by Abby Green
The food had been exquisite morsels of the freshest ingredients Maggie had ever tasted. She’d longed to go to the kitchen and talk to the chefs.
During dinner, Nikos had said to her, ‘It’s refreshing to be with someone who actually likes food.’
Maggie had looked up, her mouth full. When she’d been able to speak she’d said dryly, ‘I’ll take that as a compliment, shall I?’
She was in danger of being seduced all over again on another level. She put down her napkin now and looked at him suspiciously. ‘Why do you want to take me dancing?’
A look passed across his face so fast she couldn’t decipher it. Then he leant back and said, ‘Full disclosure? For two reasons. One, because I would like to dance with you, and two, we will be seen—and that’s a good thing to keep the gossip websites happy.’
Something deflated inside Maggie. Of course. She kept forgetting that everything was really an opportunity to be seen. Most likely even coming to this restaurant.
She shrugged as if she didn’t really care. ‘Okay, sure.’
As they walked out Nikos was aware of the fact that that had probably been the least enthusiastic response he’d ever got from a woman, and that not only was he drawing looks on the way out, so was Maggie.
And who could blame them? She stood out, with her height, her pale colouring and russet golden hair. Like a magnificent Valkyrie.
Nikos couldn’t even recall the type of woman he’d wanted before. They had literally paled into insignificance in his memory.
He only wanted this woman.
But he’d never wanted another woman exclusively beyond for a night or two. Uneasiness prickled over his skin and he dismissed it. Whatever this was with Maggie, surely it was a good thing that he wanted his wife? He wanted to make this relationship work. He wanted to be a good father to his son.
The thought of anything deeper...he didn’t know if he was capable of that.
Maggie wasn’t sure where the pounding of her blood stopped and the pounding of the bass began. The beat was moving through her and it was infectious.
They’d taken a short journey to this club, where Nikos had been waved in like royalty. It was a big, cavernous space, with VIP areas around the edge of the first floor, from where they could look down on the dance floor filled with people dancing sinuously.
Maggie was fascinated, sipping her mocktail.
Then Nikos stood up, holding out a hand. ‘Come on.’
Maggie put down her drink. ‘Down there?’ Her voice squeaked, which thankfully he wouldn’t notice over the music.
He nodded.
Reluctantly Maggie took Nikos’s hand and let him lead her down. As they got to the dance floor the beat changed to something much sultrier and slower. Maggie wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or not. She’d dreaded looking like a fool—but now, when Nikos pulled her close, she dreaded him seeing how much of an effect he had on her.
He placed his hands on her hips, bringing her in close to where she could feel every part of his whipcord body, and as they started to move she felt the evidence of his desire.
Naturally her arms went around his neck, bringing them into closer contact. Heat and need suffused every cell in Maggie’s body. Surely this had to be the definition of dirty dancing? She tipped her head back to look at Nikos. His eyes were glittering...his jaw was tight.
She wasn’t aware of the hundreds of other people around them. It was as if they were in a bubble. He bent his head and after an infinitesimal moment, covered her mouth with his.
The music seemed to be pounding in time with her heart.
Nikos’s hands smoothed down her back, the slippery material of her shirt making her skin tingle all over. His arousal pressed against her and Maggie thought she might melt into a puddle right there.
Then she remembered where she was, and with whom. She pulled back, dizzy. ‘Is this for show?’
He shook his head. ‘No. It’s because I want you. Let’s get out of here.’
Maggie was about to say, But we just got here! but Nikos was leading her back upstairs, picking up their things and leading her outside.
The cool air was like a slap to her face. Waking her up. Nikos’s hand was still tight on hers. It was truly shocking how easily he affected her, spinning her out of all control.
His car appeared and he opened the door for her, letting her go. By the time he got into the other side she felt marginally composed again. Composed enough to realise just how much had happened in one day. They were married. And this man was still such an enigma to her.
When they got back to the apartment Nikos turned to face her, stark intent on his face. ‘Maggie, I want you.’
It was the hardest thing in the world to resist the effect of those words, coming from that man, with that look on his face, He was overwhelming. But she had to resist. She needed space to absorb everything or she’d lose herself entirely.
She shook her head. ‘I’m quite tired. I’m going to bed.’
He came close. ‘This is our wedding night, agapi mou, and I want my wife. Believe me, the irony of being married and wanting my wife is not something I ever expected to experience.’
If he could have said anything to firm her resolve it was that. This wasn’t a real wedding night and she suddenly realised that she wanted it to be. And if he touched her now he would see just how much her emotions were affected.
She stepped back. ‘It’s been a long day.’
Nikos’s mouth thinned. ‘I don’t play games, Maggie.’
‘I’m not playing games. I wouldn’t know how.’
Believe me.
Nikos reached out a finger and trailed it over her jaw. Maggie felt her nipples tighten into buds of need. She gritted her jaw.
Nikos said, ‘Oh, I don’t doubt for a second that you’d become as proficient as any other woman, given the right circumstances.’
Maggie jerked her head away. ‘Don’t you ever get tired of being so cynical and suspicious?’ She was glad she was resisting him now.
