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Marrying a guy who didn’t love her, and ould probably despise her forhim on such terms, would not be a ticket to happiness, Maribel ruminated ruefully It would be a stony road full of disappointments and hurts So, as new? On the other hand, if she was destined never to love anyone else, she ht as well be with hie would be what sheto Leonidas to make a constructive matrimonial input would be naïve and foolish It would be like unlocking a lion’s cage and expecting the predator to come out and behave like a domestic pussycat Leonidas had had no positive marital role models Not only did he not have a clue, but she would have to contend with the unhappy truth that he had no intention of changing

‘Yes,’ Maribel said gravely ‘I’ll marry you’

‘With reservations?’ he derided softly

‘Plenty,’ she admitted without hesitation ‘I’m a realist and you’re unpredictable’

Leonidas studied her with brooding dark eyes that now glittered like ice crystals ‘I want the wedding to take place in three weeks’

Maribel blinked ‘Only three weeks frooodness’ sake, Leonidas—’

‘It’ll get it over with My staff will ements’

Maribel worried at the soft underside of her lower lip, her eloquent eyes veiled to hide her discoet it over with She no all she needed to know about Leonidas’ view offor her self-esteem

‘I’m off to New York tomorrow,’ Leonidas imparted ‘It’ll be at least teeks before I’m back in the UK I have other stuff to take care of If you and Elias come to London today, I’ll be able to spend some time with him before I leave’

‘Yes…all right’ Her agreement ift for she had never felt co father and son apart

‘You’ll be spending the night with me’