Page 31 of Billion-Dollar Baby Shock

It didn’t stop you last night,pointed out that voice, again.

The alternative—not having Tara in his bed—was not an option.Especially after last night, which had blown the first night out of the water.So he would just do whatever it took to make this work.And as soon as he had exorcised her from his system they could draw up a plan and get on with living separate lives.

In any case, he doubted it would even come to that.

Dion had a moment of crystal-clear realisation—Tara was a woman who had devoted herself admirably to her family at the expense of her own needs and freedom.Once she realised she could have anything she wantedandher freedom, she’d be gone.All Dion had to do was to take every opportunity to show Tara what she had been missing and then not stand in her way when she was ready to leave.

What if you’re not ready to let her go?

Dion ignored the voice.He would be ready, of that he had no doubt.

* * *

Tara knew she shouldn’t have been surprised by the speed and efficiency with which they were all, including Maria—who’d come to an agreement with Dion to work more fluid hours than she had before—despatched to the villa on the island.It was even more impressive in the daylight, all sleek white lines and glass.It was fine for Niko now, as he couldn’t move around much, but would be an absolute deathtrap once he was more mobile.

Maria now knew that Tara was Niko’s mother and she was already deferring to her and Tara had had to reassure her, saying, ‘You still know him better than me, so please don’t feel like anything much has changed.’

But of course it had, and Tara was still trying to get her own head around it all, together with the fact that she and Dion were…conducting this…affair?Co-parenting with benefits?She didn’t know what it was, but she did know that she was fast becoming obsessed with the man.

He was outside on the patio of the villa now, near the pool.Wearing the same jeans as earlier and a fresh polo shirt, in cream, that showed off his olive skin and defined musculature.He was holding his phone to his ear and the muscles bunching in his arm were more suited to a prize fighter than an industrialist.

His success was all the more remarkable now that she knew of his adverse upbringing.To go from being on the streets, totally abandoned by any family, to where he was today, was so impressive.And she could understand why he was such a lone wolf.

As if he could hear her thinking about him, he turned around.He was wearing shades and they made him look like a movie star.He took the phone down from his ear.It was too late to try and pretend she hadn’t been ogling him so Tara just kept looking at him as he walked into the living area.

He asked, ‘Where’s Maria and Niko?’

‘She’s changing him and unpacking his things in the nursery.’When they’d arrived, the housekeeper, a friendly older woman called Daphne, had been supervising a team of people who had set up a nursery in one of the spare rooms.

‘Can I take you for lunch?’

‘What about Maria and Niko?’

At that moment Daphne appeared and Dion spoke to her in rapid Greek.Tara realised then she’d have to start taking lessons, especially if her life was now going to be in Greece.Her insides lurched a little at that.Her whole life had been sent spinning off its axis but she had to admit it wasn’t fear or resentment she was feeling, it was something more like excitement.

He turned back to Tara.‘Daphne is going to relieve Maria and give her a break while we’re out.’

Daphne said something to Dion and smiled at Tara.She could only smile back without having a clue what had just been said.Dion translated helpfully, ‘Daphne has seven grandchildren so Niko will be in good hands.’

Tara nodded and smiled and tried to convey her gratitude before Dion put his hand on her elbow and urged her out of the villa and down the steps to an open-top four-wheel drive.

He stopped and looked at her for a second.‘Do you have sunscreen on?’

Tara was still wearing the same shirt and shorts as she’d worn earlier.She felt unkempt now next to Dion’s suave gorgeousness.But it wasn’t as if this were a date really…was it?There was nothing remotely conventional about what was happening here.She pushed aside the dangerously tempting daydream of what it might have been like to be properly seduced and wooed by someone like Dion.

She put out her arms.‘Yes, factor fifty.’As a pale redhead from Ireland, she knew the importance of sunscreen.

‘Good.You’ll need a hat.We’ll make a stop.’

But before Tara could askStop where?he was opening her door and she had to get in.He got behind the wheel and they were driving down the driveway, lush plants either side, and through a set of gates.

It was only as they drove along a winding coastal road with spectacular views of the sea and other islands in the distance that Tara realised she hadn’t really taken a breath since she’d got to Athens.So much had happened.

The air was salty from the ocean and the scents of fresh flowers and herbs tickled her nostrils.‘It’s beautiful here,’ she couldn’t help observing.

‘Yes, it is.’

Dion drove with confident assurance.Not showy.Relaxed.