A Consequence Made in Greece

by Annie West

  ‘Right. Well, if you’re okay, I’ll go.’ This might be the only deeply shaded spot on the tiny island and she might be long overdue her lunch but—

  * * *

  ‘How do you know I’m okay? You haven’t checked my pulse.’

  Strato surveyed his Nereid with curiosity and a surprisingly sharp jab of pleasure. For she was definitely a Nereid, a sea nymph.

  She’d been the one snorkelling. Her hair hung in long slick locks and there were crease marks on her face from her goggles. Besides, even the frumpy shirt and long baggy shorts couldn’t hide her phenomenal body.

  But then he’d had the advantage of seeing her luscious body in all its glory and he had an excellent memory.

  Her eyebrows pinched and wide golden-brown eyes met his with a mix of impatience and suspicion that was as obvious as it was novel. Women didn’t usually look at him that way.

  Usually they looked eager.

  He lifted a hand to his forehead and saw her attention drop to his biceps. Suspicion narrowed her eyes.

  Okay, it was an obvious move, drawing attention to his muscles. But he’d seen the way those eyes had widened as she’d looked him over, dwelling for a second on his penis. He understood that look. Had seen it so often from so many women over the years. Annoyance had stirred at her dismissal. She’d actually been turning away when his words stopped her.

  This woman was definitely different. After that first appreciative stare she’d kept her attention on his face.

  Strato found that intriguing. Almost disappointing.

  He shouldn’t want female attention. He’d just sent away the two women who’d joined him for sun and sex.

  Either he was so supremely shallow that he couldn’t stand being ignored by a lovely woman. Or so world-weary a hint of novelty grabbed his attention—and other parts, making them stir with interest. Neither said much for his character.

  Ruefully he decided he might be both. Though no one else would dare voice such an assessment. Not when Strato Doukas commanded billions.

  He added cynical to the list.

  ‘Are you all right? Did you hurt your head?’

  Strato realised his palm covered his forehead and it might look as if he had a headache.

  For a nanosecond he contemplated lying. But he preferred the truth, even when it was brutal. Better the truth than hiding from it. He knew first-hand how perilous it could be, not facing facts head-on.

  His mouth tightened and in response a frown gathered on her brow.

  To his amazement Strato felt warmth lick behind his ribs. Warmth that had nothing to do with sexual interest but with the fact this woman he didn’t know was genuinely worried about him.

  It was bizarre.

  He paid a host of staff extremely well to cater to his every need. He didn’t need a stranger’s worry. Yet her words stirred something deep inside that he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

  Raking his fingers through his hair, he gave her a deliberately languid smile, refusing to dwell on his instinctive reaction to her simple kindness. That felt too much like weakness. ‘No, I’m not injured. Do I look it?’

  Satisfaction scudded through him as he watched her swallow, as if fighting her instinctive response. Because she liked what she saw?

  Shallow, Doukas. Definitely shallow.

  But better than dwelling on his response to her concern.

  ‘Good. I’m glad you’re okay.’ Her voice had a throaty edge that rippled across his libido.

  She didn’t look glad. She looked strung too tight. Strato liked that. He also liked the way her nipples stood erect against her shabby shirt, making him wonder if those plump breasts would feel as spectacular in his hands as they looked.

  But shallow though he might be, he was also ruthlessly honest with himself. Which left him thinking about why her interest pleased him. Because it counteracted that momentary jab of unexpected connection he felt? Gave him something to concentrate on other than the emptiness growing inside?

  He heard himself saying as she made to turn away, ‘I don’t suppose you have anything to drink, do you? I’m parched.’

  She stilled. ‘You don’t have any water? How long have you been here?’

  He shrugged. ‘Hours, I suppose.’

  ‘You suppose? Don’t you know? Do you have any supplies with you?’

  Her voice married concern with a scolding edge and Strato found himself imagining her dressed as a buttoned-up school mistress. It wasn’t a fantasy that had ever appealed before. It didn’t last long now. He preferred the prospect of seeing her in her swimsuit again, or naked, than with her figure obscured.

