“Sure.” Scarlett lay down beside him on the towel. “You seem to love it here.”
“I do,” he agreed. “I was born on Mykanos.”
“How did you end up in San Francisco?” Scarlett asked as she smothered a yawn in the crook of her arm.
Carter hesitated so long that she thought he was either asleep or not going to answer. Finally, he said, “My father was a great man as I’ve told you, but he was not a hard worker. He had many jobs when I was little, and none were to his liking. It was never his fault that he lost the job,” he said with a hint of mocking. “When I was ten, my father decided to move us to the United States, hoping his luck would improve there.”
He fell silent again, and Scarlett nudged his calf with her toe. “Go on.”
“My mother did not want to leave Greece, but they had a very traditional family. She was responsible for the house and for raising the children, but ultimately, my father made the decisions. He took our family to America.”
“Was it better for your father?” asked Scarlett.
“Initially, but he soon fell back into the same old patterns. My mother went to work, something she’d never been prepared for, and she kept us going until my brother and I were done with school and old enough to work.”
“What did your mother do?” asked Scarlett, thinking she already knew the answer after what he’d said about her servants.
“She became a maid. She refused to quit when I graduated from high school. She insisted I got to college, and I did. Even when my father died the next year, she refused to let me drop out of the university.”
“Then what happened?” Scarlett asked as his face close.
“It’s not important.”
He fell into a brooding silence, and Scarlett stopped trying to draw him out. Instead she dozed off, and woke an hour later to him shaking her awake. “I don’t want you to burn,” he said, seeming to be restored to good humor.
“Are we going back to your island now?” Scarlett asked reluctantly. She did not want to face his sisters again anytime soon.
“It’s up to you. There is a wedding tonight, and we’ve been invited. I know the groom slightly. A traditional Greek wedding is an interesting experience, but it would mean staying the night here in Mykanos. We can’t return to the island at night.”
“I don’t have any clothes with me,” said Scarlett. “But if I can pick up a change of clothes it sounds wonderful.”
“That can be arranged.”
She returned to the changing cubicle, longing for a hot shower and making do with the sink. When she emerged, dressed once more in the linen slacks and white shirt, Carter was waiting for her. They walked away from the beach and down a few streets until they came to a shop.
Scarlett only selected a simple dress and nightgown, as there wasn’t much from which to choose. The gown was a gauzy material, palest blue.
“We’ll book rooms at the inn next, so we can prepare for the wedding.” He had selected a simple outfit of trousers, and a black shirt.
The inn was a small building, simply decorated, but everything was clean. Carter spoke in Greek with the owner, shaking his head often.
“What’s going on,” she asked after they had been talking for some time.
“There’s a little problem. Because of the wedding there’s only one room left.”
Scarlett eyed him carefully.
“And?”
He smiled at her smugly. “And I guess we’ll make it work,” he said placing his credit card on the desk.
Carter waited outside as she showered and got changed. Then she sat on the bed reading a book that had been left in the room. It was in Greek, but she didn’t care, it was just nice to relax. When Carter stepped out of the bathroom in his slacks and grabbed his shirt from a chair, Scarlett could hardly stop herself from drooling. She saw him look toward her direction and she ducked down behind the safety of the book once more.
They walked out of the inn and down the street, stopping at one of the many churches where a crowd was already gathering. Lively discussions in Greek flowed around them, and several people stopped to speak with Carter. He introduced her to many of them, and she smiled affectionately.
“What time is the wedding?” Scarlett asked Carter.
“As soon as it gets dark, you’ll hear the bride coming.”
She frowned. “What do you mean?”
With a vague smile, he said, “You’ll see.”
The groom, a nervous young man, paced continuously in front of the steps, growing more agitated as the sun changed the sky from blue to orange, then pink, and finally black velvet. Candles and torches were lit as the light faded away. He cried out with excitement as a chorus of music and voices could be heard descending towards them. Several other people began to form two lines, and Carter led Scarlett off to the side. “Here she comes now,” he said.
Behind a small procession of people, Scarlett could make out a cart drawn by a horse. Standing in the cart was a young woman in a stunning white gown. The people in her procession mingled with the others forming on the steps, and the groom lifted his bride from the cart.
The ceremony was brief, conducted all in Greek, but it still brought tears to Scarlett’s eyes. When they were joined, a loud cheer issued from the assemblage. Scarlett joined in, not knowing the words, but still raising her voice.
They followed the line of people back to a home nearby, and into their courtyard, where a bonfire blazed and a table was loaded with food. Scarlett sampled a little bit of everything and watched as the guests opened their presents. Everything from wine to pottery was given to the new couple, and she wished they’d brought something.
Music began again, and the dancing started. At first, the men were segregated from the women, but as the night passed and the ouzo and wine flowed freely, rigid standards were abandoned, and Carter swept her into a dance for which she had no name. She tried to follow the shuffling of feet and sudden jumps, but was soon giggling helplessly.
“It’s getting late,” said Carter. “Most of the guests will be here long after the bride and groom have departed.”
