The Greek's Forbidden Innocent

by Annie West

  Cravenly she wished he hadn’t gone. If she’d woken wrapped around him, she wouldn’t have a chance to think. She’d be too busy exploring him. Carnal excitement filled her.

  In his absence thoughts crammed her head, vying for supremacy over her feeling of contentment.

  With a sigh she stuffed pillows behind her and sat up. The fine linen sheets felt heavy over her sensitised skin, grazing her nipples as she tucked the fabric under her arms. Making her remember last night in delicious detail.

  If Alexei walked in now, she’d fling the sheet aside and indulge in her new favourite pastime. Sex.

  Except, what they’d shared seemed much more than a mere physical coupling. It had felt...

  Mina shook her head, her hair sliding around her shoulders. Whatever it had felt like, it had to stop.

  She caught her lip between her teeth. It would be easy to tell herself she wasn’t thinking straight after such mind-boggling pleasure but she couldn’t escape her conscience. Responsibility, doing right, had been drummed into her from childhood.

  Despite what her eager body urged, it wasn’t right to sleep with Alexei while he believed her to be someone else!

  A selfish part of her wanted to thrust that aside. After all, he’d given Carissa no choice. He deserved whatever he got for his high-handed actions. And yet... Even in so short a time, she knew he was far more complex than the bogeyman they’d made him into. For one thing, Carissa’s father had stolen from him, on a large scale. Who wouldn’t be irate in the circumstances? Alexei was a victim of crime and deserved sympathy, not more treachery.

  Besides, this wasn’t a question of Alexei’s culpability but hers. This masquerade didn’t sit well with Mina’s conscience. True, she did it for the best reasons, but it was still a lie. It was one thing to be swept off her feet in heightened passion and not reveal the truth. It was another to share Alexei’s bed while duping him. She’d feel cheap and tainted, prolonging that lie while they were physically intimate.

  Mina hugged herself as a chill enveloped her. She wanted to be selfish and have more of what she’d had last night.

  But she couldn’t, not without telling Alexei who she was.

  Her conscience urged her to find Alexei and reveal the truth. Surely he’d understand. He wouldn’t insist on dragging Carissa into this.

  Then she remembered his fury when he’d spoken of Carissa’s father. That adamantine set of Alexei’s jaw as he’d spoken of retribution. A chill spread through her like mountain frost. Mina hoped he’d change his mind but she couldn’t guarantee it. There was a chance he’d go through with his plans for Carissa.

  Nausea swirled in her stomach and bile rose in her throat at the idea of Alexei with Carissa. Marrying her.

  She wanted to scream that it wasn’t possible. He wouldn’t do that, not now, he’d more or less admitted that had been a ploy to get her here. But there were no guarantees. Alexei was a powerful man used to getting what he wanted.

  She couldn’t risk it. Carissa had pleaded for another couple of days. If Mina revealed the truth now Alexei might still use her friend as a pawn. Mina hated to think it but she had to face facts.

  Which left her lusting for a man she couldn’t fully trust. Lying to a man she liked more than she’d expected. Yearning for—

  Mina thrust aside the sheet and scrambled out of bed. Two things were clear. She couldn’t tell Alexei who she was until she knew Carissa was safe with Pierre. And in the meantime, honour demanded Mina didn’t sleep with Alexei again.

  ‘Alexei?’

  He looked up from the tray he was filling and saw her framed in the kitchen doorway. His heart did a crazy somersault.

  She wore a miniskirt the colour of ripe watermelon and a sleeveless white shirt that tied at the waist, emphasising her slenderness. There was plenty of honey-toned skin on display but it was her hair, a dark cloud around her shoulders, and her glowing eyes, that captivated.

  Heat scudded through him. Desire. Satisfaction.

  He’d had her all night but that hadn’t sated his need.

  She was delectable. A mix of hesitant, innocent and wanton sensualist.

  ‘You should have stayed in bed. I was bringing brunch.’ Then Alexei registered the stiff way she held herself. ‘Are you okay?’ He was across the room in an instant, taking her hands. ‘Tell me.’ Uncharacteristically, Alexei felt anxious. He told himself women lost their virginities all the time.

