LITMIR.BIZ

       CHAPTER THREE

      SERENA STEPPED AWAY from Nikos—away from the anger of his words. ‘I can’t talk about this any more.’ She needed to put distance between them. ‘Maybe we should have this discussion tomorrow?’

      He looked at her, unexpected concern in his eyes. ‘Perhaps that is best. When you are more rested you will be able to think rationally. Then you will accept that we should marry—for our baby.’

      She bristled with indignation at his comment, sure his ability to use English hadn’t compromised his choice of words. She was perfectly rational, and she had no intention of marrying someone who didn’t love her.

      ‘Nothing will change.’

      ‘Where are you staying?’

      Nikos asked the question lightly—a little too lightly—arousing her suspicions as to why he appeared to be giving in so easily.

      He couldn’t be trusted. He’d proved that with his non-revelation about who he really was. She might not have looked him up on the internet before, but she certainly had now. The uneasy feeling that she was dealing with something much bigger than she’d anticipated filled her with dread. He’d concealed his identity, lied to her. Why? What would he have to gain by doing that?

      ‘In the same hotel.’

      She spoke softly, trying not to think about the nights they’d spent in her room when she’d stayed there before. Why she’d insisted on the same room she didn’t know—romantic notions and memories of being there with the man she’d fallen in love with? Or was it because of the night she’d experienced love with Nikos for the first time?

      He’d been gentle and kind then, accepting she was innocent but not knowing just how much. She had been sure he was the man she’d waited for. She’d loved him. She’d wanted him to make love to her because then he hadn’t been at all like the Nikos who now openly admitted deceiving her and was virtually forcing her into marriage.

      ‘Then we shall go there now and collect your bags.’

      He moved towards her, taking her hand in his. She didn’t want to follow, to obey his command, but just the touch of his hand against hers sent a sizzle of heat scorching through her and she knew that, whatever the outcome of her visit to the island, there was still unfinished business between them. Her body still craved his, still imagined his caress, his kisses. Stupid as it was, she still loved him.

      The hum of music from the bars and restaurants drifted on the warm night air as the sea became an inky blackness, melting into the star-filled sky. Despite the idyllic setting, the idea of walking hand in hand with Nikos felt anything but romantic. Intimidating, maybe—threatening, definitely—but she was powerless to stop it, unable to resist him.

      ‘Nikos!’ she gasped, pulling back against him, suddenly regaining her strength, knowing she had to fight. ‘What are you doing?’

      He stopped and looked down at her. His handsome face was partially in shadow, but his eyes sparked like a warrior’s, locking with hers, sending a shiver of excitement and apprehension skittering down her spine.

      ‘Taking control.’

      The firmness of his voice, still sexy and accented, hinted at the level of discipline he was currently putting on himself.

      ‘Of what? Me?’

      She stood tall, facing him in the darkness, hoping that he wouldn’t see how unsure she really was, that her voice sounded strong and defiant.

      ‘Of my child.’

      She blinked in shock. Did he think that his playing the role of protector would make her fall in line with his plans? That she would marry him and live happily ever after? How could that ever happen when he didn’t want her, let alone love her? If she married him her child would grow up knowing it was the mistake that had forced them together—something she never wanted a child of hers to feel.

      ‘You don’t need to come back to the hotel to do that.’

      She really didn’t want to be with him at the moment. She needed to think, to re-evaluate things. Nothing had gone as she’d planned. And it was all down to the revelation of his true identity.

      His hand in hers felt unnervingly right, but the whole situation was wrong. Confusion at this newly assertive man was mixed with the ever-present heat of desire, fizzing like a newly popped bottle of champagne, and she didn’t want to partake of it right now.

      ‘We’ll talk again tomorrow.’

      ‘We will talk again tomorrow—in Athens.’

      He started to walk again, his hand still tightly holding hers, and although she knew she shouldn’t want her hand in his she did. A small sliver of hope entered her heart as the sound of the waves was left behind. She walked with him out onto the street and towards the small family-run hotel she adored so much—just as she’d done when she was there before, when things had been different, much more simple.

      Then his words registered.

      ‘Athens?’ Serena hadn’t realised she’d spoken aloud until he turned to look at her, his vivid blue eyes ever watchful.

      ‘My home is there—and my business. We will be leaving in an hour.’

      His expression was harsh, his tone firm, and she was so stunned she couldn’t say a word. What had made him think she’d leave with him?

      ‘Give me one good reason why I should go anywhere with you when you’ve lied to me from the very start?’

      She couldn’t just go—but if he walked away now would she ever be able to forgive herself in years to come when her child wanted to know where its father was?

      ‘There is only one reason, Serena, and it’s a very good one. You are carrying my child.’

      The lights from the hotel shone on his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his cheekbones, making him look so formidable she could imagine him in a boardroom, dominating and controlling everything.

      ‘A child you don’t want.’

      She flung the accusation at him, feeling hysteria rise inside her. She was too emotionally drained for this—too tired. After almost a day of travelling she just wanted to rest. No, she had to rest. But she also had to resist the urge to give in to him, to allow him to take control. He’d lied to her once and she knew from experience that it would happen again. Hadn’t her father lied, time and time again?

      ‘There is nothing to discuss. Get your bags. My plane is waiting.’

      Inside she seethed with resentment, but she didn’t have the energy to retaliate. He looked down at her and she desperately tried to put up some resistance. It was hard—and not just because she was so tired. Deep down she wanted to be with Nikos, wished she could find a happy-ever-after with him.

      She followed him into the hotel, inwardly doing battle with her desire to go with him. Maybe they could recapture what they’d shared such a short time ago? The bright lights of the small reception area made her blink briefly against the glare and she knew that would never happen.

      Nikos spoke in hushed Greek to the owner of the hotel and the reality of what was happening rocketed back at her.

      She had to go with him—just to sort things out. He was the father of her child and she owed it to the baby to sort things out amicably. But she also owed it to herself not to let him hurt her again, and to do that she had to remain strong.

      He turned to face her, his arm outstretched as he drew her close in a show of affection she hadn’t been expecting. It was one she was

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