by Susanna Carr
* * *
Jodie stared listlessly out the window while she lay in bed. She paid little attention to the glorious view of Athens. Her head still ached from her restless night. She had wept until she had succumbed to a fitful sleep.
Stergios had every right to be angry with her. To hate her. She had lied to him, held back information and created a mess in his life. She knew he was ruthless enough to take her baby. He didn’t play fair and he would cut her out of the baby’s life if he thought she was a threat. She didn’t have the power to fight him.
Jodie tensed when she felt as though she was being watched. Studied. Analyzed. She cast a covert glance at the door and her muscles locked when she saw Stergios standing at the threshold. Her pulse began to gallop. The man looked formidable in his dark gray suit and red tie. She was not ready for another onslaught.
“I haven’t been discharged by the doctor,” she told him.
“I want to apologize about last night,” he said stiffly as he clasped his hands behind his back. “I had just been informed that I was going to be a father and my emotions got the best of me. I didn’t mean to make those threats.”
She knew that wasn’t true. Stergios had meant every word. In any other circumstance, he would have kept his thoughts to himself. But the idea of becoming a father had paralyzed him. He was scared that he was going to live through his childhood nightmare.
That was why he wanted an obedient wife, Jodie decided as she studied his carefully blank expression. It was also why he pushed himself to inhuman lengths to amass incredible wealth and power. He needed to protect and rely on himself so he didn’t have to trust anyone else.
And he had no reason to trust her. She had lied to him, for him, so many times. That ended now. He may never trust her again but he deserved her honesty. “I’m sorry that you found out this way,” she said. “I wish I could make it up to you.”
“There is something you can do,” he said softly as he entered the room.
Alarm sprinted down her spine. She should have known Stergios would play on her guilt and immediately launch into negotiations. “I’m not marrying you because I’m pregnant.”
He shook his head and stepped closer to her bed. “I want you to stay in Greece.”
His request took her by surprise. Wouldn’t he want to hide her away from his colleagues and family? “For how long?”
Stergios gripped the side of her bed, his knuckles white with tension. “I want the baby to be born here. It’s very important to me.”
She knew that was an understatement and she wondered why he was downplaying it. Stergios was proud of his heritage and would want to share every aspect of it with his child. She wanted her baby to recognize his home and have an unbreakable sense of belonging. To find comfort in traditions and rituals handed down from his father.
But where would that leave her? This wasn’t where she belonged. She had constantly been reminded that this was not her home or her family. If she granted Stergios’s request, was it the first step to make her an outsider in her baby’s life?
“My...my life is in New York.” That was where her friends lived. They were her support system.
“I know that I’m asking a lot.” His eyes were watchful as though he could read her every thought. “But if you stay here, I can attend the doctor’s visits. I can be part of the pregnancy.”
An image wavered in front of her. She saw Stergios’s hand curved along her pregnant stomach. His touch was possessive and tender and his eyes were wide with wonder. He shared one of those special smiles with her as their baby kicked against his hand.
She blinked hard and the image disappeared. Jodie shifted against her pillow as she tried to ease the jittery feeling. Why had she imagined that? It was pure fantasy. She shouldn’t make a decision based on a dream. “You won’t have time to be part of it.”
“I will make the time,” he promised.
Jodie scoffed at that statement. “I’ve heard all the excuses before. My mother was obsessed with work just like you. Any family commitments were the first to be broken.”
He leaned down, holding her gaze with his. “You need to give me a chance,” he insisted in a low, urgent tone.
She knew he was right. It was only fair. He might prove to be an excellent father. The man protected his family and demonstrated loyalty, responsibility and care. He would extend that to his child.
But what about her? Was that why she was afraid to give him a chance? She knew she was being selfish but it was a genuine concern. What if she started to rely on him and he failed her? What if he got bored with the idea of being a father after she made room in her life for him?
She had to take the risk. Her heart beat loudly against her chest wall. She had been pushing people away before they had a chance to discard her. She had to give Stergios a chance. She wanted her baby to have a father he could rely on. That had to start now.
“Okay, Stergios. I will stay in Greece. Just until the baby is born,” she added.
Her stomach twisted when she saw the triumph gleam in his eyes before he quickly banked it. The man who promised to care for her and for her baby might be her greatest protector. So why did her instincts tell her that she’d just stepped into a trap?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
JODIE WAS UNNATURALLY silent when they returned to the Antoniou estate later that day. She was deep in thought when he helped her out of her winter coat. He noticed that her brown printed dress and low heels mirrored her subdued nature.
“Is my mother here?” he asked the butler as he gave him the coats.
“She and Kyrios Little are waiting for you in the salon.” The butler gave Jodie a commiserating look before he gave a small bow.
They walked into the entrance hall and Jodie hung back, her gaze locked onto the Christmas tree. “I think it would be best if I found my own place in Athens. It wouldn’t be right if I stay here.”
