The Andreou Marriage Arrangement

by Helen Bianchin

  ‘That’s it?’

  ‘Not exactly.’

  ‘There’s more?’

  ‘I—used preventive measures to avoid being slapped.’

  There was a few seconds’ pause, and his voice assumed a musing drawl. ‘And how, precisely, did you manage that?’

  She looked at him carefully and could detect little from his expression in the dim light. ‘Precisely?’

  ‘Please.’

  ‘Nerve pressure.’

  ‘I’m almost afraid to ask.’

  Alesha told him.

  He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. ‘You want me to say there were few women before you?’

  ‘Not according to the media.’

  ‘Would it help if I assured you that I ended a relationship before beginning another, and practised fidelity with each lover?’

  ‘You want marks for integrity?’

  It was late when they bade Cristos goodnight and entered the house. Loukas reset the security alarm and followed her upstairs to their bedroom.

  The catch fastening on her pendant proved elusive again, and she gave a frustrated sigh as she tussled with it.

  Then he was there, freeing the catch with ease, and she felt his fingers move to the zip fastener on her gown, felt the faint slide, followed by the slither of fabric as it slipped to the floor.

  She turned to face him and eased off his jacket, then undid his tie and reached for the shirt buttons, freeing each one with deliberate slowness before releasing the fasteners holding his trousers in place.

  He dispensed with his shoes, socks, and stepped out of his trousers.

  ‘I want you naked.’

  When he complied, she led him to the bed, then pushed him down onto the mattress.

  ‘Stay.’

  He lifted his arms, cupped his head and met her determined gaze with quizzical amusement. ‘You want to play?’

  Alesha merely smiled as she placed one knee on the mattress and straddled him. In one glorious movement she arched her body, then she lowered her head to brush the length of her hair across his chest, trailing it down until it rested on his arousal, tracing the sensitive skin back and forth as she heard his breath hiss through his teeth.

  A satisfactory murmur of appreciation escaped her lips as she tossed her hair back before shaping him with gentle fingers…light, teasing strokes that caused his stomach muscles to tauten, then clench as she replaced her fingers with her mouth and stroked him with her tongue, bestowing feathery kisses until he hauled her close and took her mouth with his own.

  ‘Uh-huh,’ she cautioned. ‘I’m not done yet.’

  It became a leisurely exploration as she stirred his senses to fever pitch, teasing with gentle nips of her teeth, only to soothe with the tip of her tongue.

  His male nipples earned her fascination, and he groaned as she circled him with her mouth, taunted with the edge of her teeth…then it was she who cried out as he clasped her hips and surged into her. Again and again, with a ravaging hunger that blew her away, and then some.

  Cataclysmic sex. Passion at its most wild and wanton.

  Primal.

  Gradually their breathing slowed, and he pulled her down and held her close to nuzzle the sensitive curve at the base of her neck.

  Her body trembled as he trailed a hand down the length of her spine and gently pressed its base, heard her soft sigh, then he slid a hand beneath her nape and kissed her so gently it made her want to cry.

  She didn’t want to move…didn’t think she was capable as he feathered light fingers over the curve at her waist, shaped her buttocks, and simply held her.

  There were no words for what they’d just shared, and she didn’t even try to voice them.

  At some stage she must have drifted into a dreamless sleep, for she came awake slowly to the sound of gushing water and an awareness she was alone in the bed.

  The scent of gardenia teased her nostrils and she lifted her head as Loukas appeared from the en suite and scooped her into his arms.

  There was no sense of time as he stepped into the bath and lowered her down to sit in front of him. With care he applied the soap to her skin as she caught her hair and pinned it high so it wouldn’t get wet.

  Her eyes searched his, and her heart melted beneath the warmth of his smile.

  He was a gorgeous man, and he was hers.

  There were words she wanted to say, but they remained locked in her throat.

