HELEN BIANCHIN – Australia: Gorgeous Grooms: The Andreou Marriage Arrangement / His Prisoner in Paradise / Wedding Night with a Stranger (страница 26)

With the charity fundraiser the following evening, the reaffirmation of marriage vows and party planned for Tuesday, relaxing wasn’t a state she’d reach any time soon.

Daria, as Loukas had predicted, had mellowed considerably during the past few days, and it was possible to catch a glimpse of the woman beneath the severe exterior.

Angelina proved to be the quintessential mother, who had learnt to accept her son and daughter as adults in an adult world, and gained the wisdom to step aside from the strict parental role and respect them as equals. An admirable quality that Alesha found endearing.

Lexi’s engaging personality made her easy to like, so too did her determination to strike out on her own.

‘Loukas is Andreou. My talent lies with fashionable jewellery, specifically design. I have a studio in the Pláka, and a small degree of success. This year has brought exposure, and I will soon need to take on another staff member.’

‘So when do I get to see some of your designs?’ Alesha asked as they shared coffee in the lounge after a dinner Angelina had insisted she share when Loukas had called to say he would be dining with associates and not due home until late.

‘I’ll give you the link to my website, and we’ll fit in a time for Cristos to bring you to the studio before you return with Loukas to Sydney. Sound good?’

‘I’ll look forward to it.’

It was almost eleven when Cristos delivered her home, and her cellphone beeped as she headed upstairs.

‘Another hour, agape mou,’ Loukas relayed in his slightly accented drawl.

‘I’ll probably be asleep.’

‘In which case I’ll wake you.’

The mere thought of being woken by him sent delight slithering down the length of her spine. ‘If you must.’

His soft chuckle almost undid her.

Alesha undressed and headed into the shower, set the water dial to hot and let the heat soothe away the stress of the day as she lathered her body with the gardenia-scented soap … and attempted to convince herself the choice had nothing to do with Loukas.

Caught up in reflective introspection, she attempted to analyze when her emotions had begun to change from reluctantly accepting the marriage … to wanting it to work, to be real.

To love, and be loved in return? Was that too much to ask for?

Yet love couldn’t be bought. It was built on emotion, and deserved the utmost care.

In a moment of self-indulgence she let her mind wander to the years ahead … children Loukas would lift high in the air and laugh with in their tender years, be fiercely protective of as they grew, and encourage to achieve in all areas of their lives.

Wishful thinking didn’t mean it would happen, and with fresh resolve she closed the water, caught up a towel and dried off before donning sleep pants and a singlet top.

On the verge of sleep she heard the faint click as Loukas closed the bedroom door, the soft rustle of clothing being discarded, followed by the sound of the shower.

Long minutes later he slid beneath the covers and reached for her, turning her easily in his arms as she caught his head and brought his mouth down to her own in a hungry kiss that stirred his senses to fever pitch.

This … this was what he’d consciously anticipated as he’d wined and dined three associates while negotiating a deal. One that had taken skilled strategy and patience to achieve.

Now he wanted to bury himself in the sweet sorcery of a woman’s body. Not any woman … this woman.

To pleasure her until he sensed the soft purr in her throat as she arched her body against his own. The faint moan of capitulation as he nuzzled the sensitive hollow at the curve of her neck. Her reaction to his touch, the intimacy they shared … and the joy of mutual orgasm.

On the edge of sleep he gathered her close, soothed her when she stirred and held her through the night.

Alesha dressed with care, aware the silk chiffon gown with its ruched bodice in deep sapphire hugged her slender curves and highlighted the texture of her skin. The diagonally cut skirt flowed gently to rest at her ankles, and her heeled pumps and evening clutch were a perfect match.

Jewellery was restricted to a diamond pendant, ear-studs and matching bracelet.

She ensured her make-up was understated with emphasis on her eyes, a touch of bronzing powder and a soft neutral lipstick and gloss.

‘Beautiful,’ Loukas complimented as she prepared to precede him from the room, and she threw him a faintly teasing look.

‘Thanks.’

Her eyes sparkled as she subjected him to a sweeping appraisal.

Attired in a black evening suit, fine white linen shirt and black bow tie, he looked far too compelling for any woman’s peace of mind … especially hers.

‘I guess you’ll do.’

His soft laughter curled round her heartstrings and tugged a little. ‘Damned with faint praise.’

Together they descended the staircase and moved to the front entrance where Cristos waited with the limousine.

‘Anything more and you’ll get a swelled head,’ she said solemnly as she slid into the rear passenger seat. Her pulse leapt as he captured her hand and held it for the duration of the drive into the city.

The hotel hosting the event had to be one of the city’s finest, Alesha perceived as she stood at Loukas’ side amongst the mingling guests sipping champagne.

Men of varying ages wore formal evening wear while the women sparkled … literally, in jewellery worth a fortune.

She became aware her presence garnered speculative interest, and she tilted her head a little, kept a smile in place, and maintained an expected pretence.

It was something of a relief when Constantine, Angelina, Daria and Lexi joined them.

‘The rescue team,’ Lexi enlightened her quietly as she leant forward to brush her lips to Alesha’s cheek. ‘You look gorgeous.’

‘Same goes.’ A genuine compliment as Loukas’ sister wore a stunning gown in fire-engine red that showcased her figure with breathtaking style.

Daria looked regal in black, while Angelina had opted for delicate shades of lilac.

‘Would you like a rundown on some of the guests?’ Lexi queried lightly. ‘Or would you prefer to form your own impression?’

‘You think it’ll make a difference?’

‘Not in the slightest,’ Lexi assured her. ‘Although I shall warn you of any impending danger.’

She couldn’t help a faint laugh. ‘Loukas’ ex-girlfriends?’

‘Plural? You’re quick. One in particular.’

‘Do I get a name?’

‘Iliana,’ Lexi informed her with droll humour. ‘Model, filthy rich, and hunting Loukas. Expect a cat-fight when she discovers he’s taken.’

‘As she will?’

‘Darling Alesha. News travels fast.’

So it did, in any city in the world. Why should Athens be any different?

‘Approaching from the right,’ Lexi voiced softly several minutes later. ‘Wearing black and white.’

Stunning, tall, incredibly slender, with exquisitely assembled facial features, luminous dark eyes and a mouth that promised much.

Oh, my. Perfection personified, Alesha conceded as Iliana drew close.

‘Kalispera.’

The greeting included each of them, but the model’s attention rested solely on Loukas.

‘Iliana.’ His voice held a coolness that was ignored.

‘You have a relative join you tonight?’ The assumption held a teasing lightness that wasn’t reflected in her eyes, and Alesha was willing to swear all three Andreou women drew in their collective breaths.

‘My wife, Alesha,’ Loukas relayed in a silky drawl, and merely compounded the situation by taking hold of Alesha’s hand and raising it to his lips.

‘How … adventurous of you, darling,’ Iliana arched, ‘when a legal commitment was never on your agenda.’ She paused to summon a slight, deliberately fake smile. ‘Although there is the duty to produce an Andreou heir.’

The woman was all feline with vicious claws, Alesha perceived, and doubtless ate unsuspecting men for breakfast.

It posed the question as to how deeply involved she’d been with Loukas.