The problem was, she stopped playing the moment he kissed her.
Then if things couldn‘t get any worse, out came Helene wearing a low cut blouse and a tight short skirt walking with an exaggerated sway of her hips as she approached the table. She immediately put herself next to Max despite his arm around her and proceeded to flirt outrageously with him. She didn‘t doubt for a moment that Max had spoken to her like he said, but obviously Helen wasn‘t one to be put off. Did the woman have no 79
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scruples? Twice she reached across the table for something and brushed her breasts against Max‘s other arm and the second time Lily stiffened, tossed her napkin on her plate, and started to get out of her chair.
She‘d had had it and she was going to say something to the woman or do what she wanted to in the first place, and scratch her eyes out! Max suddenly grabbed her and crushed his hard mouth down on hers. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard and indignant gasp and the scraping of chairs. Then it was gone and the only awareness was his mouth on hers and the way his tongue---oh dear!
What neither one of them saw was Nikos take Helene‘s arm and remove her from the table to a distance away while he chastised her for her behaviour.
―Do not embarrass your family.‖ Nikos ground out angrily. ―He is engaged to that woman and your are throwing yourself at him shamelessly.‖
She placed her hands on her hips, ―She is a timid little thing.‖ She tossed her long black hair over her shoulder, ―He is all man and needs a decent woman.‖
―Do not make yourself out to be something you‘re not Helene.‖ He added harshly, ―She is one of a kind and Max knows that.‖
She darted a look over her shoulder at the couple who were in a heated embrace, made a rough sound under her breath, and stomped out of there.
Nikos made sure his sister was out of sight before he turned back to the couple. Max had stopped kissing her but he had her face tilted up to his while his thumb ran across her bottom lip as he spoke softly to her while she seemed to hang on every word. Then he bent his head and placed a light kiss on his forehead in an adoring fashion. He definitely was in love with this woman.
80
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire The helicopter ride was exhilarating. Lily had never been on a helicopter before. Even the presence of Nikos‘ sister couldn‘t deter her from her excitement. Although she was still insisting on trying to draw attention from Max at least she didn‘t touch him again. Then her eyes widened as she saw the size of the yacht that was docked off the island and her mouth fell open,
―My goodness. Mr. Vassiliadas doesn‘t do anything small!‖
Nikos leaned over and started pointing out areas on the island that became visible as the helicopter circled it. Lily was amazed. There was a thriving village, sandy beaches and a large estate that bordered a private beach that Nikos explained was his brother in law‘s place. Tourism was very active on the Island because of the beautiful beaches and brought a lot of income for the locals.
Max only kept his eyes on her and smiled. He loved to see her so excited. After they married he made a note to keep his promise and take her to their villa in Spain. At that moment she turned and their eyes met. Nothing was said between them, but he didn‘t take his eyes off of hers. She glanced away for a moment then slowly returned her gaze almost as if she was gathering courage to stare back at him. She mouthed the word
‗what?‘ and he shook his head subtly and gave her a charming smile. Slowly she returned it and he reached over and took her hand.
When the helicopter landed, he still had a hold of it and as far as he was concerned, he wasn‘t letting go.
Nikos led them around the estate for a tour before they hopped in the cars to the yacht. It was equally impressive. Lily couldn‘t have even imagined anything so beautiful if she tried.
The place was like a paradise out of a novel and she instantly fell in love with it.
The cars were two white hummers with tinted windows.
Nikos and Helene got in the first one and she and Max got in the 81
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second one after their luggage was transferred.
―You like it here.‖ Said Max seeing her expression.
―Oh Max, it‘s so amazing.‖ She breathed looking out over the ocean. ―I never fathomed water to be so blue.‖
―If we had more time, I‘d take you swimming. Next time I promise I‘ll set aside time for the both of us.‖
―Really?‖ she was ecstatic. Did he really mean it? That they would have another trip to Nikos‘ estate and Demetrius‘
island? Even though it was for business, she didn‘t care as long as she did have time with Max in this paradise.
