Page 201 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Dido’s hackles rose. She knew where this was going. Another accusation, no doubt. She dropped the cutlery she’d just picked up. ‘My half-siblings? I don’t know where they are. I haven’t seen them in years.’

Not since just after her parents died. But there was no point saying that. Panos didn’t want to know. He was so fixated on his own belief she was a conniving swindler.

She pushed her chair back. ‘I should go and check on Athena… Theeny.’

Great! Now she felt self-conscious about what she called her own daughter. Thanks to him.

The warmth of his hand covering hers made her still, shock strumming through her at how familiar that felt. Almost…welcome. Bizarrely, instead of feeling revolted, Dido felt her tension ease a little.

A second later he withdrew his hand and she strove to stifle what felt like regret. How could that be?

Being with him messed with her emotions!

‘She’s sleeping soundly. You checked before you came down to dinner and we’d hear on the monitor if she woke.’

He knew she was using their daughter as an excuse to avoid him. But he wasn’t gloating.

‘Please, stay and finish your meal.’

Dark eyes held hers, their expression serious. His tone was easy. She told herself not to trust him—she didn’t trust him—and yet…

The difficulty was Panos didn’t lie. He had faults, dreadful faults, but insincerity wasn’t one.

What was going on in his head? He didn’t act or sound like her enemy. And she was exhausted from being on her guard all the time. Could she trust herself, and him, for a short time at least?

‘The fish was caught this morning. And Evadne has made something special for dessert. She’d have my hide if she thought I’d scared you off before you could eat it.’

Unbelievably, before Dido could stop it, a huff of laughter escaped. The thought of the gentle housekeeper with her smiling eyes berating Panos, who towered head and shoulders above her, was ridiculous.

‘She would, you know. She likes you.’ He paused. ‘She’s already told me off for neglecting you.’

Startled, Dido met his gaze again. He wasn’t joking.

She tried to conjure wariness and distrust but failed. Being on a knife edge of anxiety took its toll. Would it be so bad to stay and share the meal?

He’s probably missing his social life in Athens.

Maybe he just wants conversation after spending so much time with a toddler.

The thought gave her hope. Maybe soon he’d be ready to discuss shared custody.

Dido reached for her glass and sipped. ‘I like Evadne too. She’s teaching me to cook Greek food.’

‘Is she? What have you made?’

‘Tzatziki and cheese pie.’

His eyes rounded. ‘You helped make the tyropita we had for lunch?’

‘Don’t look surprised. I’ve been cooking since my teens.’

Perhaps he thought gold-diggers were too busy honing seduction skills to cook for themselves.

‘Have you? I never learnt.’

‘You can’t cook?’

That seemed like one of the strangest things he’d told her, apart from the day when he’d revealed his huge wealth. To her, cooking was an everyday skill like doing the laundry or making a bed. Besides, Panos always seemed so capable, able to handle anything.