by Sarah Morgan
‘You look stunning. If you don’t want them all surmising that we climbed out of bed to come here then you need to stop looking guilty.’
‘I saw several TV cameras.’
‘The opening of a new wing of the museum is news.’
‘The neckline of this dress might also be news.’ She tugged at it. ‘My breasts are too big for this plunging style. Can I borrow your jacket?’
‘Your breasts deserve a dress like that and no, you may not borrow my jacket.’ His voice was a deep, masculine purr and she felt the sizzle of sexual attraction right through her body.
‘Are you flirting with me?’ He was completely different from the safe, friendly men who formed part of her social circle. There was a brutal strength to him, a confidence and assurance that suggested he’d never met a man he hadn’t been able to beat in a fight, whether in the bar or the boardroom.
Her question appeared to amuse him. ‘You’re my date. Flirting is mandatory.’
‘It unsettles me and I’m already unsettled at the thought of tonight.’
‘Because you’re with me?’
No way was she confessing how being with him really made her feel. ‘No, because the opening of this new museum wing is a really momentous occasion.’
‘You and I have a very different idea of what constitutes a momentous occasion, Lily.’ There was laughter in his eyes. ‘Never before has my ego been so effectively crushed.’
‘Your ego is armour plated, like your feelings.’
‘It’s true that my feelings of self-worth are not dependent on the opinion of others.’
‘Because you think you’re right and everyone else is wrong. I wish I were more like you. What if the reporters ask who I am? What do I say? I’m a fake.’
‘You’re the archaeologist. I’m the fake. And you say whatever you want to say. Or say nothing. Your decision. You’re the one in charge of your mouth.’
‘You have no idea how much I wish that was true.’
‘Tell me why you’re excited about tonight.’
‘You mean apart from the fact I get to dress up? The new wing houses the biggest collection of Minoan antiquities anywhere in Greece. It has a high percentage of provenanced material, which means archaeologists will be able to restudy material from old excavations. It’s exciting. And I love the dress by the way, even though I’ll never have any reason to wear it again.’
‘Chipped pots excite you?’
She winced. ‘Don’t say that on camera. The collection will play an active role in research and in university teaching as well as offering a unique insight for the general public.’
As the car pulled up outside the museum one of Nik’s security team opened the door and Lily emerged to what felt like a million camera flashes.
‘Unreal,’ she muttered. ‘Now I know why celebrities wear sunglasses.’
‘Mr Zervakis—’ Photographers and reporters gathered as close as they could. ‘Do you have a statement about the new wing?’
Nik paused and spoke directly to the camera, relaxed and at ease as he repeated Lily’s words without a single error.
She stared at him. ‘You must have an incredible short-term memory.’
A reporter stepped forward. ‘Who’s your guest tonight, Nik?’
Nik turned towards her and she realised he was leaving it up to her to decide whether to give them a name or not.
‘I’m a friend,’ she muttered and Nik smiled, took her hand and led her up the steps to the welcome committee at the top.
The first person she spotted was David Ashurst and she stopped in dismay. In answer to Nik’s questioning look, she shook her head quickly, misery and panic creating a sick cocktail inside her. ‘I’m fine. I saw someone I didn’t expect to see, that’s all. I didn’t think he’d have the nerve to show up.’
‘That’s him?’ His gaze travelled from her face to the man looking awkward at the top of the steps. ‘He is the reason you’re hoping for a personality transplant?’
‘His name is Professor Ashurst. He has a wife,’ she muttered in an undertone. ‘Can you believe that? I actually cried over that loser. Do I have time to get my notebook out of my bag? I can’t remember what I wrote down.’
‘I’ll tell you what to say.’ He leaned closer and whispered something in her ear that made her gasp.
‘I can’t say that.’
‘No? Then how’s this for an alternative?’ Sliding his arm round her waist, he pressed his hand to the base of her spine and flattened her against him. She looked up at him, hypnotised by those spectacular dark eyes and the raw sexuality in his gaze. Before she could ask what he was doing he lowered his head and kissed her.
Pleasure screamed through her, sensation scorching her skin and stoking a pool of heat low in her belly. She’d been kissed before, but never like this. Nik used his mouth with slow, sensual expertise and she felt a rush of exquisite excitement burn through her body. Her nerve endings tingled, her tummy flipped like a gymnast in a competition, and Lily was possessed by a deep, dark craving that was entirely new to her. Oblivious to their audience, she pushed against his hard, powerful frame and felt his arms tighten around her in a gesture that was unmistakably possessive. It was a taste rather than a feast, but it left her starving for more so that when he slowly lifted his head she swayed towards him dizzily, trying to balance herself.
‘Wh-why did you do that?’
He dragged his thumb slowly across her lower lip and released her. ‘Because you didn’t know what to say and sometimes actions speak louder than words.’
‘You’re an amazing kisser.’ Lily blinked as a flashbulb went off in her face. ‘Now there’s no chance your girlfriend will believe I’m the cleaner.’
‘No chance.’ His gaze lingered on her mouth. ‘And she isn’t my girlfriend.’