―I promise.‖ He said and he meant it. She may think it‘s about business, but he was already planning their honeymoon.
Thinking of the business deal reminded her of something, ―I‘ve been wondering how is it that it‘s Nikos that you‘re dealing with and not Demetrius? I mean this is a lot of money to spend—isn‘t it?‖ She‘d thought about it before but didn‘t bring it up because they‘d been so busy since they got to Greece, but now she had him alone.
―Demetrius is chasing after his wife.‖ Max said.
―Chasing?‖
―Nikos said that she took off nine months ago and they don‘t know why.‖ He stared at her a moment deep in thought.
―What?‖ she said seeing his expression.
He leaned toward her with a serious look. His pale eyes seemed to darken for a moment, ―If you ever did that to me, I swear to God I‘d track you down and lock you up for the rest of your life.‖
What brought that on? Was he kidding? After a moment it was obvious that he was deadly serious. There was no teasing glint in his eyes or a hint of a smile, ―Max, are you serious?‖
―Very.‖ He said.
She blinked.
―Let me explain. If you put Luke and I through that much 82
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire worry, you‘d better be prepared to see me at my worse.
Demetrius came to Nikos this morning before you joined us and he looked like hell. Obviously he was clearly distraught and it had been nine months.‖
Luke and him. Whatever hope was just building in her got squashed. ―He must love her very much.‖ Lily said quietly, ―I saw a picture of her in the tabloids. She‘s very beautiful.‖
Max stared at her, ―You are too Lily.‖
She stilled, ―Do you think so?‖
―Don‘t you?‖
She shrugged, ―I can never seem to get a date and when I do, sooner or later they take off, or do what David did when he saw you.‖
Max didn‘t realize the repercussions of his actions by keeping men away from her. Lily was possibly the most beautiful woman he‘d ever laid eyes on. He‘d been with other women over the years but there was no personal attachment. What she didn‘t know is that he hadn‘t been with a woman for over a year. He had lied to her when he told her about Cybil being good in bed.
That was one of the reasons Cybil was so angry. She‘d seen the way he looked at Lily and it was a look that was covetous and heated. One that he didn‘t bestow on his own girlfriend. It was getting harder to keep his emotions out of his expression. Now, he‘d given her a complex that she‘d kept well hidden from him and everyone else that was close to her. He didn‘t realize that he‘d done such a thing in his selfishness to keep her chaste.
―Lily.‖ He said reaching out and cupping her face in his hands, ―I think you are possibly the most beautiful woman I‘ve ever seen.‖
His eyes guided to her mouth as it parted in a silent gasp, ―If you weren‘t Luke‘s sister I‘d have seduced you years ago.‖
That confession near made her faint. Was he just saying it because she looked crestfallen, or that he felt sorry for her?
Regardless she couldn‘t help but feel her heart swell with it, 83
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―Really?‖ After a
moment she realized he really meant it.
Especially with the serious look in his pale eyes and the tone of his voice. If Maximilian King thought she was attractive, maybe there was some truth in it.
―Truthfully.‖ He answered as the car stopped next to the docks. Max told the driver to get out and wait for them. He needed a few moments with her.
Still she had to ask, ―You‘re not doing this out of pity are you?‖
―When have I done anything out of pity honey.‖ He bent his head and brushed his mouth across hers, ―I love the way you taste.‖ He said against her mouth, ―And you smell like wildflowers.‖
―hmm-mm.‖ was the only sound she could manage.
That soft sound of surrender provoked the fire burning in him for her and he took her mouth completely under his. This time she opened hers in response to his gentle coaxing and his tongue slipped past those lush full lips to caress hers. He was thankful of the tilted windows of the hummer at that moment. It was not like him at all to do public displays of affection. Even holding hands with a woman wasn‘t in his character, but he just couldn‘t keep from touching her.
Lily groaned and leaned into him. She felt hot all over and the intimate touch of their tongues was surprisingly erotic.
Her arms went around him and her fingers threaded through his hair trying to get closer.
