Page 75 of Marriage Masquerade

“Much to the good. I wish you all happiness.”

Nikos nodded and headed in the direction Emil had indicated. The path looked deserted. At the intersection with another, he heard voices. Slowly he turned, drawing closer. He could hear them clearly before he could see them.

“I knew Katrina well. Are you as enchanting and generous as she?”

“What does that mean?” Gemma asked.

“She was, shall we say, generous with her favors. I wonder if Nikos' present wife is as generous.”

Nikos stopped dead, anger slowly building. How dare Cosmo make such a remark to his wife. Nikos' hands fisted, and he moved forward. He’d make the man regret he ever entertained such a thought, much less voiced it.

But Gemma’s voice stopped him.

“I’ve got news for you, buster. Katrina and I are nothing alike. So take your hands off me before I bop you one.”

“I like fire in a woman.”

“Yes, well, so does Nikos. And I suspect he isn't one to share. Not that I'd ever be tempted. I love my husband, and I find every other man on the planet a pale imitation. If you want to walk out of here, take a hike now before you end up singing soprano.”

“A misunderstanding. I apologize for the misunderstanding.”

Nikos heard the man walk away and rounded the path way to join Gemma.

“I didn't realize I had such an intimidating wife,” Nikos said when she looked at him.

Nikos let out his pent-up breath as he looked at Gemma. His heart pounded.

“Hi Nikos,” she said.

He liked the flustered look about her. Gone was the cool, serene personal assistant he was used to seeing every day. Before him stood a woman with sparkling eyes and wearing a dress designed to drive a man mad.

“I couldn’t help overhearing your altercation with Cosmo.”

“Honestly, I can’t believe the man thought I’d want to make out in the garden with him. What an ego.”

She tried to brush past Nikos.

“Time to return to the party, I guess.”

“In a moment. I heard you tell him you loved me.”

She studied one of the flowering bushes highlighted by the garden lights. “Mmm.”

He reached out and tilted her chin until she looked up and met his gaze.

“Is it true?”

She swallowed. He watched the movement of her throat and thought about how he’d like to kiss her there.

“Yes, it’s true. But I won’t let it change anything. I remember the terms of our agreement.”

“Ah.”

He was silent a long moment, staring into her eyes, watching them change from defiant to apprehensive.

“If you still want to stay married,” she said slowly.

“Why wouldn’t I?”

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