Page 206 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Was it possible he began to believe her? That he’d finally let her explain her half-brother’s lies? Maybe Panos wasn’t quite the ogre she believed?

Get real! He threatened to take your baby. He’s no Prince Charming.

‘Evadne can reach me if necessary. Filos is just ten minutes from here.’

‘Filos? I’ve heard the name before.’

Panos wiped their daughter’s sticky face with a damp cloth and put her down so she could amble around the table to Dido. As ever her daughter’s grin made her smile as she lifted her up for a cuddle.

‘It used to be well-known. My great-grandfather bought it as a private family retreat. For decades some of the world’s most exclusive parties were held there. In my parents’ day it was used for brokering high-level business deals and sensitive meetings between governments.’

Of course! No wonder the name was familiar. ‘You don’t use it now?’

‘It was too big for one man. It needed a huge family or lots of guests. I still own it but now it’s put to a much better use as a holiday home for children.’ He pushed his chair back and rose. ‘I promised to visit this morning.’

‘Baba!’ Theeny twisted around, arms stretching towards her father.

His radiant smile, warm as summer sunshine, hit Dido full on. She sat back as he scooped their little girl into his arms and kissed her soundly on the cheeks until she squealed with delight.

‘Perhaps the kyria would like to go too?’ Dido turned to see Evadne in the doorway holding an empty tray. ‘I can mind the little one if you like. An outing might be welcome.’

Panos turned to look at first his housekeeper then her. She wished she could read his expression. She waited for the inevitable scowl but it didn’t appear. To her amazement he said, ‘You’d like to come?’

Dido gaped. They might share an unspoken truce, but an invitation to accompany him…?

She was torn. Being here without him would give her breathing space, a chance to relax. But after yesterday she wondered if talking with him, trying to close the yawning chasm between them, would be better. ‘I would. So long as—’

Evadne spoke. ‘I’ll look after her like my own.’ She put down her tray and held out her arms, speaking in Greek. Dido knew her daughter had taken to the housekeeper, yet she was surprised at how easily she went from Panos to Evadne.

Athena really was at home here. Dido put her hand to her stomach as she felt a curious twist of emotion.

‘You’re sure?’ Panos asked.

‘As long as we can be in touch if there’s a problem. I’d like to go.’

Dido told herself it would help her to understand Panos and his interests better. But it was more than that. The idea of being with him drew her. That old attraction hadn’t died, confusingly mingled with resentment and anger.

For sometimes Panos Diamandis appeared to be someone other than the man who’d treated her abominably. Maybe if she saw more of his world she could make sense of who he really was.

More to the point, you want to be with him, don’t you?

She bit her lip, hating that knowing inner voice.

* * *

Dido relaxed in her comfortable leather seat and watched Panos pilot the speedboat back from Filos. Never had anyone so intrigued her, confused her. Fascinated her.

Sunlight sparkled on the deep blue water and the wind whipped hair across her face but she didn’t attempt to control her wayward locks. She was too preoccupied, watching Panos handling the powerful vessel with easy assurance. He was appallingly handsome with that air of relaxed confidence and enticing masculinity.

Heat shimmied in her body, just watching him.

She’d always been sexually attracted to him and despite her fears and worries since he’d stalked back into her life, her reactions had intensified.

But after this morning she’d begun to like him again as well, even admire him. In London she’d have thought that impossible. Yet the man kept turning her opinion of him upside down.

When they’d reached Filos it became clear he was well-known to the staff and children. There’d been no excessive deference. He was treated with casual warmth and respect, as someone who visited often, not as their uber-wealthy benefactor. It had been an eye-opener, especially when he’d almost immediately excused himself and left her with a staff member while he went off to supervise a bunch of youths learning to windsurf.

Dido had been fascinated, seeing his ease with the teenagers, the way he let them muck around and enjoy themselves while at the same time teaching them the basics and ensuring their safety.