The Andreou Marriage Arrangement (11 page)

To pleasure her until he sensed the soft purr in her throat as she arched her body against his own. The faint moan of capitulation as he nuzzled the sensitive hollow at the curve of her neck. Her reaction to his touch, the intimacy they shared…and the joy of mutual orgasm.

On the edge of sleep he gathered her close, soothed her when she stirred and held her through the night.

 

Alesha dressed with care, aware the silk chiffon gown with its ruched bodice in deep sapphire hugged her slender curves and highlighted the texture of her skin. The diagonally cut skirt flowed gently to rest at her ankles, and her heeled pumps and evening clutch were a perfect match.

Jewellery was restricted to a diamond pendant, ear-studs and matching bracelet.

She ensured her make-up was understated with emphasis on her eyes, a touch of bronzing powder and a soft neutral lipstick and gloss.

‘Beautiful,' Loukas complimented as she prepared to precede him from the room, and she threw him a faintly teasing look.

‘Thanks.'

Her eyes sparkled as she subjected him to a sweeping appraisal.

Attired in a black evening suit, fine white linen shirt and black bow tie, he looked far too compelling for any woman's peace of mind…especially hers.

‘I guess you'll do.'

His soft laughter curled round her heartstrings and tugged a little. ‘Damned with faint praise.'

Together they descended the staircase and moved to the front entrance where Cristos waited with the limousine.

‘Anything more and you'll get a swelled head,' she said solemnly as she slid into the rear passenger seat. Her pulse leapt as he captured her hand and held it for the duration of the drive into the city.

The hotel hosting the event had to be one of the city's finest, Alesha perceived as she stood at Loukas' side amongst the mingling guests sipping champagne.

Men of varying ages wore formal evening wear while the women sparkled…literally, in jewellery worth a fortune.

She became aware her presence garnered speculative interest, and she tilted her head a little, kept a smile in place, and maintained an expected pretence.

It was something of a relief when Constantine, Angelina, Daria and Lexi joined them.

‘The rescue team,' Lexi enlightened her quietly as she leant forward to brush her lips to Alesha's cheek. ‘You look gorgeous.'

‘Same goes.' A genuine compliment as Loukas' sister wore
a stunning gown in fire-engine red that showcased her figure with breathtaking style.

Daria looked regal in black, while Angelina had opted for delicate shades of lilac.

‘Would you like a rundown on some of the guests?' Lexi queried lightly. ‘Or would you prefer to form your own impression?'

‘You think it'll make a difference?'

‘Not in the slightest,' Lexi assured her. ‘Although I shall warn you of any impending danger.'

She couldn't help a faint laugh. ‘Loukas' ex-girlfriends?'

‘Plural? You're quick. One in particular.'

‘Do I get a name?'

‘Iliana,' Lexi informed her with droll humour. ‘Model, filthy rich, and hunting Loukas. Expect a cat-fight when she discovers he's taken.'

‘As she will?'

‘Darling Alesha. News travels fast.'

So it did, in any city in the world. Why should Athens be any different?

‘Approaching from the right,' Lexi voiced softly several minutes later. ‘Wearing black and white.'

Stunning, tall, incredibly slender, with exquisitely assembled facial features, luminous dark eyes and a mouth that promised much.

Oh, my. Perfection personified, Alesha conceded as Iliana drew close.

‘Kalispera.'

The greeting included each of them, but the model's attention rested solely on Loukas.

‘Iliana.' His voice held a coolness that was ignored.

‘You have a relative join you tonight?' The assumption held
a teasing lightness that wasn't reflected in her eyes, and Alesha was willing to swear all three Andreou women drew in their collective breaths.

‘My wife, Alesha,' Loukas relayed in a silky drawl, and merely compounded the situation by taking hold of Alesha's hand and raising it to his lips.

‘How…adventurous of you, darling,' Iliana arched, ‘when a legal commitment was never on your agenda.' She paused to summon a slight, deliberately fake smile. ‘Although there is the duty to produce an Andreou heir.'

The woman was all feline with vicious claws, Alesha perceived, and doubtless ate unsuspecting men for breakfast.

It posed the question as to how deeply involved she'd been with Loukas.

Even the thought of the model's sinuous body wrapping itself around him made Alesha feel slightly nauseous.

She gave herself a mental shake.
Get real.
He's no celibate. It's a given there have been women…probably scads of them. So what?

But
Iliana
?

