CHAPTER EIGHT

AJAXHADGIVEN instructions to the boutique owner and, after taking Erin's measurements, she'd gone to pull out a selection of clothes.

‘What's wrong with the clothes Georgiana has brought?'

Ajax made a face. ‘Nothing at all—for an Athens crowd. But I just want to make sure you feel comfortable. My family are conservative. And snobs.'

‘That sounds ominous.'

‘Think of it as a kind of armour.'

‘Wow...now I really can't wait to meet them.'

The owner came back and indicated for Erin to come into the changing room. She left Ajax outside.

The clothes that the woman had chosen—far from the classic Chanel-type suits Erin had been envisaging—were relaxed. Elegant and not a million miles from what she would have chosen herself. There were trouser suits with pencil trousers and structured jackets. Dresses in every colour of the rainbow, long and flowy, that swirled around Erin's body. Beautifully cut jeans and soft cashmere tops. Silk shirts...

And then the evening wear.

Erin tried on a dress that she could appreciate might fit a more conservative environment than a restaurant or his friends' charity auction, but to her it seemed even more daring than anything Georgiana had picked out.

It was made of a green silk that made her hair look even redder than usual. It had spaghetti straps and a piece of fabric that covered her breasts, with cut-outs at her waist. The dress then fell in soft, Grecian-style folds to the floor.

Erin said, ‘Um... I'm not sure about this one—'

She stopped when a movement caught her eye, and looked up to see that Ajax had pulled aside the curtain to look. She could feel the heat in his gaze from a couple of feet away and quivered inwardly, remembering how it had felt to have his body surge into hers the previous night, stealing her soul piece by piece.

‘We'll take it,' said Ajax. ‘And the rest.'

Ajax pulled a pair of jeans and a silk top out of the pile of clothes, and a pair of high-heeled sandals.

‘Put these on for now.'

Erin knew she should protest, but she was ashamed to admit that having Ajax telling her what to put on, dressing for him, gave her a bit of a thrill. She put on the clothes and the boutique owner told her that everything else would be packed and sent to the villa.

Erin sighed. She'd have to try and remember this wasn't how things worked in the real world.

When she'd changed, they walked outside and found Ajax's car waiting. They got into the back and it moved into the traffic.

‘Where are we going?' she asked.

‘Just a little taverna I know.'

‘Just a little taverna'turned out to be an exclusive restaurant, tucked away in a picturesque square in the ancient Plaka area. It was full already, with a mix of tourists and glamorous locals. Erin was in awe of the Greek women, blinging with jewellery and stunningly beautiful.

A table was found for them in a discreet corner. When they'd sat down, Erin said, ‘More opportunities for us to be seen out and about?'

Ajax shook his head. ‘No, actually. I'm hungry and thought you might be too. There are no paparazzi here.'

Erin's insides dipped. Was this a date?

‘So what is this? What are we now? Friends?'

With benefits? She didn't say that.

Ajax's mouth quirked. ‘You know, that's one of the things I like most about you—your directness.'

Erin wasn't sure if that was a compliment. She could imagine other women being more coquettish. It just wasn't her style.

‘I could say the same of you.'

She shivered a little at the memory of how ‘direct' Ajax had been that first night. In the elevator.

‘We're lovers,' Ajax said then. ‘Lovers for as long as this mutual attraction lasts.'

Erin wanted to ask, How long? But a waiter arrived and took their order, brought water and wine.

Erin took a sip of the chilled white wine. ‘What if one of us loses interest first?' She knew it wouldn't be her, as humiliating as that was to admit.

Ajax shrugged. ‘Let's cross that bridge when we come to it.'

‘Our contract will have to be drawn up again, to reflect your desire to have a relationship with Ashling.'

‘We're in no rush. I trust you.'

Erin absorbed that. It was huge. She literally had a contract signed by them both, stating that he was giving her full custody. She could go back to the States with Ashling and refuse him access. He'd have to take her to court to renegotiate.

But of course she wouldn't do that.

As if reading her mind, Ajax said, ‘I know you wouldn't use that against me.'

‘No,' she admitted, ‘because I've worked for you, and all I can say is I'm glad I was on your side.'

Ajax widened his eyes. ‘I'm a pussycat.'

Erin snorted. ‘You're a shark.'

He smiled, showing his teeth, but all that did for Erin was remind her of how he'd nipped at her bare skin in intimate places. She squirmed on the chair, glad he couldn't see into her mind, which seemed to be stuck on one track: Ajax.

