Page 25 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

Theo sprawled back in his chair as if the memory of that time didn’t still make him tense. ‘It’s over now.’

‘Is it? Have they arrested the killer? I hadn’t heard that.’

He sat straighter, no longer able to pretend to insouciance. ‘No. Investigations are continuing. They’re looking at everyone who attended the party.’

There had been a crowd at the Karalis family home that night. It would take the police ages to investigate them all, now their star suspect’s alibi had been proven. Ice trickled down his spine as he considered how that investigation would affect his family. That someone close to him could be arrested.

‘It definitely wasn’t an accident? He didn’t trip and fall down the stairs?’

How much easier if he had.

‘Costa Stavroulis was in a foul mood. A witness heard him arguing with someone at the top of the stairs so he wasn’t alone.’ Theo’s dislike of the man had been no secret, especially as he’d previously warned the guy away from Toula. ‘Moments later he fell backwards. There were marks on his chest where someone had pushed him.’

The bruising proved he’d been shoved but couldn’t provide solid evidence about the size of the person who did it.

Theo shook off thoughts of the crime and focused on Isla. She had to be his priority now. She and the child she carried.

‘Why don’t you finish your breakfast? When you’re ready, I’ll take you to work. Then you can check about taking time off to see the doctor.’

The morning went smoothly. More smoothly than any she could remember lately. Her nausea had abated soon after Theo’s arrival and she’d kept down not merely some fruit, but a croissant and a cup of tea. Instead of feeling exhausted and empty, she actually had a little energy.

With the prospect of a lift in Theo’s car, Isla had plenty of time to shower and dress. Time to dither over what she’d wear. When she found herself debating between a warm, rust-coloured dress or jeans and a blue top that complemented her eyes, she was horrified.

She wasn’t interested in impressing Theo.

Was she?

Firming her mouth, she grabbed plain black trousers. She reached for a pullover, but her fingers stalled as she touched the ultra-soft mohair Rebecca had let her take at an enormously discounted price. Isla had only finished knitting it last week into one of the nicest items of clothing she’d ever owned, a snuggly but stylish tunic in jade green.

She should shove it away. Wasn’t the point that shewasn’tdressing up for Theo?

Still she hesitated, then hauled it on and smoothed it over her hips. If wearing something nice made her feel more confident, there was nothing wrong with that.

Being with Theo was tough. He was the man she’d once imagined spending her life with. Now she wasn’t sure if he was an ally or an adversary. Her nerves jangled. They still had to discuss plans for the baby. Then there was the obstetrician’s appointment. Would it be good news?

When she got to the shop Rebecca had no objections to her scheduled appointment. Isla read relief in the older woman’s eyes at the news she was getting another medical opinion.

It was after that when things started to run out of control.

The doctor confirmed that the pregnancy was well on track and discussed treatment for nausea. Fortunately she saw no reason for hospitalisation and after detailed questions, was hopeful Isla’s symptoms might ease soon. Isladidfeel a lot better than she had for ages, possibly because she’d had so much sleep and managed to keep down some food.

The doctor arranged a follow-up appointment but advised Isla to avoid stress and rest as much as possible. She strongly suggested time off work, to allow Isla a chance to regain some strength.

Isla’s heart sank. That wasn’t easy for a woman who needed to support herself and save for the future.

As if that weren’t enough, instead of driving her straight back to the shop, Theo pulled up in front of a small, expensive restaurant, insisting she needed to eat before returning to work.

Isla sat in the luxury car, staring through the plate glass windows at the welcoming scene inside, and felt trapped. By the doctor’s orders that she had no capacity to follow. By Theo’s insistence that he knew what was best. By her body’s weariness and the hollow feeling that said Theo was right and she needed to eat.

It was unreasonable to be annoyed, but she was. In twenty-four hours her world had turned on its head again and she no longer felt like she was running her own life.

It was too far to walk to the shop and she didn’t have the energy to work out the bus route, yet she was tempted to get out and walk away. She’d been essentially alone all her life. Growing up in institutions she’d learned early to take responsibility for herself. The one time she’d begun to feel she belonged with someone had been with Theo and she’d been proved utterly wrong. Maybe she’d allowed herself to be deluded because she’d always secretly sought love.

Now the feeling she was no longer in control unnerved her.

‘Shall we?’ Theo reached for the car door, sure she’d agree to his plan. He hadn’t even asked, just decided for her.

Isla drew a breath and ignored the urge to tell him she wasn’t hungry. She needed to be sensible for the baby’s sake. ‘You go ahead. I need to ring Rebecca.’

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