  ‘I don’t have anything at all.’

  Now he thought about it he was thirsty. He should have returned to the yacht, because his staff wouldn’t seek him out, knowing he wanted solitude.

  Not as clever as you thought, Doukas.

  He was rewarded with another frown, more like a scowl this time, and a mutter he didn’t catch.

  ‘What are you doing without supplies? It’s madness.’

  He nodded, fascinated. It had been a lifetime ago that anyone had taken him to task. The last had been his aunt, who’d fretted over him, worrying about him till the end. As if her worry could change the inevitable and turn him into someone different, someone not—

  ‘It may not be high summer yet but you can’t afford to get dehydrated. Especially if you’re alone here.’ His Nereid paused, looking beyond him as if expecting to see someone else emerge over the crest of the small hill. ‘Are you alone?’

  ‘I am. But I’ll be picked up at sunset.’ That was the standing arrangement with his crew.

  Her mouth firmed into a disapproving line as she slid a stained canvas bag from her shoulder. ‘That’s sheer stupidity. Anything could happen in that time.’

  His gaze tracked from her wide, kissable mouth, now primed with disapproval, down the slick dark hair dripping around her shoulders and lower, reaching towards her waist. Past bountiful breasts to those horribly baggy shorts that made her hips look over-sized, to toned, glorious legs.

  Oh, yes, anything could happen in that time.

  ‘I don’t suppose you’ve got any food in there too? I haven’t eaten today.’

  CHAPTER TWO

  CORA PAUSED IN the act of rifling through her bag, her head lifting at the sound of that oh-so-nonchalant voice.

  She didn’t trust it. She didn’t trust him further than she could shove that outrageously spectacular body. She was tall and fit but he looked taller and fitter.

  Her gaze slid down across that broad chest with its light smattering of hair. Just dark enough to emphasise his defined pectoral muscles and—

  Damn! She dragged her attention back to his face.

  It gave nothing away. In fact it was suspiciously blank of expression, which would have made her hackles rise even if she hadn’t seen the knowing gleam in those sea-green eyes.

  He was laughing at her.

  The sensible thing would be to leave him to his amusement. Cora had an inbuilt hatred of being the source of any man’s amusement. Once bitten...

  But she had a strong sensible streak, as well as too much experience of people coming to grief, especially in and near the sea. People who thought it would be okay to try scuba diving without lessons, or drive jet skis while drunk. Or get so badly sunburnt they needed medical care.

  At least Poseidon had enough sense to lie in the shade, and from the bronzed colour of his skin he wasn’t going to burn any time soon.

  She sucked in a breath, realising her attention had dipped to those wide straight shoulders. And he’d noticed.

  She wanted to wipe the smirk off his face. Okay, he might not be overtly smiling but inwardly he was laughing at her expense. Her nape tightened at a flash of memory. Adrian, golden haired and blue eyed. Laughing.


  Her nostrils flared as she inhaled deeply.

  If her instincts were right, this man and Adrian had a lot in common.

  But you don’t know for sure. And you can’t leave him here without even a drink.

  Cora wanted to ask how he came to be here, alone, naked and without provisions, but no doubt it would be some story of a stupid joke by friends. Besides, she suspected any show of curiosity would feed his ego.

  She sighed. ‘You can have some of my lunch if you like.’

  Doris always packed too much food, believing that a big girl like Cora needed a lot of fuel. It was true that when she worked in the field, Cora burned up a lot of energy and needed extra calories. Yet she hated being categorised as a big girl. Even at twenty-six those words hurt. Just as well motherly Doris had no idea. She’d be upset if she knew.

  ‘That would be excellent. Thank you.’ He propped himself up on one elbow and gave her a flashing smile that would have weakened her knees if she wasn’t immune to gorgeous, self-centred men.

