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skin.
    She was suddenly stingingly aware of al that tanned bare skin, so
    negligently displayed, and also how little she herself was wearing. And how
    this had not escaped him for a minute.
    She wished with al her heart that she were sitting at her table under the vine
    leaves, finishing breakfast, and contemplating nothing more risky than a day
    on the town beach.
    Because she was in danger. Every nerve in her body was tel ing her so.
    Just let me get out of here, relatively unscathed, she prayed silently and
    wildly.
    'Now let me tel you how I see the situation,' he went on, almost casual y. 'I
    think you are staying at the Hotel Stavros. That Stavros' wife has told you
    the cove that belongs to the house is good to bathe from, and that she
    comes here herself—not often but enough, and thinks that no one knows.
    And that once here, because you are a woman, you could not control your
    curiosity. So, you found an open door, and came in.'
    She hated herself for blushing. Hated him more for having made her do it.
    She said coldly, 'You're right, up to a point. But I was intrigued to hear the
    house was empty, because I might actual y be interested in—acquiring it.
    'And I have told you,' he said. 'It is not for sale.'
    'Really?' She shrugged a shoulder. 'Wel , that's not something I choose to
    discuss with the hired help.' She paused to al ow that to sink in, and was
    annoyed to see his smile widen. 'Is the owner on Thania at present?'
    'No,' he said. 'Athens.'
    She wanted to say, That's what you think, and wave the deed of gift in his
    face, yet caution prevailed.
    But, there will come a time, she promised herself. And anticipation wil make
    it al the sweeter. Because the first Greek phrase I shal learn is 'You're
    fired'.
    She al owed herself a slight frown. Regaining lost ground, she told herself.
    Deliberately establishing a formal distance between them. Someone with
    business to transact dealing with a minor member of staff. That was how to
    handle things.
    'That's a pity,' she said. 'But I suppose there's someone on the island who
    can tel me how I could contact him.'
    'Why, yes, thespinis . You could always ask me.' His face was solemn, but
    his voice quivered with amusement, leaving her with the uneasy feeling that
    he knew exactly what she was doing.
    She lifted her chin. 'I hardly think I should approach him through his
    gardener,' she said sharply.
    'But I am not merely the gardener,' he said, softly. 'I take care of a great
    many things for him. But if you wish to speak to him directly, he will soon be
    here on Thania. Within a week, I believe.'
    'And staying here?'
    'No,' he said, after a pause, 'He never stays here. He has a vil a of his own
    quite near.'
    'That's such a shame,' Zoe said, and meant it. 'It's a wonderful house, but
    it's bound to deteriorate if it isn't lived in—and loved.'
    'You are wrong, thespinis ,' he said 'One thing this house has never lacked is love. It was built into every wal —every beam—every stone. Love is the
    reason it exists.'
    She was shaken by the sudden passion in his voice—and by the odd raw
    note of anger, too.
    She said, with a touch of uncertainty, 'I'l wait, then— and speak to him.
    When he arrives.' She paused. 'And now I'd better go.'
    'And where wil you go?' That strange, harsh moment had passed and he
    was smiling again, the dark eyes speculative as they studied her. 'Down to
    the cove as you intended?'
    Zoe bit her lip. 'No—that was a bad idea, and I'm sorry.'
    'Why?' he said. 'The sea is warm, and the sand inviting. And you will not be
    disturbed.'
    She was already disturbed, she thought. Stirred in every fibre of her being,
    and it was not a sensation she relished, or even wished to admit.
    Turned on by a good-looking Greek, she derided herself. How
    shameful—and how pathetic.
    She shrugged, attempted a smile of her own. 'Al the same…'
    'You like his house,' he said. 'I am sure my employer would wish you also to
    enjoy his beach. There is a way down