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“That wasn’t the reason — ”

“Save it,” says Jayson harshly, finally pushing her away. “I honestly don’t care any longer, Maia. I’m not in love with you and haven’t been for a long time.”

“You could be again, with a little persuasion.” There’s a hint of petulance in her expression, despite her seductive drawl.

“I’m married,” says Jayson coldly. A smile spreads across my face, and I press a hand to my chest to still my racing heart. Perhaps I shouldn’t take such joy in his rejection of his old lover, but I’m not going to feel guilty, either. Maia is skulking about, trying to seduce her husband. No shit, I’m not going to feel badly for her.

Maia’s laugh is icy and stark. “You must be kidding. That girl is completely hopeless. It’s obviously a sham marriage. I know your big heart and your even biggermorals, Jayson. You probably married her to take care of her, after her father died in your brother’s service.”

I flinch at what sounds like a coldly accurate assessment of the situation.

“You know nothing of our relationship.” Jayson looks pointedly at his watch. “It must be nearly time for the cake.”

Taking that as my cue, I stride into the room, deliberately clicking her heels against the marble floor with more force than necessary. Pasting on a fake smile, I approach them. “There you are. The caterer is about to wheel out the cake.” I walk straight to Jayson and put my arm around his waist. “She’ll be heartbroken if you aren’t there. She’d miss you almost as much as I have the last few hours.” With a sexy smile, I lift my head in his direction. Jayson instantly responds to the cue, bending his head to capture my mouth.

It started as a way to demonstrate the marriage wasn’t fake — at least not anymore — but the kiss quickly escalates. Jayson gathers me into his arms and kisses me deeply. Vaguely, I hear Maia say something in Greek. While I don’t understand the words, the tone reveals her rage. When neither of us broke apart, Maia says something else that sounds crude and spins on her heel. Her shoes tap across the marble in as she strides from the room.

Even with her gone, I can’t tear myself from Jayson’s embrace. In the back of my mind, I know time is precious, but I can’t remember why we shouldn’t be doing this now.

Fortunately, Jayson is more clearheaded. He withdraws his mouth, lifting his head with a sigh that sounds regretful. “Cake now, agape mou, and you later.” He struggles to step away. “While I’m sure both will be sweet, I’d rather have your taste in my mouth.”

Smothering a yawn, I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open as the party finally winds down, and most of the remaining guests are Sophie’s friends. Casting a longing glance at the doorway, I’m wishing I could excuse myself and go to bed. I’ve spent so many nights with Jayson, and I have to admit, we’re not getting much sleep.

“Tired?” he asks, coming up behind me to put an arm around my waist.

“Very. I hope the kids leave soon.”

“Why don’t you go on up to bed? I’ll keep an eye on them.” He glances at his watch. “I need to check the markets anyway.” Jayson waves a hand at the small group. “I don’t think they can get into much mischief with me down the hall.”

Another yawn escapes, and I let myself be persuaded. “I’ll be lonely without you.”

He chuckles. “Liar. You’ll be sleeping.”

“You can wake me up,” I whisper.

With a shake of his head, he pats my rear and scoots me in the direction of the door. “I’m going to allow you to sleep tonight.” His expression turns wicked. “For a while. I’ll let you build up your energy again.”

I fall into a deep sleep almost the instant my head hits the pillow. Upon awakening, I’m disoriented, uncertain what roused me so abruptly. A second later, I hear raised voices and realize it’s the sound of an argument. Listening for a moment, I recognize Sophie and Jayson’s voices. It isn’t like them to argue, and I slide from bed and wrap myself in a robe before leaving the bedroom.

They stand down the hall, near Sophie’s bedroom. Jayson is yelling and waving his hands, occasionally pointing at Sophie. Loukas, who is standing beside her, looks frightened but determined not to show fear.

“What’s going on?” I ask as I approach them.

“I caught this boy sneaking out of Sophie’s room. They had…” He switches to Greek, unleashing a new wave of anger on the young couple.

“He was not sneaking, Theo Jayson. I am an adult, and I can do as I please.”

“An adult?” His cold laugh makes me flinch almost as much as Sophie. “You are a stupid girl, led by a stupid boy.”

“She’s not stupid,” I interject. “Sophie is a young woman, Jayson. This sort of thing is natural.”

“Not for good Greek girls,” he snarls. “You wait for marriage,” he says to Sophie.

She rolls her eyes. “Your attitude is archaic, Theo. In New York, no one would think anything of me going to bed with my boyfriend.”

Jayson winces, even more upset to hear the words coming from her. “We are not in New York. I see you haven’t spent nearly enough time in your homeland, learning proper behavior.” He curses. “You should be ashamed, both of you.”

Loukas bows his head, but Sophie straightens her shoulders. Stepping closer, I sense the situation will continue to escalate unless I can convince them to stop arguing. “It’s late — ”