  He’d taught her to trust again, helped to restore her faith in men…one man, she corrected silently. The pieces of her heart were fusing together, almost making that life-force whole and complete so that it beat for him.

  Only him.

  To be with him like this was heaven. Everything she could ask for…

  The soporific effect of warm scented water combined with his ministrations lulled her almost to the edge of sleep, and she smiled as he lifted her out, then enveloped her in a large bath towel, dried her, then he blotted the excess water from his body, released the bath plug…and carried her back to bed.

  He gathered her close, touched his lips to her temple, and felt her mouth part with pleasure as she snuggled in against him.

  Lexi’s studio was situated in a trendy part of the city, where small shops competed with cafés and bars, boho chic wear, hand-tooled leather goods and stores selling organic foods. ‘I’ll call when I’m done,’ Alesha assured Cristos as she alighted from the limousine and crossed the street to where Lexi stood waiting.

  ‘Hi,’ she greeted and shared a quick hug. ‘I’m really looking forward to today.’

  Lexi indicated a set of stairs. ‘Let’s go on up.’ She led the way, and Alesha followed. ‘The studio is only small. Cosy,’ she elaborated over her shoulder.

  But so interesting, Alesha accorded as she saw the various shaped casting moulds, metals, tools of trade, and a glass case with finished pieces on display.

  A young girl and a guy in his mid-twenties worked with intricate pieces of metal, using specialized tools with an expertise she could only admire.

  Enamelled flower brooches and pins, exquisite pendants, ear-studs, bracelets, dress rings, each individually designed and crafted.

  ‘You have tremendous talent,’ she complimented with sincere admiration. An enamelled bracelet set in gold caught her attention… It was utterly beautiful, the teal and blue melded perfectly.

  It was fascinating to learn the varying stages between design and completion, marketing and distribution.

  There was little awareness of the passage of time, until Lexi glanced at her watch and declared they’d break for lunch.

  ‘A delightful café not far from here does wonderful food. Their baklava is to die for.’

  ‘Sounds good.’

  It was everything Lexi said, authentic, family owned and well patronized.

  ‘You’ll adore the island,’ Lexi relayed as they sipped coffee. ‘It’s a private sanctuary reached only by boat and helicopter.’

  ‘Hey, Lexi.’

  Alesha glanced towards two young men who pulled up two chairs to share their table. Mid to late twenties, she estimated, attired in jeans and tee shirts, and attractive.

  Lexi introduced them as friends from her university days who ran a graphic art studio not far from her own.

  They ordered coffee and food, and proved to be good company as they chatted, laughed, and exchanged anecdotes.

  ‘So you are the lady who managed to snare Loukas with a love net,’ came the teasing observation.

  The jury was still out on that one. Affection, great sex…but she doubted she had his heart.

  ‘Mention his name, and the man himself appears.’

  Lexi raised a hand in greeting as Loukas moved towards their table. ‘I told Loukas we would be lunching here. He said he might join us.’

  Alesha felt her pulse kick into a faster beat as he drew close, and her eyes widened a little when he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her cheek.

  She
met his dark gleaming gaze and offered a warm smile as he pulled up a chair, ordered, then curved an arm over the back of her chair.

  Staking a claim?

  Perhaps, Loukas mused, tussling a little with his reaction to seeing his wife enjoying the company of Lexi’s two male friends.

  He didn’t like another man sitting close to his woman—his by marriage, by circumstance. But it was more than that. Affection, the need to protect.

  Desire—his—for her. She’d crept beneath his skin, invaded his senses…dammit, with each passing day she came closer to capturing his heart.

  Something no other woman had achieved.

  Last night…Theos…even thinking about her deliberately tactile teasing with her hands, her mouth…and it took all his control to rein in his arousal.

  It made him want to take hold of her hand and lead her to the nearest room, somewhere private, preferably with a bed.

  He couldn’t remember being so in need of a woman. Alesha, only Alesha, for no one else came close.

