Yet Loukas was there, a constant in her thoughts, her mind. He managed to make her feel different, almost special. Was it merely a practised act in order to lull her into a false sense of security?
Sadly, she didn’t know…and there was a part of her that didn’t want to know. For to discover it was all a charade would hurt her more than she imagined possible.
And that, she recognized, was an admission in itself.
With effort, she eased back from him a little, aware he didn’t attempt to dissuade her.
‘You should go shower and change,’ Alesha managed quietly. ‘Or we’ll be late for dinner.’
He touched a finger to her slightly swollen mouth. ‘And that would never do, hmm?’
‘I’m sure Hera has gone to considerable effort.’
Without a further word she crossed into her dressing-room, shed the robe, selected fresh underwear, and chose tailored trousers and a fashionable blouse…reappearing into the bedroom to find it empty and the sound of the shower running in Loukas’ en suite.
Dinner was a pleasant meal, during which conversation didn’t lag…although afterwards Alesha retained little memory of what they’d actually discussed.
Loukas excused himself on the pretext of work, while she used her laptop to catch up with emails and respond to one of Lacey’s that had landed in her inbox that morning.
It was late when she retired to bed, and even later when Loukas joined her. For a moment she lay perfectly still, unsure whether he’d reach for her or not…and when he curved her close in against him she wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or peeved when his breathing slowed and acquired the steadiness denoting sleep.
The following few days were filled with shopping, and it came as a relief when the Andreou women conceded contented satisfaction in having achieved their objective.
Alesha had to admit they showed excellent taste in fashion, and she couldn’t fault their suggested choices.
‘Now you can relax,’ Lexi confided as Cristos delivered them to Voula late Friday afternoon.
You think? Alesha posed silently.
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 complim
ent 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.
Even the thought of the model’s sinuous body wrapping itself around him made Alesha feel slightly nauseous.
She gave herself a mental shake. Get real. He’s no celibate. It’s a given there have been women…probably scads of them. So what?
But Iliana?
How could she hope to compete?
‘Do you not speak?’ the model posed with the glitter of revenge momentarily apparent in her dark eyes.
‘When I have something to say.’
She sensed Lexi’s faint smile, and mentally braced herself for Iliana’s next verbal parry.
‘It doesn’t bother you that Loukas and I are intimate friends?’
‘Should it?’
‘Enough.’ One word, quietly delivered, but only a fool would ignore the steel beneath Loukas’ silky voice.
Daria offered a comment in her own language…words Alesha had no difficulty in comprehending.
The evening didn’t improve as Iliana boldly took her place at their table, ignored Daria and Angelina’s telling looks as she proceeded to stake a claim for Loukas’ attention.
To his credit he mostly ignored her, adhering only to polite civility as the occasion demanded.
Yet it made for unnecessary awkwardness, and doubtless aroused speculation amongst many of the guests present.
Alesha recalled the words of a famed socialite who advised… ‘Don’t get mad, darling—get even.’
So she smiled, conducted animated conversation with their table companions, and managed to cast Loukas an adoring look or three during the meal.
It helped that he played a similar part, although there was a bad moment when Alesha and Lexi used the powder room, and Iliana entered as they were about to exit.
Alesha witnessed the gleam of satisfaction in the model’s eyes, and mentally prayed a verbal war could be avoided.
‘Very clever of you, darling, to land a fish of Loukas’ calibre. What bait did you use?’
‘Public displays are a trifle tacky,’ she ventured as Iliana initiated a confrontation. ‘Don’t you think?’
‘Are you pregnant?’
‘Iliana,’ Lexi said quietly. ‘You’re in danger of making a fool of yourself.’
Alesha placed a placating hand on Lexi’s arm and held the model’s gaze as she asked evenly, ‘Is there a point to this conversation?’
Hard eyes raked a damning appraisal. ‘You’re quite pretty. But don’t think your marriage will last. Loukas is an intensely sexual animal. I doubt you’ll satisfy him for long.’
‘You think? Perhaps I should thank you for the advice and suggest more creative positions…’ she paused deliberately ‘…in places other than the bedroom.’
The colour leeched from Iliana’s face, then flooded back as her hand flew towards Alesha’s face.
A move Alesha stalled with galling ease. ‘Don’t,’ she warned quietly.
‘Or you’ll do…what?’
