Page 232 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

An inner voice cried that it wasn’t possible. Panos wasn’t that man any more. Her mouth firmed as her mind raced.

* * *

Panos heard a noise from the doorway and looked up. His heart leapt at the sight of Dido, alluring in a summer dress that buttoned down the front. He was imagining tugging those buttons undone when he caught her expression.

He shot to his feet and around the desk. ‘What is it? What’s happened?’

‘I should ask you that.’ She stepped into the room but stopped short of taking his outstretched hand. ‘I overheard your conversation.’

His heart sank. Hell! So much for secrecy. All those careful plans… ‘How much did you hear?’

Desperately he tried to remember exactly what he’d said.

Her chin rose, expression remote. ‘That you wanted Athena out of the way and kept safe from all comers. That you didn’t want me to know your plans.’ She paused as if waiting for him to speak. ‘And,’ she said slowly, ‘that you had legal advice on a separation.’

Panos stared. His blood chilled and dismay swirled through his belly, bile rising in his gullet. He took in her rigid stance and closed expression.

Panic exploded. A fear so great he’d never known its like. Because in that moment he realised how precarious their relationship was. Dido still didn’t trust him. He’d hurt her so grievously before, what had he expected?

Swiftly he moved between her and the door. ‘It’s not what it seems. Hear me out.’

‘Go on then.’

She looked aloof, as if she’d already withdrawn from him. The idea pierced his heart. Their truce was recent, their relationship so fragile, had she decided not to give him a second chance?

At least she wasn’t running for the exit. Yet.

That was a positive. Setting his shoulders, he moved closer. But for once in his life he couldn’t conquer the fear rippling like a current under his skin. Fear that after he’d treated her so appalling before, she’d dismiss his explanation and him.

That he couldn’t bear. Because she meant everything.

He’d known for some time, but facing that guarded stare, knowing he’d inadvertently jeopardised her trust, made the realisation acute. Should he blurt out his feelings and hope she believed him? Or did he ease her fears first with explanations?

Explanations. They were easier and, he realised, he was scared to reveal his feelings. After so long denying them, he wasn’t ready. Wasn’t sure how she felt. He had so much to atone for.

Relationships, real, intimate relationships were a foreign country to him.

Panos grabbed her hands. They were icy.

‘I know it sounds bad but it’s not what you think.’ He grimaced. ‘When I mentioned a separation I wasn’t talking about us. This is about your brother.’

‘Half-brother.’

He shrugged. ‘I hate the fact there’s any connection between him and you. He doesn’t deserve that.’

If Panos had expected her expression to soften he was disappointed.

‘You don’t have to worry about him anymore. I’ve been investigating him thoroughly since I learnt he’d cheated you. I’ve discussed the matter with the best lawyers.’ Given the recent problem with his own team, he’d taken the precaution of getting a second opinion. He’d leave nothing to chance. ‘I’m taking action to keep him permanently away from you and Theeny. He won’t be able to approach either of you.’

Her pupils dilated. ‘That’s what you were talking about when you said you were organising a separation?’

Panos nodded. ‘Perhaps I phrased it badly. I was so angry.’

‘And that’s what you told him in the street?’

He wished he could read her tone. His heart thudded as he waited for her reaction.

‘That’s right. I told him he’d pay if he tried to approach you. I also warned him action was already underway to retrieve the money he stole from you. I’ve had staff working on that for a while.’