Harlequin Romance April 2021 Box Set

by Rebecca Winters

  They reached the pier and parked. He shut off the engine. “I can see the officers’ patrol boats offshore. They’re flashing their lights to signal me. The arrest is about to take place. Let’s go.”

  Something was wrong with her. For a moment she’d forgotten why they were here. Being with Philip again had brought back all her old feelings for him that seemed to be stronger than ever.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ONCE PHILIP HAD grabbed her overnight bag, he held her arm as they walked along to the dock that led to his cruiser. Had he chartered it, or bought it? There was so much she didn’t know about him.

  As he helped her on board, she felt his touch invade her body, exciting her.

  “Are you all right?” he whispered against her cheek.

  She could hardly breathe. “Yes.”

  “I felt you tremble. Don’t be frightened. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He sounded like the old Philip she’d loved so terribly. At that moment it came to her she still did and always would!

  “I kn-know that.” Her voice faltered.

  “Thank heaven you at least believe in me that much.”

  It was a surprise to her too, but judging from what he’d just said, he sounded as if he’d suffered, as well. She had a hard time realizing that he was here in Greece at last. After three long painful years without him, they were together again, and alone.

  No stranger to boats or yachts, she reached for a life jacket and waited for him to untie the ropes. Once she’d sat across from the controls, he jumped on board and slid into the chair to start the engine. His agility had never been more in evidence. She loved everything about him. It felt so right to be with him again. Philip, Philip.

  Soon they idled out to open water. Giannina glanced at the sky. It would be dark by the time they reached their destination an hour away. The warm June night intoxicated her, reminding her of nights with him in London when they took long walks and kissed every step of the way. During that time they were together, they couldn’t stay out of each other’s arms. Since then her life had been a wilderness of pain.

  He turned the boat toward Mount Athos and shot her a glance. “You have no idea how many times I’ve dreamed of being with you like this. I’ve missed you more than you will ever know.”

  Philip didn’t know the half of it.

  Oh, Giannina. Don’t let him get to you. What if he goes away again?

  “Those were halcyon days, no question about it. But they couldn’t go on forever and now you’re here for me to witness my uncle’s arrest. Philip, I appreciate your giving me and our family the news about Ari before anyone else knows. It means everything to me that you wanted to protect us. Thank you.”

  An odd expression broke out on his handsome features. He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. It wasn’t the hungry kind of kiss she would have imagined him giving her. There was a subtle change in his mood that made her heart flutter. “I’m thankful that you trusted me enough to come with me.” With a sudden acceleration, they moved across the calm sea.

  She took a quick breath. “You have an impeccable reputation as a journalist that makes me want to trust you. I have to concede that my uncle is a dreadful creature who should be locked up for good. When I think of what he did and has been trying to do—” Her voice caught.

  This time he threaded his fingers through hers and kept hold. His touch sent waves of electricity through her. The old magic was there. In truth it had never gone. She didn’t want it to go away but was afraid to trust her feelings for him again in case this was just the rush of the moment for him.

  “His power is now over,” came Philip’s deep voice.

  “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the prince is alive and could run Hellenia again?”

  Philip pressed her fingers a little harder. “He really is special to you, isn’t he?”

  Warmth filled her cheeks. “I’ve thought about that day with him more than once. If he’s put on the throne, there won’t be another news story to top it.”

  “I can think of one,” he murmured, “but I’ll share it with you later.”

  * * *

  Giannina couldn’t understand what he meant by that. “I’m sure you think me silly for saying that.”

  “Not at all. I’ve had certain dreams too. They’ve all had to do with you. Every time I had to cover a new story, I wanted you with me. I craved to hold and taste you.” His throbbing voice sent a shiver through her body. When he talked like that, it hurt too much because she felt the same way.

  By now they were approaching Ouranoupoli and he let go of her hand. Mount Athos loomed large.

  He slowed them down and pulled into a reserved slip. After shutting off the engine, he stood up. “Stay here for a moment. Two of the priests are coming on board to meet us.”

  She took off her life jacket as the robed, bearded priests approached her. Philip made the introductions. “The Angelis family has agreed to let me bring Kyria Angelis with me this far. We’d appreciate your blessing.”

  “You already have it,” the oldest one spoke. Giannina recognized him. His picture had been taken with her baba a year ago. “This troubling business has disturbed everyone. We are thankful it’s going to be over soon. Give my best to your father, Kyria Angelis.”

  “He’ll be very pleased to know I’ve met you.”

  The priest turned to Philip. “We pray all will go well with this arrest.”

  “That means a great deal to everyone.”

  “We must not keep you.”

  Giannina watched them leave the cruiser. Philip rejoined her. “Come below with me and I’ll show you around.”

  “Don’t you want me to help you tie up?”

  “That other boat following us holds the men coming with me. They’ll take care of everything. Rigas, one of the men, will stay here and guard you while I’m gone. I promise you’ll be safe.”

  Her breath caught. “You’re leaving already?”

  “I have to.”

