Tanja had been different. Obvious in her interest, which was always a kick for a man’s ego, but mesmerizing in how she was both playful and earnest. Sincere.
Leon had known deep down that she took things more seriously than he did. The connection between her and Zach and their father was infinitely more complex and real than anything he could begin to comprehend. Being around them had been both fascinating and puzzling. Intimidating in some ways because it was one of the few things in life he knew he would never grasp or properly experience.
Leon had known in his gut that having an affair with Tanja would lead her on, which was probably why he’d wound up proposing. He’d been convinced they wouldn’t last, that she would eventually figure out he wasn’t capable of giving her the emotional depth she expected, but he’d wanted her anyway.
And she had been a grown woman capable of making her own decisions. That’s how he’d rationalized it. In reality, he’d wanted to sleep with a woman who appealed to him. That’s what kind of man he’d been—not devoid of conscience, but with a very superficial grasp of right and wrong. Not much sense of consequence, either. All that had mattered was getting what—or who—he wanted when he wanted them.
He’d grown up since then. Now he considered what was best for other people, not just himself.
Finally getting a divorce? Good idea, Zach had said a minute ago.
It was. But something in Leon balked. He was a champion at heart. That’s why he’d won more races than he’d lost. That’s how he’d pulled his father’s company back from the brink. A stubborn refusal to fail wasn’t much use when one party wanted to end things, though. He knew what it looked like when people who resented one another stayed married. He couldn’t do that to himself, or Tanja, or the baby who rested her head on his shoulder.
He absently rubbed Illi’s back, listening to Tanja wrap up with her brother.
“Let Dad know I’m fine. Tell him I’ll call soon.”
“I will. Love you, Books.”
“Love you, too. All three of you.” She ended with a happy sigh and set aside the phone to hug herself. “I’m an auntie. How amazing is that?”
Technically, that made Leon an uncle, but he didn’t allow that flitting thought to land and take root.
Tanja sipped her smoothie, then frowned.
“Not sitting well?”
“Just a lump of banana that surprised me.” She took another sip and made a face. “I really am feeling a lot better. I think some of it was seasickness.”
He came across to touch her forehead. She wasn’t feverish.
Illi smiled and reached for her, making Tanja smile. “Hi, baby doll. Come here.”
That brightness was back in her face. A woman in makeup and heels was undeniably attractive, but Tanja, fresh faced and wearing nothing but confidence and the sheen of unconditional love, was spellbinding.
He had an urge to cup her cheek and caress her soft skin with his thumb. He wanted her to look at him with that warm, unabashed smile.
Disturbed, he made himself give her the baby and picked up his phone.
“Don’t try to rush your recovery. You’ve been through a lot.” He had already relayed to staff that she needed supplements. He would ask them to add some rich desserts to the menu, too. She could stand to gain a few kilos.
“I don’t want to rely on you any longer than necessary. Kahina was so generous and understanding, but you know what they say about houseguests.”
He lifted his gaze.
“They’re like fish. They start to stink after three days.”
“Is that what they say?” He smirked as he went back to checking his emails. “Well, I’ve asked my lawyer to fly out to join u—” He swore as three different subject lines jumped out at him, all running a variation of You’re married?
“What’s wrong?”
“Secret is out on our marriage.” He explained that Cameron had been posting photos of the yacht. “She must have said something about being aboard so her husband could check on my wife.”
“So much for patient confidentiality. Why did you tell him we were married?”
“What else was I supposed to say?”
“I don’t know.” Her mouth pulled with uncertainty. “What does it mean? Will anyone care?”
“I am quoted and photographed from time to time,” he said drily. More on the business side, not as much on his pursuit of pleasure since he’d given up chasing women and regatta trophies, but he was a rich and powerful man. Did she not realize that?
She was frowning with worry, smoothing her hand over Illi’s hair.
“It’s a scoop, not a scandal,” he reassured her. “I’ll talk to my PR team, release a statement.” He shrugged it off. Even as he did, his phone pinged twice more. A fresh email from the head of a media conglomerate asked if he knew a photo of him with his baby was being shopped to news outlets.
Leon really swore.
“What?” Tanja asked, eyes popping with growing alarm.
“She didn’t delete the photo with Illi.” And this was why he hadn’t seen the value in Zach’s friendship when Zach had offered it. Leon had known Kyrkos most of his life, but the doctor was throwing away their lifelong relationship for what? Five minutes of fame for his status-seeking wife?
Tanja closed her arms around Illi. “But if it’s reported that we have a baby, what if it comes out that our situation isn’t entirely—”
“Legal?” he charged.
“By the book,” she corrected. She bit her lip before closing her eyes and turning her nose into Illi’s cheek. Her brow furrowed with deep anxiety. Fear of losing her baby.
That revelation of such deep vulnerability made the pit of his stomach churn with a primal compulsion to protect.
“My lawyer, Georgiou, is arriving tomorrow.” His voice was a bass echo from deep in his chest. “I’ll put him onto ensuring t’s are crossed and i’s dotted where Illi is concerned.”
Tension lingered around her mouth, but she spoke decisively. “Take me to Malta. I want to fly home.” Her voice caught on the word home. “If I’m there—”
“You can’t get home,” he reminded her. “Illi doesn’t have a passport. Customs agents will ask if you have permission from her father to take her overseas. They’ll want to see her paperwork and it’s not up to scrutiny.”
“Write me a letter that says you give us permission,” she demanded. “I’ll write one.”