  She swallowed and his eyes tracked the movement, senses alert. Especially when he realised she hadn’t yet looked directly at him.

  As he thought it, she raised her eyes, her expression serious. His gut tightened.

  ‘I realised I never told you I’m sorry about the theft. About...my father’s actions.’ She grimaced. ‘I didn’t really think about the impact on your business. Is it a complete disaster? Will the company recover?’

  Days ago Alexei would have been astounded to feel relief at her words. Yet that was what flooded him. Carissa was okay; she wasn’t hurt. Or having second thoughts.

  He brushed his thumbs over her wrists. ‘Thank you.’ Strange how something as simple as her concern, and her apology, acted as a salve on the raw wound to his pride. Because he hadn’t seen the betrayal coming. Because despite excellent systems, his enterprise had still been vulnerable. ‘It’s...manageable.’

  The theft caused major problems but not enough to destabilise the company, if handled carefully.

  ‘Manageable?’ She tilted her head, trying to read him. ‘Is that code? He hasn’t bankrupted you, has he?’ No missing her sharp note of worry.

  Alexei felt her tremble, saw her features pale. For once Carissa’s thoughts were easy to read. Horror and distress.

  ‘No, nothing like that.’ He squeezed her hands. ‘The company wasn’t that vulnerable.’

  ‘Good.’ She nodded. ‘I’m glad.’

  The words were simple but he knew her well enough to realise her sentiments were genuine. Had he really believed she’d connived with her father? Watching her now, it was hard to credit. Her concern and sincerity, clear in her eyes and taut body as well as her words, made a mockery of his doubts. She might not want to betray her father but she was innocent of his crimes.

  Belatedly it hit him how difficult this had been for her.

  ‘I’ve put you in a tough situation.’ The words emerged without thinking. It was too late to regret his actions, especially since he couldn’t regret having her here with him. But given his time over, Alexei would have taken a different approach.

  Those brown eyes widened in shock. Then she lifted one shoulder. ‘I’ve survived worse.’

  She made light of it but suddenly Alexei couldn’t. He felt wrong-footed. ‘I acted rashly. For that I’m sorry. I assumed you knew about the theft.’ When her eyes widened, he shook his head. ‘My default position is not to trust anyone. I learned long ago it was safer than being disappointed.’

  Even Alexei was surprised by the admission. He never explained himself. But in this case, he knew he owed her an apology.

  Carissa’s hands grasped his. ‘Could we, maybe, put all that aside for a little?’

  She looked so earnest he had to smile. Especially since, after giving an apology, Alexei wasn’t quite sure where to go next. This was unfamiliar territory.

  ‘With pleasure.’ He brushed the fall of long hair off her shoulder and wrapped his other arm around her waist, tugging her close. ‘I’m sure we can find something else to concentrate on.’ He was leaning in to kiss her when a palm on his chest stopped him.

  Carissa was staring at his collarbone, not his face. High colour flagged her cheeks.

  ‘About that,’ she said to his shirt. ‘We need to take a raincheck.’

  Alexei frowned. He couldn’t believe it, especially as she arched sinuously against him. He could tell when a woman wanted him and Carissa did, witho
ut doubt. ‘Sorry? You don’t want to have sex with me?’

  Her crack of laughter unlocked something tight that had formed in his chest. She shook her head. ‘You’re so sure of yourself.’

  ‘With good reason.’ His hand wandered lower, to the hem of her miniskirt. She stiffened.

  ‘The fact is, I can’t. I...’ She lifted her face and met his eyes with an unblinking stare. ‘I’ve got my period.’

  Disappointment seared him. It was so savage it felt like pain. Alexei opened his mouth to suggest there were ways they could, but seeing her blush deepen, recalling she’d been a virgin yesterday, he shut it again.

  He dragged in a slow breath. ‘I won’t say I’m not disappointed. But I’ve survived worse.’

