The Andreou Marriage Arrangement (5 page)

‘An attempt to soften me up for the inevitable consummation?' She was heading down a dangerous path, and she silently damned her runaway tongue.

‘The chemistry we share bothers you?'

Bother
was too tame a description!

‘And chemistry is an automatic guarantee for satisfaction between the sheets?'

What is the matter with you?
a silent voice screamed inside her head. Are you
insane
?

‘Did your ex gift you that?'

She silently damned herself for metaphorically opening a vein. ‘You expect me to answer such a question?'

He was silent for several seconds…seconds during which she found it difficult to hold his gaze. ‘You just did.'

It would be so easy to tell him to go to hell, and she almost did. Except sanity ruled her tongue and she maintained a dignified silence. He had depth of character, a silent strength that had been lacking in Seth…although she hadn't seen it at the time.

Blinded by what she imagined to be love, Alesha decided with cynicism. Seth had played his part well…as she'd soon discovered.

This, her second wedding night, was so vastly different from that of her first wedding when she'd been surrounded by family and friends, and filled with love for her new husband and barely containing a breathless excitement for the night when she and Seth were alone.

A faint bubble of cynical amusement rose in her throat to remain unuttered.

She'd thought being in love resolved everything, except it hadn't. The magical wedding night she'd imagined didn't happen due to her new husband imbibing vintage champagne a little too freely. And the sex had been…less than she'd imagined it would be. Afterwards, when she had refused to give in to his demands that they upgrade their home and lifestyle, and allow him an unlimited expense account, the sex had become a punishment she had endeavoured to avoid…to her cost. And she'd walked away, vowing never to be taken in by another man in her lifetime.

Yet here she was, a few hours into a second marriage she didn't want to the man of her father's choice. Sharing the same room in separate beds…for how long? One night…two?

After all, in the dark of night, sex was just…sex. No big deal. Right?

So why did she feel like a cat treading hot bricks?

Because instinct warned she was way out of her depth with a man of Loukas' calibre. There was something about him, an intrinsic, almost raw sexuality that bordered on the primitive.

Intoxicating, brazen, shameless.

A part of her ached for the experience, while sanity cautioned she might not survive with her emotions intact.

It was almost a relief when Eloise entered the dining room to clear the table, and Alesha elected tea in preference to the strong espresso Loukas favoured.

How soon could she conceivably offer an excuse and retire to bed? Another hour or two? Did Loukas have anything planned?

A tiny bubble of laughter rose in her throat.
Sure
…like they'd settle comfortably in the media room and watch a movie on DVD?

Resorting to cynical humour was a defence mechanism she chose to employ against an increasing onset of nervous tension.

‘I have a few international calls to make.' Loukas studied her expressive features, and it was almost as if he knew the pattern of her thoughts. ‘Maybe an hour or two ahead of me on the computer as the business day begins in Europe.'

Her relief was palpable, and she only hoped it wasn't evident. ‘Sure. Go for it.' She stood and moved away from the table, aware he did the same, and she preceded him from the room, then headed for the upper level.

Tomorrow she'd familiarize herself with the house and its several levels…but for now she ascended the curved staircase and made her way along the gallery to their suite.

Her choices numbered many: a leisurely soak in the spa-bath; slipping into bed with a book—if she could locate one. Sliding between the covers of one of the two beds and attempting to sleep.

As if she'd be able to do that
, when every nerve in her body would be alert and tuned into Loukas' appearance.

Two beds…would he sleep alone, or choose to share her own?

Hell.
She didn't even know
which
bed was his.

What if she selected the wrong bed and he took it as an invitation to share?

Dammit, since when had she become so ambivalent?

Since her separation and divorce from Seth, she'd regained her independence, healed, and forged a reputation as a confident savvy young businesswoman who'd earned her rightful position as Dimitri Karsouli's colleague.

Very little, if anything, fazed her. Certainly not a man of any calibre…except Loukas.

She'd stayed away from him, careful not to show so much as a glimmer more than mere friendship. Aware, even from the first moment she'd met him that he was more than she could handle.

Light and dark, mesmeric…possessed of a sensual power that electrified and frightened. Because she instinctively knew he'd want it all…the heart of a woman, her body, her soul.

And she couldn't
be
that woman. Didn't want to be
absorbed
so totally that there was nothing left except him.

Now, she didn't know. So much had changed.
She
had changed.