How could she hope to compete?

‘Do you not speak?' the model posed with the glitter of revenge momentarily apparent in her dark eyes.

‘When I have something to say.'

She sensed Lexi's faint smile, and mentally braced herself for Iliana's next verbal parry.

‘It doesn't bother you that Loukas and I are intimate friends?'

‘Should it?'

‘Enough.' One word, quietly delivered, but only a fool would ignore the steel beneath Loukas' silky voice.

Daria offered a comment in her own language…words Alesha had no difficulty in comprehending.

The evening didn't improve as Iliana boldly took her place at their table, ignored Daria and Angelina's telling looks as she proceeded to stake a claim for Loukas' attention.

To his credit he mostly ignored her, adhering only to polite civility as the occasion demanded.

Yet it made for unnecessary awkwardness, and doubtless aroused speculation amongst many of the guests present.

Alesha recalled the words of a famed socialite who advised…
‘Don't get mad, darling—get even.'

So she smiled, conducted animated conversation with their table companions, and managed to cast Loukas an adoring look or three during the meal.

It helped that he played a similar part, although there was a bad moment when Alesha and Lexi used the powder room, and Iliana entered as they were about to exit.

Alesha witnessed the gleam of satisfaction in the model's eyes, and mentally prayed a verbal war could be avoided.

‘Very clever of you, darling, to land a fish of Loukas' calibre. What bait did you use?'

‘Public displays are a trifle tacky,' she ventured as Iliana initiated a confrontation. ‘Don't you think?'

‘Are you pregnant?'

‘Iliana,' Lexi said quietly. ‘You're in danger of making a fool of yourself.'

Alesha placed a placating hand on Lexi's arm and held the model's gaze as she asked evenly, ‘Is there a point to this conversation?'

Hard eyes raked a damning appraisal. ‘You're quite pretty. But don't think your marriage will last. Loukas is an intensely sexual animal. I doubt you'll satisfy him for long.'

‘You think? Perhaps I should thank you for the advice and
suggest more creative positions…' she paused deliberately ‘…in places other than the bedroom.'

The colour leeched from Iliana's face, then flooded back as her hand flew towards Alesha's face.

A move Alesha stalled with galling ease. ‘Don't,' she warned quietly.

‘Or you'll do…what?'

‘This.' She sought the right nerve and the model's legs buckled, sending her sliding to the floor.

With incredible calm she turned towards Lexi. ‘Shall we leave?'

‘My God,' Lexi breathed in stunned surprise as they gained the ballroom and headed towards their table. ‘Where did you learn to do that?'

She bore Lexi's speculative look. ‘It's a long story.'

‘That's what I thought.'

Loukas' gaze seared her own as she slid into her seat.

‘Problems?'

‘Interesting question. Would that be singular or plural?'

‘Iliana.'

‘Astute of you.'

Lexi leaned forward. ‘Alesha was magnificent.'

His eyes didn't leave her own. ‘Indeed?'

‘You had to be there,' his sister relayed.

‘That particular Jezebel needs to be taken down a peg,' Daria opined sternly, whereupon her niece grinned unashamedly.

‘
Thia
, Alesha did…literally.'

‘Good.'

A backhanded compliment from Loukas' dour aunt? Accompanied by an approving smile?
Incredible.

It was interesting to note the seat Iliana had occupied at
their table remained empty. Had the model left the event? Somehow Alesha didn't think so.

A fact that was confirmed half an hour later as the focus of the evening featured a fashion parade by three of Athens' top designers with models showing a selection ranging from casual chic to evening wear.

It came as no surprise Iliana formed part of the group of models hired for the evening.

Alesha had to concede the model's professionalism, for her figure bore the perfect lines to showcase the garments to maximum effect.

The personal touches, however, were a deliberate payback as Iliana tossed her long mane of gloriously wavy hair and pouted a little too prettily as she gazed overlong at Loukas.

An effort to show him what he was missing?

Maintaining an interested expression took some effort, and Alesha shot Loukas a startled look as he took hold of her hand and soothed the rapidly beating pulse at the base of her wrist.

This was meant to be reassurance?
Please.

She endeavoured to tell herself it didn't matter…but it did.

To a degree she felt exposed, even vulnerable, knowing there had to be a number of guests present who were aware Loukas and Iliana were once an item. Given how gossip travelled, it was now common knowledge Loukas had taken a wife. Cue in Iliana's public display on the catwalk, and it wasn't difficult to do the maths.

