Page 171 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Dido was the one to move, stepping away from him. Instantly he countered, blocking her way.

‘Where are you going?’

Strange. He sounded only mildly curious, as if she hadn’t just hit him.

Her chin came up and she smoothed a shaky hand down her damp shirt. ‘To talk to Chiara. We have a meeting, remember?’

He shook his head. ‘You really think I’m going to let you near her?’

‘It’s not a matter of you letting me. I’m here to do a job.’

‘You can’t seriously believe I’d let you have a role in this wedding.’

Dido’s hands found her hips. ‘I’m here at Chiara’s invitation. I don’t take orders from you.’

As if any of that mattered now!

When he said nothing her eyes rounded, suspicion rising. He couldn’t be that brazen, could he?

Then she remembered how callously and completely he’d cut her off without a second hearing three years before, without a chance to counter his accusations. Panos Diamandis operated as if the normal rules didn’t apply to him. Her mind boggled at the idea he might try to bury the truth now.

‘Are you going to tell your fiancée or shall I?’

He looked down his perfectly straight nose at her. ‘Tell her what?’

His face shuttered as if he had no idea what she was talking about, but his haughty attitude didn’t scare her.

Dido’s voice was saccharine. ‘The only thing that matters. That you and I are married.’

CHAPTER THREE

PANOS CLOSED HIS hand around her arm. It was a sign of his perturbation that the feel of silk over her warm flesh made unwanted sensation rush through his body. As if he’d touched an electric current.

He wanted to yank his hand back and release her but that wasn’t an option. She’d only march straight in to Chiara and he wasn’t going to allow her to make a scene.

His jaw clenched so hard pain rayed through his skull and down his neck.

Because he knew it wasn’t merely annoyance making him react this way. It was her, Dido Jones. The one woman in the world who’d ever—

‘Release me at once,’ she hissed. Instead of answering, Panos strode towards the atrium, propelling her forward. ‘What do you think you’re doing? You can’t just make me disappear.’

Watch me.

Over the top of her head he caught the eye of the receptionist on the far side of the room. Without breaking his stride, Panos said, ‘If Ms Beverly is looking for me, please tell her to start breakfast without me. Our guest,’ his fingers tightened around the slim arm that tried to tug free, ‘is unwell. I’m taking her to her accommodation.’

The receptionist started forward. ‘Do you need medical attention, Ms Jones?’

‘That won’t be necessary.’ Panos spoke over his captive’s protest. ‘I know exactly what’s wrong and what she needs.’

He looked down into stormy green eyes and let her see his implacable determination. He even loosened his hold a little. If she were stupid enough to want to have this out in public, she’d be the one to suffer, not he.

Her eyes widened as she read his expression. Even so her mouth opened as if ready to protest or accuse. Then something unexpected happened. She dropped her gaze, a flush climbing cheeks that mere moments ago had been too pale.

The receptionist spoke again. ‘Ms Jones?’

‘Thanks, I’ll be okay. I just need to rest for a little.’

‘Of course. Please call if you need anything. Anything at all.’ Then the man nodded and turned towards the restaurant.