Page 8 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

Theo had deliberately pushed Isla away, yet her loyalty had been a glowing ember of brightness in a world turned to chaos. For the first time in his adult life he’d felt utterly, terrifyingly helpless.

Theo shoved the limo door open, unable to stand the enclosed space any longer. He told his driver to wait and stepped out. The damp air was better than being confined.

How long before he could stand being in a small space for any length of time?

Theo might be free and beginning to get his life on track but some things would always be different. His perspective on freedom. His gratitude for the simplest pleasures, like eating what he chose, when he chose. Making his own schedule.

But the taint of his arrest and his time locked away would linger until the true killer faced justice.

He raked his hand through his hair, torn between competing impulses. To clear his name fully and to protect the vulnerable. While he didn’tknowwho was responsible, he feared it could be someone he cared for, definitely someone who’d been at the house that night. Put like that, his duty was obvious. He had broad shoulders. He was strong enough to weather the gossip and speculation.

The shop door opened and Theo stalked across, stopping a couple of metres away, not crowding her. ‘Isla.’

She whipped round, eyes huge.

She couldn’t really have thought he’d scurry away with his tail between his legs. ‘I said I’d see you later.’

‘I thought you were just saving face.’

Because she’d ordered him out? Because she’d threatened to call the police?

‘I promised Simon I’d make sure you were all right.’

Theo guessed she’d react better to Simon’s concern than to the newshewas worried for her.

He’d been changed by the events of the last few months. But the alteration he saw in Isla scared him at a visceral level.

She was too pale, too thin. Her bright scarf and bulky winter coat couldn’t hide her sharp cheekbones or the hollows in her cheeks, as if her flesh pulled too tight across her bones. He was alarmed at how fragile she’d become, her collarbone more pronounced and her pallor disturbing.

‘I’m fine.’

‘I don’t believe you.’

Eyes bright and hard as diamonds held his. Despite the chill in her gaze, heat detonated in Theo’s gut.

For months it had been almost a relief to know what they’d shared was over. It couldn’t survive the mayhem that had engulfed him and he’d recoiled from the idea of Isla caught up in that. Yet some things weren’t easily extinguished. No mistaking that fire for anything but desire.

Theo suppressed a bitter laugh at the way fate taunted him.

As if on cue the soft drizzle changed to stinging drops of ice.

Isla put up her umbrella. Theo turned up his coat collar but didn’t move. A little water wouldn’t budge him.

Remarkably he watched her determination waver as she saw the rain plaster his hair against his head and drips run down his neck. She’d always had a tender heart.

‘Look, Isla.’ He softened his voice, cajoling. ‘This will be easier if you accept the inevitable and agree to talk.’

‘The inevitable being you getting what you want? That’s what you’re used to.’

Her words were accusing. Their relationship had been entirely mutual yet she made it sound as if he’d taken advantage of her. The idea pulled him up short. Or was she referring to his wealth and the power that went with it?

Much good that had done when the police decided they wanted a quick arrest.

‘I mean you no harm. You know I’d never hurt you.’

She said nothing and he felt the chasm between them as an ache in his chest, growing sharper with each silent second.

Theo had finally been exonerated but something stronger than pride made him blurt out, ‘I didn’t kill him.’

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