After revealing that he wanted to have Ashling in his life, Erin felt newly exposed. As if a layer of protection had been taken away. That was something she couldn't unpick now. Not while Ajax was looking at her.

‘So, both your parents are still alive?' she asked.

Ajax nodded. ‘My father handed over the reins of the business to my brother, and then to me when Demetriou died. Essentially, he's retired now.'

Erin was curious. ‘He wasn't that passionate about the family business, then?'

Ajax's mouth flattened for a moment with distaste. ‘The only thing he's passionate about is whoever his current mistress is. All very discreet, of course. She won't be at the family gathering.'

‘You don't approve?'

‘It's disrespectful. He was the one who had affairs first, and I could see what it did to my mother, even though she'd deny it to her death. It made her vulnerable. Brittle. It pushed her further from us, her sons, because her life became all about competing with my father to try and make sure he knew she wasn't hurt.'

‘But it sounds like she was hurt,' Erin observed. ‘Maybe there were feelings there after all.'

Ajax didn't respond to that.

Erin couldn't help asking, ‘Did Sofia have affairs...?'

‘Yes. Of course. We didn't share a bed.'

‘Oh.' Erin hated how that made her feel lighter. ‘But surely you weren't going to live your life celibate?'

‘To be honest, I was consumed with Theo. I didn't think too much beyond him for the first couple of years. Sofia and I had already made an agreement that after a respectable amount of time we'd quietly divorce, and I would get full custody of Theo.'

‘She was willing to hand him over?' Erin knew she shouldn't be shocked after her own experience.

Ajax shrugged. ‘I told you—women in my family don't really do mothering well. They're not expected to.'

‘I know not everyone automatically feels that rush of love—for some parents it can be incredibly complicated—but you felt it...and you weren't even Theo's biological father.'

Erin was surprised when a waiter appeared to clear their plates—she hadn't even noticed that they'd been served starters and had eaten them. Ajax seemed to have an effect on her that meant she was in some sort of bubble, where the world didn't impinge. Dangerous. Seductive.

She'd had to be responsible for so long, due to her father's scattiness, that she'd never really had the luxury of taking her foot off the pedal. But here in Greece she felt as if she was having the first holiday of her life.

Albeit along with the rollercoaster effect of Ajax on her body, mind and emotions.

No, refuted a voice. Not emotions.

It was just physical. As he'd said, it would burn out—even if it felt as if it was burning brighter and hotter now than it had even on that first night.

When they'd returned to the villa, Ajax stopped beside Erin, outside her bedroom door. They looked at each other. Her heart thumped. The air crackled between them with unspoken desire. She went inside, checked on Ashling—who was asleep, with Damia's door open nearby—and then went back out to Ajax, who was waiting.

He held out a hand. Erin took it, even as she felt, superstitiously, that some line she couldn't see was being crossed.

In Ajax's room they were naked and on his bed in seconds. Ajax's big body was moving over hers with such mastery that Erin could only hope he wouldn't see how he triggered her emotions. She couldn't deny it here...naked. She could only ride the wave and pray that when she was washed up on the shore again she would still be in one piece.

When Ajax woke the following morning it was early. The bed was empty beside him, but he wasn't surprised now—even if he didn't like it.

And since when had he wanted to wake up with a woman?

Since Erin.

He scowled. His body was heavy with sensual satisfaction, and yet he could already feel the edge of hunger forming again, just thinking of the previous night and how he'd felt he would die if he didn't sink into Erin's tight, slick embrace before taking another breath.

It would burn out.

It had to.

And yet even as Ajax automatically formed that thought, a part of him was asking, what if it doesn't?

He didn't dwell on that ridiculous notion—because desire always burnt out.

He got up and showered and dressed, then left his room, stopping by Erin's bedroom door.

He pushed it open and saw that she was in bed, on her back, in a T-shirt. Even seeing her clothed turned the spark into a flame deep in his belly.

Not burning out yet.

She was fast asleep.

He heard a sound and looked towards the open door leading into the nursery. Even though he felt the urge to turn and walk away, not to engage, he went into the room.

Ashling was standing in the cot, hands on the bar, gabbling to herself, quite content. Then she saw him, and for a second Ajax held his breath, expecting her to cry. After all, he'd barely engaged with her at all.

But she didn't cry. She smiled. And Ajax's chest swelled so much he couldn't breathe. Somehow he found his way to breathing again and his feet took him over to the cot.