  When she registered the echo of her own words, Carissa grinned. Suddenly she looked more like the vibrant, confident woman he knew. A weight he hadn’t registered lifted from his chest. Alexei slung his arm around her shoulder and turned towards the tray he’d prepared.

  ‘Things will seem brighter after we’ve eaten.’

  If only food could cure sexual frustration. Because the next few days would surely test him to the limit.

  * * *

  ‘For someone who’s never been on a boat you look right at home.’ Alexei’s voice stirred Mina from her reverie. She looked across the dinghy’s bench seat to find him watching speculatively.

  Three days ago his questioning stare would have made her wary, consumed with worry that he’d unmask her, for, unlike Carissa, she’d grown up in a desert kingdom with no experience of the sea. But a lot had changed. By mutual consent they didn’t speak about business or revenge or the future. They existed totally in the present.

  Their relationship was fragile. It could only last until the outside world intruded. But for the first time in her life it was enough just to be.

  To be with him.

  All her life, she’d strived to live up to others’ expectations. First to meet her father’s impossible demands. Then, finding a niche in the competitive art world, working harder than her peers to prove she hadn’t achieved her initial success because of her connections.

  Being with Alexei was like breathing fresh air after stale. Even though they weren’t physically intimate since her lie about her period—the only way she could think of to keep him at arm’s length—to her amazement he hadn’t shown annoyance or frustration.

  Alexei made her feel good about herself. Not because of her royal status, but because...

  Because he genuinely liked her? The thought was tempting. But she couldn’t afford to dwell on it. She adjusted her wide-brimmed hat.

  ‘I’m adaptable,’ she murmured, taking in the crystalline ocean and white beach. ‘Besides, the view is fantastic.’

  ‘It sure is.’ Heat simmered in his dark jade stare and Mina felt the familiar tickle of awareness. It began in the soles of her feet, climbing up her legs to swirl and intensify between her thighs, then rise, via her breasts to her throat where her breath caught.

  Every time Alexei watched her she felt that same drag of muscles, the quickening, the eagerness. The sensations grew stronger with each day they spent together.

  Henri and Marie hadn’t returned, their boat damaged in the storm, which had hit the main island badly. They could have returned by Alexei’s helicopter but it was busy on relief work and Alexei and Mina were more than able to look after themselves while the others waited for repairs.

  ‘When you invited me out on your boat I’d pictured a massive cruiser. But this suits you better.’ Her gaze drifted over his open shirt, cotton shorts and strongly muscled legs. Her pulse revved pleasantly.

  Alexei shrugged, his expression wickedly knowing. ‘I prefer something a little laid-back unless I have to entertain for business.’

  ‘I can relate to that.’ Mina extended one bare leg and wriggled her toes in the sunshine. How fabulous to be free of the formal clothes appropriate to the royal court. That was something she hadn’t missed in France.

  ‘You don’t like dressing up?’

  ‘I prefer comfort.’ Carissa’s clothes might not be her style, but at least they included shorts and summer skirts rather than evening gowns and high heels.

  Alexei reached out and stroked his finger across the arch of her foot, then up to her ankle and calf.

  Mina shivered. His touch evoked a memory of his loving. It had been days now and abstinence was tough, tougher than she’d imagined.

  ‘I can imagine you in some glamorous outfit. You’d look spectacular.’

  Mina smiled. The deep timbre of his voice told her he meant every word. ‘Why, thank you. I’m sure you clean up pretty well too.’ He’d look stunning in formal clothes. Her insides clenched just thinking about it.

  She hesitated on the brink of suggesting they go out one night in the future, he in a tuxedo, she in something slinky and feminine. Except that would mean a date and that was impossible. Once the truth came out Mina wouldn’t see him again.

  A sudden tightness in her chest stole her breath.

  This interlude was a snatched moment out of their real lives. Neither were interested in long-term relationships. Mina had a career to build. She couldn’t afford distractions. And Alexei...

  ‘What are you thinking?’

  Mina became aware of Alexei’s hand, warm on her knee, of his quizzical stare fixed on her face. Regret pierced her. She wanted what they shared to last longer than a few days.