No longer did she believe in love. At least, not the happy-ever-after enduring kind that lasted a lifetime.

Nor did she intend to place her trust in any man.

Once burned by flame, it was the height of foolishness to toy with it again.

For timeless minutes she stood taking in the superb furnishings in the spacious suite. Despite the luxurious accoutre
ments there was an underlying air of comfort that held appeal. The muted colours aided relaxation, and she wondered if they'd been a deliberate choice by the interior decorator responsible for creating the refurbishment.

Decisiveness had to be a plus, she perceived as she collected sleepwear and moved into the en suite where the spa-bath beckoned invitingly.

Mellow, she coveted the slow slide into the kind of relaxation that aided an easy sleep. Hopefully way before Loukas entered the room, so she wouldn't be aware of his presence until morning…and maybe not even then, if he rose early to make use of the downstairs gym.

Heaven, Alesha breathed as she sank into the warm bubbling water and positioned her head against the cushioned rest.

Ten minutes, she allowed…then she'd switch off the jets, release the water, dry off, and slip into bed.

 

It was almost midnight when Loukas closed down the laptop and muted the desk lamp. He'd spoken to Constantine in the Athens office, liaised with two colleagues in Paris, another in Rome. There'd been data to peruse to which he added his input, and the stock markets.

He lifted his arms and stretched, easing out the kinks in his shoulders, then he sat in contemplative silence for several long minutes before rising to his feet.

In the kitchen he filled a glass with chilled water, drank it down, then he checked the security system and moved quietly upstairs.

The master bedroom suite bore the softened light from muted lamps, and it took only a brief glance to determine both beds were empty.

A slight frown creased his forehead as he crossed to the en
suite, knocked quietly, and when there was no answer he opened the door.

For a moment he stood taking in the scene…the soft pulsing jets in the spa-bath, the slender feminine form whose facial features in repose looked peaceful, almost childlike and bare of artificial enhancements.

Her soft, slightly parted mouth almost begged the touch of his own. Fine, almost porcelain skin moulded delicate bone structure, a perfect nose, and long natural eyelashes fanned out from petal-like eyelids.

He moved quietly towards the bath and switched off the jets, then he collected one of several large folded bath-towels and spoke her name.

There was no sign she heard him, and his gaze skimmed over her slender curves, the soft swell of her breasts with their tender peaks, the delicate waist, flat stomach with its slim gold pin with a strategically placed diamond attached to her navel. A cheeky jewellery accessory that winked and gleamed beneath the water's surface.

He felt the stirring of arousal, and banked it down.

‘Alesha.' His voice was firm, and he caught the faint flutter of her eyelashes. ‘Wake up.'

He saw the moment his words penetrated her subconscious, the sudden upwards sweep of her lashes as she came awake, and the stark mix of startled surprise and fear in the depths of her eyes the instant before she recognized him and gained the reality of her surroundings.

‘It's after midnight,' he said quietly. ‘You fell asleep.'

Loukas glimpsed her attempt to control the fleeting expressions chasing her features, saw the embarrassment change to indignation as she automatically used her hands to shield the vulnerable parts of her body.

‘Leave the towel and go…
please
.'

He was tempted to release the water, scoop her out and wrap her in the towel, then carry her to bed.
His
.

Except when he took her, it would be because she wanted him, not an act she conceded out of duty or mere compliance.

He might be many things, and he'd been called on several…but he stood by his word.

So he did as she requested and closed the door behind him, then he shed his clothes, took a cool shower, and slid between the sheets to lie with his arms crossed behind his head.

He watched idly as she emerged into the bedroom attired in cotton sleep trousers and a singlet top, looking impossibly young.

A slight smile widened his generous mouth as she avoided meeting his gaze, and he waited until she slipped beneath the covers before closing the lamps.

‘Goodnight.' His voice was an indolent drawl in the darkness, and he only just heard her muffled response.

A
LESHA
woke to light filtering through partly closed shutters along the wall of glass facing east.

For a brief moment she felt slightly disorientated by her unfamiliar surroundings, then memory surfaced as she cautiously examined the spacious room.

Specifically the large bed next to the one she'd occupied through the night…and she experienced a sense of relief to find it empty.

She brushed a hand through her hair and checked the time, saw it was almost eight, and hurriedly slid from the bed before gathering up fresh clothes and disappearing into the en suite to complete her morning routine and dress.