Ashling immediately held up her arms. Ajax lifted her and closed his eyes against the wave of déjà vu.

He'd told himself he would never feel this again...the soft, heavy weight of a child. But here he was.

Ashling looked up at him and said something unintelligible. Ajax knew that there was no going back from this moment.

Just then, a sleepy Damia appeared in the doorway, tying a robe around herself. She said, ‘I'm so sorry, Mr Nikolau. I didn't hear her.'

He shook his head. ‘She wasn't crying. It's fine. I've got this—you go back to bed and get some sleep.'

‘Are you sure?'

He nodded and she left, closing the door. A familiar pungent smell hit Ajax's nostrils. He wrinkled his nose and looked at his daughter. ‘Ah, yes...the not so pleasant bits of parenting... Let's see if I can remember what to do, hmm?'

Ashling just looked at him with a wisdom beyond her years, as if to say, I'll indulge you for now, but don't push it, and Ajax pressed a kiss to her head, silently praying that he could cope with the fear and hope that it didn't consume him.

When Erin woke she was disorientated. Alone in her bed. Then it came back in a rush. The urgency that had gripped her and Ajax. The aftermath when she'd felt torn apart but also more whole than she'd ever felt.

That was what had spurred her to leave his bed as he'd slept. She'd checked on Ashling, showered, and then crawled into her own bed. And now... She squinted a look out through the windows and sat up in a panic. Now the sun was high.

She jumped out of bed and went straight into the nursery, to find it empty. Damia must have taken Ashling down for breakfast.

Erin quickly washed and changed into denim shorts and a loose shirt. Barefoot, she went downstairs and followed the sounds of Ashling's babbles, a deeper voice, and Damia's laughter.

Not sure what to expect, she walked out onto the terrace to see Ajax with a napkin over his face, playing peekaboo with Ashling, who was in the highchair. The detritus of breakfast, bits of food and a spoon, were all over the ground in the vicinity.

Ashling was squealing with delight every time Ajax's face was revealed. Erin could empathise, she thought, but there was something about the tableau that unsettled her.

Like a coward, she shied away from investigating why this evidence of Ajax playing with his daughter wasn't causing her to feel any sense of happiness. She almost felt...scared. She told herself it was because she feared Ashling would get hurt. Every moment with Ajax like this now had the potential to cause damage when he inevitably got bored or changed his mind.

He's not your mother, whispered a voice.

Ashling spotted her and immediately held out her arms, saying, ‘Mama-mama-mama.'

Erin scooped her up, feeling almost guilty to be breaking up her moment with Ajax. Ashling snuggled into her.

Ajax stood up. He was wearing a suit—dark grey—a white shirt and a tie. Erin spotted a blob of something and pointed. ‘I think you have some baby food on your jacket.'

Erin waited to see how he'd react, but he was sanguine. He got a napkin and dampened it with water and dabbed at the mark. Another tick in his favour. But consistency would be key.

He looked at Erin and she fought not to blush as she sat down and poured herself a coffee, holding Ashling in one arm.

He said, ‘I'm going to the office for a couple of hours. I'll meet you and Damia and Ashling at the airfield. My assistant will come and help you pack, and the driver will bring you to meet me.'

Erin glanced up. ‘Okay, we'll be ready.'

When Ajax had walked away, with Ashling looking after him over Erin's shoulder, Erin said to Damia, ‘Thanks for getting her up this morning. I didn't hear a thing.'

Damia said brightly, ‘Neither did I! It was Mr Nikolau. He changed her and dressed her and brought her down for breakfast.' Damia stood up. ‘I'll clear up and then go and get ready. Just shout if you need me for anything.'

The girl walked away, towards the kitchen, and Erin sat there, stupefied. Ajax had got Ashling up and changed her nappy. Not an especially remarkable thing at all—especially for a father. But for a man who just a little more than twenty-four hours ago had been intending on staying out of his daughter's life it was not just stepping over a boundary—it was smashing it aside and setting it on fire.

Erin forced herself to calm down. This was a good thing. He was obviously familiar with babies after Theo. Changing a nappy wasn't a big deal for him, evidently. He'd confided in her that he'd intended on getting full custody of Theo. He'd obviously been very hands-on.

She assured herself again that this was a good thing. A positive development. So why did she feel so uneasy?