“Should we head back to the inn?” Scarlett asked with a giggle. “This was fun. That dance made my head spin.”
“That and the wine,” Carter said dryly. They bid farewell to their hosts and the other guests, and it took another twenty minutes for them to break away. On the walk back to their inn, Carter kept a firm hold on Scarlett’s arm.
“I’m glad you know where we’re going, because I would get lost in no time. All the twists and turns confuse me.”
“Here we are, so no need to fear getting lost.”
“Nope,” Scarlett said with another giggle and followed him inside. Carter opened the door and they moved inside. Standing in front of the bed, the only bed, that they would be forced to share.
Scarlett’s head was spinning, but she was only slightly tipsy. She was drunker on the sights she’d seen, and the wedding she’d witnessed. The wine had given her a nice buzz, but it had worn off, so she couldn’t blame it for what she was contemplating.
No, it was her own desire that was leading her to wicked thoughts. Her body burned for Carter’s touch, and she wanted him. She walked into the bathroom and stripped down to her underwear, trying to decide if she was brave enough to take what she wanted.
She washed her hands in the sink, but as she was grabbing a towel, she was interrupted by Carter knocking on the door.
13
Carter
After a moment, Carter opened the bathroom door and looked in through the small crack. “Everything all right in there, Scarlett?”
“Um, I’m almost done,” he heard her whisper.
Today in town had been a whole new experience between the two of them. She had been so carefree, easy to talk to. And damn she looked good in everything she wore.
“May I come in?” He needed to brush his teeth, but he was also trying to catch a glimpse of her smooth flesh. Maybe brush past her
and get to touch her once again.
“Yes,” she responded. She stood in the plain nightgown they had bought earlier. It was gauzy and practically see through. She was looking at her feet, another sign of her complete innocence. She looked so sweet standing there.
He took of his shirt and tossed it on the floor, walking over to the mirror. As he stood there washing his face she reached out and touched him.
He stiffened as her fingers lightly stroked the scarred tissue of his back. As her hand crept lower, he twisted around, grabbing her wrist. “What kind of game is this?” he demanded, striving to look angry. He wanted her, he knew it, but he couldn’t have her. This would ruin his plan.
At first his angry tone and gaze intimidated her, but then he watched as Scarlett forced her eyes to meet his. He knew what she would find there. Uninhibited lust.
Allowing him to retain his hold on her wrist, Scarlett lifted her other hand to stroke his face. “It’s no game,” she said. “You may hate my father, but you don’t have to hate me. You can trust me, Carter.”
He snorted in disbelief, wishing she would stop her light caresses. It was too distracting to him, he was falling too quickly into her trap. He couldn’t focus. “I can’t trust any Terini,” he said, about to push her away.
She gave him an admonishing look, “You know you can trust me.” Scarlett pressed a kiss to his lips. His grip on her wrist slackened, and he released her arm before pulling her closer to him.
He couldn’t do this, he just couldn’t. She was trying to trick him, to soften him up. The words danced through his mind, but held little meaning. It was hard to believe that this was a ruse, judging by her breathless little moans, and the way she pressed her body to his.
As common sense warred with desire, and eventually lost, Carter deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with his tongue, making her moans increase in pitch and tempo. She sounded so good, and felt even better. His hands settled on the curve of her waist, holding her firmly against him. He knew he shouldn’t be responding to a Terini, but was powerless to resist, even at the cost of his pride.
He pushed her away slightly, towards the bed.
“You really don’t want me?’ She pouted.
“It’s not that. I want you. But I want to see you,” he growled. His eyes were locked on her hands as she playfully eased the gown up another inch before sliding it back down to her knees. She chewed on her lower lip, pulling the gown up farther, stopping an inch or so before she exposed herself to him.
He waited a moment before his hands were on her. He slowly pulled the nightgown above her head and tossed it away.
Carter forgot how to breathe as he took in the beautiful body below him. She was slender, with rounded hips and surprisingly long legs considering her short height. Her breasts were perfect, perky and round.
Carter knew he’d been passive long enough. In one smooth motion, he pushed her back onto the bed, straddling her stomach. He laid kisses all over her soft skin, pausing to flick her nipples with his tongue. He knew she’d never been with anyone else, and he was going to make her first time memorable. She moaned at the touch, just as he expected.
“Please Carter.”
“Please what?”
“Please make love to me.”
It was exactly the type of desperation he was trying to create. Hell she was sweet, so innocent and precious.
He stripped off his pants and boxers, and spread her legs. Kissing in the insides of her thighs he could feel her trembling beneath his touch. He kissed her mound again and again, finally sticking his tongue into her sweet juices. She tasted so good. He slowly pushed in one finger and then two, feeling her sex pulse around him. He needed to push her a little, get her ready for him. He pumped slowly as her juices leaked out, running down his hand. He put his thumb on her clit and rubbed in small circles as she moaned.
