The next morning he woke with Lily's face buried in his neck and her soft body up against his with her arm strewn across his chest. His actions came flooding back like a typhoon,
-Oh hell.
He groaned sliding out from under her and sitting on the side of the bed with his head in his hands. Luke is going to kill him! He turned and looked at the thoroughly sated woman sleeping in the bed and felt another wave of anguish. He couldn't possibly fix this. He stood up and went to the shower. He couldn't think straight with her naked next to him. Turning on the taps he stepped in and allowed the water to pour over his body as he ducked his head and allowed it to stream down his back. Why didn't he stop it before he went too far? He knew the answer to that already. He couldn't stop. Maybe it was the romantic ambiance of the evening and the two glasses of scotch he had before she showed up. It didn't help that she'd been drinking either, but it wasn't a very good excuse. Regardless it seemed to strip away his common sense when he saw her in that dress. From that point on, nothing else existed but Lily. He tipped his face up to the pouring water. He had to tell Luke. He betrayed his best friend and regardless of the pleasure he had last night, the guilt washed it away. After they got back to Chicago, he would have to cool things with her for a while. Luke wanted her to finish school and Max agreed with him. She was too young to marry him now. There was a twelve year difference in their ages and he'd promise Luke he'd wait another four years. If it was up to him, he would have married her when she turned eighteen. To him, the age difference was nothing compared to what he felt about her, but she needed to be mature enough to make some choices on her own. Getting out of the shower he reached for a towel and swore to himself. Lily didn't deserve this, but it had to be done. He'd take the ring back and thank her for the best weekend of his life and tell her to carry on with hers. It was going to rip his heart out, but he had to do it. Lily awoke alone and felt her cheeks heat up with the images flooding back in her mind from the night before. She never realized that a man and a woman could share such pleasure. Turning her head, she wished he was still with her as she surveyed the empty area beside her. Why did he feel the need to leave before she woke each morning? Climbing out of bed she headed for the shower. Most likely he was up on deck taking in the glorious Grecian sun and breakfast with Nikos. According to her view from the porthole they must've docked sometime in the night, and that would mean they'd be heading home in a few hours. Something she didn't look forward to. For some reason she knew that the fairytale would end. She finished showering and chose a pink blouse, white cotton shorts and sandals. Then she spent some extra time on her hair and makeup. About an hour later she found Nikos and Max on the deck of the bow talking and they both stood as she approached. She gave them both a glorious smile, but only Nikos returned it. Max leaned over and gave her a perfunctory kiss on the cheek completely opposite of his greeting the day before. She examined his expression and felt a knot in her stomach at the coolness there. All sorts of things began to fill her head, but only one hit her hard. She obviously was a disappointment in bed and now that he knew that, he was done with her. It hurt horribly but she did her best to not show it and remained silent through the meal. Nausea built up in the pit of her stomach and she couldn't even find it in her to eat the delicious buffet set out for them. She only moved food around on her plate. Unfortunately Nikos seemed to notice the change in her and she saw his eyes glance back and forth between them a couple of times. It didn't matter. Today they would head home to Chicago and they would resume their normal routines for the next few weeks until she returned to College. If this moment was an indicator, he would never touch her again. Part of her died inside over that thought. It wasn't long after that they said their goodbye's and the helicopter took them straight to the airport. Once aboard the plane Lily removed the ring and handed it back to Max.
-I guess I don't need this anymore. Finally he centered his gaze on her with a flicker of emotion while he took it from her.
-It was fun Lily. He said searching her expression.
-I guess. She murmured. He took a deep breath knowing he was hurting her with his cool restraint,
-Look, what happened
-I… don't want to discuss this. She said waving a hand,
-I can't. Her eyes guided to his,
- Just please don't tell Luke.
-Lily, Can you at least promise me that? I just want to get on with my life. I'm sorry I disappointed you.
-Disappointed! Lily, what the hell are you talking about? he said incredulously.
-Just forget it. She said feeling herself blush.
-No, I won't. Do you think that's what's going on? That you disappointed me? Good lord button, that's the furthest thing from the truth. He never even considered that his aloofness toward her would be interpreted in such a way. Now he felt like a complete bastard. In truth he should have known better, she was inexperienced and naïve, and despite what they shared, she still was.
-Max please just stop! She pleaded.
-You should let me explain.‖ He said wincing inwardly seeing her pain.
