Claiming My Bride of Convenience

‘Not at all. But perhaps you are Pygmalion’s statue and I am going to bring you to life.’ His fingers tightened on mine. ‘And I will enjoy doing so, I promise you.’

Yes, I wondered, but would I?

I barely had time to think through that question, for the juggernaut continued to grow in strength and speed.

Within minutes of returning to the villa Matteo was on the phone, barking out orders, arranging I knew not what.

I retreated to my study to make my own arrangements. Maria was more than happy to take the helm of Amanos Textiles for a bit, as I’d known she would be.

‘You’re going away with Kyrie Dias?’ Her voice brimmed with excitement. ‘He’s so handsome, Daisy—’

‘Yes...’

Now that it was becoming reality I felt the leaden weight of dread and fear in my stomach. I really didn’t know if I was up for this. Any of it.

‘It’s just for a few weeks...for a business matter.’

As dear a friend as Maria had become, I wasn’t in the habit of baring my soul to anyone—and Matteo’s suggestion of a trial felt like something too strange and sacred to share. I didn’t need to, anyway. Maria had arrived at the whole picture by herself.

‘Just a business matter?’ she echoed rather gleefully. ‘Of course.’

It didn’t take very long for me to hand over all the pressing matters to Maria, and soon I drifted upstairs, tinglingly conscious of Matteo’s presence in the house even though I didn’t know what room he was in.

I supposed I should pack, but one look at my rows of T-shirts and jeans made me realise I had absolutely nothing suitable for a party in Paris and a weekend at a luxury hotel in the Caribbean.

What was I doing? Why had I agreed to this?

‘Because, as usual, when I get too near Matteo I cease to think,’ I answered myself out loud.

‘Ah, here is my lovely bride.’

I whirled around to see Matteo lounging in the doorway, a satisfied smile on his face. Had he heard what I said? I sincerely hoped not.

‘Are you ready?’

‘Ready?’ I repeated, thinking, Not in the slightest. ‘For what, precisely?’

‘To leave. My helicopter is waiting. We’ll have dinner in Athens.’

I swallowed. Hard. ‘Matteo, I’m not sure if I—’

‘Now, now, no cold feet,’ he admonished. ‘This is happening. You agreed.’

‘I haven’t packed—’

‘You don’t need to pack. Everything will be provided for you. Now, come.’

He turned away, leaving me gaping. Just like that?

‘On second thought,’ he said, glancing back at me, ‘you should bring a sweater. It’s chilly at night still.’ His smile was positively wolfish. ‘But, trust me, glykia mou, that’s all you need.’

* * *

I was feeling entirely pleased as I settled back in the seat and the helicopter began to lift from its landing pad. The island of Amanos was spread out before us in a tableau of rocky hills and dusty olive groves, with the blue-green of the Aegean touching the horizon. Across from me Daisy peered out of the window, her face pale with anxiety even as excitement sparkled in her eyes.

Such a lovely tangle of contradictions—fear and joy, excitement and nerves. I appreciated her uncertainty, considering what lay ahead, but I was even more pleased by the shy glances she kept slipping me when she thought I wasn’t looking. Whatever she might tell herself, my wife wanted to be here.

I’d won.