Page 17 of Marriage Masquerade

Would she want to share a bed?

Did he want her there?

He needed to understand her better before pushing for more. But with the sanctity of marriage between them, they could enjoy each other, with no expectations to come crashing down later.

Except for the baby.

What did he know about babies? They were innocent creatures, not deserving of some things fate had in store for them. Still, he could make sure it had a good start in the world.

For a moment he wondered if it would be a girl or boy. Would the child look like Gemma? He could see a little chubby toddler with Gemma’s chestnut hair and wide gray eyes running around. Where would he be when the baby was two? Would they continue their arranged marriage or have long since parted?

“Are you ready?” Elise asked when she phoned shortly before four o’clock.

“As I’ll ever be,” Gemma replied.

Quickly she straightened her desk, locking the sensitive folders in her drawer and stacking the rest of the papers. She slipped out to the ladies’ room for a moment.

Checking to make sure her hair was neat, she studied herself in the mirror. She didn’t look at all ruffled, yet inside, her stomach churned. She couldn’t believe she’d agreed to this marriage. Was she crazy?

She took a deep breath and raised her chin. For better or worse, she was committed. It was just temporary. A solution to both their problems.

Nikos waited for her in her office. He let his gaze run across her lightly, then took her arm. “Ready?” he asked.

“Yes.”

Gemma felt his touch tingling in every cell. She had difficulty remembering he was her boss. Her clamoring senses wanted to deny that relationship and seek another.

Instantly, the memory of his lips against her skin flashed into mind. Her wrist felt warm where he’d touched her. Licking her lips, she slid a glance sideways, almost feeling that kiss against her wrist. Would he kiss her on the mouth next time?

Her heart skipped a beat. She wasn’t sure she could handle Nikos. Yet the vague yearnings around him made little sense. Would she prove a satisfactory wife for him, even temporarily?

Or would he end up regretting his hasty decision before the situation was resolved?

“Nikos?” she said when they were in the elevator. Amazing—they were alone.

“Yes?”

“If this doesn’t work—”

“Why wouldn’t it work?” he interrupted.

“I don’t know, but I’m not sure I can pull it off.”

“Pull what off?”

“Act like a wife for you.”

“Let me be the judge of that, Gemma.”

The car stopped at another floor, and three men entered.

Unwilling to pursue the conversation with others eavesdropping, Gemma fell silent.

Nikos flagged a cab with ease, handing her in and then climbing in beside her. Gemma moved closer to the far door, but Nikos' legs sprawled in the space, his knee touching hers. It was as if there was a direct link between them.

Staring out the window, Gemma saw nothing. While staring out the window, Gemma’s entire body concentrated on Nikos and the spot where they touched.

It was distracting. She should think about their marriage, making sure she knew what she was doing. Instead, she could only fixate on that connection with Nikos and the roiling sensations that swamped her.

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