“And if I say no?”
“What?” she whispered, hating the tremor in her voice. lynne graham books
“Perhaps.” He moved closer, and the scent of cedar and power overwhelmed her. “My father is dying. His one demand before he goes is to see me settled. Respectable. Married to a woman of… humble virtue.” His mouth curved without warmth. “You fit the bill perfectly. Six months. A contract. In return, I erase your father’s debt and give you the shop free and clear.” “And if I say no
He looked at her. Just looked. Then: “You still sleep on the left side of the bed.” His one demand before he goes is to see me settled
“Bought it last year. It’s empty.” His smile was the one she remembered — warm, boyish, full of wonder. “I was waiting for the right gardener.” The garden by the Aegean was bursting with peonies, roses, and wild herbs. Lily knelt in the soil, sun-warmed and happy, while Rio held their newborn daughter — a squalling, dark-haired miracle named Eleni.
The ceremony was a blur of candles and chanting. When Rio slid a diamond band onto her finger, his thumb brushed her palm, and she felt a shock of heat she despised. Later, at the reception, he kept her close. His hand on the small of her back. His voice low in her ear. Smile. They’re watching. You look beautiful when you’re furious.