  She shifted her weight in the sand. Okay, maybe there was a little melting of the tendons, but she had this man’s measure. Forewarned was forearmed.

  As for being the butt of his amusement...

  ‘On one condition.’

  Cora almost laughed at the way his dark eyebrows shot up in a look of astonishment that was clearly genuine. It appeared nobody was in the habit of denying Poseidon what he wanted, or setting limits on his games.

  Interesting to know. That could explain his aura of casual confidence. But then, people gifted with amazing looks were usually confident.

  ‘What is it?’ His eyebrows lowered and eyes slitted so his stare looked full of suspicion.

  Cora couldn’t prevent her huff of laughter. ‘Don’t fret. I’m not asking for a share of all your worldly goods.’ She gestured at the empty sand around him.

  When she met his eyes again he wore a curious expression she couldn’t identify.

  It struck her she was spending far too much energy puzzling over a stranger she’d never see again.

  ‘I prefer not to eat lunch with a naked stranger. I’d rather you covered up.’

  ‘To preserve your modesty?’ His long mouth twitched in a way Cora found too attractive. Until his gaze moved to her damp shirt, where her wet hair and swimsuit made the fabric cling to her breasts. ‘I’m afraid I’ve got nothing to cover myself with.’ He paused and she felt the silence with each ponderous beat of her pulse. ‘Unless you could spare me some clothing?’

  Cora swallowed a smile. Someone should warn him about overplaying his hand. It was obvious he wanted her to strip off her shirt. She hadn’t missed those quick glances at her breasts where, to her chagrin, her nipples were tight, hard peaks.

  ‘You don’t have hang-ups about wearing a woman’s clothes? Some men might feel their manhood compromised.’

  ‘If it’s that or starvation, I’ll opt for the clothes. My ego’s not that fragile.’

  She’d bet it wasn’t.

  This time it wasn’t a short huff of laughter but a chuckle that escaped. If he was trying for soulful and half-starved he shouldn’t look so strong and able-bodied. She’d never met a less pitiable specimen.

  ‘Okay.’ She swung her bag down to the sand between them, noticing from the corner of her vision the way he rose higher on his elbow as if intent on the striptease he expected. Cora straightened and put her hands to the hem of her over-sized shirt. Yes, there it was, a flash of anticipation in that hooded gaze.

  For a second longer she hesitated, genuinely this time. Wondering if this was a huge mistake.

  She could leave a bottle of water with him or offer him a lift back to the harbourside town on the next island where his friends presumably were.

  But she was hungry. Why should she have to leave and eat in the sun because of some thoughtless tourist?

  The fact that she enjoyed the verbal sparring between them was another factor. How long since her pulse had raced like that? Since she’d felt anything out of the ordinary?

  Besides, she rather liked getting one up on this self-satisfied stranger. It was time someone showed him he couldn’t have everything his own way.

  So instead of reefing her shirt over her head, she grabbed her baggy, knee-length shorts and tugged them off with one quick movement.

  ‘There you are.’ She bent and retrieved them from the sand, giving them a little shake before tossing them into Poseidon’s lap.

  His surprise almost made her laugh.

  Except it was quickly eclipsed by something that made her bones soften. An eager heat in those narrowed eyes as he surveyed her legs and smiled.

  Cora felt that sliding gaze almost like a caress and it banished her momentary sense of victory.

  Idiot! She might not have uncovered her body but it seemed this stranger was almost as appreciative of bare legs. His smile morphed from appreciative to hungry, heading towards predatory.

  Cora’s amusement vanished.

  She jammed her fists on her hips, grateful that her shirt covered her to her thighs.

  ‘If you want to share my food we need to get one thing straight. I’m not on the menu. Got it? I’m not staying alone here with a man who thinks I’m available for his sexual convenience.’

  The vibe she’d got from him wasn’t the sort she’d had from men who’d take without asking. She was sure, pretty sure, that for all his smug amusement she wasn’t in physical peril. Nevertheless, he needed to understand the ground rules or she’d be back at the boat before he could stop her.