“They know, pethi mou.” Stergios curled his arm around her waist. He felt the shock reverberating inside her. “I have informed our parents that you are pregnant.”
“You didn’t have that right!” she whispered fiercely.
“I have every right.” Stergios forcefully bit out the words. “The child is mine.”
Jodie’s shoulders slumped. “Did you tell them that, as well?”
“Of course. I am not going to hide it.”
She closed her eyes as she rubbed her fingertips against her forehead. Jodie appeared pale and Stergios wondered if she should have stayed in the hospital for one more day.
“I can’t walk in there,” she confessed. “It’s going to be a feeding frenzy.”
“I won’t let that happen,” Stergios said as he guided her with his hand splayed possessively against the curve of her hip. “I will take the brunt of it.”
“I don’t want that, either,” she explained. “And you don’t have to worry about me. I’m not going to break into pieces because someone thinks I’m a whore.”
His mouth pinched. “Don’t say that.”
“Why?” she asked, walking stiffly to the salon. “You used that word to describe me.”
He had and he was not proud of it. “You wanted me to think you were when you made claims of another man, but that is no excuse. I shouldn’t have and I won’t let anyone else treat you with disrespect.”
Jodie pressed her lips together but she didn’t argue. “Tell me what I should expect before I walk into the lion’s den. How did your mother take the news?” She gave him a knowing look when he hesitated. “You can tell me the truth.”
No, he couldn’t. Stergios needed to protect Jodie from the vitriol that had spewed from his mother’s mouth. “She wants a paternity test as soon as possible.”
Jodie nodded. She paused and frowned, her forehead wrinkling. “Why haven’t you require
d it?”
He didn’t know why that hadn’t been his first priority. It was unlike him. He knew not to trust people until he had absolute proof. Why had he automatically accepted that this child was his when Jodie had lied to him in the past? “The timing fits.”
“I know what kind of reputation I have around here but—”
He stopped and cornered her against the carved limestone wall. “Don’t.”
Jodie straightened to her full height and jutted her chin out. “Don’t what?”
“Don’t remind me.” Stergios curled his finger under her chin and brushed the pad of his thumb against her red lips as if he could wipe away the touch of the other men in her past.
“What I was trying to tell you is that I can take a paternity test but it’s not necessary,” she said as she pushed his hand away. “I haven’t been with a man for a very long time.”
Satisfaction rolled through Stergios and he knew she spoke the truth. There had been something in the way she’d touched him during that night. As if she had denied herself for so long and had finally broken free. He rested his forehead against hers as he looked deeply into Jodie’s blue eyes. “I was determined to keep you away from Dimos but it wasn’t necessary. You were only interested in me. It’s always been that way.”
She flushed as she scowled at him. “It won’t be if you keep gloating about it.”
He smiled as he saw the fighting spirit flicker in her eyes. “Come along, pethi mou.” He offered his hand. “Coffee is about to be served in the salon.”
She ignored his gesture and walked ahead of him. “I’m familiar with the schedule in this house.”
Stergios grabbed her wrist and forced her to a halt. “We’re going into that room as a united front.”
Jodie gave him a sidelong look. “Describe united.”
“It means that you aren’t going to fight me, you aren’t going to contradict me and you aren’t going to stir up trouble.” He didn’t want his opposition to notice the cracks in his relationship with Jodie. They would use it and he would lose the ground he had already conquered.
“Don’t do anything that requires me to fight back.” Jodie paused and was clearly considering her next words. “And don’t give them any details about us.”
Stergios tilted his head to one side as he released his hold on her. “I’m not one to confide in others.”
“No one needs to know that you—” her hands churned as she struggled for the right word “—detained me at the island. And they certainly don’t need to know what happened four years ago.”
“I have no intentions of advertising my lack of judgment. I thought you would at the first opportunity.”
Her blue eyes went dull. “Then you don’t know me at all.”
“Enough of this.” He grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers with hers before he led her to the salon. Jodie tried to get out of his grasp.
“United front, Jodie,” he reminded her softly.
“That doesn’t mean we have to be arm in arm,” she said in a hiss.
He gave her hand a squeeze. “You like touching me,” he said with a teasing smile. “You definitely like it when I touch you.”
“All the more reason not to touch me.”
He noticed she didn’t deny it, but he also knew she was correct. Stergios couldn’t afford any distractions. He reluctantly let go of her hand as they approached the salon but he couldn’t break all contact. She needed to know that he was at her side. Placing his hand at the small of her back, he escorted her into the salon.
Stergios immediately saw his mother and Gregory sitting by the fireplace. Tension pulsed in the small, ornate room. He glanced at Jodie as she stood in front of him. He realized she was poised to defend them both. Did she think he wouldn’t look after her? Stergios tamped down his displeasure. Jodie needed to trust him.