Jeans and a stylish tee sufficed, and she caught her hair in a ponytail, added gloss to her lips, then she made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Coffee would be good, breakfast even better, and she entered the spacious, beautifully appointed kitchen to discover Eloise stacking the dishwasher, with no sign of Loukas in sight.

‘Good morning.' Alesha kept it light and offered a warm smile, which the housekeeper returned in kind.

‘It's a lovely day,' Eloise added. ‘What can I get you for breakfast?'

‘If it's okay with you, I'll make coffee, and just grab some cereal and fruit, and take it out onto the terrace.'

‘I can easily prepare a cooked breakfast if you'd prefer.'

‘Thanks, but cereal is fine.'

There was something infinitely relaxing in looking out over the harbour. Small and large craft sprinkled the sparkling Port Jackson waters; tugboats guided a massive tanker towards the wharves, while ferries cruised the distance between the city and Manly.

The cityscape bore tall modern high-rise buildings in varying architectural designs, their plate-glass windows glinting as the sun rose in the sky.

No matter where she'd travelled, Sydney was
home
. The place of her birth and education. It held
familiarity
for her. Memories, all of them good…until Seth. And just as she emerged whole and healed, she was flung into the unknown again by her father's hand.

‘Finish your coffee, then we'll collect the rest of your belongings from the apartment.'

Loukas had the silent tread of a cat, and she replaced her cup down onto its saucer with care before she turned to meet his gaze.

Attired in jeans and a chambray shirt, he bore a deceptively casual air that was the antithesis of the man he'd proven himself to be.

It was the eyes, Alesha perceived. Dark silken depths that were too perceptive for anyone's peace of mind…especially hers.

Oh, why not admit it? He unsettled her, increasing her vulnerability to a point where she felt constantly on edge in his presence.

‘I can manage to do that on my own.'

‘You don't need to.'

‘What if I prefer to?'

‘Give it up, Alesha.'

She tilted her head and held his gaze with equanimity. ‘I was unaware taking your name meant alienating my freedom of choice.'

He rested a hip against the edge of the table and leant towards her, not exactly crowding her in, but close…too close.

‘You prefer the difficult route to a simple one?' He waited a beat as her eyes darkened at his proximity. ‘Or do you merely enjoy debating me?'

She resembled a startled foal whenever he encroached on her personal space, and his gaze narrowed fractionally as the pulse at the base of her throat began to visibly thud.

‘You lucked out if you want a subservient wife who will agree with your every word.'

‘It should make for an interesting life.'

Her smile was deliberate. ‘You think?'

Loukas stood to his feet. ‘Collect your keys, then we'll leave. Presumably you've forgotten one of Dimitri's charitable causes is hosting an event this evening and our presence is expected?'

He glimpsed the conflicting emotions pass fleetingly across her expressive features before she managed to control them. ‘I doubt you packed a suitable gown.'

She hadn't. Neither gown nor shoes, nor evening clutch.

Surely she had the event entered in her diary? Yet she'd neglected to check…understandable given her father's sudden death, the funeral, Dimitri's will. Dammit, her
marriage
.

But
tonight
? She could have put in a token appearance even with Loukas as her partner as a matter of respect. But wearing Loukas' wedding ring, how long would it take for the inevitable question to arise? The speculation?

Dear heaven, the need to maintain some form of pretence as Alesha
Andreou
?

She didn't want to go there…at least, not so
soon
. Yet she'd been raised with a strong sense of duty, a respect for bona fide charitable causes, and this evening's fundraiser was indeed a special one, fostering a terminally ill child with the opportunity to fulfil a much revered wish.

Alesha gathered her crockery and flatware together and deposited both in the kitchen before she ascended the stairs to collect her keys.

She caught sight of Loukas waiting in the foyer as she re-entered the upstairs gallery, and she ran lightly downstairs.

‘I'll be a while.'

It was a parting shot, a last-ditch attempt for independence that failed miserably as he swung open one of the two solid-panelled doors and indicated the four-wheel drive parked in the driveway.

‘Let's go.'

She threw him a fulminating look that had no visible effect whatsoever, and they rode the distance to Double Bay in silence.

The apartment was exactly as she'd left it, and she became extremely conscious of Loukas' presence as he overrode every objection she made.