  * * *

  Strato stared up into fiery eyes the colour of his favourite brandy. Heat drilled down his gullet, as if he’d slugged back a double measure. But it wasn’t from sexual anticipation. For he read defiance in her expression and something that might have been worry. Or fear.

  For the first time he viewed the situation from her perspective. Alone on a deserted island with a man she knew nothing about. A man who was far bigger and stronger than her. Who made no secret of his sexual interest. And no one within shouting distance to help her if she needed it.

  It wasn’t the fire of carnal attraction surging through him. It felt like shame.

  He blinked, digesting the unfamiliar sensation.

  Unfamiliar, because his casual flirting was always done with women who were patently eager for his attention. Who knew he wanted sex with no strings. Who knew his reputation for ensuring his partners’ pleasure. In that world innuendo was pleasurable foreplay.

  Now he was out of his usual environment. His Nereid didn’t know she had nothing to fear. She hadn’t a clue who he was, or that he’d never hurt any woman.

  His mouth tightened as he slammed down impenetrable shutters that locked away ancient memories. He never opened them. Except in his nightmares.

  Strato raised his hand in a placating gesture and sat up.

  ‘I’m very sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.’ He swallowed, surprised to find his throat tight so the words emerged like a growl. ‘I didn’t think. I was just...’

  ‘Flirting.’ She sighed and her shoulders eased down a little.

  He’d done that. Made her uncomfortable, not in a sexually aroused way, but because she was nervous.

  ‘You have my word of honour that you are totally safe.’

  A muscle in his jaw flexed as he gritted his teeth. How could he have made such a mistake? He’d become so used to the sexual promiscuity of a self-indulgent lifestyle that he took it for the norm.

  Clearly his Nereid didn’t come from that world.

  Was that why he found her fascinating?

  No, it was more than that. More even than her sexual allure. He liked that she didn’t take any nonsense but said what she thought. Liked her quick thinking and humour, turning the tables on him when she guessed he wanted her to take off her shir
t.

  She was attracted, he knew that. He guessed she could be enticed into wanting him. But this wasn’t the place or time for seduction.

  He couldn’t recall ever making such a mistake in seducing a woman.

  Which shows how easy you’ve had it, Doukas. You never have to exert yourself.

  ‘If you’d prefer to leave, I won’t die of thirst, I promise.’ He reached for the shorts she’d thrown at him, ready to pass them back. Stoically he ignored that they were warm from her body.

  ‘No. Keep them. You might be glad of the cover if you’re really staying here till sunset.’

  Something within him sank. Disappointment? Because a chance-met woman was turning her back on him?

  Strato told himself it was a novel experience and, since his life seemed so flat and mundane lately, he should welcome that.

  Instead he felt absurdly bereft.

  ‘Thank you. And thank you for coming to check on me. It was decent of you.’

  He felt like a kid, reminded of his manners. Yet he doubted this chastened feeling would last.

  She shook her head, long tresses sliding around her breasts in a way that made Strato lock his jaw and concentrate on her face.

  She wasn’t beautiful but there was something about her wide mouth and warm, intelligent eyes that felt like beauty. Especially when amusement had danced across her face.

  He was used to women with bleached, perfect smiles, pumped-up lips and lots of make-up. When this woman smiled he noticed a couple of her teeth overlapped and as for Botox—she had full lips but he’d swear they were natural.

  ‘Are you really hungry, or did you just say that?’

  ‘Starving. It’s my own fault. I only had coffee this morning.’

  Strato had only downed a tiny cup of coffee before heading into his office, knowing it was the one place his guests wouldn’t follow.

  ‘In that case...’ She shrugged. ‘We might as well eat. This is the only shade around and I usually have lunch here.’

  Pleasure was a punch to his solar plexus. It was on the tip of his tongue to ask if she came here often but it was such a cliché and he’d promised not to play flirtatious games. Instead he simply grinned his approval.