“So you live in Athens?”
“Much of the time.”
“You’re Greek?”
“Half-Greek.” She made the distinction as she always did, because she wanted to acknowledge her mother’s American heritage. It had always felt important to Cora to show her mom that she hadn’t lost all of herself when she’d married into the dynamic Xenakis family, even though that wasn’t true. Her father was a law unto himself, as was his brother, and their wives—Cora’s mother and aunt—despite being brilliant and strong women, were always cast somewhat into their shadows.
“And half—?”
“American,” she smiled.
“When you’re not in Athens, you live there?”
She thought of her penthouse in New York with a complex tangle of emotions. Affection, nostalgia, anxiety. “I used to.” She frowned. “It’s been a while.”
“For any reason?”
Memories seared her brain.Cora! Cora! This way! Cora, is it true he cheated with two men? Cora, did you have an abortion for revenge? Cora, turn this way, give us a smile! Don’t cry, Cora Baby! Cora, Cora!
Her shiver was one of revulsion. The abortion rumour had been the most hurtful, her miscarriage one of the most traumatic experiences of her life, and to have it publicly known about and misconstrued still cut her to the quick.
“Yes.”
He laughed softly, the husky sound curling around her. “But you’re not going to tell me?”
She smiled despite the heaviness of her thoughts. There was something about Samir that made her feel good. His charms were many.
“I have some unpleasant memories of the place,” she said after a pause. “New York is an incredible city. It will always have my heart…but right now, I need a break.”
He nodded. “I studied at Columbia for a year. New York is inimitable in its vibrancy and diversity.”
“Yes,” she said. “What did you study?”
“Economics.”
“Ah, the perfect degree for a Sheikh.”
“Why?”
“All those economic policies you have to work on,” she said with a lift of her shoulders.
“You forget, I’m not the ruling Sheikh.”
“I didn’t forget,” she corrected. “But I know you hold an important place within the cabinet.”
“Again, you have me at a disadvantage.”
“And don’t think I’m not enjoying that.”
His grin made her tummy bubble and pop. “A sadist?”
“Not at all. Only, I have the feeling not many people have you at a disadvantage ever. It would be criminal not to make the most of it.”
He lifted a brow.
“Besides, I’m quite sure it’s good for you.”
“In what way?”