Agatha welcomed them back to the villa with open arms. Damia was clearly delighted to see her great-aunt, and conversed with her in rapid Greek for a few minutes, with Agatha making dramatic exclamations in response.

Erin was surprised and a little disconcerted at how much it felt like coming home.

Agatha and Damia swept into the house, taking Ashling with them before she could even protest. Ajax took Erin's hand and led her straight upstairs to his bedroom, closing the door.

‘Ajax, we can't... We just got here... I need to change Ashling and give her something to eat.'

‘Agatha and Damia are fighting over her right now.'

Erin's back was to the door. Ajax put his hands by her head, caging her in. She could easily duck down and slip away but, fatally, she didn't want to. She couldn't help revelling in Ajax's hungry gaze. He'd shown her a sensual side of herself she might never have explored with anyone else.

Never would again.

Her heart hitched.

She tipped up her chin. ‘Well, then, what do you propose we do?'

‘One thing I've wanted to do with you but haven't yet...because each time I wake up you're gone.'

He'd noticed she was gone. And he didn't look all that happy about it. Something flip-flopped inside her.

‘What's that?' she asked.

‘Take a shower together.'

Erin nearly melted into a puddle at his feet, but she managed to say nonchalantly, ‘I do feel a bit...dusty.'

Ajax reached for her hand and led her into the bathroom, ‘Well, then, let me help you feel less...dusty...'

Erin followed him on jelly legs, giving up any attempt to rationalise what was going on.

The sun beat against Erin's closed eyelids. She could hear the sound of crashing waves. The air was scented with sea and sand and earth. Her body felt heavy and deliciously replete.

They'd had lunch at the villa not long ago, and afterwards Ajax had taken Erin and Ashling off to explore the island, bringing them to this secluded beach that was totally empty.

Erin was momentarily out of the shade, trying to get her skin to warm up to a shade of golden brown that she'd never attained before. She could hear splashes and squeals of delight, and she came up on one elbow and put her shades on. She couldn't quite believe what she was seeing. Ajax, in snug swim-shorts, in the shallows of the sea, held Ashling in his arms, ducking her down into a wave as it crashed around them.

She was loving it. She'd never been to the sea before. She was covered in factor fifty—as was Erin—and she was wearing an adorable flowery onesie and a sun hat.

Ajax's volte face with his daughter still unsettled Erin. She felt sure that this was just a phase, perhaps brought on by memories of Theo. Once they returned to the States and Manhattan, and the realities of co-parenting sank in, they'd see less and less of Ajax.

Erin bit her lip. She should be protecting Ashling now, from inevitable disappointment, but maybe she was young enough that when Ajax gradually disappeared she might not be devastated.

Erin had little doubt that this was how it would play out, because the alternative was something she couldn't even grasp. The thought of Ajax being part of Ashling's life but not Erin's...of him moving on and marrying...as she might do herself some day. Blended families? He didn't strike her as the kind of guy who would put up with that, so he would just excise Ashling from his life.

But the image in front of her now mocked that assertion. Father and daughter, playing in the surf, Ashling clinging on to Ajax like a monkey.

In the last couple of days he'd become her new favourite person. His ease with her and his tactility was unbelievably impressive, and seductive in a way that impacted on Erin deeply.

He beguiled everyone—even babies. When he looked at you, it was like the sun shining all around you.

It was what would happen when that sunbeam moved elsewhere that Erin needed to be ready for.

As if hearing her thoughts, Ajax turned around with Ashling and looked at her. The sea water was sluicing off his tall, broad body. Ashling put out a pudgy hand and gabbled something that sounded like ‘Mama...mama...'

Erin levered herself up from the sand and walked down the beach towards them, very conscious of the green one-piece swimsuit she'd chosen. It was perfectly conservative, but under his devouring gaze it felt positively indecent.

Something was happening here that Erin hadn't expected. A family was forming, in spite of every instinct screaming at her that it couldn't possibly be real.

And yet as she neared Ajax and Ashling in the sea, and they both reached out for her, she told herself not to trust in the shimmering possibility that this might exist. This was fleeting and temporary. All of it. She couldn't afford to forget that.

‘I feel a little overdressed for the village.'

Ajax slid her a look from the driver's seat. ‘You look perfect.'

He was taking her to a local restaurant for dinner. She was wearing a dress that Damia had picked out. A cream silk sleeveless wrap dress that fell to her feet. She tucked a wayward lock of hair behind one ear.

‘Your hair is getting longer.' Ajax observed.

