Page 229 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

His mouth met hers, gently, and Dido wrapped her arms around his neck and he gathered her close. She clung tight, hope buoying her.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

‘I THINK YOU’LL AGREE, it’s a highly desirable property,’ the estate agent said as they exited the architect-designed home and stood, surveying the view of Athens. ‘It meets all the items on your wish list.’

Panos turned and met Dido’s eyes, his look questioning. She felt a little tug of pleasure. Any qualms that he might expect to make all decisions in this relationship had been scotched in the six weeks since their return from Vienna.

Now they had a partnership. They talked about things that mattered and she knew he wanted her to be happy. And if the basis of their relationship was pragmatism, rather than love…she told herself to be grateful for what she had.

‘It is lovely,’ she murmured.

When he’d asked her opinion about giving up his current Athens home, the showpiece penthouse that she’d found so daunting, she’d been pleased. Especially when he’d spoken of wanting somewhere with a big yard for Athena to play.

She’d instantly imagined her little girl playing with a younger sibling or two in the bright Greek sunshine. The idea of more children had filled her with delight and excitement.

‘So you like it?’ Panos persisted.

She smiled. ‘I do. It’s beautiful and convenient to the city but it’s comfortable.’

It would make a perfect part-time home, along with the island Dido was growing to love, and the London house Panos planned to buy so they could regularly spend time with Flavia.

When Panos had insisted he wanted her aunt to be part of their daughter’s life Dido had been moved. Not just by his consideration, but because he truly valued family. It was criminal that he’d never known the familial love and support she had.

‘I agree.’ His smile made his eyes glow. ‘We want a home, not a showpiece. Though,’ he added as he turned to the agent, ‘it is an impressive design.’

Instantly the agent began extolling its details. But while Panos discussed specifications, Dido was content to lean close, his arm warm around her.

She knew Panos liked the place as much as she did. But then their tastes so often dovetailed. They were more alike than she’d allowed herself to believe.

When she’d married Panos she’d known she was taking a risk, not knowing him long. Now she understood the risk had been worth taking. Panos made her happy in so many ways. He was tender, thoughtful, passionate and caring. His bond with Athena was strong and with her…well, it got better every day. The only thing missing was love. Dido had no doubts he adored their daughter. But given his past, was he even capable of romantic love?

She’d learned about the burdens he carried. How cut off he felt from others. He’d grown so used to believing everyone wanted his money, he didn’t realise his popularity could be real. Like with the staff and children on the holiday resort he’d created.

When she’d mentioned that, he’d muttered about simply being a benefactor. Dido knew it was more. She’d seen him with those kids. The laughter they shared, and the respect.

It was her mission to show him there were people who liked him, separate to his fortune.

As she stood in the circle of his arm, she imagined hosting friends here in the large covered entertaining area. Their future home would be happy and over time Panos would understand he wasn’t alone anymore. That he belonged.

She’d already started organising a surprise party at their island home for his birthday. Flavia and a few of Dido’s friends would fly out and a group from the resort would come by boat for a barbecue feast. She was so busy picturing it and mentally reviewing her to-do list, that she was surprised when the estate agent offered his goodbyes.

‘You really like the place that much?’ Panos asked as they exited the security gates. ‘You’re not just trying to please me?’

Dido stopped on the pavement and turned to him. Her hand palmed his shirt, feeling hard muscle and that steady heartbeat she loved to snuggle up against as she went to sleep. ‘No, I really love it.’

And not just the house. Her heart lurched then picked up speed. She’d fallen for him years before and was falling deep for him all over again.

Was it madness to hope one day his feelings might match hers? The question haunted her, making her teeter between hope and fear.

‘But I do like pleasing you,’ she whispered, and was delighted to see that familiar molten glint in his eyes.

Was he remembering their early morning shower today? She wasn’t going to forget it anytime soon. The thought made her wet between the legs.

Maybe he was, because he wrapped both arms around her, hauling her close, his breath hot on her ear. ‘You know you make me—’

A shout interrupted.

A second later Dido found herself behind him as he spun to face the street. One hand held her arm, as if to ensure she stayed there and she felt his big body brace.