  She reached for her overnight bag and went down the steps to the galley. They passed an office. “Use it anytime you like.”

  “Thank you.” She followed him to the end cabin. “The bathroom is between this one and mine. There’s plenty of food and drink in the kitchen. Do you have any questions?”

  “How long will you be gone?”

  “I can’t tell you. Hopefully I’ll be back soon.”

  “With my uncle.”

  “That’s the plan,” he murmured. “What else would you like to ask me before I go?”

  “I’ve a thousand questions, but they’ll have to keep.”

  “Wish me luck.” In the next instant he gave her a brief kiss, this time on the lips, but she wanted much more. Her desire for him was growing out of control. He had to know it before he turned and raced toward the stairway.

  With pounding heart, she hurried to the top deck to watch him leave. For three years there’d been nothing between them. Now all of a sudden, the touching and kisses had thrown her off course. She pressed her fingers to her lips. He could have no idea how much she’d suffered after he’d abandoned her. Giannina couldn’t bear to go through that kind of pain again, yet here she was, dying for his embrace.

  Her eyes tracked his incredible male physique as he joined the group of men on shore. Darkness made it difficult to see their movements, but his dark blond hair stood out. Before long they disappeared.

  The tough-looking man named Rigas had planted himself on the dock next to the cruiser. He was dressed like a local fisherman, but Giannina had no doubt he could take care of anything or one if he had to. He nodded to her, making her feel perfectly safe.

  For the next two hours she stood at the rear of the cruiser, reliving that month with him. Much of the time he’d taken her for a meal and a drive had followed. They’d park by a lake and reach for each other, trying to make
the most of every moment together.

  Now things were different because he was different. He said he still loved her, but what were his future plans? How long could she count on him to stay in Greece? She was also nervous for what could happen where the arrest was concerned. No matter how carefully he’d planned, he could be in danger if something went wrong.

  Beyond the twinkling lights of the village, Philip was out there on the mountain to watch the downfall of her uncle. Her thoughts drifted to her aunt and how she would take the news that her estranged husband was a killer. Better not to think.

  It was near midnight before she heaved a sigh and went below to get ready for bed. But when she came out of the bathroom, she changed her mind about sleeping in the cabin. In fact, she didn’t think she’d be able to sleep at all.

  Still dressed in the same clothes, she reached for her pillow and blanket, then went back on deck. In a minute she’d fashioned a makeshift bed on one of the padded seats. Next, she pulled out her small digital camera and got it set so she could capture pictures the moment Philip returned.

  She planned to take pictures of her uncle so her family would have the proof. Those photos would go along with the breaking story she’d been planning out in her mind to publish.

  The water lapped against the cruiser, rocking it in a gentle rhythm. A wondrous star-studded sky filled her vision. With the air like velvet, her body ached for the man who’d caused this trembling with that last kiss. She didn’t understand him. All she knew was that after tonight she’d never be the same again.

  For so long she’d managed to live her life without him. But being with him now had broken down her defenses. This was what Nico had warned her about. Be careful, he’d said. Though she’d tried to harden herself, Philip had this way of infiltrating her heart and body until all she wanted was to be with him.

  He’d reentered her world. For how long she didn’t know. She was a fool but being with Philip again made her feel alive for the first time in three years. No man was like him. She hadn’t been able to get interested in anyone else.

  He had that unmatchable power to excite her mind and touch her in a way that ignited her passion. Philip Dimas owned her heart. He should have been wearing a warning sign from the beginning. Caution: to love this man could cause you heartache forever.

  At some point Giannina lay back and pulled the blanket over her. She’d set the camera beyond her pillow so she could reach for it at a moment’s notice. After a few minutes, she turned on her side facing the dock to get comfortable and closed her eyes. Her thoughts went back to that time in England when Philip had set her on fire. She’d loved him so terribly.

  When she came awake later, her pillow was wet, and she heard muffled voices on the dock. She sat up to hear better but couldn’t make out words. The next thing she knew a male figure came on board. Her heart throbbed in her throat.

  “Philip?” she called out.

  “Giannina—what are you doing on deck?” Her watch registered 5:30 a.m. Relieved he was back, she threw off the blanket and got to her feet. “I couldn’t sleep and was waiting for you.”

  He’d come alone. She watched him slide in the captain’s chair and turn on the engine. She sat across from him once more, trying to make out his striking features in the early light.

  “What happened? Where’s my uncle?”

  He grimaced. “We were too late. I’m afraid his friends had already helped him escape in one of those baskets bringing him food. They’ve made their way to a forested inlet up the coast. That’s where we’re going and will catch up with him.”

  Philip had warned her time was of the essence and had to be bitterly disappointed. So was Giannina, for his sake as well as her own.

  She knew the inlet he’d talked about. Earlier in her life she’d gone there diving with friends where the water was deep. It was only a few minutes away on the other side of Mount Athos. But unlike the holy mountain, it wasn’t forbidden to women. When Philip went ashore this time, she’d be able to go with him and take pictures.

  “What can I get you? Coffee? A soda?”

