In Petrakis's Power (19 page)

Quietly murmuring a prayer in Greek, Ludo repeated it for Natalie afterwards in English. When he was done, he gestured to her to let her know, and one by one she let the delicate flowers float out into the ocean….

Being on the island was like being on honeymoon. Every night, after making passionate love with the man she loved, Natalie would fall into a blissful sleep in his arms, and every morning, soon after waking, she’d run down to the sea to take a refreshing dip in cool tranquil waters not yet warmed by the sun. Then she’d hurry back to the cottage to have breakfast with Ludo out on the terrace.

They had been on the island for almost a week now, and he had lost that wary look that conveyed his cynicism about the world—a look he’d seemed to wear habitually when they’d first met. He was looking younger every day. Even his brow was less furrowed, as if all his cares had fallen away. Natalie couldn’t help but sigh contentedly.

Sitting opposite her at the rattan table, Ludo lowered his aviator sunglasses and his sublime sapphire eyes couldn’t help but dazzle her.

‘What is it?’ he wanted to know.

‘I was just thinking how much more relaxed you look than you did when we first met. It must be this place. It’s magical, isn’t it?’

‘There is definitely a touch of paradise about it. I almost have to pinch myself when I remember that I own it.’ Straightening in his chair, he tunnelled his fingers through his hair, as if coming to some momentous decision. ‘In fact, it is so like paradise that I have decided it’s not right to keep it just for myself and family and friends. I’ve been thinking about building some more accommodation, so that the families of sick children on the surrounding islands might come here for a rest or a holiday when they need it. Of course they wouldn’t have to pay for the privilege. I thought I could set up a foundation in Theo’s name. What do you think?’

‘What do I
think
?’ Natalie’s heart was racing with excitement and pride. ‘I think it’s a wonderful idea. Could I help you set it up? If I’m not going to be working at the bed and breakfast any more after we’re married I’d like something useful to do … something that I could believe in.’

‘Of course you can help. That is … until we have our first child. I’m a strong believer in a mother being there for her children as they are growing up if she can be. How do you feel about that,
glykia mou
?’

‘I agree.’ Reaching across the table, she smilingly squeezed his hand. ‘I want to be there for
all
our children as they grow up. As long as their father is there for them as much as possible, too.’

With a delighted smile, Ludo raised her hand and turned it over to plant a lingering warm kiss in the centre
of her palm. ‘We very definitely have an agreement. You said
all
our children? That implies we will have more than one or two?’

Natalie dimpled. ‘I was thinking maybe three or four?’

‘And I’m thinking I’m going to be a very busy man for the next few years if you are planning
that
kind of agenda, my angel. In which case I suppose there’s no time like the present to get started on carrying it out!’