-I don't want to talk about it. When we get back to Chicago, we'll get on with our lives as if nothing has happened. It's what I want. I'm going back to College in a few weeks.‖ She continued not looking him in the eyes for fear that he'd see how hurt she was. But he already knew the damage he caused and her statement, though he agreed, cut him to the core. He'd promised Luke that he'd leave her be, and he didn't. He got involved too early and he had to correct it.
-All right, if that's what you wish. Although he said the words they were the hardest thing he ever had to say.
-It is.
The days at work seemed to drift by in a fog. Lily tried her best to be professional, but when Brittney cornered her again and mocked her for a broken engagement saying that she couldn't hold on to a man like Max, she near burst into tears. The engagement was a ruse but no one knew that and although she knew what it would be like when she returned, she didn't expect to have it hurt so much. She didn't blame Max as much as she blamed herself for what had happened between them. It probably wouldn't have if she didn't know what it was like to hold him, or touch him the way she did. Now, she was hopelessly in love with him and he easily treated her as one of his employees as if nothing had happened. Lily used to pride herself on her self-esteem, but only Max could make it crumble down around her. If this were any other man, she would have no problem walking away and continuing on with her life. But this wasn't any other man, this was Max, and her world always revolved around him. How was she supposed to get on with her life when it felt so empty? He wasn't intentionally being mean, he was just being himself, but Lily had no experience with men, and Max could easily go through life because he'd been with so many women and didn't take their weekend in Athens as personally as she did. Just then he strode into the office with a gaggle of men in tow hanging on his every word. He had such a presence about him that commanded respect and she couldn't help but let it affect her too. He was so handsome and tall enough to tower over everyone else there. It was no wonder she felt so insignificant and small around him. Well, she did now. Before Greece she always thought he favored her somehow, but now it seemed as if she was less important to him than the rest of the women in the office. She had only just realized that. At the time it didn't seem as if he paid any special attention to her, but the comparison from then to now was obvious. She even started calling him Mr. King around everyone else except when they were alone. Funny thing was, he gave her an odd look the first time she said that but never said anything. Then if things couldn't get any worse Cybil showed up one Friday afternoon claiming to have a dinner date with Max. Her eyes raked over Lily in obvious contempt before she released a cool smile that seemed to say that she was no challenge after all.
-today little girl. Cybil repeated with a snap of her fingers. Lily saw Nancy come to her feet behind the model glaring at the back of her head. Lily shot her a look that told her not to bother saying anything.
-Right this way, she said forcing a smile. Max was seated behind his desk when Lily opened the door and told him that Cybil was here for their dinner date. He stood up as the other woman sashayed into the room with an exaggerated sway of her hips.
-Cybil? He said looking at her in question.
-know I was supposed to show up later this evening, but I just couldn't wait to see you again darling. I hope you don't mind, I had your diver take my bag to your penthouse.
She reached up and managed to kiss him on the mouth while Lily pinched her eyes shut and left the office shutting the door behind her. Nancy saw the younger woman make a bee line for the ladies room with her head held high, but she had also seen the quiver of her chin while her lips were pursed tightly to hold her emotions in. She didn't know what had happened between her boss and the young woman to sever their engagement, but for him to parade one of his mistresses through here to rub salt in the poor girl's broken heart. She would like to have said something but the reality of it was, he was her boss and like Lily she was an employee. After Cybil left Max already knew the damage she caused and meant to cause. Yes, he did reluctantly agree to dinner after she harassed him over the phone to see him. He'd already told her that it was over that night she insulted Lily. However, it was obvious to him that Melissa had told Cybil that she'd seen him and Lily on Demetrius' yacht and she called him the next evening to apologize for her behavior. She had literally begged him to get together so she could apologize in person. Now he realized that was a mistake. He should have known how devious she'd get. The look on Lily's face crushed him. Cybil made it seem as if they were together and it was the furthest from the truth. After Lily left he bluntly told her to get out of his office and that the chance of them even remaining friends was not happening.
-How does it feel Max? she asked with a cool smile,
-To have your heart broken.
-I understand you think you know. Max answered with his expression unreadable,
-But you'd have to have a heart in that cold blooded body to experience such a thing. She released and indignant huff and stormed out of his office only to storm by an older woman who told her not to let the door hit her one the way out.