  “Water, if you don’t mind.”

  “That sounds good to me too. I’ll grab us both a bottle.” She went below and retrieved two from the fridge before hurrying back to him. “Here you go.”

  “You’re a lifesaver.” He removed the cap to drink. She watched his throat as he emptied the bottle without taking a breath. “That tasted good.”

  She took the empty bottle from him. “Just so you know, I’m planning to go ashore with you this time and take pictures.”

  “That’s exactly what I want you to do.”

  His surprising remark robbed her of the fight she’d planned to wage if he told her she had to stay on the cruiser. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Only that you need to stay right next to me when we leave the boat. My job is to protect you to the death, so promise you’ll do as I say and ask no questions.”

  This was a new side of Philip she’d never seen before. His fierceness silenced her.

  Mount Athos was silhouetted against a lavender sky. Morning had come to this glorious part of the Aegean with the man at the throttle she’d thought she would never see again. Once they caught up with her uncle, maybe today would be all she’d have of Philip before he left Greece. He’d promised that one day they’d be together forever, but were they just words? She didn’t know.

  Don’t think beyond today, Giannina. Just don’t.

  During the few minutes it took to reach the inlet, she grabbed the bedding and went below. It was time to freshen up and apply fresh lipstick. Once back on deck, she put the camera in her case and looped it around her neck. Philip’s intense gaze swept over her. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you look this early in the morning?”

  He sounded so sincere, but a compliment at this late stage only brought back the pain. After this adventure was over, she feared he’d leave her again.

  With expertise, he drove the cruiser to the inlet, where several other boats were moored. He shut off the engine and got to his feet. “Let’s go,” he urged. “I’ll help you.”

  Philip put a strong arm around her waist and lifted her over the side into shallow water like she weighed nothing. She could tell he was in a hurry. He grasped her hand and together they rushed onto the bit of sand before entering the lush greenery of the forest.

  Farther ahead, Rigas waved to them and led the way. Before long they came to a little clearing where she saw six armed men surrounding a pup tent. One of the guards walked over to lift the flap of the tent. With her pulse racing, Giannina pulled the camera out of her case in preparation for the first glimpse of her uncle.

  In seconds a scruffy-looking man maybe in his early fifties—hunched over and grizzled—emerged in handcuffs and a blindfold. He wore black-tunic-type clothing like a medieval monk. His silhouette didn’t remind her of her uncle, but she hadn’t seen his face.

  She darted Philip a searching glance, but he was fixated on the man with a frightening expression on his features she’d never seen before. The savage look in his eyes astonished her.

  Giannina didn’t understand. His set jaw told her at a glance he was barely holding on to his control. One of the guards removed the blindfold.

  “Uncle Ari!” she gasped at the same time she snapped his picture. It really was her uncle! The camera slid from her hands and fell to the underbrush.

  One of the guards turned to Giannina. “Kyria Angelis? You need to be informed that your uncle Ari Hatzi is arrested for involvement in the murder of the royal family of Hellenia. He’s wanted by the Greek police for fleeing arrest, but more importantly by the Hellenian patriots.”

  She took a step closer to the man who’d been married to her aunt for years, the man who’d caused such pain and trouble for the entire Angelis household. “To think it was you who helped to kill the king
and queen.”

  He’d lowered his head, refusing to talk.

  Her rage grew. “All these years you’ve lived with my aunt, you’ve had blood on your hands!”

  “Don’t be so melodramatic.”

  How many times had he said that to her over the years, disparaging everything she ever said or did. He hated their family and her interference at the newspaper. Talk about sinister...

  “And you’ve been stalking the prince too, all these years!” Her cry rang throughout the forest. She threw her head back and stared at Philip, who picked up her camera so she could put it in her case.

  “Let’s go, Giannina.”

  After grasping her hand, he walked her through the forest to the sand. The next thing she knew they’d reached the cruiser. He lowered her to the deck. Once on board, he carried her in his arms and took her below to the bedroom he’d designated for her.

  * * *

  Alex knew this was a traumatic moment for her. It was one thing to have disliked her uncle, but another to learn he was a killer.

  He sat down on the end of the bed with her in his arms and rocked her. “Forgive me for putting you through this, Giannina,” he murmured into her hair. “But I knew you’d never quite believe this of your uncle until you saw him.”

  The heaving sobs coming out of her shook him to the deepest regions of his soul. “It’s my aunt I’m crying for, Philip.” For the next while, all he could do was hold her close and let her give way to her sorrow.

  When she grew quiet, he got up with her and laid her out on the bed. Needing her warmth, he slid next to her and pulled her into his arms with her face against his chest. Soon the tears started again, soaking the front of his pullover.

  “I always despised him,” she spoke at last. “Nico felt the same way. When Ari married my aunt, and my father let them take up residence in the west wing of the villa, a change came over our whole household. Because he came from Hellenia and had no home of his own in Salonica, my parents made him welcome. Baba gave him a job at the newspaper. There’s no one kinder than my parents or aunt, who opened their hearts to him.”