“Oh yes Carter!” Her hips bucked wildly and he quickened his pace as she screamed for more. But just as her orgasm began to crash over her, he stood and put his member between her legs, rubbing it on her clit. He pulled back and used his hand to guide himself into her.
She was so tight.
So warm.
So wet.
Fuck she felt good around him.
He noticed that her moaning became more agonized as he slowly pushed himself in a drew back out. He moved quicker but didn’t become forceful, it was her first time after all. That would come later, and he would enjoy every second of that too.
He pumped in and out, coming to his own orgasm, he felt her walls pulse around him as her mouth opened into a beautiful o. He shot his seed into her and collapsed down on top of her. He looked at her to see her smiling beneath him. Laying a soft kiss on her lips, they became entangled in the sheets and feel asleep, him still cradling her soft naked body in his arms.
14
Scarlett
“I wish we didn’t have to go back.” Scarlett sighed, dressing in the trousers and tank top from yesterday. “This was exactly the break I needed.”
“We’ll come back a few more times before we fly out,” Carter promised. “I need to get you alone again,” he added before wrapping his hand around her waist and kissing her passionately just as he did the night before. Whenever thoughts of last night crowded into her mind, she was powerless to resist the flush that followed, or the erotic thoughts that flowered from the images.
“You do.” She responded, happy to honor his demands.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, sir.” Scarlett snapped a jaunty salute.
Carter rolled his eyes, “Then let’s go.”
Nodding, Scarlett followed him from the room. They checked out at the desk and walked back to the small dock where the powerboat was anchored. It had been in the open all night, secured only by a rope, but it remained.
Carter held the boat for Scarlett as she scrambled inside and climbed in behind her. Soon, they were on their way, and the wind made conversation nearly impossible, as it had yesterday.
Today, the temperature had barely hit seventy, and the wind made Scarlett chilly. She huddled in a miserable ball, trying to stay warm. Sighing, Carter drew her to him, practically holding her on his lap. As they approached the dock he signaled for her to get back to her seat. She had a feeling that would happen. Last night would be a secret from his family. Because of their hate for her father.
After anchoring the speed boat, Carter helped her out, and they walked up the path to his home. They were surprised to see his family and Darren gathered in the sitting room, his sisters pacing frantically. “Where were you?” Lydia demanded. “We were worried sick.”
“I was on Mykanos,” said Carter. “I have been there many times before, often staying the night, without informing you.” Scarlett could see he was annoyed with her questions, narrowing his eyes at his sister.
“That was different,” said Thea.
“How so?” Carter crossed his arms.
“You were with her,” Thea spit out. “We had no way of knowing what she might do to you. She could have killed you and dumped you in the sea.”
“Me? Kill him? How dare you?” She threw up her hands. “I’ve done my best to be polite to you, but all you do is rip into me. I’m sick of this. I have done nothing to you to deserve your treatment, and I fail to see how you could speculate about me doing away with your brother, even in your wildest dreams.”
“Yes, it would be quite difficult for her to overpower me,” Carter said, his lips twitching.
Lydia ignored Carter’s contribution. “You are a Terini, and that justifies my hatred of you. You are more than capable of the most foul deed ever dreamed up by man, and I have no doubt you would murder as easily as anything else you do.”
Scarlett sighed deeply. “I’m going to my room.” She pushed past him. But instead of rushing upstairs she waited behind the wall, she had to list, to know if he would defend her.
“Why must you taunt her so?” asked Carter in an icy voice. “She is not her
father.” He blinked as he realized he was defending her.
“No.” Thea moaned. “The worst has happened.”
“No way!” Lydia protested.
“What are you talking about?” Carter feigned amusement.
“You’ve fallen in love with her, a Terini.” Thea cursed in Greek.
“That can’t be true, brother. You would not do that to your family.”
“Do not be foolish. She is simply a means to an end, nothing more.”
Scarlett couldn’t bear to listen to the rest of the conversation and abandoned her hiding place around the corner. Some compulsion had urged her to stay, to hear his sisters, hoping that a reasonable explanation for their behavior would be offered. She bit back a sob as she ran to her room, wishing she’d never heard those damning words. She wanted to pretend that Carter had slept with her because he wanted her, maybe because he was starting to love her as she was beginning to love him.
The truth was so much more simple, plain, and devastating. To Carter, she was an inconvenience, a way to toy with her father. He probably considered last night a small consolation for the trouble she’d put him through. He was a man, not going to refuse what was offered, especially when she’d been so humiliatingly willing. Scarlett’s face flamed as she remembered begging Carter to make love to her. At the time she’d assumed he was prolonging her pleasure, but now she knew he was prolonging his own. Playing with her had must have brought almost as much satisfaction as the sexual release, if not more.
Scarlett threw herself on the bed, finally giving in to the sobs. She was falling in love with a man who hated and despised her, who regarded her as a pawn in a game of war he was playing with her father. The worst part was, she didn’t know how to stop falling for him. How did she turn off her emotions? She might as well rip the heart from her chest and grind it under her heel. And she could never do it as effectively as Carter had done with a few careless words.
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