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His intense gaze disturbs me and I quickly look away, once more sinking into comforting conversation with Calista. It pleases me to notice Jayson isn’t so eager to speak with Maia now, though whether that’s because of the other woman’s behavior or because he keeps staring at me, a thoughtful look on his face. What ideas are in his head? Should I be worried?

We arrive back at the villa late. Too much champagne and a little too much wine with dinner has left me feeling mellow. The shock and anger at discovering Jayson’s previous engagement in public has mostly faded, and I don’t pull away when he puts a hand on the small of my back as we walk up the marble stairs.

“That’s better,” he says as we climb the steps to the second floor.

I cock my head to look at him. “What’s better?”

“You’re no longer acting like my touch burns you.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” I try to hide my blush.

“Liar,” he says with a soft chuckle. “A polar bear would have been warmer to me than you were this evening.”

“That’s silly.” Waving a hand to dismiss the whole idea, my stomach knots.

We step onto the landing, and he surprises me by taking my hand. Jayson stops, pulling me around to face him in a stance that could become intimate in a second. “I don’t know what I did to offend you, but I’m pleased you’re no longer in a snit.”

I gasp. “A snit? It wasn’t a snit, and you know what you did.”

He frowns. “I haven’t a clue, Harper mou.”

I pull away, continuing determinedly toward the master suite. “You can’t be that dense, Jayson. And I’m not your Harper.”

He doesn’t reply until we enter the bedroom. His hands on my shoulders make me freeze, but it’s the softness of his voice that keeps me from moving away. “Please, tell me why you’re upset, Harper.”

I turn slowly to face him. “I was humiliated. You cozying up with your ex-fiancée had all the gossips going, and embarrassed me in front of everyone.”

Jayson scowls. “These women have nothing better to do than talk about people?”

I roll my eyes. “Don’t give me that. Men are just as bad, and you know it.”

After a moment, he nods. “I see. And I apologize if you were humiliated.”

“Thank you.” He seems so open tonight, with a gentleness I’ve never seen. Somehow the courage rises in me to ask, “Were you really going to marry Maia?”

His expression hardens, but he says, “Yes. I was much younger then.”

Pushing my luck, I say, “What happened?”

He frowns. “I realized our relationship couldn’t last a lifetime. It was too superficial. She must’ve reached the same conclusion, because she married someone else within weeks of ending our engagement.”

I mull over his words. “Wait, who ended it? You or her?”

With a sigh of impatience, he tugs at his tie. “What does it matter now, Harper? That was years ago.”

Eyes narrowing at his evasion, I murmur words of agreement and turn toward the nursery. “Goodnight.” Jayson reaches for me, and I don’t resist when he turns back to face me. “Is there something else?”

He curses under his breath in Greek. I don’t understand the words, but his frustration comes through loud and clear. “Yes, agape mou. This.”

Even before his head descends, I know Jayson is going to kiss me. Deep in my heart, I knew all night that every glance and touch was leading to this moment. Holding my breath, I know I should turn away, but I’m unable to do it. When his lips touch mine, I find myself melting against him.

My lips mold to his. He opens my lips with his and thrusts his tongue inside my mouth, exploring the depths. Eagerly, I stroke his tongue with mine. He tastes like the ouzo he had after the meal. Licorice and lust.

Jayson pulls me closer, until our bodies fit together as though made for each other. Deepening the kiss, I tangle my hands in his hair to drag his head lower. I’m desperate for the taste of him. I lose all self-control.

I moan when he puts one hand on my back while the other ventures lower, to squeeze my ass. A jolt shoots through me when he lifts me slightly, pushing his hardness against me. His nearness is intoxicating, or is it toxic? I can’t decide. My head swims as he guides my hand toward the massive bulge in his pants.

Pulling his mouth from mine, Jayson brushes tender kisses across my cheek as my hand touches him, curious and hungry. “Se thelo, Harper,” he says in a thick voice.