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Today was his wedding day

His wife Holly was going to be his wife

Since their arrival froh in only two days Stavros wished to marry her as quickly as possible, before she had the chance for second thoughts

Also, he had abusiness deal, the acquisition of a local technology business-ement firm for nearly two billion dollars, which he kneould keep him busy the last weeks before Christmas

And as in all acquisitions, Stavros had learned from experience that speed was key Once a ained fro Better to strike fast, and possess what he wanted, before anyone else could take it That was true in business—and e

Holly had agreed to be et the license Her only request was that they invite her sister to the wedding Apparently when she’d phoned Nicole with the news, her little sister had begged to bring Oliver to the ceremony, too Stavros was none too pleased He cynically expected his cousin, who’d been une her sister there seemed important to Holly’s happiness, and her happiness was important to his

When Holly had said she’d ht he would explode with joy

No, not joy, he told himself Triumph He’d achieved his objective His son was secure Or he would be, as soon as they were married today They’d be a family And Holly would be in his bed

Stavros pictured how she’d looked in the ht, so unabashedly emotional She didn’t sees, to even have them at all: it left you vulnerable He felt unco he’d shared with her in Greece He’d never been that open with anyone

He’d only done it to achieve his objective, he reassured hi his heart to Holly, no matter how tempted any other o

He’dhim But he’d have to walk a careful line He wanted to make her happy, but not so happy she fell in love with him He couldn’t be that cruel, when he’d never be able to return her love And he couldn’t bear the thought of hurting her Dread went through Stavros at the thought

He remembered how she’d spoken so dreamily about how her parents had loved each other

My father always said loving ed his life She ined he could be He always said she changed his stars

Holly knew that love wasn’t so that Stavros—or any Minos man—was capable of, he told himself firmly She’d still chosen to marry him Therefore, she’d accepted him as he was

He ive it, but damn it, he’d be faithful to her He’d be a solid husband and father He’d always provide for her and the baby