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Maribel lowered defensive lashes ‘Reasonably well’
‘Then hang onto that bond before you lose it,’ Ginny advised ruefully ‘For your son’s sake Soround and he ant to know his father, as well Making decisions on Elias’ behalf is a big responsibility’
Shas still very ht back home and phoned Leonidas on his private number Leonidas answered the call The instant he heard her voice, he gave his PA a signal that his al teaue
‘Maribel,’ he murmured smooth and soft
‘All right, you can see Elias I was being unreasonable Just let me knohen you would like to see him’
A wave of satisfaction engulfed Leonidas and a rare s features ‘I’ll send a car to pick you up in an hour Okay?’
Maribel sed The immediacy of that request disconcerted her and she would’ve preferred to stage the s had unnerved her and she did not want to be aard ‘It’s short notice, but I don’t work on Thursdays, so that will be fine’
‘You’ve pleased likia mou,’ Leonidas imparted with approval ‘I’ll see you later’
Maribel caritted teeth She suspected that had she had four legs like Mouse Leonidas ht have rewarded her with a pat on the head and a chocolate treat for her obedience But surely that was better than being at odds with hied
A vast li carload of what appeared to be security guards arrived to pick her up and filled her with dismay So much for discretion! Fastened into his car seat in the palatial passenger area, Elias took a nap Garbed in a turquoise skirt and top, Maribel sat with anot to be impressed by the cream leather upholstery and the built-in array of entertainment equipment It was some time before she appreciated that possibly she should have asked Leonidas where theirplace, because the limo did not head into London as she had expected Her tension increased when the car swept down a long drive and a vast Georgianparkland that was furnished with stately trees, it was as picture-book perfect as a film set for a historical costume drama
Resolving not to be intimidated, Maribel balanced Elias on her hip and strolled into a hall the size of a small football pitch A manservant spread wide a door for her entrance into an exquisitely furnished reception rooround because he was a little squir in the car
Leonidas saw Maribel first and was immediately distracted, for, as she bent over, the neckline of her top gaped to reveal the creamy swell of her full, rounded breasts Lust took Leonidas instantaneously and infuriated hiht provocative glimpse of Maribel’s violin curves should have a more powerful effect on hilossy chestnut tresses fanning back to reveal her vivid eyes and pouting raspberry-tinted ain But then as the child who had wandered behind her finally came into view and took his attention by stor
‘He’s so sruffly
Herout that Elias was actually very tall for his age, Maribel also forgot what she was thinking Leonidas, garbed in well-cut jeans and a coffee-coloured T-shirt tearabbed the entirety of her attention Black hair brushed back from his brow, and dark, deep-set eyes intent on Elias below level ebony brows, Leonidas looked jaw-droppingly spectacular Achingly handsoant Suddenly she felt hot and underdressed—and horribly plain
‘Elias!’ Maribel called as the little boy tried to clie where he wanted to scale every obstacle in his path
‘Let him enjoy himself,’ Leonidas told her with impatience
The Pallis approach to parenting, Maribel thought, and then scolded herself for being prejudiced Leonidas crouched down on the other side of the low table Clarin and fell still halfway in his journey towards the elaborate flower arrangement that had attracted his attention Froe eye contact Elias was fearless and full of beans Leonidas had only to open his ar that fun was on offer