Nikos let out a tortured-sounding laugh. ‘Believe me, I used to be a lot worse. You’re doing something to me. Addling my brain. You’ve enslaved me, Maggie—does that make you happy? I haven’t been able to look at another woman since I met you.’
Nikos’s words took a moment to impact on her, and when they did she said faintly, ‘I didn’t think you meant that.’
His face was stark with need. ‘I told you, Maggie. You haunted me for a year. You ruined me for any other woman. I only want you.’
Maggie’s heart stopped and then started again. She looked at him. He wasn’t lying. Why would he? Surely if he wanted to boost his pride he’d claim she’d been only one of many?
‘Wow...’
He arched a brow, his mouth turned up wryly. ‘Wow?’
Then, to Maggie’s surprise, he took a step back.
He said, ‘I won’t ever make you do something you don’t want to do, Maggie. But we are married and we want each other—a bonus in this marriage. Like I said, I don’t play games.’
He turned and walked away from her. She had to clamp her mouth shut in case she called out and told him she’d changed her mind. Then he really would think she was playing games. And she needed this respite.
Nikos’s words reverberated in her head. He was a proud man—she knew that. And yet he’d just told her that she’d ruined him for all other women.
Before she did something stupid she went into her room. Checked on Daniel—the reason for this whole union even if Nikos did want her. And she wanted him...
It took her hours to fall asleep that night. And the revelation that he hadn’t slept with anyone since her hit her anew when she woke in the morning. She knew it really shouldn’t mean anything, but she couldn’t help her silly heart beating a little too fast every time she thought about it.
/> She knew it was dangerous to contemplate, but the fact that he wanted her and she wanted him... Surely it went beyond the purely physical? Or could?
But Maggie grimaced. He still hadn’t really bonded with Daniel. If he couldn’t bond with his baby then what chance did she have?
When Maggie emerged into the breakfast room with Daniel, Nikos wasn’t there. But there was a note and a mobile phone.
Your new phone. I’ve sent you a text. N.
She picked up the phone and read the text.
We’re going to a party tonight. Need to be ready to leave at six p.m. Is this okay?
Maggie figured that at least he was asking her. Not ordering her.
She typed back a quick text.
Yes, fine. X
Then she quickly deleted the X and sent it.
‘You didn’t say we were leaving Athens to go to the party,’ Maggie commented drily as she preceded Nikos back into the apartment later that night.
Her insides were still swooping after their return journey in the small sleek helicopter that had taken them to the island and back.
To her surprise it had been an enjoyable evening, an informal event celebrating the eightieth birthday of an old friend of Nikos’s grandparents. Alexiou Spinakis.
The small, rocky and idyllic island had been covered in wild flowers and was full of exotic scents. They’d arrived as the sun was setting, and it had been the most magical sight Maggie had ever seen. And then they’d returned to see Athens lit up underneath them like a glittering carpet of jewels.
She slipped off her heels, giving a small groan of relief. She turned to face Nikos, whose shirt was open, his jacket off and slung over his shoulder, held by one finger. He looked thoroughly disreputable, and Maggie’s body tingled all over after an evening spent in such close proximity with him.
In a bid to defuse the ever-simmering physical awareness, Maggie said, ‘I really liked Alexiou. He was sweet.’
Nikos smiled. ‘He liked you—the old goat.’
Maggie made a face. ‘It wasn’t like that. He really loves you, you know. And I can see that you care for him.’
Nikos’s face became impassive. ‘He was kind to me.’
‘It’s more than that—he considers you family.’
Maggie felt vulnerable all of a sudden, when she realised that she’d seen a totally different side to Nikos that evening. He’d been at home in his environment, relaxed in a way she’d never seen before. And clearly, he cared for the older man who’d evidently been more of a grandparent to Nikos than his own blood family.
With each layer stripped away he was revealing more of the complex man underneath, and she felt she had to protect herself more.
Terrified that he might touch her, or see even a hint of the vulnerability she felt, she stepped back and said, ‘I should go and let Marianne know we’re back. I told her not to worry about the night feeds tonight.’
Maggie turned and walked away and Nikos had to battle with himself not to beg her to stop and stay. Her words he considers you family reverberated in his head. He didn’t need family. But the truth was that Maggie was his family now. And Daniel. No matter how alien it felt. No matter how terrifying.
He watched the green silk of her dress billowing around her body. She’d taken her shoes off and carried them in one hand. Her hair was loose and wild. That dress had been driving him crazy all night, making his hands itch to slide underneath it and cup her breasts.
He wanted nothing more than to go after her and sink deep inside her, where he didn’t have to think. Or feel. But their son needed her.
For the first time in Nikos’s life he had to acknowledge the novel sensation of someone else taking precedence over him. He also had to acknowledge that, as much as he wanted Maggie, he didn’t relish those far too incisive blue eyes searching his soul for why he always felt such a mix of emotions when he saw his old friend, Alexiou.
He’d always been there for Nikos in a way his family never had. Alexiou used to visit him at boarding school, whenever he’d been in England on business. Even though Nikos had been an angry, surly youth.