He lifted his head to look at her and she slowly opened her eyes. Smiling he bent his head again and took her mouth again. Lily must have been the only woman who could possibly look more beautiful when flushed with passion. One day she would be completely his.
With the last of his will, he finally put his hands on her waist and pulled her away from him, ―Okay button we have to 84
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire stop.‖ She looked disappointed and he almost kissed her again,
―Look, there‘s evidence on me of what we‘ve been doing in here and although I‘m enjoying this as much as you are, I don‘t need to advertise it to the public.‖
It took Lily a moment to understand his meaning than her eyes widened. ―Oh, gosh. Max—I‘m sorry.‖
―You would be.‖ He said kissing her on the lips briefly,
―but it‘s not necessary, I like kissing you.‖
She blushed as he grabbed her hand and opened the door before she could respond. Did he really mean that? He seemed so casual about the whole thing despite his confession that he thought she was beautiful. Part of her started to think he was only being a good friend by showering her with attention—but that kiss! If she thought she was warm before when he kissed her, she was scorching now. Then she began to think about his body on hers again. If he combined that with the way he just kissed her she‘d be lost and there was no way she‘d want him to stop.
It had taken her and Max a little longer because of what they‘d been doing in the car, so Nikos and Helene walked down the dock already. The driver helped Max with their luggage and led the way.
Lily paused at the magnificent sight. ―Oh Max, it‘s beautiful!‖ The yacht looked like a small mountain but was beautiful. Lily had never seen anything like it. Then her excitement was crushed when she saw Helene leaning over the rail waving at them. Well, probably more at Max.
‗You‘re girlfriend is here.‖ She mumbled.
―Yeah well let‘s hope you don‘t drive her one like you wanted to at breakfast.‖ He said with a glint of amusement while looking down at her.
She released a frustrated breath and didn‘t look at him but her feet instead. She was a little ashamed at the jealousy 85
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she‘d been feeling because she had no right. Max wasn‘t hers,
―You knew?‖
―Why do you think I kissed you? I thought you were going to leap over me to get at her.‖ He grinned, ―Normally I wouldn‘t mind if you wanted to crawl on me, but Helene is a little more experienced with competition.‖
―Max, she was rubbing her breasts on you!‖ she said as he started leading her down the dock.
He chuckled and dropped his gaze to hers, ―Yours are nicer.‖ He said.
―Max!‖ she exclaimed wide-eyed.
―my point is, don‘t worry about her. She doesn‘t hold a candle to you.‖
―you say that but she has skills I couldn‘t imagine.‖
He narrowed his gaze at her, angry that she would put herself in such a category as Helene, ―She has skills that are common with women like her, don‘t knock yourself Lily. If you knew how aroused I was in the car from one simple kiss, you wouldn‘t doubt yourself.‖
―Simple?‖ That was simple?
He grinned sinfully, ―Oh honey you are a treat!‖ he said and then chuckled deeply and slid his arm around her waist. If she thought that was a kiss, he had a hell of a lot more to teach her.
―Stop it.‖ She flushed.
He just continued to chuckle as he led her up the ramp onto the ship. Nikos was waiting and Helene raced over to his side, but she didn‘t touch max this time. It‘s too bad, thought Lily, she really did feel like hitting something or someone.
―I‘ll show you to your stateroom for the night.‖ Said Nikos, ―And then I‘ll take you on a tour of the boat.‖
―This is like a floating hotel.‖ Said Lily in awe.
―My brother in law, does things in a big way, like you 86
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire said.‖ Grinned Nikos. He actually had this made as a wedding present for my sister Sophie.‖
Helene made a noise under her breath and when Lily darted her eyes to her she was sure she saw her expression darken to the point of making the beautiful woman ugly. It was then she realized that Helene was incredibly jealous of her little sister. It was a hard concept for Lily to understand. She would have loved to have had a sister.
