His desire had not been for her alone, but for things he shouldn’t want. From the very first night they’d spent together she’d made him want more, and each time that need filtered through his mind just a little more clearly. But he couldn’t allow it. He would not let himself feel anything other than passion for any woman—especially not Serena. If he did it was sure to spell disaster. Hadn’t his past proved he was incapable of loving or being loved?
With an unsettled feeling he switched off the shower, towelled his hair dry and then slung a white towel around his hips and returned to the bedroom. Serena was still in bed, half asleep and looking as lovely as ever, her red hair not in its usual sleek style, but ruffled from a night of making love.
‘I thought you would be going to the office,’ she said softly, pushing her tumbled hair from her eyes and sitting up, pulling the white sheet against her, looking suddenly vulnerable.
As he watched her it was as if someone had notched something tight around his chest, but he smiled at her modesty, tempted to remind her that last night she hadn’t cared if he saw her body.
‘Not today.’
‘What about your deal? I thought it was getting close to completion?’
She curled her legs underneath her and knelt on the bed, moving the sheet, giving him a glimpse of her thighs.
‘It’s Saturday, and we need to be seen out together.’
He knew what she’d meant, and it had nothing to do with their deal. After each night they’d stayed together in her hotel room in Santorini he’d slipped away as dawn had broken, his job—which she’d believed was fishing—being the perfect reason and therefore not requiring any justification.
‘There is nothing more to be done with that deal until Monday.’
Unlike the deal he’d struck with Serena.
She smiled and something tugged hard on his guilt. She really did deserve a man who could love her—but he could never be that man. He didn’t want the experience of watching someone leave again, her cruel words haunting him ever since.
‘If we must go out, I’d like to go to the Acropolis.’
Her excitement cast a glow over her face and he realised she looked the happiest he’d seen her since she’d returned to Greece. For the first time since her text had come through the thought came that things could work out between them. Providing she didn’t ask for that one thing he couldn’t give—emotional commitment.
‘Then I suggest you get dressed.’
He turned and selected clothes from his wardrobe, dropping the towel with scant regard for his nakedness. Behind him, he heard her intake of breath and smiled. The passion of last night still simmered within her, just as it did for him, and if he didn’t get out of the bedroom now he was in danger of spending all day in bed—and that was something for lovers to do.
* * *
Serena felt as if her whole body glowed as she and Nikos walked along the path towards the Acropolis. The sun was hot, but her memories of last night were hotter, and now, with her hand in his, she felt the fizz of passion brewing again, along with the warm glow of hope. Last night had been just like when they’d first met. It had proved the heated passion that they had always shared was still there—but was it enough?
Around them crowds of tourists posed for photos and admired the view over the rooftops of Athens. Children squealed in delight as they clambered over the many rocks and Serena watched them, the reality of her situation coming to her clearly. This was her child’s history, and by staying and marrying Nikos she would give her sister the same chance of motherhood she now had.
A pang of guilt slid over her.
‘Are we doing the right thing?’ She looked out at the view, not daring to look at him. His hand around hers tightened, but he continued to walk.
‘How can we not be doing the right thing, Serena?’
His words were firm and quiet as he guided her towards some meagre shade, out of the way of a large tour party noisily heading towards them.
She looked up at him, glad of the shade, and waited until the tourists had passed, with their enthusiasm and animated exclamations of delight.
‘I find it hard to believe a man like you hasn’t married.’
His dark brows arched, and she wasn’t sure if it was the shade of the trees or what she’d said that had given his face those stern and sharp lines.
‘A man like me?’ He let her hand go and thrust it into the pocket of his casual beige chinos, his stance suddenly annoyed, his expression confrontational.