  Underlying regret was surprise that Alexei understood her well enough to read her expression. Mina had spent years keeping her emotions private. She was an expert. Discovering a man who saw beyond her projected calm and sensed her disquiet should make her feel vulnerable. Yet Mina felt a thrill of excitement that Alexei was so attuned to her emotions. As if she mattered.

  What did he read in her face?

  Surely not her foolish longing for what could never be.

  ‘I’m thinking you should grab that fishing line. I saw it move.’

  Alexei muttered something beneath his breath and grabbed the neglected reel.

  It had surprised her that he hadn’t produced sleek, professional-looking fishing rods. Yet these battered hand reels, like the unpretentious boat, seemed as right for Alexei as his architect-designed home and priceless art.

  He was a man who couldn’t be labelled and stuck in a box. She wanted to find out more, discover what made him tick. But she resisted the temptation to pry. It could lead to places she couldn’t go.

  ‘Have you got a fish?’ She leaned forward, fascinated by his sudden alertness.

  ‘Could be.’ He held the line in one sinewy hand, his attention on the water.

  Mina peered over the side but couldn’t see anything.

  * * *

  Alexei felt the tug on the line and began to reel it in.

  There’d be fresh fish for dinner. Not that there was any danger of starving. Marie’s well-stocked kitchen would keep them till she came back with supplies.

  Strangely the thought of having company, even Marie and Henri, who were friends as much as employees, didn’t appeal. He wanted more time alone with Carissa.

  When she wasn’t driving him to distraction with sexual frustration she was surprisingly restful company. She didn’t pry or quiz him about his private life, yet Alexei had found himself talking far more than usual.

  They’d discussed music and art and found more areas where their tastes overlapped than where they’d diverged. They’d discovered a shared passion for football, which made Alexei reassess his unconscious sexism. When, in the past, had he discussed sport with a lover? He’d assumed women weren’t interested.

  A chance comment about doing business across continents led to a discussion about the global economy and international trade. Alexei again realised he’d underestimated Carissa.

  He felt ashamed that he’d bee
n so shallow. Carissa was unique and she clearly hadn’t been coached by her father. They’d veered into areas he knew were beyond Carter’s expertise. Besides, Carissa had been distracted at the time, cooking. She’d got so caught up in their discussion she’d forgotten the food, till Alexei salvaged it.

  She’d shrugged and admitted she wasn’t much of a cook. Then she’d described her one attempt to bake a soufflé and the disastrous result. Carissa’s laughter had wrapped around him like warm silk as her eyes lit at the memory.

  Now she looked like an excited kid.

  It hit Alexei that if she’d never been in a boat, she’d probably never caught a fish. The thought snagged.

  His childhood had been short on fun experiences after his stepfather got his feet under their table. But Alexei had one precious memory of his father teaching him to fish.

  He recalled the sun on his face and the breeze off the water, and the scent of baking as his mother laid out a picnic on a blanket. Alexei remembered walking to her, one hand in his dad’s big, sure grasp and the other holding up the fish he’d caught. He’d been so proud, so secure, so innocent that he’d taken everything he had for granted.

  It was his final happy memory before the dark days.

  ‘Here.’ He gave Carissa the line. ‘You do it.’

  The excitement in her eyes hit him like a shot of liquor.

  ‘I can feel it!’ She reeled in, carefully at first, then with more confidence. ‘There it is!’

  Silver flashed near the water’s surface but it was Carissa, animated and happy, that captured his attention. Belatedly he grabbed a scoop net and secured the fish as she brought it in.

  ‘It’s on the small side, isn’t it?’

  He saw her gnaw her bottom lip. Her forehead creased as if she were unhappy. Carissa’s frown deepened as the fish struggled. It seemed she had a soft heart.

  ‘Not the biggest I’ve seen.’ He paused, watching her. ‘It’s almost too small to keep.’ It was a reasonable size, but Carissa was already nodding.

  ‘Can we let it go? Give it a chance to grow? I read fish stocks are dropping because the population doesn’t get a chance to reproduce.’