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Xandros’s voice arm as it sounded behind her Rosalie turned

‘Seen everything?’ he asked

For a second his eyes rested on her with an expression she could not quite ain

‘I’ve been going through the post—nore them all until we’re safely married Then,’ he said, and his eyes washed over her, ‘I’ll start showing you off I’ forward to it!’

Rosalie felt herself colouring, confusion filling her again Was it just that he wanted her to look her best for his friends and acquaintances? To show the world—and convince her father—how real their e was? He could afford no hint that it would be over and done with before the year was out, leaving Xandros hat he wanted—the er with her father—and herself with a hefty divorce payout?

Is that all ourto be about?

She turned away, feeling that strange tug of eain, and stepped back into the wide corridor, then into the triple-aspect reception roo her towards the view of the Parthenon on the Acropolis She paused to gaze out over it, still feeling that strange tug of emotion

Hands closed lightly over her shoulders and she felt Xandros behind her, his breath war hi the spiced scent of his aftershave She wanted to lean back into hio around her waist to embrace her, but she was too unsure to move

‘It’s a good sight, isn’t it?’ he murmured softly

She gave a slow nod, conscious not of the ancient monument but only of his hands upon her For a hten, as if he would turn her to him As if he would take her into his arms

Then, instead, he htest andaway

‘I’ll run you back to your hotel,’ he said

There was nothing in his voice but his usual easy-going manner

With a flickering smile of acquiescence Rosalie let him usher her out of his apartment, outwardly serene But inside, she knew, she was conscious of a sense of disappoint melancholy

She had no business feeling that way No right at all