Chapter Nine #2
Panos had believed every word she’d said about her pregnancy and illness. He’d felt the truth of it. She’d spoken with the same matter-of-factness about her family. Though when she’d mentioned her parents he’d heard the tremor of suppressed pain.
Why would she lie about her siblings now? There’s nothing to be gained.
Unless she was trying to mess with his head.
Yet this evening he’d felt closer to understanding Dido, as if they were beginning to forge a truce. Now he didn’t know what to think. Suddenly his certainties didn’t feel so concrete.
Instinct urged him to follow her and discover the truth once and for all.
He wanted to go after her and comfort her!
Not to mention hold her and lose himself in that rush of fiery passion that simmered just below the surface whenever they were close.
But remembering her expression stopped him. The strain on her features and that disturbing shadow of fragility had been unmistakeable. A fragility he realised she’d fought to conceal more than once.
When talking to her aunt she’d sounded upbeat but he’d seen that was an act. How often when confronting him had she concealed weakness behind bravado?
He thought of his threat to cut her off from Athena and for the first time in his life felt like a bully.
His chair crashed to the ground as he erupted from his seat. No one had ever made his head spin the way Dido did. Or made him question his actions so profoundly.
* * *
‘So you’re spending the day on another island?’
Dido watched him nod, his expression unreadable behind reflective sunglasses, and wished her traitorous heart didn’t beat faster at the sight of him.
In shorts and short-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned after his early morning swim, Panos looked awesomely fit and disturbingly attractive. It took everything she had not to let her gaze follow the sliver of olive skin and hard muscle bared by his open shirt.
If that weren’t enough, the way he held Athena on his thigh, giving her treats from the breakfast spread, made Dido’s maternal heart melt. What was it about a strong, handsome man holding a little child so tenderly, that sent hormones out of control?
Her hormones and only with Panos.
Something had changed yesterday. Partly it was his interest in her pregnancy and his concern.
There’d been no mistaking that for anything other than genuine.
But then he’d asked about her family and she’d told him the truth—that there’d been no contact with her father’s older children—and instead of calling her a liar, Panos had looked like a man stunned.
Was it possible he began to believe her? That he’d finally let her explain her half-brother’s lies? Maybe Panos wasn’t quite the ogre she believed?
Get real! He threatened to take your baby. He’s no Prince Charming.
‘Evadne can reach me if necessary. Filos is just ten minutes from here.’
‘Filos? I’ve heard the name before.’
Panos wiped their daughter’s sticky face with a damp cloth and put her down so she could amble around the table to Dido. As ever her daughter’s grin made her smile as she lifted her up for a cuddle.
‘It used to be well-known. My great-grandfather bought it as a private family retreat. For decades some of the world’s most exclusive parties were held there. In my parents’ day it was used for brokering high-level business deals and sensitive meetings between governments.’
Of course! No wonder the name was familiar. ‘You don’t use it now?’
‘It was too big for one man. It needed a huge family or lots of guests. I still own it but now it’s put to a much better use as a holiday home for children.’ He pushed his chair back and rose. ‘I promised to visit this morning.’
‘Baba!’ Theeny twisted around, arms stretching towards her father.
His radiant smile, warm as summer sunshine, hit Dido full on. She sat back as he scooped their little girl into his arms and kissed her soundly on the cheeks until she squealed with delight.
‘Perhaps the kyria would like to go too?’ Dido turned to see Evadne in the doorway holding an empty tray. ‘I can mind the little one if you like. An outing might be welcome.’
Panos turned to look at first his housekeeper then her. She wished she could read his expression. She waited for the inevitable scowl but it didn’t appear. To her amazement he said, ‘You’d like to come?’
Dido gaped. They might share an unspoken truce, but an invitation to accompany him…?
She was torn. Being here without him would give her breathing space, a chance to relax. But after yesterday she wondered if talking with him, trying to close the yawning chasm between them, would be better. ‘I would. So long as—’
Evadne spoke. ‘I’ll look after her like my own.’ She put down her tray and held out her arms, speaking in Greek. Dido knew her daughter had taken to the housekeeper, yet she was surprised at how easily she went from Panos to Evadne.