“Jodie,” Gregory said as he rose from his seat and clasped his hands behind his back. “How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Stergios noticed that Gregory did not approach his daughter. Jodie immediately took a seat as if she’d known her father’s question was out of politeness instead of concern. Stergios had always been aware the two were not demonstrative but it bothered him that Jodie couldn’t expect any moral support from her parent.
“The doctor recommended a lot of rest,” Stergios said, standing behind Jodie’s chair. “More food and liquids.”
“And when will it be safe to travel?” Mairi asked.
Stergios recognized the hint of steel underneath his mother’s concerned tone. She was already planning Jodie’s return flight. “Jodie is staying in Athens for the duration of her pregnancy.”
“Why?” Gregory asked. “Her presence will create a scandal.”
“I’m aware of that.” Stergios gave his stepfather a disapproving look. He should have known Gregory had no sense of anticipation over his grandchild.
“You need to think about this, Stergios.” His mother agitatedly twisted her pearl necklace between her fingers. “The Diamantopoulos family are great friends but they have certain expectations for a future son-in-law. They won’t tolerate the fact that you have a love child. We need to keep this secret and get Jodie out of here as soon as possible.”
He sensed Jodie’s tension soar. Did she think he was going to change his mind? Abandon her and their child? “I no longer have plans to marry Aleka,” Stergios announced.
Mairi blanched at the news. “Of course you are,” she replied in a brittle voice. “Stergios, think of your duty.”
“I am.” He placed his hand on Jodie’s shoulder. “My duty is to Jodie and our child.”
Jodie shifted uncomfortably as the room went silent. She seemed fascinated by the faded rug at her feet, but he knew she was not oblivious to the looks of condemnation.
“This merger must happen,” Mairi said as she pulled her attention back onto Stergios. “It will give us unlimited power and influence. We are at the final stages of the agreement. There’s no turning back.”
“Plans change,” Stergios said. He was not going to apologize for this decision. He turned to his stepfather. “And, Gregory, I ask for permission to marry your daughter.”
Jodie gasped and twisted around to face him. “Stergios!”
He didn’t look at Jodie. He watched Gregory squirm as the panic lit his eyes. He didn’t need the man’s approval, but had been curious to see how his stepfather would respond. The man would not support Stergios’s plans of marriage, but neither would he interfere.
Jodie bolted from her seat and pointed accusingly at him. “We have discussed this and I am not marrying you.”
“Oh, thank God,” his mother muttered with relief.
Stergios saw Jodie turn pale and she wobbled on her feet. “Excuse me,” she said, reaching for him. “I’m not feeling well.”
He was at her side and silently encouraged her to lean against him. “What’s wrong?”
“I stood up too fast.” Jodie closed her eyes. “I’m just going to go lie down.”
Stergios lifted her in his arms. She felt delicate against him. When Jodie rested her head against his shoulder and sighed, her display of trust and acceptance nearly undid him. He strode out of the salon, ignoring Gregory’s blustering and Mairi’s cold silence.
“Put me down, Stergios,” she ordered when he stepped into the entrance hall. She winced when she saw the butler carrying the coffee service. The older man stopped to gawk at them. “I don’t need for us to make a scene.”
“Are you really feeling ill?” he asked.
“Why would I lie?”
He held her closer as he carried her up the grand staircase. “To save your father from making a choice.”
She looked surprised by his insight. �
��That’s why I interrupted. And you shouldn’t have asked him that. What happened to the united front you wanted? Anyway, it doesn’t matter what my father would have said. We are not getting married.”
“Hush,” he said gently as he reached the second floor and turned to the right. “You’re unwell. You don’t know what you’re saying.”
“I am pregnant, not an invalid. Just because I disagree with you does not make my opinion unsound.” Jodie glanced around the hallway. “Where are you taking me?”
“To my room. It’s closer.”
* * *
Stergios’s suite of rooms was not what she had expected. The colors of sand and stone from the sitting room were a blur as he carried her to the adjoining bedroom. The furniture’s strong lines and natural wood reminded her of his island getaway. It was nothing like the formality of the rest of the house.
He carefully placed her onto his bed and her pulse skipped a beat. She shouldn’t be alone with Stergios. She wouldn’t be able to keep her hands off him and it would give him the wrong idea. He would think she was ready to reestablish their relationship.
That couldn’t happen. She still wasn’t able to give him the life he wanted and he... Her thoughts faded as she watched him remove her shoes. She was so much in love with Stergios that it hurt but he would never love her back. She couldn’t take the risk of believing that one day he would reciprocate her feelings.
“I’m going to have your things moved in here,” Stergios said as he sat on the edge of the bed.
She bolted up into a sitting position. “Have you lost your mind?” The room tilted and she groaned.
“Lie down.” He grasped her shoulders and lowered her onto the mattress.
“I’m serious, Stergios,” she said as she laid her head on the pillow. “I am not sharing a room with you. I will find a place of my own. In the meantime, I will stay in a hotel.”
