Page 174 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Her eyes blazed with outrage but Panos ignored that. She was a consummate actress. ‘Explain yourself or I’ll have you transported off the island immediately.’

He watched her battle emotion. Finally she said, ‘I work for Graydon Gilette. Chiara engaged his company to advise on the wedding.’ Panos nodded. ‘Graydon asked me to assist him this weekend but at the last moment he became ill so I’m here in his place.’

It was plausible, he reluctantly supposed. Chiara had been thrilled to secure the prestigious company, determined to make their wedding memorable.

When he’d known her Dido had been an events planner, mainly conferences and parties, not weddings, but it wasn’t such a leap. Besides, he imagined the profits were potentially far higher with weddings. She’d be attracted by the money. And, if she were working in the luxury end of the market, by the opportunities to meet and mingle with the ultra-wealthy.

His gut clenched.

When she didn’t continue, he said, ‘You really thought I’d allow you to be part of this wedding?’

He’d met plenty of callous, self-serving people in his time but even so, that was a stretch. ‘You didn’t think I’d object?’

‘I didn’t know you were involved. Chiara kept your identity secret.’ That obstinate chin rose a fraction. ‘It was a complete nuisance, actually. I couldn’t do my background research into the groom’s likes and dislikes, to prepare for this weekend’s discussions.’

Panos felt his eyebrows lift, his hands dragging from his pockets so he could cross his arms over his chest.

Did she really think him gullible enough to believe she didn’t know he was the groom? It stretched credulity past its limits.

Besides, he knew her and what drove her.

‘Fortunately that’s no problem, since you won’t be working on the wedding. And you know my dislikes.’ Deliberately he moved into her space. ‘Liars. Conniving, greedy women.’

To his chagrin she also knew some of his weaknesses. Sex in the early morning with an eager partner who called his name in a deliciously throaty voice as she climaxed. Full breasts that fitted his hands so perfectly he was addicted to the feel of them. A warm silky mouth on his body, drawing him to completion.

There were more too, most of them involving her.

How could it be that of all the women he’d known, the one who haunted him was the one he despised?

‘If you think insulting me is going to change this situation, you’re wrong.’

She didn’t look in the least daunted by his temper. She looked almost energised. As if she too felt that flurry of arousal.

Or perhaps it was sheer fury that made her step in so they stood toe-to-toe. ‘You can’t make this go away, Panos.’

‘This? Do you mean you? Of course I can make you go away. As the person paying for this wedding I can tell you categorically your services are no longer required.’

She didn’t even flinch, but stood staring up at him with those wide eyes as if expecting more.

After a prolonged moment he added silkily, ‘One word from me and you can say goodbye to a job in the wedding industry.’

‘You’re the most despicable man I’ve ever met. I’ve done nothing wrong. Not three years ago. Not now.’

She must have risen on her toes. Her warm breath feathered his skin as he bent towards her, trying to find any sign of remorse in her eyes.

There was nothing but anger and a telltale shimmer he’d seen before. A shimmer of arousal.

That was intriguing. Not that he had any intention of dallying with someone like her. But it did his ego good to know he wasn’t the only one affected.

He dropped his voice to a whisper. ‘What do you want?’

He watched her swallow. Saw the pulse throb at her temple. Still she didn’t look away.

Maybe he should make it simple for her to show her true colours. He lowered his head until it would take only the slightest move to bring their lips together.

Any moment now she’d make that move.

She was so close he saw the darker flecks in her green eyes. Heard the hitch in her breathing and caught that other scent in his nostrils. Sexual arousal.