Obligation To Love. Catherine O'Connor

      Hayley gave a low groan; how could one possibly describe the situation she was in? ‘My sister is hoping to get married and I’m going to meet the family.’

      ‘Indeed? How fascinating.’ She detected the hidden edge in his voice and was worried by it. ‘And will you be able to cope?’

      Hayley paused before she answered, as a mental image of her parents flashed before her. She had always coped, always had to cope alone, while Melissa had demanded attention.

      ‘I’ve always coped,’ she replied, trying to keep the sorrow from her voice which she knew was ever-present when she thought about her childhood. He nodded briefly, catching the hidden pain in her eyes.

      ‘So it is you who must make all the arrangements?’ he pursued, his voice warming and gentle, yet there was a teasing, almost mocking ring to his enquiries, making her nervous.

      ‘I’m afraid so, and, though for my sister’s sake I must do my best, it’s not going to be easy.’

      ‘Why do you say that about people you haven’t even met?’ he queried keenly.

      ‘I’m not sure, but the family don’t appear at all keen on the idea, to be honest,’ Hayley confessed with lightness, as if it was of no real consequence. She was trying hard not to feel intimidated, but the thought of meeting Dimitri’s family played on the back of her mind. She noted the concern that suddenly creased Alex’s brow, and when he spoke his voice was jagged.

      ‘Why not?’ he snapped, looking stormy. Hayley felt pleased that he seemed as perturbed as she about their objections. It reassured her that perhaps not all Greeks were as old-fashioned as Mr Christos.

      ‘It’s the old man—’ she began, but she was interrupted immediately by Alex.

      ‘The old man?’ he echoed incredulously, and the sudden glint in his eyes unnerved her.

      ‘Yes—Dimitri’s cousin,’ she explained. ‘I’ve only spoken to him on the phone, but he was far from friendly,’ she said, a little embarrassed by the admission. She remembered Mr Christos’s tone and felt angry again.

      ‘Why?’ he asked.

      ‘I’m not sure, but I think it’s because it would be a mixed marriage; he sounds awfully traditional and set in his ways.’

      ‘You can tell all this by the sound of his voice?’ Alex’s voice was measured and even, but Hayley caught the underlying anger and reacted to it, defending her opinion vehemently.