At least she got her digs in to the younger beautiful woman that Max had set his sights on. She'd seen the devastation cross her expression when she kissed Max. He'd shoved her away from him, but she'd already gone. Now let him try and repair that damage. Max pretended not to let on how he felt, but he could see that the light went out of her when they returned to Chicago. She tried her best to act professional, but he was certain on more than one occasion that her eyes were more moist than usual before she turned away from him. Then Cybil showed up and pulled that little stunt, and he knew he needed to straighten that out too. He ached to tell her the truth but every time he tried to broach the subject she would shut him down or leave. It tortured him to see her so hurt and he neglected to talk to Luke about what had happened, but Lily had asked him not to and he couldn't bring himself to hurt her anymore by letting Luke know. However, he was going to talk to Luke about moving his proposal up. After he dismissed his team he turned to her and told her to shut the door. He could see her hesitate but did as he asked.
-We need to talk button.
-Max, I already told you….
-Listen. He said holding up his hand and walking toward her. She took several steps back and he stopped,
-I'm not going to hurt you. Too late for that she thought. She still couldn't get that image of Cybil kissing him out of her mind. Every time she thought of it she was sure her heart tore a little more. He didn't take another step toward her after seeing her expression,
-Lily, I want to take you to dinner tonight. Then we can talk.
-I can't. she said tilting her head up and looking at him. It was hard. Those grey intelligent eyes of his could have whittled away her courage instantly, but lately she seemed number. At least she thought she was until the seconds passed and she felt that familiar twinge in her chest. Obviously it was visible on her expression for what he said next.
-I've hurt you Lily, I can see that. Unfortunately that wasn't my intent. He said softly.
-I understand that Max. I really do. She said honestly. Seeing that she seemed a little less apprehensive, he took a couple of steps toward her and took her hand,
-Dinner honey, that's all. He was glad she didn't step back this time.
-I really can't Max. I know you feel guilty, but we can't change anything. I know I'm not what you expected…
-I tried telling you that you were wrong. He said narrowing his gaze. It stunned him that she could say that after he reassured her, but again, he knew she had nothing to compare him with and it was going to stay that way as far as he was concerned. She knew he was trying not to make her feel any worse, but she still didn't want to discuss it and pulled her hand out of his,
-I'll be all right.
-You don't look all right Lily. He suddenly noticed the dark circles under her eyes and she looked a little pale. A twinge of guilt hit him again.
-I am. Her eyes gave him a pleading look,
-Just please don't tell Luke.
-I haven't. he answered looking down at her while shoving his hands in the pockets of his slacks to resist the urge to hold her.
-I won't. He continued. His gut hurt over that. Luke should know. He'd never kept secrets from his best friend, especially where Lily was concerned even though it was very personal. He felt as if he betrayed him. She nodded believing him before she opened the door and left. It still didn't heal his conscience, Lily looked terrible. This was getting ridiculous. Why the hell shouldn't he have her like he wanted? Luke knew his intentions from the start. Now, Lily was suffering and it was eating him up with guilt that he couldn't tell her anything. He ran his hand through his hair roughly and swore out loud feeling like he wanted to throw something. For the first time in his life he didn't feel in control over a woman. His biggest fear was her not returning the affection he felt for her if he let this go on any longer. What if he did carry it too far and hurt her more than she let on? He never even considered that she didn't want him, but would he in her position? First the brush off in Greece, then Cybil. Lily was precious and he knew when she hurt, it ran deep. The next day, her last day, he walked into the coffee room fully intending on having it out with her after another sleepless night when another woman's voice caught his attention. He recognized it as Brittney's, one of his secretaries, but her tone was completely condescending. He paused right outside the door at her tone listening, and got angrier with each passing second.
-I heard from Nancy it was your last day, came Brittney's scornful voice,
-It's too bad you couldn't handle yourself around a man like Max.
-It's not what you think. Max heard the defeat in her voice and felt his chest tighten. Was this going on for a while? She neglected to tell him about it. Knowing Lily it was because she was trying to prove she could handle interoffice conflict. However, had he known, Brittney wouldn't have lasted one more day. All along he was worried about the men around her and neglected to realize that some of his female employees were going to have a problem with Lily. This was just one more thing she ended up dealing with.
-No? I think you're leaving because you aren't what a man like Max is used to. Maybe you can't measure up in the bed…
-I think that's enough. Max said stepping in at that moment cutting her off. Lily ducked her head and rushed by them unable to keep her tears from falling this time. Nancy saw her rush through the office and got up to follow her.