Erin made a face, ‘I cut it because Ashling kept grabbing it when she was a tiny baby, and because—'

She stopped suddenly. She hadn't been intending on elaborating.

But of course Ajax had noticed.

‘And because...?'

Reluctantly she divulged, ‘Because it reminded me of my mother. Her hair was long...and I used to be fascinated by it. One of my earliest memories is of lying in bed and wrapping it around my hand. Maybe even then I knew she was going to leave.'

‘So you cut it for practicality, but also maybe to send a message that you weren't going anywhere?'

Erin looked at him. She wanted to scowl. Ajax was far too perceptive sometimes. ‘I hadn't thought about it like that.'

Ajax parked the car on a quiet street and they got out. The evening air was warm and balmy. The sun had set, leaving the sky pink and rusty and golden.

They walked down a cobbled street towards the water. The houses were white and blue, with colourful flowers blooming from pots and planters. Children were running in and out of houses, squealing with excitement.

Erin couldn't help smiling at their effervescence. It made her yearn a little for Ashling to have this kind of experience... But the reality was that Erin probably wouldn't be here to witness it. Ashling would be coming to spend time with her father on her own. Perhaps with half-siblings. Erin couldn't help but think that Ajax might now be more open to children, marrying again...

She was lost in that train of thought when Ajax, beside her, said, ‘Look up.'

Erin lifted her head and gasped. They were at a small marina, with the sea lapping against the wall just in front of them. Boats bobbed gently on the water. Restaurants were spread out on each side, buzzing with locals and tourists. Candles and fairy-lights added to the atmosphere. Soft music came from the tavernas. Handsome waiters lured prospective diners into their establishments.

Ajax led her to the left-hand side, to a taverna at the very end. The owner welcomed Ajax like an old friend and gave them a table right by the water's edge.

‘This is...stunning,' said Erin. ‘I've never been anywhere like it.'

‘You haven't been to Europe before?'

Erin wrinkled her nose. ‘Only the main attractions like London and Paris on school or university tours. I was too busy studying and then working. During my summers I'd work to make money.'

‘Even though your mother was giving you an allowance?'

Erin could appreciate now how she'd shut off a vital part of her youth in a bid to show her independence. Her work ethic.

She looked at Ajax. ‘It's a bit pathetic and boring, isn't it?'

He shook his head. ‘I never did the travelling thing either. I've just travelled a lot with work. I think I'd prefer to come somewhere like this for the first time at the age of twenty-eight and really appreciate it, rather than see it on a whistlestop tour at eighteen and forget it.'

Erin looked out at the sea. There were fishing boats in the distance with their lights on. The moon was rising. She said, ‘You could never forget this.'

The waiter came, with Greek wine and food. It was rustic and delicious. Fish so fresh Erin could taste the sea.

She sat back when their plates were cleared, refusing dessert. ‘I couldn't eat another bite. That was...amazing.'

Ajax couldn't take his eyes off Erin. She eclipsed the view. She wore practically no make-up, but her eyes were huge and her mouth an enticement to kiss her until she was breathless, arching her body into him in a way that blew his mind.

Her skin was turning a very delicate shade of golden. Freckles had appeared on her shoulders and nose. Traces of her Celtic heritage. Her hair was getting longer, softening around her face. His gaze drifted down, taking advantage of her looking out to sea. Her arms were slim, but strong. Hands elegant...short nails, no varnish. No frills, no fuss. Straightforward. And yet he sensed hidden things...depths that he didn't yet know.

Usually at this point with a lover Ajax veered instinctively away from wanting to delve into anything personal. But this woman... She still intrigued him, and he wanted to know more.

He looked back up and saw there was a small smile playing around her mouth. Ridiculously he felt piqued.

‘What's so amusing?' he asked.

She looked at him and he felt the impact of that golden and green gaze in his solar plexus. And lower. He shifted in the seat, cursing his lack of control.

She lifted her hand, put her forefinger and thumb about an inch apart, and whispered, ‘I think I'm a little bit drunk.'

Ajax grinned. She'd had a little more wine than usual, and he'd had less as he was driving. She seemed looser...less vigilant. She looked altogether too seductive to resist—and he had no intention of doing so.

He stood up and put out his hand. ‘Come on, let's go home.'

To his surprise a shadow crossed her face, and she suddenly looked a lot less loose. But then, as if he'd imagined it, she put her hand in his and let him pull her up.

