Page 198 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

As for Panos, he’d dropped all overt signs of antagonism, saying he didn’t want to upset his daughter with negative emotions. Dido would have laughed at the idea of such a censorious man lecturing her on parenting, if she hadn’t agreed wholeheartedly. Whatever happened, her first concern was her baby’s well-being.

Even so, she’d been surprised at how seriously he took that. On the face of it, they’d established a truce and Panos treated her like a guest. They shared responsibility for looking after their daughter and slept in separate rooms.

It might almost have been relaxing, enjoying the luxury of his stunning home, except time was ticking. How long before she had to face a legal tussle for custody? How could she afford one?

Beneath the calm surface, she was strained, nervous and worried.

Yet how often had she lain in bed, hyperaware of him in the next room, watching the door handle, fearing and hoping it might turn. Remembering the carnal inferno of that kiss.

He knew she’d wanted him that evening in London. She’d expected him to take advantage of that weakness. He’d been aroused too. He might have maintained his control but his reactions, not just his erection, but his savagely possessive kiss and the hunger in his eyes, had given him away.

Yet he hadn’t made a move to seduce her and that had her on tenterhooks. No lingering looks, no stray touches. It drove her crazy, first that incendiary kiss, then…nothing.

Did he think she was so desperate for him that she’d jump his bones?

He was arrogant enough.

He’s probably waiting for you to go to him.

Despite the balmy temperature, she hugged her arms around her body. Not. Going. To. Happen.

Panos sank into the water, holding Athena so she could kick her legs, delighted at the splashes she made.

Her daughter was having the time of her life, thriving on the attention of both parents and loving this new environment. Simple things like watching butterflies and picking flowers, or toddling along the beach, looking for occasional shells and pebbles delighted her and made her crow with happiness.

Contrary to Dido’s fears, there’d been only positives for her baby. So far.

Panos continued to surprise. He seemed content to be here, not yearning for bright lights or other company. He hadn’t hired a nanny, but shared responsibility for looking after Theeny. It was just them plus the housekeeper, Evadne, whose friendliness quickly overcame Dido’s discomfort.

It felt too easy. No animosity. No overt pressure. Everything relaxed. On the surface.

From the corner of her eyes she saw Panos look up at her again. Slowly she turned. From this distance it should be impossible, yet it felt as if those piercing eyes looked straight into hers, reading her fears and doubts.

She shivered. This man made her feel vulnerable.

But it wasn’t all discomfort. Now that ripple of tension arrowed low in her body, making her shift her weight in response to the empty, achy feeling between her legs.

Her skin tightened, nipples budding. Abruptly she realised how much flesh her cut-off denim shorts and vibrant orange shirt displayed. It was warm and she’d pulled up the hem of her shirt and knotted it below her bust. It had seemed sensible in the heat. Now it felt foolhardy.

She felt the weight of his stare like a touch. A touch that, far from repelling her, made every feminine instinct purr into life.

Dido swung away and walked into her room, hating her body’s reaction. He was the enemy yet he only had to look at her to make her aware she hadn’t had sex in three years. That no one had ever brought her such physical pleasure as Panos. That she wanted…

She cut off that trail of thought.

Dido couldn’t reconcile the cold-hearted man who’d dropped her without even the courtesy of a face-to-face discussion with the man playing with their baby.

With Athena he was patience personified. He was gentle, loving and though his questions made it clear he knew little about babies, it was obvious he intended to learn.

He seemed like a man determined to do his best for their daughter. Every day convinced Dido his affection for Athena was real. But she’d never leave her daughter to his sole custody.

She needed to prepare herself for battle.

* * *

Panos rolled his shoulders as he left Athena sleeping and headed downstairs. She might be tiny but she kept him on his toes. He was amazed how much mental and physical energy he expended when he was with her. Did it become easier in time?

It wasn’t difficult and he enjoyed every moment but after his first morning alone with her, he was wearier than if he’d spent hours negotiating a tough deal.