‘This.’ She sought the right nerve and the model’s legs buckled, sending her sliding to the floor.
With incredible calm she turned towards Lexi. ‘Shall we leave?’
‘My God,’ Lexi breathed in stunned surprise as they gained the ballroom and headed towards their table. ‘Where did you learn to do that?’
She bore Lexi’s speculative look. ‘It’s a long story.’
‘That’s what I thought.’
Loukas’ gaze seared her own as she slid into her seat.
‘Problems?’
‘Interesting question. Would that be singular or plural?’
‘Iliana.’
‘Astute of you.’
Lexi leaned forward. ‘Alesha was magnificent.’
His eyes didn’t leave her own. ‘Indeed?’
‘You had to be there,’ his sister relayed.
‘That particular Jezebel needs to be taken down a peg,’ Daria opined sternly, whereupon her niece grinned unashamedly.
‘Thia, Alesha did…literally.’
‘Good.’
A backhanded compliment from Loukas’ dour aunt? Accompanied by an approving smile? Incredible.
It was interesting to note the seat Iliana had occupied at their table remained empty. Had the model left the event? Somehow Alesha didn’t think so.
A fact that was confirmed half an hour later as the focus of the evening featured a fashion parade by three of Athens’ top designers with models showing a selection ranging from casual chic to evening wear.
It came as no surprise Iliana formed part of the group of models hired for the evening.
Alesha had to concede the model’s professionalism, for her figure bore the perfect lines to showcase the garments to maximum effect.
The personal touches, however, were a deliberate payback as Iliana tossed her long mane of gloriously wavy hair and pouted a little too prettily as she gazed overlong at Loukas.
An effort to show him what he was missing?
Maintaining an interested expression took some effort, and Alesha shot Loukas a startled look as he took hold of her hand and soothed the rapidly beating pulse at the base of her wrist.
This was meant to be reassurance? Please.
She endeavoured to tell herself it didn’t matter…but it did.
To a degree she felt exposed, even vulnerable, knowing there had to be a number of guests present who were aware Loukas and Iliana were once an item. Given how gossip travelled, it was now common knowledge Loukas had taken a wife. Cue in Iliana’s public display on the catwalk, and it wasn’t difficult to do the maths.
She’d ridden out worse with the fallout from her experience with Seth. What was a model’s wrath in comparison?
So she continued to smile and converse, and generally pro
ject the image of someone enjoying the event. Her demeanour earned a surprisingly gentle smile from Daria, as if she knew and saw all…which she probably did.
The charity chairperson thanked the assembled guests for their generosity, and gave a closing speech.
Filtered music provided a muted background and there was a general shift as businessmen converged, while women took the opportunity to catch up with friends seated elsewhere.
An elderly man sought Loukas and Constantine’s attention, and both men excused themselves from the table to converge into a group of three a short distance away.
‘I’ll be at my studio on Monday, if you’d like to call in,’ Lexi offered, and Alesha responded with enthusiasm.
‘Love to. Give me a time and I’ll be there.’
‘Eleven? Then we can do lunch.’
‘Done.’
Loukas returned to her side, and when she attempted to extricate her hand from his, he made the exercise more difficult by threading her fingers through his own.
Eventually the evening came to a close and the guests rose to leave…a lengthy process as the ballroom slowly emptied and guests spilled into the foyer to mingle as the concierge directed cars be brought to the entrance.
‘Tuesday will be splendid,’ Daria declared as she bestowed a light kiss to Alesha’s cheek. ‘Have faith, my dear.’
This was the same Daria, she of the acerbic tongue? Perhaps it was a rite of passage, from which she’d emerged having gained Daria’s approval.
Constantine’s driver appeared with their limousine, followed immediately by Cristos, ensuring farewells were exchanged and both limousines moved quickly away from the hotel entrance.
CHAPTER TEN
LOUKAS turned towards her as the large car eased into traffic. ‘Now would be a good time to tell me what went down with Iliana.’
Alesha didn’t pretend to misunderstand. ‘The powder-room incident?’
‘That’s the one.’
‘You could ask Lexi.’
‘I’m asking you.’
‘Do you need me to draw a verbal picture?’
‘Iliana is a diva, with the temper to match.’
‘Like I didn’t get the drift of both?’ Or her obsession with you? she added silently. ‘Okay, words were said, and Iliana took umbrage.’
The Andreou Marriage Arrangement Page 12