The older man would ruffle his hair and say, ‘You can’t push everyone away for ever, Nikky. Sooner or later you’ll have to let someone in or you’ll die alone, like I will.’
Nikos had always felt a pain in his chest when Alexiou left each time, and had always hoped that he would come back—even though Nikos hadn’t seemed to be able to help but do everything in his power to push the man away. But he always had come back. And because Alexiou had never married or had children, Nikos knew that he saw him as a sort of son.
Nikos cursed and turned around, going into his own room. He didn’t need this introspection and he certainly didn’t welcome it. He needed to take a cold shower and numb the desire and the knot of emotion making his gut tight.
Rome, two days later
Another penthouse apartment at the top of a luxury hotel in one of Rome’s most iconic buildings, this time with views of the Colosseum.
Maggie patted Daniel’s back where he lay against her shoulder. She shook her head and smiled wryly to herself. If she wasn’t careful she would get too used to arriving in a new city with everything she needed laid out for her, a cook to prepare their food and spectacular views. Her walk-in wardrobe was even stocked with clothes again, as it had been in the Athens apartment.
They were here for only one night, before moving on to Madrid tomorrow.
Nikos came into the room behind her. ‘I have to go to a meeting now, but I’ll be back to take you to the function at six p.m.’
Maggie turned around. She noticed how Nikos’s eyes went to Daniel and then away again. He hadn’t held him since that first time in Paris. A cold weight settled in her belly. She really didn’t want her son growing up with a father who couldn’t bond with him...
Nikos frowned. ‘Is it too much for you?’
She shook her head and pushed down her concerns. She wanted to make this work. How was Nikos going to bond with his son if he wasn’t with him?
‘What is the function this evening?’ she asked.
‘A gala ball to fundraise for a group of charities that help combat homelessness and poverty. The Marchetti Group is its biggest benefactor.’
‘Black tie?
He nodded. ‘I’ve arranged for a team from the salon here at the hotel to come up and help get you ready.’
Maggie was simultaneously piqued at his implication that she needed help and relieved. ‘Okay, thanks.’
Nikos turned away, and then he turned back. ‘What are you going to do today?’
‘Marianne and I are going to check out the Colosseum—she’s never been, and nor have I.’
‘You don’t want to go shopping?’
Maggie shook her head. ‘Why would I? I have everything I need for me and Daniel here. I’d prefer to see the city.’
Nikos stood at the vast floor-to-ceiling windows at the Marchetti Group HQ in Rome and took in the view—he could see the Colosseum in the distance. He imagined Maggie walking around the ancient site with Marianne. And the baby most likely in a sling, across her chest.
That feeling of restlessness was back...itching under his skin.
‘Nikos?’
The fact that Maggie hadn’t wanted to leave Daniel with the nanny and spend the day shopping really shouldn’t have surprised him, but it had. It also shouldn’t surprise him that she wasn’t taking advantage of the fact that she knew he wanted her by using it as a device to manipulate him.
In his world any kind of desire was a weakness to be exploited. And yet she didn’t...
‘Nikos?’
Nikos turned around. The long table was full of board members who were looking at him. He felt exposed. He never let a woman compromise his focus—not even his wife.
He sat down at the head
of the table and stared down anyone who might doubt his ability to be a member of this group—largely through his own careless actions.
For the first time in his life he regretted the fact that he’d created this persona. His own voice mocked him: Regrets are for losers. He could imagine Maggie saying it, teasing him.
Ruthlessly he pushed her image out of his head and said, ‘Clearly whatever you were discussing couldn’t hold my interest. I suggest you frame it in a more interesting way and start again.’
CHAPTER NINE
‘YOU LOOK...AMAZING.’
Maggie wanted to blurt out, Really? But she forced herself to be gracious and say, ‘Thank you—so do you.’
It was true. Nikos was wearing a white tuxedo tonight, with a black bowtie, and he’d never looked more urbane or gorgeous.
‘Ready?’
Maggie nodded and walked forward, the long velvet dress moving sinuously around her body. It was high at the front, but completely backless. Which Nikos hadn’t noticed yet. Her hair was up in a high ponytail, and she wore clip-on earrings and a sapphire bracelet which matched the blue of the dress.
When she reached Nikos he put a hand on her back to guide her and stopped dead. ‘Theos, Maggie.’
His hand was warm on her back. ‘What?’
‘Your dress...it’s...’
‘Backless?’
Nikos gritted his jaw.
Maggie might have felt like giggling if his hand hadn’t been having such an effect on her blood. ‘The stylist assures me it’s perfectly respectable,’ she said. She was sure that she’d seen pictures of Nikos escorting women in far less clothing to events.
He said, ‘It’s fine, We should go.’
In the lift on their way down Maggie could still feel the imprint of his hand against her skin. Awareness of him formed a tight ache in her lower body, which only got worse when he put his hand on her back again to guide her out of the lift and through the hotel lobby.
Resisting him was becoming harder and harder, and right now she wondered how long she could last before she didn’t care if he saw her vulnerability or emotion.