―It‘s too bad you weren‘t here tomorrow. My sister will hopefully be here by then. I have a distinct feeling you two would be good friends.‖
‗What?‖ shot Helene with an expression of shock,
―Tomorrow?‖
Nikos gave her a look of surprise, ―Yes, Demetrius is on his way to get her now.‖ Helene actually paled causing Nikos to narrow his gaze at her. Something else was going on in his sister‘s mind. ―What is it?‖
―Nothing.‖ She abruptly shook her head. ―I just remembered I need to be somewhere else this evening.‖ Before anyone could say anything she was gone.
Nikos turned back to his other two guests with his expression masking the rage he was feeling toward his sister‘s rudeness, ―I apologize to both of you for Helene‘s behaviour, it is shameful.‖ He focused on Lily, ―Especially to you Lily, you have been very patient in this matter.‖ He held up his hand as she opened her mouth to say something, ―No, please, I know what Helene is like, we all do. Unfortunately she was very spoiled by my parents and is used to getting what she wants. It is our hope that she will grow up someday.‖
Lily thought about saying something in her defence, but then she couldn‘t find anything to say at all so she kept her mouth shut. It wasn‘t often that she came across someone she didn‘t like, but Helene certainly sealed it when she kept making 87
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passes at Max even though the enormous ring on Lily‘s finger was as obvious as a slap in the face. Not only did the woman practically run away after hearing that her sister was returning, she was missing her father‘s birthday celebration. She would give anything to celebrate another birthday with her father. He and her mother died in a car crash when she was fourteen.
―There‘s no need to explain Nikos.‖ Max said relieving the other man of his discomfort, ―Lily was very understanding.‖ He flinched as she pinched him causing Nikos to bellow with laughter.
―Is that right? Come, I‘ll show you around the ‗floating hotel‘.‖ He mused.
After an hour Lily took back her statement about this being a floating hotel. No hotel she‘d ever been in was this immaculate. It was decorated in the colors of royalty, red and gold cloth, with brass a
ccents, high polished wood and expensive oriental rugs. Although the man who insisted on holding on to her hand the whole time was more appealing to her. She felt strangely adored. Not in an uneasy way, but a warm gushy feeling way. You‘d never know that he was acting by the way he paid attention to her. Regardless, she was going to soak it up.
Not too long after the guests started to arrive. By the looks of them, they must‘ve been Greece‘s elite besides a few recognizable famous faces. Lily‘s jaw dropped seeing a famous director from the States. ―Max, isn‘t that—―
―yes.‖ He said, ―come on, we have to get dressed for dinner.‖I hope you brought a gorgeous gown.‖
She stopped, ―Actually I don‘t think I did—not for this crowd.‖ She didn‘t expect this affair to be so elaborate so she brought simple dinner dresses but nothing as fancy as this entailed.
―I have a solution.‖ Nikos said. He had overheard the conversation and couldn‘t help but intervene, ―come with me,‖ he 88
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire held out his hand but Max only shook his head and took her arm causing Nikos to smile at his possessiveness.
He led them to the owner‘s suite which was about the size of a small apartment and opened the door to a large walk in closet revealing a multitude of designer gowns, ―These are my sisters—―
―Nikos! I can‘t wear your sisters clothing—― she protested.
He held up his hand cutting her off, ―If you knew Sophie, you wouldn‘t hesitate, please,‖ he said sweeping his hand toward the interior of the closet, ―I insist. You have the same figure so I‘m positive they‘ll fit.‖
―Go on Lily, I‘ll come back in a half an hour and get you.‖
Max encouraged her but gently pushing her into the closet.
―But—Max?‖ she said exasperated.
―See you in a bit honey.‖ He said placing his hand on Nikos shoulder and leading him out of the room, ―If you think you‘re staying, you‘re out of your mind.‖
Nikos laughed.
Lily was left alone after the men‘s muffled laughter faded through the closed door. She turned to examine the outrageously beautiful gowns in the closet. She nervously chewed her bottom lip as her fingers ran over the material as she walked down the aisle. These were exquisite! She never thought she‘d ever own one in her lifetime let alone wear one for a night. She stopped when she saw the one she wanted. Taking it off the rack she held it up and smiled. If Max wasn‘t serious about her before, hopefully this would help him make up his mind.
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