  His body clenched tight and he barely masked the glitter of expectation and anticipation, threatening to reveal his desire to anyone who happened to look closely enough.

  Did she know?

  Possibly not. She had yet to reach the place where she could read him. Or could it be she subconsciously resisted allowing herself to do so?

  Slowly, surely, he was earning her trust. She felt comfortable with him…except he wanted more than that. He wanted it all. Everything.

  To see her face light up when he entered the room. For her to come to him and gift herself with joy and no reservation.

  He’d rescheduled an appointment…something he almost never did, except in extenuating circumstances, and had been quietly surprised at the ease with which he’d done so.

  To join his wife for lunch, for heaven’s sake. He, who always put business matters before anything or anyone else.

  An hour later he rose to his feet, paid the bill, then contented himself with framing his wife’s face as he kissed her thoroughly…and derived a certain satisfaction in seeing her cheeks colour a soft pink when he released her.

  Minutes later Loukas walked from the café and had Cristos drive him to the city block where Andreou owned a building.

  Whereupon Lexi’s two friends indicated a need to return to their studio, and Lexi regretfully said she should do the same.

  Alesha opted to browse some of the shops lining the Pláka before calling Cristos to collect and drive her to Kifissia.

  Dinner was a leisurely meal, after which Alesha checked emails and touched base with her Sydney PA, while Loukas secluded himself in his home office.

  Constantine and Angelina generously opened their magnificent home to host the renewal of vows ceremony presided over by an official and attended by family and numerous guests.

  It was held late afternoon on a luxury terrace setting overlooking beautiful gardens. Alesha walked with Constantine behind Lexi along a rich carpet strewn with rose petals towards an arbour where Loukas stood waiting for her.

  The ankle-length gown of cream slipper satin skimmed her slender curves, and Angelina’s lace veil added the perfect touch.

  The ceremony seemed almost surreal, conducted in Greek, and concluded with a special blessing as Loukas slid a stunning diamond solitaire ring onto her finger.

  Alesha lifted her face as he drew her close and bestowed a gentle kiss to the accompanying sound of clapping from the assembled guests.

  It was incredibly special, and so different from the civil ceremony in Sydney weeks ago when she’d felt filled with doubt and resentment.

  Now there was a sense of hope their future together would bring happiness and contentment. Possibly love…although maybe that was expecting too much.

  It was easy to accept congratulations from the guests, to smile and sip champagne, and enjoy the splendid dinner Angelina and Daria had organized exclusive caterers to serve.

  Coloured lanterns provided illumination as dusk became night, and there was music and dancing, conviviality and laughter.

  Loukas rarely moved from her side, and she became supremely conscious of the light touch of his hand at the edge of her waist…the gentle brush of his fingers as they traced the length of her spine.

  He made her feel special, as if he cared. And she began to long for that elusive something that seemed just beyond her reach.

  There were words she wanted to say, except she felt tentative in voicing them in case he failed to reciprocate in kind. How humiliating would that be?

  Perhaps actions were enough. The way she kissed him, made love with him…to him. Wasn’t that a language in itself?

  If so, how could he not know?

  Yet there was a part of her that wanted the words…his, wherein she’d know she held his heart as she’d gifted him her own.

  To release every last vestige of doubt so joy could invade every cell in her body, every throbbing pulse-point…and fill her heart.

  Maybe while they holidayed on the island, alone except for a housekeeper and caretaker. Warm sunshine to bask beneath, crystal-clear waters in which to swim, and soft balmy nights.

  Just the two of them.

  The guests stayed late and partied, and when the hour reached midnight Loukas caught hold of her hand, family and guests formed a loose circle, and together they personally thanked and bade every guest goodnight.

  Cristos, whom Loukas had insisted join the guests, brought the limousine out front as everyone assembled outside the main entrance to provide a cheering send-off as Loukas handed Alesha into the rear seat before moving round the rear of the car to join her.

  The drive to Kifissia held a certain magic as Loukas took hold of her hand and linked his fingers through her own.

