Kostas chuckled, lifting his hand in a stop signal. “I’m sorry. You don’t have to say anything. That’s none of my business.”
Relief dropped her shoulders. “Thank you.”
He nodded. “I’m glad my brother has a visitor. He’s been too stressed lately.”
A flash of heat spread across her cheeks and neck. Did he mean a visitor for sex? Of course. What else could he mean? She pursed her lips, unsure.
“Hey, Amaya. I mean it as a compliment. If Theo managed to keep you out of our family, that’s probably because he doesn’t want to share you with anyone else.”
“Or because I don’t fit his plans,” she said. A second later, regret stabbed at her, and her hand flew to her mouth, but it was too late. She folded her arms. At least Kostas would learn she knew Theo’s situation—sadly, knew it all too well.
He gave her a close-lipped smile. “Plans can change.”
Yes, plans changed if people changed them. “Would you like to sit down?” she asked, nervous to be around this tall man who reminded her so much of Theo.
“No, it’s okay. I only wanted to make sure you weren’t an intruder.” He winked. “I won’t keep you for much longer. Tell Theo I stopped by.”
“Of course.”
He walked in the direction of the door and tossed her a glance over his shoulder. “Really nice meeting you.”
She watched him go, and it took her a few seconds to sit on one of the sofas in the living area. Something didn’t make sense. Why did he come to see Theo when it was obvious Theo would be working? Besides, he had his brother’s cell phone number and could call him anytime. Coming here was a calculated move.
A lump of uneasiness thickened her throat. He came to meet me.But why?
Amaya left the shower and reached for the fluffy towel hanging on the rack. After drying herself, she slipped on a soft robe. But even the perks of a marbled bathroom and luxury amenities didn’t take her mind from the nagging feeling in her gut. How did his brother find out about her? Did Theo mention her to him, perhaps by accident, and his brother visited to check her out?
What if Theo told Kostas about the virgin auction, and Kostas had been curious to meet her? She towel dried her hair, then combed it. Theo didn’t owe her confidentiality. He could tell whoever he wanted about how they’d met. Why would he keep it a secret?
I’m not special. He was using her to catch up sexually for the years of celibacy before he married someone he, his family, and friends deemed worthy. Someone the complete opposite of her. Even if she had met him under different circumstances, nothing would change her identity.
“Thinking hard?” a too-familiar, deep male voice asked, and she turned to the door to find Theo leaning against the threshold, his gaze sliding down her body.
“You’re home already? It’s not even six,” she said, because sadly, she’d counted the minutes ever since he’d left that morning.
“I finished a meeting early.” He erased the distance between them and gave her a kiss.
She circled her arms around his head. “Your brother came for a visit earlier.”
He frowned and withdrew from her. “Kostas was here?”
“Yeah. How did he know about me? Did you tell him?”
“No.” He looked at nowhere in particular, lost in thought for a moment, then blinked and turned his attention back to her. “My mother. She called here one day, and the housekeeper told her about you. She must have told Kostas, and he came over when he knew I’d be at work.”
“Why?”
He stroked her cheek. “It’s her way of making sure you know they know. It’s stupid, and I’ll talk to Kostas about it.”
“She’s not going to hire a hitman and kill me, is she?”
He chuckled. “No. My mom is a sweet woman who’s been obeying old, deep-seated family rules for too long.” He dipped his head down, his eyes boring into hers. “No one’s touching you but me, agapi mou. If my brother did or said anything inappropriate let me know and I’ll make sure he pays,” he said, gritting his teeth.
A current of pride bolted through her, sending thrills of awareness to her pussy. He’d meant every word—she saw it in his eyes. When had anyone fought for her like this? Her parents had loved her, of course, but they’d been busy grieving her sister’s death and dealing with Diego their whole life. She hadn’t had a steady boyfriend or hell, even a male friend who acted like her protector.
Her heart raced. She’d been her own protector, and now, Diego’s too. Though it felt good to have someone else do that job, even if temporarily. Even if hypothetically.
“Why would you go to such great lengths for me?”