She'd ridden out worse with the fallout from her experience with Seth. What was a model's wrath in comparison?

So she continued to smile and converse, and generally project the image of someone enjoying the event. Her demeanour earned a surprisingly gentle smile from Daria, as if she knew and saw all…which she probably did.

The charity chairperson thanked the assembled guests for their generosity, and gave a closing speech.

Filtered music provided a muted background and there was a general shift as businessmen converged, while women took the opportunity to catch up with friends seated elsewhere.

An elderly man sought Loukas and Constantine's attention, and both men excused themselves from the table to converge into a group of three a short distance away.

‘I'll be at my studio on Monday, if you'd like to call in,' Lexi offered, and Alesha responded with enthusiasm.

‘Love to. Give me a time and I'll be there.'

‘Eleven? Then we can do lunch.'

‘Done.'

Loukas returned to her side, and when she attempted to extricate her hand from his, he made the exercise more difficult by threading her fingers through his own.

Eventually the evening came to a close and the guests rose to leave…a lengthy process as the ballroom slowly emptied and guests spilled into the foyer to mingle as the concierge directed cars be brought to the entrance.

‘Tuesday will be splendid,' Daria declared as she bestowed a light kiss to Alesha's cheek. ‘Have faith, my dear.'

This was the same Daria, she of the acerbic tongue? Perhaps it was a rite of passage, from which she'd emerged having gained Daria's approval.

Constantine's driver appeared with their limousine, followed immediately by Cristos, ensuring farewells were exchanged and both limousines moved quickly away from the hotel entrance.

L
OUKAS
turned towards her as the large car eased into traffic. ‘Now would be a good time to tell me what went down with Iliana.'

Alesha didn't pretend to misunderstand. ‘The powder-room incident?'

‘That's the one.'

‘You could ask Lexi.'

‘I'm asking you.'

‘Do you need me to draw a verbal picture?'

‘Iliana is a diva, with the temper to match.'

‘Like I didn't get the drift of both?' Or her obsession with
you
? she added silently. ‘Okay, words were said, and Iliana took umbrage.'

‘That's it?'

‘Not exactly.'

‘There's more?'

‘I—used preventive measures to avoid being slapped.'

There was a few seconds' pause, and his voice assumed a musing drawl. ‘And how, precisely, did you manage that?'

She looked at him carefully and could detect little from his expression in the dim light. ‘Precisely?'

‘Please.'

‘Nerve pressure.'

‘I'm almost afraid to ask.'

Alesha told him.

He lifted her hand and brushed his lips across her knuckles. ‘You want me to say there were few women before you?'

‘Not according to the media.'

‘Would it help if I assured you that I ended a relationship before beginning another, and practised fidelity with each lover?'

‘You want marks for integrity?'

It was late when they bade Cristos goodnight and entered the house. Loukas reset the security alarm and followed her upstairs to their bedroom.

The catch fastening on her pendant proved elusive again, and she gave a frustrated sigh as she tussled with it.

Then he was there, freeing the catch with ease, and she felt his fingers move to the zip fastener on her gown, felt the faint slide, followed by the slither of fabric as it slipped to the floor.

She turned to face him and eased off his jacket, then undid his tie and reached for the shirt buttons, freeing each one with deliberate slowness before releasing the fasteners holding his trousers in place.

He dispensed with his shoes, socks, and stepped out of his trousers.

‘I want you naked.'

When he complied, she led him to the bed, then pushed him down onto the mattress.

‘Stay.'

He lifted his arms, cupped his head and met her determined gaze with quizzical amusement. ‘You want to play?'

Alesha merely smiled as she placed one knee on the mattress and straddled him. In one glorious movement she arched her body, then she lowered her head to brush the length
of her hair across his chest, trailing it down until it rested on his arousal, tracing the sensitive skin back and forth as she heard his breath hiss through his teeth.

A satisfactory murmur of appreciation escaped her lips as she tossed her hair back before shaping him with gentle fingers…light, teasing strokes that caused his stomach muscles to tauten, then clench as she replaced her fingers with her mouth and stroked him with her tongue, bestowing feathery kisses until he hauled her close and took her mouth with his own.

‘Uh-huh,' she cautioned. ‘I'm not done yet.'

It became a leisurely exploration as she stirred his senses to fever pitch, teasing with gentle nips of her teeth, only to soothe with the tip of her tongue.

