Page 117 of Modern Romance December 2025 1-4

You’re in her past, Mavridis. She won’t thank you for pushing into her life now.

He noticed the woman standing between Rosa and the queue. His breathing eased. He’d employed the woman, hoping Rosa would be more comfortable with her than a man whose presence screamedbodyguard. Scanning the area, he saw other guards, incognito. At least she had some protection.

The teenagers moved on. Rosa flexed her fingers as if they were stiff and suddenly her gaze met his.

Everything in him stopped. Her eyes widened, the corners of her mouth lifting. Her smile speared him. He felt blood flow from the wound as his breathing and pulse kicked in again.

Then her half-formed smile died. She looked away, mouth firming. The woman beside her said something and Rosa turned to the next person in line.

Fotis was gutted. She’d wanted to see him. Until she remembered what he’d done.

Still, he wasn’t going anywhere. Not until he’d spoken with her. That was non-negotiable.

For the next couple of hours he watched, feeling the too-heavy thud of his bruised heart against his ribs. In all that time she didn’t look his way.

That tells you all you need to know.

Yet he stood his ground, until finally staff erected a sign stating that the signing had ended for the day, setting up a cordon.

Fotis moved in, nodding to the security staff. Rosa was talking to a woman he recognised as her agent. They were at the rear of the space, backs to him, yet Rosa sensed him approach. Her shoulders rose, spine stiffening. She turned.

‘I’m afraid the signing’s over,’ the other woman said. ‘You can come back tomorrow.’

‘Rosa?’ Still she said nothing. This close, he read her fatigue. Despite the smile she’d worn for the crowd, her eyes were dull. Exhaustion from the signing or something else?

Beads of sweat prickled his nape as he moved nearer and the agent stepped in front of him.

‘It’s okay, Carlotta. I know him. I’ll join you soon.’

You don’t even deserve an introduction. Do you really think she’ll listen?

Fotis ignored the voice, shoving his hands deep in his trouser pockets. Because it took everything he had not to reach for Rosa, wrap his arms around her and pull her in tight.

Rosamund had plumbed the depths of despair since leaving Greece, telling herself things would get better as she moved on with her life. Now she learnt she’d been wrong. The anguish of seeing him again, realising separation hadn’t diminished her feelings, almost tore her apart.

His severe features had never been more starkly compelling. It had taken all her control not to look at him for the past couple of hours, though she knew he hadn’t taken his eyes off her. She’d felt his gaze through every greeting, every new reader, every conversation.

She swallowed but stood her ground, hating the way she devoured the sight of him. The way her pulse quickened as familiar excitement stroked her. She was famished for the sight and sound of him. For his touch, his warm, spicy scent.

‘We need to speak. Let’s go somewhere private.’

She shook her head. They were in clear view of anyone walking by and that suited her. Being alone with him could only bring more heartache.

‘There’s nothing more to say, Fotis.’

Despite the passers-by, they were out of earshot, if they kept their voices low. Carlotta hovered several metres away, talking to one of the staff, darting concerned glances. Bless the woman for wanting to protect her, but she could handle this.

‘I need to talk with you alone. It’s important.’ His voice was a velvet rumble that threatened her resolve.

‘This is as alone as we get. If that doesn’t suit, there’s somewhere else I need to be.’ She reached for her bag.

‘Congratulations on your success, Rosa. I’m happy you stepped out of the shadows and claimed your place. That took a lot of courage.’

‘Thank you.’ Later she’d appreciate those words. For now, it was agony being close to him. She had to escape. She turned away.

‘There’s something else, Rosa.’

To her deep despair, the way he said her name still undid her. Tense muscles loosened and her insides unravelled.