sexy voice was deep, almost a whisper, sending shivers of awareness down her spine. She reminded herself that it was all for show. She mustn’t for one moment think he cared. He didn’t.
‘Very well—it’s too big.’ She looked at him, unable to keep the confrontation from her eyes. ‘This is much more to my taste.’
She picked up a small but beautiful emerald ring, and was about to try it on when Nikos took it from her, held her hand and slid it on to her finger.
She looked at him and her breath caught in her throat. The intensity in his eyes warmed her from the inside out. Her heartbeat raced and her stomach fluttered. His gaze, darkening to resemble the sea at night, held hers, and she might have been back on the beach, just before they’d made love. His eyes had swirled with the same ardent passion then too.
‘This is the ring.’
His voice was husky, his accent heavy, making her heart pound harder.
‘Serena, will you marry me?’
She swallowed hard, aware that her breathing had deepened and each breath was harder to come by. Would he think she was acting the part too? She certainly hoped so, because he must never find out how much she loved him.
‘Yes.’
She responded with the answer she knew he wanted for the sake of acting the part. Would she have given the same answer if he’d asked her last night, instead of blackmailing her with something as cruel as her sister’s happiness?
His lips brushed hers so briefly she wondered if it had happened. Her sigh of pleasure couldn’t break the connection that arced between her and Nikos at that moment. Serena couldn’t breathe as he continued to hold her hand, his fingers warm against hers. It felt so real, so passionate, so loving.
It’s just pretence, she reminded herself sternly.
* * *
Nikos’s heart beat faster than he’d ever known. What was the matter with him? He was getting carried away with the moment. He looked into her eyes again and lifted her fingers to his lips. The green of her eyes was flashing brighter than the emerald on her finger and he wanted her with a force that stunned him.
‘The gemstone of the goddess Venus. A symbol of hope,’ the assistant said in stilted English, her words breaking the spell.
Serena pulled away from him, her eyes downcast and her long lashes sweeping down, locking him out.
‘Then it is a perfect choice,’ he said softly, and lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes once more.
‘It brings lovers closer if the giver’s motive is pure love.’ The assistant continued with her sales talk.
What did it mean if his motive was convenience coupled with lust? He looked into Serena’s face. Her porcelain-like skin was faintly flushed, but her gaze held his boldly. Was she wondering the same?
Before he had time to think, to rationalise his actions, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. A startled gasp of shock broke against his lips, lighting the fire that only she had ever truly ignited. He wanted to pull her close, to kiss her harder. He wanted so much more but propriety surfaced. Now was not the time or the place.
‘Nikos...’ she whispered quickly, and pressed her palms against his chest, pushing him away, her thoughts obviously echoing his.
He smiled down at her, took her hand in his and then turned to the assistant to pay for the ring. All the time he held her hand, keeping her at his side. He could feel the warmth of her body invading his and wished they were anywhere else but here. The passion that had exploded between them when they had first met was still burning—and it was becoming stronger and harder to resist.
The deal they’d struck had just become very interesting.
‘We have more shopping to do yet,’ he said as they emerged into the sunshine of the afternoon.
She pulled him to a stop, but he didn’t let go of her hand. Instead he pulled her closer as the desire he’d suppressed in the shop simmered through him.
‘We don’t need to buy anything else. A ring is enough for anyone to believe we’re getting married. Nobody has to believe it’s because we’re in love.’
His brows rose in question and the word love all but doused the fire that burned for her. He didn’t worry about people questioning if they were in love—it was his business reputation, his ability to keep his word, that mattered most.
‘We agreed that marriage was best in the circumstances.’
‘Agreed?’ She glared up at him, her eyes flashing with challenge.
‘You came to Athens with me. You obviously agreed with my terms. And as I told the press last night we were engaged you now need to be seen wearing my ring. Do you think my business associates will take me seriously otherwise? Having people believe we are “in love” has nothing to do with it. I want people to see that I honour my word, my promise and most importantly my obligations to the child you carry.’
Irritation surged forward, overriding all his previous emotions. It was for the best, he thought as he looked down into her face, at her eyes shrouded in confusion. If he had to keep playing the role of lover it would lead to temptation and desire, which would only complicate the situation.
‘Do you really think we agreed on marriage? It was more of a case of you deciding it would happen and instigating it with little regard for anyone else.’
Her words were sharp and she stood her ground, and he became aware that they were attracting the attention of passers-by.
‘Come,’ he said, in a growly voice that did little to hide his jumbled emotions. ‘You must get something to wear at the party tonight.’
‘I don’t need anything new.’
Her voice rose a little and her shoulders straightened, warning him of her intention to go against him.
‘As my bride-to-be you will be expected to look amazing. Anything less just isn’t acceptable.’
He looked at her, seeing her confusion become quickly masked by spirit.
‘I can’t compete with the models you’ve dated. Even the most fabulous dress won’t do that.’
‘I do not expect you to compete with anyone,’ he said calmly, and moved closer to her, dominating her with his height. But again she held her ground and looked up at him, her lips set in a pout of annoyance, just begging to be kissed.
It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Before she had time to move he pulled her close with his free arm, pressing her against him while still holding her hand. His lips burned as they met hers. Their initial resistance melted almost immediately and he felt her body relax and mould against his.
He broke the kiss and pulled back from her. He had to stop kissing her in public. He promised himself that next time it would be in the privacy of his apartment, where he could give in to the carnal hunger she provoked.
He glanced up and down the crowded street and found what he was looking for—an exclusive boutique. ‘This way. Unless you want me to kiss you again.’
To his relief the threat worked, and she fell into step beside him as they made their way up the busy street. As soon as they entered the shop assistants came forward, as keen to help as the one in the jeweller’s. He informed them in Greek of what Serena needed and turned to her, amused by the stunned look on her face.
‘I have calls to make, but they know what I want.’
‘What you want?’ Incredulity rang out from each word and those lovely green eyes widened with shock.
‘Yes, what I want. I will see you in an hour.’
He turned and left the shop...before he kissed the look of astonishment from her beautiful