light across the quiet street as he helped her into the car. She had an impression of movement but turned away to look at Theo’s proud profile, her heart rising to her throat in anticipation.

The trip to his apartment was a blur. Isla couldn’t say whether it took two minutes or twenty. All that mattered was that finally they were alone, the door closed against the outside world.

Her breasts rose and fell with her choppy breathing as Theo locked the door. In Isla’s feverish imagination it felt as if that cut them off from the worries of the world. For this night she was free simply to feel and respond. Tomorrow would be time enough to think about the future and their negotiations.

Theo turned towards her. His face looked different, features pared back, emphasising his magnificent bone structure and that intrinsic, masculine power which she’d always found secretly irresistible. But more important than his charismatic looks was the visceral sensation that being with him was as necessary as breathing.

He reached out his hand and Isla placed hers in it, feeling the inevitable shiver of excitement as his fingers closed around hers.

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