Athena really was at home here. Dido put her hand to her stomach as she felt a curious twist of emotion.
‘You’re sure?’ Panos asked.
‘As long as we can be in touch if there’s a problem. I’d like to go.’
Dido told herself it would help her to understand Panos and his interests better. But it was more than that. The idea of being with him drew her. That old attraction hadn’t died, confusingly mingled with resentment and anger.
For sometimes Panos Diamandis appeared to be someone other than the man who’d treated her abominably. Maybe if she saw more of his world she could make sense of who he really was.
More to the point, you want to be with him, don’t you?
She bit her lip, hating that knowing inner voice.
* * *
Dido relaxed in her comfortable leather seat and watched Panos pilot the speedboat back from Filos. Never had anyone so intrigued her, confused her. Fascinated her.
Sunlight sparkled on the deep blue water and the wind whipped hair across her face but she didn’t attempt to control her wayward locks.
She was too preoccupied, watching Panos handling the powerful vessel with easy assurance.
He was appallingly handsome with that air of relaxed confidence and enticing masculinity.
Heat shimmied in her body, just watching him.
She’d always been sexually attracted to him and despite her fears and worries since he’d stalked back into her life, her reactions had intensified.
But after this morning she’d begun to like him again as well, even admire him. In London she’d have thought that impossible. Yet the man kept turning her opinion of him upside down.
When they’d reached Filos it became clear he was well-known to the staff and children.
There’d been no excessive deference. He was treated with casual warmth and respect, as someone who visited often, not as their uber-wealthy benefactor.
It had been an eye-opener, especially when he’d almost immediately excused himself and left her with a staff member while he went off to supervise a bunch of youths learning to windsurf.
Dido had been fascinated, seeing his ease with the teenagers, the way he let them muck around and enjoy themselves while at the same time teaching them the basics and ensuring their safety.
‘You look surprised,’ Daphne, her guide, had said.
‘I am.’ Though Panos was the same with Athena, patient and encouraging, often smiling. ‘When he said he needed to come here, I didn’t realise he’d be so hands-on.’
Daphne had grinned as she led her away. ‘He’s been that way from the first. Whenever he’s staying nearby he visits regularly. If a staff member is unwell, he pitches in and helps. Except in the kitchen. He’s useless there.’
Her laughter had been unfettered, making Dido wonder how Panos would react to being laughed at.
Over the years he’d grown in her mind into a formidable, unfeeling tyrant. Yet it seemed that image was flawed.
Glancing over her shoulder she’d seen the man himself, waist-deep in water, flicking diamond-bright droplets from his hair and grinning at the antics of a teenage boy.
He’d seemed like a different man…
‘A penny for your thoughts.’ Panos’ voice broke her reverie. ‘That’s the saying, isn’t it?’
Dido blinked and nodded. ‘It is.’
‘And? Did you enjoy your tour of Filos?’
Was that more than a casual question? Something in his voice made her wonder if her opinion mattered. How could that be?
‘I loved it. Everyone seemed happy.’ Who could blame them?
The facilities were second to none and there was a relaxed air about the place.
There were organised activities but it wasn’t all regimented.
She’d noticed kids reading in quiet nooks or chattering together.
‘Daphne said the children are in care and this is one of their few opportunities for a vacation. It’s a wonderful thing you’ve done, giving up your family retreat for them. ’
Panos kept his eyes on the water. ‘It wasn’t as if I had memories of the place. My parents died when I was tiny and the place was empty but for a caretaker. Far better that it’s used.’ His mouth tipped up at the corner. ‘The kids enjoy it.’
‘They sure do. One of them said she’s been visiting every year for five years. Her goal is to work there after she finishes school and qualifies as a teacher.’ Dido watched him closely. ‘She said she hoped to get a scholarship.’