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But all she said was, “I’ll see you again tomorrow, Willem.”

And they did, but it was not the same.



















Chapter Eight

“YOU HAVE HEARD OF THErumors, too, haven’t you?” It was Stavros who brought the sensitive subject up, and he only did so because his conscience bade him to. The Dutch billionaire had been in Athens for over two months, and Willem and Serenity had been dating in secret for almost the same length of time. But as far as Greek society was concerned, it was Acheron Simonides, Stavros’ other friend, who Serenity was seeing.

Willem took his time answering, taking a sip from his coffee while struggling not to give way to the rage festering inside him every time rumors of his angel dating the man she was working for were brought to his attention.

Placing his cup down, he asked finally, “Is this why you’ve invited me over for breakfast?” He had been surprised by the invitation, knowing how Stavros’ pregnant and moody wife still held a grudge against him for what he had done to Serenity.

Seeing no point in lying, Stavros said simply, “Yes.” It was also the reason why he had chosen to meet with his friend in the privacy of his home. At least here, there would be no way the media would get wind of their talk.

“You have nothing to say about it?” Stavros pressed.

Willem’s broad shoulders moved into a shrug. “I don’t see any reason for me to say anything. They are just rumors, and if there was something to it, Serenity would tell me about it.”

Stavros’ brows shot up incredulously. “You really believe that?”

Willem only looked at him.

Slowly, the Greek billionaire shook his head. “Youarein love with her, aren’t you?”

His friend said quietly, “Yes.”

“And this – whatever it is you’re doing – it is your way of atoning for your mistakes?”

Willem’s lips twisted. “It is not ideal, I grant you that, but if it is what it takes to make her realize I am serious about her, then so be it.”

He told Willem abruptly, “I was the one to refer her to Acheron Simonides.”

“I see.” Willem’s voice was polite. “I suppose it was payback for theminordeception I played in the past between you and your wife?”

“More or less.” Stavros had the grace to flush. “I didn’t think she’d actually—-”Fuck.

“I told you,” Willem said evenly. “Theyareonly rumors.” But a muscle had started ticking in his jaw again. “Sheworksfor Simonides, and that is the only goddamn connection between them. It’s my bed she sleeps in, or it’s me who’s beside Serenity in hers.” He breathed hard, knowing he had just allowed his jealousy to get the better of him.