His male nipples earned her fascination, and he groaned as she circled him with her mouth, taunted with the edge of her teeth…then it was she who cried out as he clasped her hips and surged into her. Again and again, with a ravaging hunger that blew her away, and then some.

Cataclysmic sex. Passion at its most wild and wanton.

Primal.

Gradually their breathing slowed, and he pulled her down and held her close to nuzzle the sensitive curve at the base of her neck.

Her body trembled as he trailed a hand down the length of her spine and gently pressed its base, heard her soft sigh, then he slid a hand beneath her nape and kissed her so gently it made her want to cry.

She didn't want to move…didn't think she was capable as he feathered light fingers over the curve at her waist, shaped her buttocks, and simply held her.

There were no words for what they'd just shared, and she didn't even try to voice them.

At some stage she must have drifted into a dreamless sleep,
for she came awake slowly to the sound of gushing water and an awareness she was alone in the bed.

The scent of gardenia teased her nostrils and she lifted her head as Loukas appeared from the en suite and scooped her into his arms.

There was no sense of time as he stepped into the bath and lowered her down to sit in front of him. With care he applied the soap to her skin as she caught her hair and pinned it high so it wouldn't get wet.

Her eyes searched his, and her heart melted beneath the warmth of his smile.

He was a gorgeous man, and he was hers.

There were words she wanted to say, but they remained locked in her throat.

He'd taught her to trust again, helped to restore her faith in men…one man, she corrected silently. The pieces of her heart were fusing together, almost making that life-force whole and complete so that it beat for him.

Only him.

To be with him like this was heaven. Everything she could ask for…

The soporific effect of warm scented water combined with his ministrations lulled her almost to the edge of sleep, and she smiled as he lifted her out, then enveloped her in a large bath towel, dried her, then he blotted the excess water from his body, released the bath plug…and carried her back to bed.

He gathered her close, touched his lips to her temple, and felt her mouth part with pleasure as she snuggled in against him.

 

Lexi's studio was situated in a trendy part of the city, where small shops competed with cafés and bars, boho chic wear, hand-tooled leather goods and stores selling organic foods.
‘I'll call when I'm done,' Alesha assured Cristos as she alighted from the limousine and crossed the street to where Lexi stood waiting.

‘Hi,' she greeted and shared a quick hug. ‘I'm really looking forward to today.'

Lexi indicated a set of stairs. ‘Let's go on up.' She led the way, and Alesha followed. ‘The studio is only small. Cosy,' she elaborated over her shoulder.

But so interesting, Alesha accorded as she saw the various shaped casting moulds, metals, tools of trade, and a glass case with finished pieces on display.

A young girl and a guy in his mid-twenties worked with intricate pieces of metal, using specialized tools with an expertise she could only admire.

Enamelled flower brooches and pins, exquisite pendants, ear-studs, bracelets, dress rings, each individually designed and crafted.

‘You have tremendous talent,' she complimented with sincere admiration. An enamelled bracelet set in gold caught her attention… It was utterly beautiful, the teal and blue melded perfectly.

It was fascinating to learn the varying stages between design and completion, marketing and distribution.

There was little awareness of the passage of time, until Lexi glanced at her watch and declared they'd break for lunch.

‘A delightful café not far from here does wonderful food. Their baklava is to die for.'

‘Sounds good.'

It was everything Lexi said, authentic, family owned and well patronized.

‘You'll adore the island,' Lexi relayed as they sipped coffee. ‘It's a private sanctuary reached only by boat and helicopter.'

‘Hey, Lexi.'

Alesha glanced towards two young men who pulled up two chairs to share their table. Mid to late twenties, she estimated, attired in jeans and tee shirts, and attractive.

Lexi introduced them as friends from her university days who ran a graphic art studio not far from her own.

They ordered coffee and food, and proved to be good company as they chatted, laughed, and exchanged anecdotes.

‘So you are the lady who managed to snare Loukas with a love net,' came the teasing observation.

The jury was still out on that one. Affection, great sex…but she doubted she had his heart.

‘Mention his name, and the man himself appears.'

Lexi raised a hand in greeting as Loukas moved towards their table. ‘I told Loukas we would be lunching here. He said he might join us.'

Alesha felt her pulse kick into a faster beat as he drew close, and her eyes widened a little when he lowered his head and brushed his lips to her cheek.

She met his dark gleaming gaze and offered a warm smile as he pulled up a chair, ordered, then curved an arm over the back of her chair.