  It had been a beautiful day…a glorious evening, and she said as much.

  ‘Thank you.’ She turned to search his features and saw his smile.

  ‘For what, specifically?’

  ‘Agreeing to indulge your parents and Daria to arrange a second wedding on Greek soil.’

  ‘It meant a lot to them to do so.’

  ‘I know.’ And she did know. To bring happiness into the lives of loved ones was a special gift.

  ‘My ring is beautiful,’ Alesha offered as she touched the exquisite solitaire resting above her wedding band. ‘I didn’t think about a gift. I have nothing for you in return.’

  ‘Yes, you do. You.’

  Did hearts melt? She was sure hers did. Together with every bone in her body.

  ‘That’s a…’ she paused to gather the right words together, and faltered ‘…lovely compliment.’ If only you mean it, she added silently.

  For the first time she felt as if she knew where home was.

  Not bricks and mortar in any country in the world. For it mattered little whether it was Sydney, Athens or other cities elsewhere.

  It was Loukas. Knowing she’d follow him wherever he chose to lead. For without him she was nothing.

  Love?

  Wouldn’t that be the ultimate irony?

  She, who had wanted a paper marriage with no emotional involvement. Who had fought so hard to gain emotional independence after a disastrous first marriage…and who had vowed never to love again.

  Alesha became aware the limousine had drawn to a halt, and she cast a surprised glance at the front entrance of Loukas’ Kifissia mansion. She’d been so lost in contemplative reflection she hadn’t noticed the passage of time.

  Minutes later she entered the foyer and gasped as Loukas placed an arm beneath her thighs and swept her into his arms.

  ‘What is this?’ she demanded in laughing query.

  ‘I believe it’s referred to as carrying one’s new wife over the threshold,’ he drawled with amusement as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

  ‘And?’

  He began ascending the stairs. ‘An indication the night is far from over.’

  ‘Really?’

  Loukas touched his lips to her temple. �
�Indeed.’

  ‘Sounds promising.’

  They reached the landing and he took the wide hallway leading to their bedroom.

  ‘It’s my intention to drive you wild.’

  Sensation spiralled through her body, and she brushed her fingers over his beautiful mouth. ‘Oh.’

  He entered the bedroom and kicked the door shut, then released her in a slow slide down his body to stand on the floor.

  ‘Just…oh, agape?’ he teased as he carefully removed the veil from her hair.

  ‘I’m lost for words.’ She urged his suit jacket over his shoulders and tossed it onto a nearby chair as he reached for the zip fastening of her gown.

  ‘I doubt words will form part of your vocabulary.’

  She dealt with the buttons on his shirt, pulled it free and reached for the waistband of his trousers.

  ‘Payback for last night?’

  Her gown slithered to the floor, and she stepped from the puddle of slipper satin.

  He buried his mouth into the soft scented hollow at the base of her throat. ‘I promise to deliver.’

  He did.

  With such consummate skill, she didn’t have any breath left in her body to do more than subside against him, totally spent…aware he’d brought every sensory cell achingly alive with a pleasure so intense it had been almost more than she could bear.

  It was mid-morning when Cristos deposited them outside the main entrance to the Andreou building where a helicopter waited on the helipad at roof level to transport them to the island.

  Within minutes of their boarding and being secured in their seats the rotors kicked in to a higher speed, then the helicopter lifted effortlessly into the air and began its flight over city buildings to the deep blue sparkling waters of the Aegean sea.

  The scenery was magic as several islands, both large and small came into view. Some bore small towns, hillside homes, hosting a populated community and geared to the tourist trade. While others bore small villages and olive groves. Then there were those tiny uninhabited islands covered in overgrown shrubbery.

  Loukas pointed out a few privately owned islands and relayed their fascinating history, then he indicated another that had been owned by one of Greece’s famed shipping magnates and used as a holiday home where his moored luxury cruiser hosted parties for the rich and famous.