Page 46 of Reunited By the Greek's Baby

‘Absolutely. She made it come alive but at the same time spoke about all the mysteries still to be uncovered and treasures to be found. How could I fail to be hooked?’

‘She must be very proud of you doing so well with your studies.’

To Theo’s dismay Isla’s smile faded. ‘I’m sure she would be. Unfortunately she died soon after. That’s why I wasn’t adopted, because Martha was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Her husband, Mark, had his hands full with his grief and the son they’d already adopted. The idea of adopting me too...’ She shook her head.

‘I’m sorry, Isla.’ The words weren’t sufficient. Even he, who’d never met the family, felt the loss. Isla’s smile as she remembered Martha said so much about the woman.

‘It was terrible,’ she confirmed. ‘But I’m so glad I met them. Martha in particular was wonderful...’

And would have made a wonderful mother.

Theo sensed the words she didn’t say and his heart twisted in sympathy with the little girl who’d wanted a family of her own. He swallowed, his throat rough as he imagined Isla, abandoned at birth then passed over because of her heart defect, hoping to belong in this family, only to have that hope snatched away.

He remembered how he’d preached to her about the importance of parents, a stable family environment, and cringed.

‘It’s all right, Theo. It was a long time ago.’

Just because something was in the past didn’t mean it couldn’t still affect you. Theo couldn’t help but think of his stepsister, whose bad choices, especially when it came to men and her recent drug use were, he was sure, linked to her early experiences. Not that there was any evidence of such problems with Isla. On the contrary, she seemed one of the most grounded people he’d met.

‘What are you thinking?’ She tilted her head to one side, surveying him. ‘You have the strangest look on your face.’

‘Do I? I was just thinking how remarkable you are.’

The hint of humour in her expression faded. ‘Why? We orphans are just like everybody else.’

She’d misinterpreted his sympathy. ‘I mean that a lot of people would feel bitter about missing out on a family.’ The idea of it made him pause. ‘Yet instead of bitterness, you remember that time with fondness and a smile. I think that shows strength of character and I admire it.’ He paused. ‘I admireyou.’

He felt terribly sorry for her but knew admitting that wouldn’t be welcome. She’d made it clear she didn’t want his sympathy and he’d abide by her wishes. And it was true, though she didn’t want to know it, that he was impressed with the way she’d put herself through university and gone so far towards achieving her career goals, without the backup and encouragement of family.

‘Thank you, Theo. That’s...nice.’

Nice? Hardly, not when she was herself remarkable. But he didn’t say it, knowing she was wary of what she might see as empty flattery.

Her hand stroked lightly towards his hip and he couldn’t help a shiver of response. Guilt bit him. Here she was, sharing her personal history, a history he guessed she rarely talked about, and he was getting a hard-on.

‘Is something wrong? You look uncomfortable.’

Theo shifted, trying to conceal the effect she had on him.

‘I’m fine. But it’s getting late. You need your sleep.’

Though she seemed much better than in England, Isla was still recuperating from months of sickness and exhaustion.

‘You’re tired?’ She drew a deep breath, making Theo too aware off her pink-tipped breasts cresting the water.

Reawakened desire was a bolt of energy, arcing through his body and making his blood pump harder.

Theo was about to make some noncommittal response about needing to work the next day—only too true, given the recent scandal’s fallout on his reputation and by extension the company’s—when he caught Isla’s expression.

Her eyes were knowing, her mouth in an almost-pout that made his grip tighten on her soft flesh.

She wasteasinghim?

It had been so long since they’d shared light-hearted banter and in the interim, life had filled with sombre troubles and responsibilities. Since his arrest, he’d thought of Isla as someone to be protected. His responsibility.

But she was much more, this living, breathing siren.

‘I was thinking of you.’

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