Page 12 of The Greek Billionaire's Email Bride

"Few have." No false modesty in that statement.

"True," Hope acknowledged even as her heart started to ache. "And speaking of rare beings who age like fine wine..."

"Colin Soukoulis." A woman's voice, honey-sweet but edged with steel. And the sound had Colin stiffening in recognition even when he had yet to turn.

He slipped an arm around her, and Hope did her best to relax as she came face to face with the woman who once owned Colin's heart. And maybe, she still did.

"I wondered if we'd see you tonight."

Princess Halstead Garcia.

Twenty-five years had refined rather than diminished her beauty. In high school, she had looked what her name suggested: a princess with the face of an angel. Now, she looked like a golden-haired queen who was used to holding court wherever she went.

"Princess." Colin's voice remained even, but Hope felt the tension radiating from him. "You look well."

"As do you," Princess replied, her blue eyes traveling over him with possessive familiarity before sliding to Hope. "And who is this?"

"My wife, Hope." Colin pulled her closer to his side. "Hope, Princess...Garcia. We were... classmates."

The deliberate diminishment of their past relationship did not go unnoticed. Princess's perfect smile tightened at the corners.

"Wife? My goodness." Princess extended a manicured hand. "What a surprise."

Hope accepted the handshake, noting the excessive pressure Princess applied. .

"I seem to have missed all the news about your wedding."

"Hope wanted a quiet one," Colin answered, "and whatever she wants, I do my best to provide."

Princess's gaze swept over Hope again, lingering on her gown. "That's a lovely dress. Valentino's spring collection?"

"You should ask Colin," Hope answered honestly. "I defer to all of his decisions, sartorially speaking."

"He always did have good taste in women's clothes." Princess's smile held a secret, her eyes meeting Colin's with an intimacy that made Hope's chest tighten. "Remember that little boutique in Austin? You had such an eye for quality, even back then."

Colin's expression remained neutral, but Hope felt him stiffen beside her.

"What is it that you do now?" Princess insisted on asking. "I don't believe you mentioned it."

"Colin wanted me to stop working," Hope said truthfully, "so I did."

"How quaint."

"I just believe in the same thing he does. Whatever my husband asks of me, I obey."

Colin's thumb traced small circles against her waist, a silent acknowledgment of her performance.

"Well...it seems I'm intruding, since you two are clearly in your honeymoon stage still." Pain flashed over her face, the sight so unexpected that it had Colin stiffening. "Enjoy it for as long as you can. Because it doesn't last. Not for anyone."

Unease stirred inside of Hope as she watched Princess walk away. And when she glanced up at Colin, the expression on his face made her heart ache even more. He wanted to run after Princess. And the only thing stopping him was her.

The wife he had paid for.

But neither wanted nor loved.

Chapter Four

"More coffee, Mrs. Soukoulis?"

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