Page 74 of Marriage Masquerade

Tilting her head slightly, she narrowed her eyes.

Alluring?

Would Nikos find her alluring?

Slowly, she practiced a smile. She’d loved to be sultry and sexy, mysterious and intriguing. But then she sighed. She looked like she always did—just plain old Gemma Green, all dressed up for the ball.

Nikos knocked on the partially open door. He stepped inside, looking splendid in the white dinner jacket. His dark hair gleamed in the light. For a moment Gemma thought a matching light gleamed in his eyes. But she must have been imagining it.

Flustered by her outburst by the gate, she was unsure how to greet him. He hadn't confirmed nor denied his involvement with the bribe. And despite her fine words about wanting to know, she hesitated to push the issue.

What would she do if he walked away?

Trying to ignore the rapid beat of her heart, she raised her chin. She refused to give way to fear. What happened, happened, and she'd have to deal with it.

“Will this do?” she asked. “It’s not too daring, is it?”

Do you wish to end our marriage?

He shook his head.

“My mother buys her gowns in Paris. A direct influence of her sister-in-law, Allessandros’s mother. The party will be like any other you’ve attended. Most of the guests speak some English and will do so in your presence.”

“I guess I’m ready, then,” she muttered, touching her hair, nervous with him watching her.

How she wished Nikos had firmly denied any involvement in the bribe. She wished he’d reaffirm his commitment to their marriage. Say something to end this uncertainty.

Instead of attending the reception, she wished he’d sweep her into his arms and carry her off to a romantic retreat. She'd love to spend the evening watching the sunset over the sea, feel the clear air against her skin. Make love beneath a blanket of brilliant stars.

Instead, tonight she had to endure yet another gathering where she’d feel insecure and uncertain. And Nikos did nothing to help.

“You look lovely.”

The warmth of his compliment surprised her. Meeting his eyes in the mirror, she smiled shyly.

“Thank you.”

“Shall we?”

Nikos offered his hand and Gemma slipped hers into it. The heat from his palm warmed hers. Taking a deep breath, she grew determined to do her very best to not let Nikos down. He’d done so much for her, she wanted to make sure he never regretted it.

If she couldn't have his love, she'd make sure she kept his respect.

Nikos scanned the ballroom some time later. He didn’t see Gemma and wondered where she’d gotten to. His mother had invited half the country, he thought with wry amusement. And he felt as if he’d talked to everyone present.

Many metKatrinawhen they'd been together. And several expressed their surprise that he'd married another foreigner.

Not that it mattered. He'd choose his own wife.

Once again, he searched the room. Maybe she went outside. Slowly he made his way to the veranda. Couples walked in the evening coolness, and a few guests had gathered in a small group, sharing laughter and conversation.

“Looking for your bride?” his cousin Emil asked.

“Have you seen her?”

Emil nodded toward the garden. “She and Cosmo walked in that direction a few moments ago. She's very unlike Katrina, cousin.”

Nikos looked at him. “To the good or bad?”

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