-Lily?
-I've got to go. She said stepping into the elevator.
-What's wrong? Nancy said with genuine concern seeing the woman's tear streaked face.
-It's nothing. Tell Max I'm fine. Thanks for being so nice to me Nancy. She said as the doors closed. After the first couple of weeks of classes Lily began to feel unwell. She had trouble sleeping, she felt nauseous, but never to the point of losing had her breakfast, and she lost her appetite. Is this what a broken heart felt like? She thought. Luke had noticed her fatigue and became worried. Try as she might, she couldn't help but look depressed. It was getting hard forcing a smile when her brother was around and he mentioned something about her not looking as cheerful as she usually was. One day she came out of her building after classes and a glorious white Limousine was parked on the curb, and leaning against the car was Nikos wearing a navy suit and tie like he'd just come from a business meeting. He straightened when he saw her and gave her a devastating smile. It may have worked on her if she didn't know Max, but regardless, it was refreshing to see a friendly face.
-Bella! he called outstretching his arms as she approached him. She couldn't help but smile, as he cupped her shoulders and leaned down to kiss her cheek.
-What are you doing here?
-I came with Demetrius to finish off business with your fiancé. He said glancing at her empty finger,
-or…, am I speaking out of turn?
-We, well, I mean…,
-Say no more. Join me for dinner. He could see the subject made her uncomfortable and Nikos wasn't one to make a woman feel in such a way. He loved women. Lily, however, was in a completely different category and he'd come to have affection for her like he would his little sister, and she looked sad. Obviously the engagement was off and he felt the need to cheer her up.
-I really shouldn't she said looking around at the curious gazes from the other students.
-No one needs to know. He said,
-We'll be discreet. She cocked a brow suddenly feeling a little like her old self,
-Max told me to be careful around you.
-I'll behave Bella, I promise, he said making a sign of the cross causing her to laugh. Gosh that felt so good!
-I don't know if I should believe you.
He tilted his head at her making himself look even more handsome,
-I can see you need some cheering up. I promise, that I won't do anything inappropriate. Besides, thought Nikos, the ring may have been gone but for some reason he still knew Lily was off limits. He knew something was wrong the last day they were in Greece. Max was unusually cool to her and she looked taken back by it. He wasn't sure what had happened between them, but whatever it was, it was just as much as a surprise to her as it was to Nikos. He knew he didn't mistake the looks that Max had been bestowing on Lily. No man could mistake that kind of affection even if they tried. Finally to his relief she nodded.
-Just this one time Nikos. My brother is still very protective. She said giving him a warning look followed by a smile. In the past she always included Max in that sentence, but he didn't seem to care about her as much as he used to. The fact that he hadn't even tried to contact her in the past few weeks since she left just confirmed that. Although she guess she could pick up the phone and call him, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it.
-I'll agree to that. He grinned opening the door for her. She hesitated slightly before getting in the car. A short distance away a man pulled out a cell phone and made a call. The restaurant that Nikos took Lily too was very fancy and she felt out of place in her beige skirt and white blouse regardless of how much he reassured her. Nikos requested a fairly private table and slipped the maîtres something extra to get his request. Once seated Nikos asked for a bottle of expensive wine and Lily couldn't help but ask how he knew where to find her.
-I have my ways. He said with a knowing smile as the waiter came over with the wine and filled their glasses. Nikos waited until the man left before he continued,
-I actually asked your brother which college you attended. The rest was easy enough.
-But there are quite a few buildings Nikos, she said suspiciously.
-I asked the registrar's office which classes you had and where. How..? He shrugged and gave her an arrogant smile,
-She was a woman.
-Oh for heaven's sake! she said laughing,
-You men are all alike!
-Drink your wine Bella, you could use a little time to loosen up. You look stressed. He said eyeing her expression carefully.
-Isn't that the truth. She mumbled taking a drink.
-How are your classes?
-I enjoy them enough I think. What she didn't say was that she missed Max horribly and found it difficult to concentrate on anything but him.
-How is your sister? She said trying to change the subject. The smile that lit his face told her that he loved his sister very much. It was probably as much as Luke loved her.
-She is pregnant and expecting Demetrius first child. Lily lit up,
-Oh how wonderful! she paused wondering how much she should let on that Max had told her about them but Nikos seemed to know.