Her head spun and her legs felt shaky. She was aware of the women staring at her enviously and David gaping at her, shell-shocked.
As she floated up the last few steps to the top she smiled at him, feeling strong for the first time in days. ‘Hi, Professor Ass—Ashurst.’ She told herself it was the heat that was making her dizzy and disorientated, not the kiss. ‘Have a safe flight home tomorrow. I’m sure your family has missed you.’
There was no opportunity for him to respond because the curator of the museum stepped forward to welcome them, shaking Nik’s hand and virtually prostrating himself in gratitude.
‘Mr Zervakis—your generosity—this wing is the most exciting moment of my career—’ the normally articulate man was stammering. ‘I know your schedule is demanding but we’d be honoured if you’d meet the team and then take a quick tour.’
Lily kept a discreet distance but Nik took her hand and clamped her next to his side, a gesture that earned her a quizzical look from Brittany, who was looking sleek and pretty in a short blue dress that showed off her long legs. She was standing next to Spy, whose eyes were glued to Lily’s cleavage, confirming all her worst fears about the suitability of the dress.
The whole situation felt surreal.
One moment she’d been half naked and shivering on the bathroom floor, the next she’d been whisked into an elegant bedroom by a team of four people who had proceeded to style her hair, do her make-up and generally make her fit to be seen on the arm of Nik Zervakis.
Three dresses had magically appeared and Nik had strolled into the room in mid phone call, gestured to one of them and then left without even pausing in his conversation.
It had been on the tip of Lily’s tongue to select a different dress on principle. Then she’d reasoned that not only had he provided the dress, thus allowing her to turn up at the museum opening in the first place, but that he’d picked the dress she would have chosen herself.
All the same, she felt self-conscious as her friends and colleagues
working on the project at Aptera stood together while she was treated like a VIP.
As the curator led them towards the first display Lily forgot to be self-conscious and examined the pot.
‘This is early Minoan.’
Nik stared at it with a neutral expression. ‘You know that because it’s more cracked than the others?’
‘No. Because their ceramics were characterised by linear patterns. Look—’ She took his arm and drew him closer to the glass. ‘Spirals, crosses, triangles, curved lines—’ She talked to him about each one and he listened carefully before strolling further along the glass display cabinet.
‘This one has a bird.’
‘Naturalistic designs were characteristic of the Middle Minoan period. The sequencing of ceramic styles has helped archaeologists define the three phases of Minoan culture.’
He stared down in her eyes. ‘Fascinating.’
Her heart bumped hard against her chest and as the curator moved away to answer questions from the press she stepped closer to him. ‘You’re not really fascinated, are you?’
‘I am.’ His eyes dropped to her mouth with blatant interest. ‘But I think it might be because you’re the one saying it. I love the way you get excited about things that put other people to sleep, and your mouth looks cute when you say “Minoan”. It makes you pout.’
She tried not to laugh. ‘You’re impossible. To you it’s an old pot, but it can have tremendous significance. Ceramics help archaeologists establish settlement and trading patterns. We can reconstruct human activity based on the distribution of pottery. It gives us an idea of population size and social complexity. Why are you donating so much money to the museum if it isn’t an interest of yours?’
‘Because I’m interested in preserving Greek culture. I donate the money. It’s up to them to decide how to use it. I don’t micromanage and gifts don’t come with strings.’
‘Why didn’t you insist that it was called “The Zervakis Wing” or something? Most benefactors want their name in the title.’
‘It’s about preserving history, not about advertising my name.’ His eyes gleamed. ‘And ZervaCo is a modern, forward-thinking company at the cutting edge of technology development. I don’t want the name associated with a museum.’
‘You’re joking.’
‘Yes, I’m joking.’ His smile faded as Spy and Brittany joined them.
‘They’re good friends of mine,’ Lily said quickly, ‘so you can switch off the full-wattage intimidation.’
‘If you’re sure.’ He introduced himself to both of them and chatted easily with Spy while Brittany pulled Lily to one side.
‘I don’t even know where to start with my questions.’
‘Probably just as well because I wouldn’t know where to start with my answers.’
‘I’m guessing he’s the owner of Villa You-Have-to-be-Kidding-Me.’
‘He is.’
‘I’m not going to ask,’ Brittany muttered and then grinned. ‘Oh hell, yes I am. I’m asking. What happened? He found you in the cellar fighting off the ugly sisters and decided to bring you to the ball?’
‘Close. He found me on the floor of his bathroom where I’d been attacked and left for dead by his power shower. After I broke up his relationship, he needed a replacement and I was the only person around.’
Brittany started to laugh. ‘You were left for dead by his power shower?’
‘You said you wouldn’t ask.’
‘These things only ever happen to you, Lily.’
‘I am aware of that. I am really not good with technology.’
‘Maybe not, but you know how to pick your rebound guy. He is spectacular. And you look stunning.’ Brittany’s curious gaze slid over her from head to foot. ‘It’s a step up from dusty shorts and hiking boots.’
Lily frowned. ‘He isn’t my rebound guy.’
