Page 52 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

Her insides turned to liquid and a hungry pulse throbbed at that aching, empty place between her legs. They’d made love most of the night but today he’d kept his distance after that single kiss and Isla discovered she missed him.

From the strong planes of his face to the imposing width of his shoulders and the blaze of his eyes as he surveyed her, he was gorgeous.

He could be yours if you just say the word.

Isla knew Theo could arrange a sumptuous wedding celebration just as quickly and effectively as he’d organised her move to Athens and everything else if she let him.

She bit her lip, afraid in that moment that she might yield to temptation and say yes.

Because you want him.

It was shaming but true. She had little pride left where he was concerned and she was afraid that the more she had of him the more she’d want.

‘I knew you’d look stunning,’ he murmured, pacing across the bedroom towards her, ‘but still I wasn’t prepared.’

Isla blinked as she registered his hoarse voice and the dark glow of desire in his eyes. These weren’t just pretty words. Joy so strong it ached had her pressing her hand to her breastbone.

It wasn’t fair when Theo said such things to her. When he looked at her that way. How could she be sensible?

‘The press will be out in force tonight, but don’t worry about them. Just follow my lead and it will all work out okay. I’ll look after you.’

With that reminder, Isla’s starry-eyed gaze cleared.

Tonight wasn’t aboutthem, together because he craved her company and wanted her to meet his friends. It was about public expectations and managing the media.

Isla discovered that after all it wasn’t hard to be sensible about their relationship.

CHAPTER TWELVE

THEOHELPEDISLAfrom the limo under a barrage of flashing lights. Voices called his name, shouting questions. He ignored them. All his attention was on the woman whose hand rested in his.

He felt her shudder at the blare of light and noise surrounding them and wanted to shield her.

‘Take your time,’ he said softly. ‘It’ll be okay, I promise. All you have to do is walk inside with me. You don’t have to say anything.’

He squeezed her hand as their eyes met and his brain blocked out the hubbub. There was just the two of them.

‘Trust me, Isla.’

Finally she nodded and stepped from the car, eyes locked on his, and his breath caught. She was magnificent and her being here felt suddenly like the greatest proof of trust and loyalty.

No matter what he told himself about Isla having no escape from press attention now they knew about her, it took guts to throw her lot in publicly with a man whose once vaunted reputation was now stained. She could have refused to come tonight. Instead she’d risen to the challenge.

She straightened and the din around them eased for real as hardened journalists forgot their questions.

Theo knew the feeling. When he’d first seen her tonight his larynx had frozen while other parts of his body clamoured into eager life.

Her hair was up in an elegant style that left a couple of chestnut curls loose to kiss her neck. Strands of twisted gold threaded through her hair, reminding him of a portrait he’d seen of a beautiful woman from classical times. Isla wore gold, a dress of tiny pleats that burst into life under a renewed barrage of lights as the photographers went wild. The full-length gown was modelled on classical lines, with golden cords around her waist and under her bust, the fine fabric moulding her slim body and beautiful breasts, leaving her pale arms and throat bare. Its clinging fit revealed the tiny curve of her belly, but not obviously proclaiming her pregnancy.

She looked like a goddess.Hisgoddess.

Theo was torn between pride as he tucked her arm through his and unfamiliar trepidation, as if no mere man had a right to touch this scintillating, celestial being.

Except Isla was warm flesh and blood. He drew her close and felt that tiny shiver of response that she couldn’t quite hide. Her gaze clung to his and as the moment lengthened, he saw her anxiety fade as excitement stirred.

He was tempted to hustle her back into the car and then home where they could be alone.

‘Should we move?’ she breathed.

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