-it was a misunderstanding Lily. Sophie is in as much love with Demetrius as before, but they need to work out some trust issues toward one another. I have faith because he worships the ground she walks on.
-What a wonderful way to put it. She said softly.
-It is true.‖ He said raising his brows,
-You should see how he looks at her. He paused thinking carefully before continuing,
-Much like Maximilian King looks at you. Instantly she shook her head causing him to chuckle,
-You don't see it Lily, but as a man, I do.
-Nikos, there's something you should know about our engagement.
-That it was a ruse to protect Luke's precious innocent sister from a womanizer like me.‖ He finished with a knowing grin,
-I already knew that.
-But then why did you….?
-I told you why. Max loves you. He said easily,
-I have faith in you two also. Love like that doesn't fade. It only grows. He was so wrong, but Lily didn't want to correct him. It just showed her what a good actor Max really was.
-Now, I would like to help.
-Help?
-Certainly. He gave her another gorgeous grin.
-My sister would love to meet you. Why don't you come back to Greece for a few weeks. You look as though you could use another vacation. She's currently on Aquinas, Demetrius'island while he works out of Athens. She's terribly lonely
-Oh.., I don't know.
-Nonsense. He interrupted, reaching into his pocket and taking out a card,
-Just say the word and I'll send the jet for you. He gave her the card,
-That's my private number. Call me anytime. Then he held up his hands,
-as friends, like I said. Consider it a favor to me to spend time with my sister.
-I don't even know her.
-She would grow fond of you as much as my father and I have. He countered. Then leaned forward,
-If you need me for anything, just know you can call, okay?
-I appreciate that Nikos. She said shyly. In truth she was surprised of how much he proclaimed to trust her the way he did in thinking that his sister would like her. For all he knew she could be like Cybil. No, she doubted that. He probably did know women well enough, just like Max said. It actually made her feel pretty good to think that he put as much faith in her as he said he did. She just might take him up on his offer during spring break and told him that. Two hours later Lily did feel better. Nikos was a complete rake but could probably charm an angry cobra with that charisma he possessed. Yet it seemed lost on her. He seemed to know it.
-It is too bad Lily that your heart belongs to Max, or I would have swept you off your feet. He said retrieving his credit card from the server and getting to his feet to help her up.
-I'm an open book. She answered not denying it.
-I find that very appealing. He said guiding her out of the restaurant,
-It is a shame that your Max can't see that. That was the last phrase he got out before he stopped suddenly,
-Uh-oh. Lily looked up at him but he wasn't looking at her. His attention was diverted elsewhere. She followed his gaze to the familiar grey limo parked behind his just as Oscar was opening the door and out stepped Max looking furious.
-What on earth
-Lily started to say when Max launched into a string of terse phrases directed solely at Nikos in Greek so she didn't understand a word. He didn't look at her once obviously because he was too angry and centered his gaze at the tall man beside her. For a moment she forgot herself because the masculine aura he gave off when he was irate made him ten times as appealing than he usually was. If that was possible. Then she started to come to her senses and realized that this would get back to Luke and he would be just as livid. Right now she couldn't deal with anymore of this in her life. She was still trying to mend her broken heart. Nikos dropped his hand that was placed on the small of her back and answered him. Thankfully his tone was calmer.
-I told you. Max said to Nikos,
-That Lily was mine!"
-She hasn't got a ring anymore Max. answered Nikos keeping his expression impassive. Although, inside he was grinning. Max still cared about Lily and regardless of her thoughts to the opposite, he still was possessive. Hopefully she could see this even if she couldn't understand what they were saying. Max's jealousy was like a neon sign.
-It makes no difference. He said casting a look at Lily who looked like she was ready to burst into tears.
-Stay away from my fiancé. Nikos lifted his chin,
-A man like you who has a woman like this would treat her better, no? She is sad, I cheered her up. We are friends. I would never go back on my word."
-Lily get in the car. Max said sternly without taking his eyes off of Nikos. Lily took a deep breath but didn't move. This made him drop his gaze to her and raise his brows.
-You heard me.
-Nikos can drive me back to college.‖ She answered sounding a lot braver than she felt. Seeing those two tall men toe to toe was intimidating to the most courageous person, and it was obvious that Max was tearing a strip off of Nikos who acted as though it was no surprise and almost as if a smile of amusement touched his dark eyes.
-Like hell! he said turning to face her to give her the full dose of his authority.
