Page 224 of Modern Romance September 2026 Books 1-4

Couched like that, it had been hard to resist, especially as both women doted on Athena. Dido had already enjoyed a couple of early afternoon trips while Athena napped.

The first time she and Panos had visited an island with an amphitheatre-shaped town where pastel-tinted houses stepped down to a harbour with brightly painted boats. Dido had been charmed.

It had been wonderful too, returning to find their daughter fed, bathed and happy, bright-eyed and eager for cuddles.

The next trip had been to a small, almost-deserted archaeological site where an ancient stone temple stood tall on a bluff above the sea. Panos had been a wonderful, well-informed guide, bringing the ruined building to life.

Each outing reminded her of the things they had in common despite their different backgrounds, and how easily they’d once connected.

Now they were about to land in Vienna. It was a huge step up from afternoon sightseeing jaunts.

Was she doing the right thing? Suddenly tension filled her. Here she was, leaving her baby overnight and stepping into Panos’ glittering world. A world that had unnerved her before.

As if reading her thoughts, he covered her hand with his. ‘I have every faith Theeny will be fine. But if you’d rather turn around we can.’

‘You’d do that? What about tonight’s event?’

‘Our daughter is more important than a gala.’

True. Except there was no reason to suspect she was anything but fine. It was Dido who was suddenly nervous.

Besides, she’d learned from Evadne that tonight wasn’t just any event. The charity for children was one Panos had founded and the annual gala, held each year in a different capital city, was its prime fundraising event.

‘But you’re expected to attend.’

Panos shrugged. ‘Someone can stand in for me.’

He regarded her steadily. He meant every word. Even as the jet descended he was prepared to turn it around to satisfy her qualms.

Dido’s chest squeezed.

His readiness to change his plans to accommodate her boggled her mind. He made her feel that she mattered. Not just as a convenient wife and mother. She mattered. Her feelings. He didn’t belittle her concerns or think them less important than his interests.

The enormity of that blew her away.

‘Dido?’

Strangely she found her mouth crimping at the corners as she fought a tell-tale wobble. Emotion sideswiped her. What other man would do that?

He reached for the call button to summon an attendant and she realised he was going to give the order for their return. Instantly she reached to stop him.

Warm flesh and a sprinkling of hair teased her palm. The feel of his hand against hers was reassuringly familiar and her incipient doubts bled away.

‘It’s fine. There’s no need to go back.’

His gaze held hers. She remembered staring into his eyes as they shared their bodies, discussed their hopes and dreams. Even exchanged vows.

‘You’re sure?’

Her breath trapped in her throat. How would it be, looking into those eyes every day for the rest of her life?

‘Absolutely sure. Tell me more about tonight.’

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

DESPITE PANOS’ DESCRIPTIONS, she wasn’t fully prepared for the event. She’d known it would be spectacular but it exceeded her wildest expectations.

Their suite in a grand hotel near the historic heart of the city had taken her breath away. Everything about it was discreetly luxurious and welcoming. It would have been perfect for a romantic escape.