Staking a claim?

Perhaps, Loukas mused, tussling a little with his reaction to seeing his wife enjoying the company of Lexi's two male friends.

He didn't like another man sitting close to his woman—
his
by marriage, by circumstance. But it was more than that. Affection, the need to protect.

Desire—
his
—for her. She'd crept beneath his skin, invaded his senses…dammit, with each passing day she came closer to capturing his heart.

Something no other woman had achieved.

Last night…
Theos
…even thinking about her deliberately
tactile teasing with her hands, her mouth…and it took all his control to rein in his arousal.

It made him want to take hold of her hand and lead her to the nearest room, somewhere private, preferably with a bed.

He couldn't remember being so in need of a woman. Alesha, only
Alesha
, for no one else came close.

His body clenched tight and he barely masked the glitter of expectation and anticipation, threatening to reveal his desire to anyone who happened to look closely enough.

Did she know?

Possibly not. She had yet to reach the place where she could read him. Or could it be she subconsciously resisted allowing herself to do so?

Slowly, surely, he was earning her trust. She felt comfortable with him…except he wanted more than that. He wanted it all. Everything.

To see her face light up when he entered the room. For her to come to him and gift herself with joy and no reservation.

He'd rescheduled an appointment…something he almost never did, except in extenuating circumstances, and had been quietly surprised at the ease with which he'd done so.

To join his wife for lunch, for heaven's sake. He, who always put business matters before anything or anyone else.

An hour later he rose to his feet, paid the bill, then contented himself with framing his wife's face as he kissed her thoroughly…and derived a certain satisfaction in seeing her cheeks colour a soft pink when he released her.

Minutes later Loukas walked from the café and had Cristos drive him to the city block where Andreou owned a building.

Whereupon Lexi's two friends indicated a need to return to their studio, and Lexi regretfully said she should do the same.

Alesha opted to browse some of the shops lining the Pláka before calling Cristos to collect and drive her to Kifissia.

Dinner was a leisurely meal, after which Alesha checked emails and touched base with her Sydney PA, while Loukas secluded himself in his home office.

 

Constantine and Angelina generously opened their magnificent home to host the renewal of vows ceremony presided over by an official and attended by family and numerous guests.

It was held late afternoon on a luxury terrace setting overlooking beautiful gardens. Alesha walked with Constantine behind Lexi along a rich carpet strewn with rose petals towards an arbour where Loukas stood waiting for her.

The ankle-length gown of cream slipper satin skimmed her slender curves, and Angelina's lace veil added the perfect touch.

The ceremony seemed almost surreal, conducted in Greek, and concluded with a special blessing as Loukas slid a stunning diamond solitaire ring onto her finger.

Alesha lifted her face as he drew her close and bestowed a gentle kiss to the accompanying sound of clapping from the assembled guests.

It was incredibly special, and so different from the civil ceremony in Sydney weeks ago when she'd felt filled with doubt and resentment.

Now there was a sense of hope their future together would bring happiness and contentment. Possibly
love
…although maybe that was expecting too much.

It was easy to accept congratulations from the guests, to smile and sip champagne, and enjoy the splendid dinner Angelina and Daria had organized exclusive caterers to serve.

Coloured lanterns provided illumination as dusk became
night, and there was music and dancing, conviviality and laughter.

Loukas rarely moved from her side, and she became supremely conscious of the light touch of his hand at the edge of her waist…the gentle brush of his fingers as they traced the length of her spine.

He made her feel special, as if he cared. And she began to long for that elusive something that seemed just beyond her reach.

There were words she wanted to say, except she felt tentative in voicing them in case he failed to reciprocate in kind. How humiliating would that be?

Perhaps actions were enough. The way she kissed him, made love with him…
to
him. Wasn't that a language in itself?

If so, how could he not know?

Yet there was a part of her that wanted the words…his, wherein she'd
know
she held his heart as she'd gifted him her own.

To release every last vestige of doubt so joy could invade every cell in her body, every throbbing pulse-point…and fill her heart.

Maybe while they holidayed on the island, alone except for a housekeeper and caretaker. Warm sunshine to bask beneath, crystal-clear waters in which to swim, and soft balmy nights.

Just the two of them.

The guests stayed late and partied, and when the hour reached midnight Loukas caught hold of her hand, family and guests formed a loose circle, and together they personally thanked and bade every guest goodnight.