-You'll get in the bloody car or I'll toss you over my shoulder and drag you there.
-You are not my brother! She shouted back,
-I'm sick of listening to orders from the both of you He narrowed his gaze but never said anything Lily lasted a whole ten seconds under that piercing stare before she released a huff of breath and went to Max's car. Oscar closed the door behind her and she sat against the far corner with her legs crossed at the knees and her arms folded under her breasts fuming. Max turned back to Nikos after the car door closed and spoke in English,
-I told you I would drop this contract over her, and I will.
-She is a woman who is hurting Max. I only tried to help her. Nikos explained.
-She is not your concern and don't presume you know what she needs. he said with a fierce glare,
-Remember what I said. Max added coolly before he turned and walked toward his car with a long determined stride. Nikos watched Max drive away with Lily and he felt very sad for her. He hoped his prediction between them was right. He'd seen it happen with his sister and his own best friend.
In the car, Max studied Lily for a long time before he finally spoke.
-Lily. He said noticing her closed posture. Even as angry as she was, her beauty was still a force to be reckoned with. Images of their lovemaking filled his mind and he flattened the palms of his hands on his thighs to resist reaching for her. Christ, he missed her!
-I'm not speaking to you.‖ She said not looking at him but keeping her eyes on the passing scenery. He took a deep breath and prayed for patience. He knew he handled this whole thing badly, but he couldn't see straight when he saw her with Nikos. Then he noticed that Nikos was touching her even if it was a small gesture that a gentleman would give a woman. As far as he was concerned, he was the only man to touch Lily from now on especially after knowing her body the way he did.
-How did you know where I was?‖ she said finally realizing that it would have taken him two hours to drive directly to the restaurant from his building in downtown Chicago. That meant that he would have known exactly when she went off with Nikos. When he didn't answer she did look at him and what she saw wasn't what she expected. He looked slightly guilty.
-Well?
-I have my sources. He near winced at his confession knowing what was going to follow and he wasn't wrong. Her eyes widened,
-You're having me watched! Although his expression never gave anything away, she saw him shift uncomfortably,
-How long? He didn't answer.
-Max? He took a deep breath and nodded. Maybe it was about time she knew.
-It wasn't just my idea. Luke and I worried.
-My God! Do you mean you two have been spying on me since I went to college?
-We couldn't take any chances button.
-Don't call me that! Don't ever call me that again! She seethed feeling her temper overflowing,
-I can't believe you two! Everything she knew was a lie. No wonder he knew all about David. How many other of her boyfriends had they checked out without her knowledge and what did they do about it? So many of them had left her alone without explanation after the first few dates. Max could see the emotions play over her face as she was figuring things out. He somehow expected that she'd discover this sooner or later, but he wanted to be the one to tell her, not have her find out while he was in the midst of a jealous rage.
-What were you doing with Nikos? Her mouth fell open,
-Don't you dare put this back on me.
-Lily, Luke and I are worth a lot of money. How the hell to you think we would feel if you ended up abducted?
-It's my life!
-No, it's not. Losing you was never an option. We are responsible for you
-Luke is! You gave up that right when you shunned me Max.
-I tried telling you about that night we shared but you wouldn't hear it. No, because I don't want to come in second best! She said pointing a finger at her chest,
-I can't bear being compared to all of your other women. Do you have any idea how that makes someone like me feel? Of course not, because you are so self-absorbed in your own world that you chose to act like nothing happened, but something did happen. Tears started to fall from her eyes just as the car pulled to a halt outside her dorm room. She made a move to get out of the car, but Max grabbed her arm.
-Lily. He said softly,
-you keep running when I want to tell you, explain to you about that night.
-Let me go Max. She said,
-Just leave me alone, please. The look of pain that crossed her face made him let her go and she got out of the car. He told Oscar to wait until she was safe inside before driving away. Then he rolled up the divider and spent the drive back to his penthouse seething. He was angry at her, at Nikos, but most of all himself. He should have never taken her to bed in Greece. It left her openly vulnerable towards him. He didn't like the way their relationship changed dramatically after that. Part of him felt as though he'd lost her because of it, and another made him feel selfish like she said because he should have reassured her immediately after that, not leaving her to wake up alone. Then again he'd never been with someone so innocent so it escaped him to do such a thing. He realized now that he made a huge sacrifice just to have a taste of her. A taste that he would never forget.