Page 58 of Marriage Masquerade

“I’m tired. I’m going home. But before I do, I want you to know I think you should sign the agreement as stated an hour ago. I don’t think LeBec is going to budge any further. And it incorporates almost everything you want. Twice you’ve put his back up, and sometimes pride is all-important to some men. Even at the risk of losing advantages in a business deal.”

He studied her gravely.

“I don’t think I need you to make my business decisions for me.”

“I’m not making any decisions, just offering some advice. Another piece of advice—take a break. Reconvene on Monday. That'll give everyone time to really think through the points on the table.”

She rubbed her forehead, wishing she was already in her bed.

“Are you ill?”

Immediately concerned, Nikos stepped closer and rested his hands on her shoulders.

At the warm touch, Gemma was hard-pressed not to give in and lean into his strength. She'd love nothing better than to be enveloped in his arms, to rest her head against his shoulder and let him take over.

“I’m fine,” she replied, standing straight and gently shrugging off his hands. “Just tired. I have a headache. You don’t need me at the table. I want to go home.”

“I’ll take you.”

“No. You go back and finish arguing with LeBec.”

“Sit. I’ll call Hal.”

He guided her to a chair. Crossing to the desk, he punched in a number. In only seconds, he instructed Hal to bring the car. Calling Elise, he asked her to come into the office.

“She’ll stay with you until Hal arrives,” Nikos said as he lowered the receiver.

“I’m not sick, just tired.”

But Gemma’s protest was halfhearted. She enjoyed being cosseted.

Elise was concerned when she hurried into the office.

“Are you all right? Nothing wrong with the baby, is there?” she asked, crossing immediately to Gemma.

Both Nikos and Gemma looked at her in stunned surprise.

“What? It’s not a secret, is it?” Elise asked, seeing their expressions. “Honestly,” she said in exasperation, her hands on her hips. “I had five girls and three of them have had babies. Think I don’t know the signs?”

“There’s nothing wrong with anything except I’ve got a bit of a headache and am tired,” Gemma said.

“Not surprising—you’ve been pushing too hard this week.”

Elise rounded on Nikos. “You should take better care of her.”

“Hal will be here in a short time. If I’m still tied up, will you walk her to the car?”

His even tone didn't hide his displeasure at her tone.

“Nikos. I’m fine,” Gemma protested.

Cosseting was one thing. Being treated like an invalid was another.

“Allow me to care for my wife in the manner I think best,” he said arrogantly.

She almost groaned at his tone, but only nodded and closed her eyes. It felt good to just sit for a moment and do nothing. As soon as she got home, she’d take a nap and when she awoke, she’d feel right as rain.

“Gemma?”

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