He couldn’t wait to see who they became, these four bright souls he would let nothing crush.
But Skiathos was for him and Molly alone.
He heard her on the path, as he always did. And when he turned to enjoy her approach by the light of all those same gently glowing lanterns, he smiled.
For she had worn the filmy, see-through gown he’d left out on their bed, so he could see her beautiful figure. Her curves were rounder now, after the four children she’d borne him, and her smile was brighter. Because here, and always, she was his.
And he was hers, entirely.
Love kept getting better all the time.
“You almost kept me waiting, hetaira,” he murmured as she came to him, here in the place where they came to lie naked beneath the sun and remind themselves of all the ways they’d untwisted each other over the years.
“Never fear,” she said as she approached. “I will always be your courtesan, my love. Especially here. Ready and willing to accept whatever consequences you render for the unpardonable sin of almost making you wait, the horror.”
“And I will always be your husband, Molly,” he replied, a vow he could never make enough. “A role I hope I will one day deserve.”
She settled herself in his lap and gazed down at him with those arctic blue eyes that warmed for him. Always for him. He saw their past, their future. This beautiful present in these days they liked to steal for themselves, just the two of them, so they would always remember.
Not that he would ever forget.
And then the love of his life, the mother of his children, his perfect hetaira, kissed him as if she was breaking a spell. Or casting a new one.
The way she did every day.
And Constantine kissed her back with a hunger that only grew, year by year.
While all around them the lanterns glowed, the sea whispered far below, and forever was right here, tangled up between them and stretching out into eternity.
No revenge necessary.
Only love.
Coming next month
HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION
Emmy Grayson
“Mr. Cabrera?”
The husky feminine voice slid over his senses and sent a flash of heat over his skin. He took another deliberate sip of his wine before turning his attention to the second woman who had invaded his space this evening.
Her.
The blonde woman he’d locked eyes with before Alejandro’s arrival now stood before him. The neckline of her dark blue gown plunged down in a V to the silver ribbon wrapped around her slender waist. From there the dress flowed into a long, billowing skirt that reminded Adrian of the waters of the Mediterranean before a storm.
His eyes drifted back up to her face in a slow, deliberate perusal. Lush silver-blonde curls enhanced her delicate features. Violet eyes stared back at him, and her caramel-colored lips were set in a firm line.
“Yes,” he finally responded, his voice cool, showing that, despite the unusually intense effect she was having on him, he was still in control.
She stepped forward and held out her hand, bare except for a simple silver band on her wrist. Adrian grasped her fingers, pleasantly surprised by her firm grip.
“My name is Everleigh Bradford. Congratulations on your Merlot. It’s exquisite.”
“Thank you.” He arched a brow. “While your compliments are appreciated, was it necessary for you to ignore the ‘Balcony Closed’ sign and invade my privacy?”
Everleigh’s chin came up and her eyes flashed with stubborn fire. “Yes.”
Intriguing… There were plenty of men who would have cringed at the slightest hint of his disapproval. But not this woman. She stood her ground, shoulders thrown back, lips now set in a determined line.
“You’re a busy man, Mr. Cabrera. I need to speak with you on an urgent matter. I’m sorry for breaking the rules, but it was necessary for me to have a moment alone with you.”
Her honesty was refreshing. A night with someone as bold and beautiful as Everleigh would more than make up for his past few months of celibacy. dpg!
He infused his smile with sensuality as he raked his gaze up and down her slim form once more, this time letting his appreciation for her body show. “I would greatly enjoy a moment alone with you.”
Everleigh’s cheeks flushed pink. The blush caught Adrian unawares. Was she an innocent or just playing a role? Much as it would disappoint him, she wouldn’t be the first to go to such lengths to catch his attention.
“This has nothing to do with sex, Mr. Cabrera.”
“Adrian.”
Her lips parted. “I… Excuse me?”
“Please call me Adrian.”
Those beautifully shaded violet eyes narrowed. “This is a business discussion, Mr. Cabrera. First names are for friends and family.”
“We could become friends, Everleigh.”
What was wrong with him? He never teased a woman like this. He complimented, touched, seduced… But with this woman he just couldn’t help himself.
Perhaps it was the blush. Yes, that had to be it. The delicate coloring that even now crept down her throat toward the rising slopes of her breasts…
“We will never be friends, Mr. Cabrera,” Everleigh snapped. “I’m here to discuss your proposed purchase of Fox Vineyards.”
“Then let’s talk.”
Continue reading
HIS BILLION-DOLLAR TAKEOVER TEMPTATION
Emmy Grayson
Available next month
Copyright ©2021 by Emmy Grayson
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