‘I am so sorry you had to hear that nonsense.’
Adonis reached forward to kiss her on the forehead.
‘Listen, my love. I have never wanted children. I knew as a young man that it wasn’t on my wish list. I love children; it’s just never been something I’ve desired for myself. I’m forty-eight, if I’d wanted children, in Greece I could easily be a grandfather by now. It’s seriously not for me.’
‘Me neither.’
Adonis stroked the inside of her wrist, which wasn’t helping with her concentration at all.
‘See, we are well suited. I’ve got my nephews and nieces for whenever I feel the need for the company of young people. Which isn’t that often. They’re exhausting.’
Sofia nodded her agreement.
‘But those nephews and nieces are also my mother’s beloved grandchildren, so she’s just being greedy. She has plenty already. Next point on your list of negatives?’
It was like they were at a formal meeting with an agenda. She was keen to get on to any other business as soon as possible. She could tell that he was smiling without looking at him, but she had to put it all out there.
‘I’m so much older than you. You will get bored with me.’
‘Sofiamou, one thing I can say, hand on heart, is that I will never get bored with you. And remember, men usually die first anyway.’
‘Please don’t talk about you dying, I couldn’t bear it.’
She hadn’t meant to say that out loud.
‘You’re so sweet. Is there anything else that’s worrying you?’
‘There is one more thing…’
‘Yes?’
‘At the hotel the other day, Aphrodite whispered to me that you would never be mine.’
Adonis hit his head with his hand.
‘Ah, that silly girl. How dare she say that to you? I will get rid of her.’
‘No! Don’t do that. Or not straightaway, anyway…’
Sofia raised a smile.
‘Why would she say something like that?’
‘This is embarrassing, but she has… pursued me.’
‘And you’ve given her no reason to think she might catch you?’
‘No!’
‘Nothing?’
His tiny hesitation rang alarm bells.
‘I want there never to be any secrets between us.’
Sofia debated for a microsecond telling him about Giannis the paddleboard king but dismissed it without a second thought. This was a fresh start. Her past conquests would stay firmly locked in the safe.
Adonis spoke again.
