‘Thank you, Theo.’

Heat flickered in his deep brown eyes, making them glow. Instantly Isla felt an answering heat low in her body. As if it took just one look to bring her to arousal.

But it was true. Isla wanted to snatch his phone away and sink onto Theo’s lap, to relive their glorious lovemaking.

She stiffened, horrified at how much she wanted that and how easily he affected her. How could she withstand this single-minded man if she let herself be tempted so easily?

‘I looked in on you a while ago and heard the shower running so my housekeeper is preparing your breakfast. I’m expecting a conference call then I’ll join you.’

Yet he put his phone down and stood, his expression telling her it wasn’t business he had on his mind. He was halfway across the room to her when his phone rang and he stopped, cursing under his breath.

For some reason the sight of Theo stymied of his intentions made Isla smile. He might be rich and privileged but in that moment he seemed endearing.

He swung around and stalked back to collect his phone. Isla hurried after him, grabbing his shoulder and planting a swift kiss on his lips before pulling back.

There was a thud as the phone fell. Strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her almost off her feet as Theo kissed her slowly and thoroughly. She sank into him, holding back nothing as their kiss deepened, desire driving them and the world falling away. Finally they separated just enough to breathe properly. Isla’s head spun and she heard bells.

‘I’d better take it. It’s the third time they’ve rung back.’

Yet Theo didn’t release her straightaway. He held her close, eyes intent on hers, and Isla felt something rise within her as if to meet him. Something big and momentous.

Isla shook her head and pushed his shoulders. ‘You need to take the call. They’re waiting for you.’

She had to remember that one night’s sublime intimacy didn’t mend the fractures between them. They wanted different things, even if they both wanted the best for their baby.

Finally Theo released her and reached for his phone. ‘You’re a bad influence, Isla. This is the first time I’ve ever been tempted to ignore a meeting. You’d better go before I change my mind.’

Despite telling herself it was only a kiss and that nothing was resolved between them, Isla’s heart sang as she left the room.

She was sitting in the sunshine on the roof terrace, the empty breakfast plates cleared away.

Theo paused, taking in the sight of her in a slim-fitting dress of rich blue that enhanced her subtle beauty and intrinsic sexiness. No wonder he’d had trouble concentrating on the call. He wanted to take her straight back to bed.

Since England she’d dominated his thoughts. He had to find a way to combat that. He needed all his faculties to deal not just with the prospect of fatherhood, but the damage to the company and even more urgently, Toula’s issues. His stepsister seemed to be recovering well after her breakdown. But she still suffered memory loss of that traumatic night. What would happen when she returned to Athens? She would need all his support. How could he do that with Isla diverting him?

Persuade her into marriage, that was how.

Once he had Isla locked into his plans he could focus on other things again.

Or maybe she’ll be a permanent distraction.

It seemed only too likely.

All the more reason to make sure of her as quickly as possible.

That meant bringing forward his plans. The sooner Isla accepted her idea of raising their child alone was unrealistic, the better. This was his child and he had both a right and an obligation to it.

But if she couldn’t understand that, she’d soon see that her relationship with a once famous, now infamous billionaire made her public property. Anonymity was impossible, even if she didn’t know it yet. When she did, he’d be here, ready to support her.

She’d need him then.

Was it selfish to look forward to her recognising that? He admired her independence yet on another level it rankled. He was continually distracted by this one intransigent woman, while she seemed unimpressed. Except in bed.

He felt a scalding rush to his groin. There it was again, the familiar hunger. But he couldn’t give in to it now when there were other matters to settle.

Theo rubbed his hand around the back of his neck, registering tense muscles. Not just because so much rode on getting Isla to marry him. But because he regretted what would come next. She was a private person and she’d feel the intense media attention like a blow.

Guilt swarmed through him. Her life had changed because of him. From now on she’d be a press target, something he knew from experience was difficult. He thought of Toula’s experiences and his heart sank.