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‘After those newspaper headlines that will save a lot of awkward questions.’
Buying an engagement ring with a man in such a harsh mood wasn’t at all what she’d hoped for. Even though theirs wasn’t going to be a marriage made out of love, she’d hoped the desire and passion they’d once shared would count for something.
‘I had no idea the story would get out. It won’t help my current negotiations if I’m seen to be going back on my word to the woman I’ve proposed to. Are you ready to go right now?’
‘I’m ready,’ she said—though she wondered if she was ever going to be ready to enter into a loveless marriage. It was her parents all over again. Their unhappiness had been her fault, and now she was going to lay that guilt on her own child—but with Sally’s happiness at stake she had little choice...for now at least.
Half an hour later, having been driven through the rush of Athens traffic, she was in an exclusive and very expensive jewellers with an attentive Nikos at her side. His acting skills were incredible, and he lovingly laid his arm around her shoulders as she tried the biggest diamond ring she’d ever seen on her finger.
The assistant gushed, but her Greek words were totally lost on Serena. It was an amazing ring—a big show of wealth—but it wasn’t at all what she wanted.
‘No,’ she said decisively, and the assistant’s smile slipped. ‘This is too big...too expensive.’
‘Expense doesn’t come into it.’
His sexy voice was deep, almost a whisper, sending shivers of awareness down her spine. She reminded herself that it was all for show. She mustn’t for one moment think he cared. He didn’t.
‘Very well—it’s too big.’ She looked at him, unable to keep the confrontation from her eyes. ‘This is much more to my taste.’
She picked up a small but beautiful emerald ring, and was about to try it on when Nikos took it from her, held her hand and slid it on to her finger.
She looked at him and her breath caught in her throat. The intensity in his eyes warmed her from the inside out. Her heartbeat raced and her stomach fluttered. His gaze, darkening to resemble the sea at night, held hers, and she might have been back on the beach, just before they’d made love. His eyes had swirled with the same ardent passion then too.
‘This is the ring.’
His voice was husky, his accent heavy, making her heart pound harder.
‘Serena, will you marry me?’
She swallowed hard, aware that her breathing had deepened and each breath was harder to come by. Would he think she was acting the part too? She certainly hoped so, because he must never find out how much she loved him.
‘Yes.’
She responded with the answer she knew he wanted for the sake of acting the part. Would she have given the same answer if he’d asked her last night, instead of blackmailing her with something as cruel as her sister’s happiness?
His lips brushed hers so briefly she wondered if it had happened. Her sigh of pleasure couldn’t break the connection that arced between her and Nikos at that moment. Serena couldn’t breathe as he continued to hold her hand, his fingers warm against hers. It felt so real, so passionate, so loving.
It’s just pretence, she reminded herself sternly.
* * *
Nikos’s heart beat faster than he’d ever known. What was the matter with him? He was getting carried away with the moment. He looked into her eyes again and lifted her fingers to his lips. The green of her eyes was flashing brighter than the emerald on her finger and he wanted her with a force that stunned him.
‘The gemstone of the goddess Venus. A symbol of hope,’ the assistant said in stilted English, her words breaking the spell.
Serena pulled away from him, her eyes downcast and her long lashes sweeping down, locking him out.
‘Then it is a perfect choice,’ he said softly, and lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes once more.
‘It brings lovers closer if the giver’s motive is pure love.’ The assistant continued with her sales talk.
What did it mean if his motive was convenience coupled with lust? He looked into Serena’s face. Her porcelain-like skin was faintly flushed, but her gaze held his boldly. Was she wondering the same?
Before he had time to think, to rationalise his actions, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. A startled gasp of shock broke against his lips, lighting the fire that only she had ever truly ignited. He wanted to pull her close, to kiss her harder. He wanted so much more but propriety surfaced. Now was not the time or the place.
