What The Greek's Wife Needs - Dani Collins Page 0,49

look so anxious,” he chided Tanja. “Mother’s apartment is two floors down.”

“Then why don’t we bring Illi? Doesn’t she want to meet her?”

Something hardened in Leon’s expression. “Let the nanny get her feet wet. This will ease you into trusting her, if you know you can come back up if it’s not working.”

True. She sighed her agreement, saying absently, “I didn’t realize your mother owns an apartment in this building, too.” It seemed odd that she hadn’t come up to greet them. Had Leon invited her?

“I own the building,” he said very casually, as though it was a totally normal thing for a person to say. “My mother prefers the island and travels a lot, but she stays here when she’s in Athens. Tell the stylist semiformal for dinner. I’ll shower and change into a suit.”

Tanja’s heart lurched again as his outrageous level of wealth hit her. No wonder he had assumed she’d married him for his money. What a bumpkin he must have thought her with her sundress from the farmers market and her discount sandals.

She heard Illi on the monitor and fetched her to introduce her to Britta. They warmed to each other immediately, which was reassuring.

Tanja had to put her trust in the stylist as much as the nanny, accepting the silver-blue satin dress she picked out. It was deceptively simple with a deep V-neck and sleeves that went to her elbows. The bodice hugged her braless breasts and a wide band accentuated her narrow waist. The skirt was a voluminous A-line that ended midshin, perfectly showcasing a flashy shoe with crystal-encrusted heels. Thankfully, they were closed toe, because she was desperately in need of a pedicure.

“Tomorrow,” her stylist promised her, sweeping Tanja’s hair off one ear with a spangled clip.

Tanja nervously joined Leon in the lounge. It struck her that they’d never been on a proper date. They’d gone out on his yacht, and eaten barbecue with her family, picked up lunch for a hike, but they’d never put on their best clothes and gone out in public.

“I feel overdressed for dinner,” she murmured to announce her presence.

He turned and stood arrested with a glass halfway to his mouth. After his gaze went to her ankles and came back, he finished his drink in one gulp.

“You look perfect. This is for you, too.” He picked up a velvet ring box off a side table and brought it to her.

“That’s not necessary. I have my wedding band,” she stammered, glancing toward the bedrooms. “It’s in my bag. I was going to trade it for groceries at one point, but—”

“You should have.” His jaw hardened. “Why didn’t you?”

“I wasn’t sure of the protocol,” she said with a humorless chuckle. “Like, I know you’re supposed to return the engagement ring if you’re the one who calls it off, but are you supposed to give back the wedding band if you ask for a divorce?”

“I don’t know, but they’re both gifts. Do what you like with them.” He spoke firmly. “Sell this one tomorrow if you want to.” He opened the box and her knees grew weak.

This was not the simple gold wedding band she had worn for a few months, then yanked off in a fit of pique. This was a platinum band with five emerald-cut diamonds set in a glittering row. It had to be worth five figures, maybe six.

“Leon,” she said in a muted beg for understanding. “I can’t.”

“Can’t what? Wear it or not. It’s yours.” He was speaking so abruptly, each word hit like little pebbles against her skin. “Or exchange it for something you like better.”

“Of course, I like it. It’s stunning. But...” She frowned with consternation, trying to make him see that wearing his ring meant something. Didn’t it? “Is wearing it like wearing this?” She fluffed the fall of her skirt, and even that small action felt like blowing air against a scraped knee. “Part of the costume?”

His head jerked back.

“Because—” She was struggling to find words that wouldn’t reveal how much she was tripping over her own insecurity and involuntary expectations. “I mean, I’ll wear it if you want me to, so people don’t ask awkward questions, but it’s important to me that you know I don’t expect any of this. I’m not here for dresses and jewelry.” And all those other things he insisted he wanted to give her because she was his wife.

Was he compensating because he wasn’t capable of offering himself? That struck her as heartbreakingly sad for both