They walked back up to the car and he couldn't help asking, ‘What was that back there?'

‘What?'

‘Your reaction to what I said...let's go home.'

There was something there. Ajax could sense it.

But Erin shook her head. ‘Nothing at all.'

She wouldn't meet his eye, though, and for the first time since he'd known her he suspected she was lying.

When they got back to the villa, Erin moved down through the garden towards the pool.

Ajax stopped. ‘Where are you going?'

She turned around, but kept walking backwards. ‘For a swim.'

Ajax shook his head and followed her through the gap in the bushes. The pool was visible under the moonlight, but Ajax went and turned on the low pool lights.

Erin pointed. ‘This is the deep end, right?'

‘Yes...' Ajax said, wondering what she was thinking.

But before he could wonder for too long she'd kicked off her sandals, stepped up to the side and executed a graceful dive into the water, fully clothed.

She swam underwater the entire length of the pool, a shimmering elongated shape, before emerging at the other end. She stood up and pushed back her hair with both hands.

Ajax nearly lost control of his legs and had to lock his knees. The water had made her dress completely translucent. He could see the curves of her breasts and the pebbling of her nipples. And down between her legs he could see the darker shadow of the hair that covered her sex, where he imagined her slick and ready.

He dragged his gaze back up. She was just looking at him.

For some reason he felt it was important to resist the almost overwhelming urge to join her. ‘Why do I have the feeling that you're trying to distract me?' he asked.

She arched a brow. ‘Because you have a suspicious mind?'

That was it.

Ajax's control dissolved in a rush of lust.

He pulled and tore off as many clothes as he could and dived into the water, barely making a ripple. He swam to Erin's legs, under the water, and put his hands around her calves, tugging her under.

They looked at one another under the water, the world blocked out. Ajax had the impression that she was a siren, a mermaid, and that he would never really know her.

He put his mouth over hers and she wrapped her arms around him. There was something fierce about the urgency that gripped them as he surged up out of the water with her. They gasped for air.

He pulled her dress apart and it came away from her body. He threw it to the side. Her bra was transparent. He didn't even bother taking it off. He cupped a breast and covered the pouting flesh with his mouth, sucking and nipping at her, making the nipple harder.

He was barely aware of her breathless entreaties and moans. He reached under the water and pulled her underwear down. And his own. He lifted her and instructed her roughly to wrap her legs around his waist.

She did. She lay back against the side of the pool, the water lapping around her.

Ajax's body was so hard it hurt, but he delayed the gratification, spreading his hand up over her belly to her breasts, exploring the plump flesh, and then moving up higher, tracing the elegant line of her neck and jaw.

Her eyes were huge, bright with desire. ‘Please, Ajax...'

He looked at her. In this moment everything was stripped away. He still didn't know her secrets—but he would.

He hitched her a little higher and then with one movement entered her slick body. She threw her head back, the sinews in her neck standing out.

He moved in and out slowly, and then gathered pace, driving into her body harder, faster. She lifted her head. She was biting her lip and Ajax covered her mouth with his, just as the storm gripped her and her inner muscles clamped down so hard on his body that he couldn't breathe for a second.

He exploded deep inside her, felt her muscles gripping him and milking him of everything. Every last piece of strength.

In the aftermath, as the world returned around them and the laboured sounds of their breathing diminished, Ajax was aware of something niggling at the edge of his mind. Something urgent. But he couldn't focus on it.

He pulled free of Erin's body and levered himself out of the pool with effort. He reached down and helped her out, trying not to let her body enflame him again.

He took her hand and led her over to the changing area, fetching a couple of robes. He helped her put one on. Her eyes were half closed and she looked flushed and languorous. He belted the robe tightly around her waist, as if that might help him maintain control.

He put on his own robe and, after gathering up their discarded clothes, took Erin's hand again to lead her up to the villa.

Halfway across the lawn, though, she stopped and took her hand away from his. He looked at her and saw she was pale. She looked back at him and said, ‘Protection. We didn't use anything.'

Immediately the niggling sensation stopped. That was what it had been. And for a man who would usually have been zealous about protection, he found to his surprise that the thought wasn't causing him a sense of panic.

Erin's expression was reflecting panic, though. But then it cleared a little and she said, ‘Actually, I think it's okay. I'm at a safe place in my cycle.'

Ajax didn't want to decipher why he wasn't feeling more relieved. ‘That's good... I'm sorry, that was my fault. I should've stopped.'