‘Why not? He is smoking hot. And there’s something about him.’ Her friend narrowed her eyes as she scanned Nik’s broad shoulders and powerful frame. ‘A suggestion of the uncivilised under the civilised, if you know what I mean.’ Brittany put her hand on her arm and her voice was suddenly serious. ‘Be careful.’
‘Why would I need to be careful? I’m never setting foot in his shower again, if that’s what you mean.’
‘It isn’t what I mean. That man is not tame.’
‘He’s surprisingly amusing company.’
‘That makes him even more dangerous. He’s a tiger, not a pussycat and he hasn’t taken his eyes off you for five seconds. I don’t want to see you hurt again.’
‘I have never been in less danger of being hurt. He isn’t my type.’
Brittany looked at her. ‘Nik Zervakis is the man equivalent of Blood Type O. He is everyone’s type.’
‘Not mine.’
‘He kissed you,’ Brittany said dryly, ‘so I’m guessing he might have a different opinion on that.’
‘He kissed me because I didn’t know what to say to David. I was in an awkward position and he helped me out. He did that for me.’
‘Lily, a guy like him does things for himself. Don’t make a mistake about that. He does what he wants, with whoever he wants to do it, at a time that suits him.’
‘I know. Don’t worry about me.’ Smiling at Brittany, she moved back to Nik. ‘Looks like the party is breaking up. Thanks for a fun evening. I’ll post you the dress back and any time you need your shower cleaned let me know. I owe you.’
He stared down at her for a long moment, ignoring everyone around them. ‘Have dinner with me. I have a reservation at The Athena at nine.’
She’d heard of The Athena. Who hadn’t? It was one of the most celebrated restaurants in the whole of Greece. Eating there was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people and a never-in-this-lifetime experience for her.
Those incredible dark eyes held hers and Brittany’s voice flitted into her head.
He’s a tiger, not a pussycat.
From the way he was looking at her mouth, she wondered if he intended her to be the guest or the meal.
‘That’s a joke, right?’ She gave a half-smile and looked away briefly, awkward, out of her depth. When she looked back at him she was still the only one smiling.
‘I never joke about food.’
Something curled low in her stomach. ‘Nik...’ she spoke softly ‘...this has been amazing. Really out of this world and something to tell my kids one day, but you’re a gazillionaire and I’m a—a—’
‘Sexy woman who looks great in that dress.’
There was something about him that made her feel as if she were floating two feet above the ground.
‘I was going to say I’m a dusty archaeologist who can’t even figure out how to use your power shower.’
‘I’ll teach you. Have dinner with me, Lily.’ His soft command made her wonder if anyone had ever said no to him.
Thrown by the look in his eyes and the almost unbearable sexual tension, she was tempted. Then she remembered her rule about never dating anyone who didn’t fit her basic criteria. ‘I can’t. But I’ll never forget this evening. Thank you.’ Because she was afraid she’d change her mind, she turned and walked quickly towards the exit.
What a crazy day it had been.
Part of her was longing to look back, to see if he was watching her.
Of course he wouldn’t be watching her. Look at how quickly he’d replaced Christina. Within two minutes of her refusal, Nik Zervakis would be inviting someone else to dinner.
David stood in the doorway, blocking her exit. ‘What are you doing with him?’
‘None of your business.’
His jaw tightened. ‘Did you kiss him to make me jealous or to help you get over me?’
‘I kissed him because he’s a hot guy, and
I was over you the moment I found out you were married.’ Realising it was true, Lily felt a rush of relief but that relief was tempered by the knowledge that her system for evaluating prospective life partners was seriously flawed.
‘I know you love me.’
‘You’re wrong. And if you really knew me, you’d know I’m incapable of loving a man who is married to another woman.’ Her voice and hands were shaking. ‘You have a wife. A family.’
‘I’ll work something out.’
‘Did you really just say that to me?’ Lily stared at him, appalled. ‘A family is not disposable. You don’t come and go as it suits you, nor do you “work something out”. You stick by them through thick and thin.’ Disgusted and disillusioned, she tried to step past him but he caught her arm.
‘You don’t understand. Things are tough right now.’
‘I don’t care.’ She dug her fingers into clammy palms. Knowing that her response was deeply personal, she looked away. ‘A real man doesn’t walk away when things get tough.’
‘You’re forgetting how good it was between us.’
‘And you’re forgetting the promises you made.’ She dragged her arm out of his grip. ‘Go back to your wife.’
He glanced over her shoulder towards Nik. ‘I never thought you were the sort to be turned on by money, but obviously I was wrong. I hope you know what you’re doing because all that man will ever give you is one night. A man like him is only interested in sex.’
‘What did you say?’ Lily stared at him and then turned her head to look at Nik. The sick feeling in her stomach eased and her spirits lifted. ‘You’re right. Thank you so much.’
‘For making you realise he’s wrong for you?’
‘For making me realise he’s perfect. Now stop looking down the front of my dress and go home to your wife and kids.’ With that, she stalked past him and spotted the reporter who had asked her identity on the way in. ‘Lily,’ she said clearly. ‘Lily Rose. That’s my name. And yes, Rose is my second name.’
Then she turned and stalked back into the museum, straight up to Nik, who was deep in conversation with two important-looking men in suits.