Knowing that this wasn’t the time to dwell on that, she blinked and cleared her vision. But it was too late because he’d seen and instead of backing away, which was what she would have preferred, he moved closer.
His hands were gentle on her face, tilting it as he urged her to look at him. ‘If that is the truth then you are better off building your life without him. I will help you do that.’ The softness in his voice almost finished her.
‘No, thanks. I’ve already experienced your idea of “help”. From now on I help myself. I don’t want anything to do with either of you.’
‘You’re not thinking the situation through. You have nowhere to go.’
The fact that it was true did nothing to improve her mood. Panic squeezed her insides. ‘I wouldn’t stay on this boat with you if it were the only piece of dry land in the Mediterranean. I’d rather be eaten by sharks.’
‘That’s extremely unlikely in these waters.’
‘Are you mocking me?’
Her voice rose and he went unnaturally still.
‘No. I’m merely trying to stop you making a rash, emotional decision that will harm no one but yourself.’
‘So now you’re saying I’m rash and over-emotional?’
‘Cristos, stop twisting everything I say! If you had told me the truth I would have ensured your safety. And that is enough of the past. You need to think about the future. I’m willing to offer you and your mother a home—on a temporary basis, of course,’ he added swiftly, ‘until you can find somewhere suitable.’
Selene heard that hastily added qualifier and burst out laughing. ‘I’m almost tempted to say yes. It would serve you right to find yourself living with a woman and her mother. That would really cramp your style. Relax, Stefan. I can’t think of anything worse than living under the same roof as you.’
His jaw was clenched. ‘It’s probably wise to stop talking while you’re this upset because you’re going to say things you don’t mean.’
‘I mean every word.’
‘I’m trying to help you.’
‘You’re the one who taught me to be cautious.’ Her gaze lifted to his shoulders, travelled over the bronzed skin at the base of his throat and finally met those dark eyes that could seduce a woman with a single glance. ‘I don’t want your help. I never want to see you again.’
* * *
Below deck in the owner’s suite, Stefan poured himself a large drink, but when he lifted it to his mouth his hand was shaking so badly the liquid sloshed over the side.
Cursing softly, he put the glass down and closed his eyes, but that didn’t help because his mind was tortured by images. Images of her stepping back onto the island not knowing whether her father was waiting. Images of his anger spilling over. Images of that beautiful hair streaked with blood.
Gripping the glass, he drank, feeling the fire burn his stomach.
While he’d been on the island he hadn’t dared let himself feel, but he was feeling now and the emotion hit him so hard he couldn’t breathe. He’d never let it out before and because he’d never let it out he had no idea how to haul it back inside again.
Business rivalry. She thought this was about business?
He had no idea how much time had passed but eventually he heard a voice behind him.
‘Boss?’
It was Takis.
Not willing to reveal even a sliver of weakness, Stefan kept his back to him. ‘Problems?’
There was a brief pause. ‘Possibly. The girl and her mother have gone.’
‘Gone?’ He was surprised how normal he sounded. Surprised by the strength of his voice given the turmoil inside him. ‘Gone where?’
‘Left the boat, boss.’
‘How can they have left the boat? Did they swim?’