Okay, so she'd transfer all her clothes, shoes and personal possessions. Any decision about the furniture and the apartment itself could wait. The practical side voted she maintain it as was. Logically, she should lease it out.

Except it bore her personal stamp, with everything carefully chosen to create a perfect blend of muted colours, a kitchen to die for, beautifully elegant furniture and furnishings.

Hers
alone…a sanctuary representing a personal triumph
through darkness to light, the re-emergence of strength and resolve.

‘I'll clear the tallboy and dresser drawers while you take the wardrobe.'

She looked at him askance.

He intended to gather together her personal stuff? Lingerie, briefs, bras?

‘I'll take care of those.'

Except he was already there, opening a drawer and scooping up pastel silk thongs, satin briefs, lacy bras and transferring them into a packing box.

‘Must you?' she flung with exasperation, barely quelling the urge to hit him.

His husky chuckle incensed her, and she reacted without thought, aiming the shoe she held in her hand with accuracy, only to watch in stunned disbelief as he fielded it and placed it down with care.

His smile was still in place, but the expression in his dark eyes sent chills scudding the length of her spine.

‘You want to play?'

Not the sort of game he had in mind, and she silently damned her foolish action. ‘I don't
do
sex in the middle of the day.'

One eyebrow lifted in cynical humour. ‘You prefer furtive foreplay beneath the cover of darkness?'

As Seth had? Ensuring any strike came without warning, and the advantage became his?

In the animal kingdom, she qualified, Seth was akin to a reptile—while Loukas came from an entirely different species…primitive, highly sensual, and infinitely dangerous. A very sexual man, whose reputation with women was legend.

And now he was hers.

Or more accurately…she was
his
.

Something moved in her eyes, then was quickly gone.

Loukas' gaze narrowed as he glimpsed the fine hold she had on her emotions, and how unaware she was that he could so easily read them.

Just what was it about her brief marriage that had changed her from a delightful young woman possessed of an engaging personality into someone who rarely laughed and shied away from men?

Abuse? Physical, mental…or both?

The extent of his anger at the possibility surprised him, and he banked it down as he turned his attention to the next drawer. ‘Let's get this done.'

Methodical placement of clothes being her
thing
made for easy transference from wardrobe to packing boxes, and she focused on the chore at hand while attempting to ignore Loukas' presence.

Difficult, she acknowledged, when he was
there
, a physical entity that filled her with an edgy awareness and made her supremely conscious of every breath she took.

Tonight…she really didn't want to think about the evening, or how much it would cost her to play an expected part at Loukas' side. To smile, converse and
pretend
.

 

You'll be fine
, Alesha silently assured herself as she slid the zip fastener home on an exquisite gown in deep emerald green whose off-the-shoulder design hugged her slender curves. She opted to leave her hair loose, and employed the skilful use of make-up to highlight her eyes and accent her generously moulded mouth.

Six-thirty for seven meant leaving the house at six, and she attached diamond studs to her ears, added a matching pendant on a slim gold chain, only to have the clasp prove difficult.

‘Problems?' Loukas crossed to stand behind her, and she held her breath as his fingers brushed her own as he slid the clip into place.

The exclusive tones of his cologne teased her senses, and she stood still, unable in those long seconds to do anything but breathe.

He seemed to surround her, a magnetic force that caused her body to pulse, irrespective of the dictates of her brain.

For one wild moment she wondered if he knew.

Dear heaven, she hoped not.

‘Ready?'

She stepped away from him and collected her evening clutch. ‘Yes.'

As ready as she'd ever be
, she vowed silently as the Aston Martin swept through streets slick from an early evening shower.

She'd done this before, many times. Attending various functions in the company of her parents, and partnering Dimitri after her mother's death.

So what was the big deal?

You can do this, Alesha assured herself again as Loukas slid the car to a halt adjacent the main entry of one of Sydney's prestigious hotels.

With smooth efficiency the concierge arranged valet parking, and she entered the hotel foyer at Loukas' side.

A magnificent wide staircase curved to a mezzanine level where guests were gathered in the spacious lounge adjacent the grand ballroom.

Uniformed waiters and waitresses offered canapés, champagne and orange juice.

Smile.
Do the meet-and-greet thing, comment on the attendance, assure Karsouli's continued support to members of the charity committee…and refer any awkward questions to Loukas.

Simple. At least it should have been.

Except she neglected to factor in Loukas' constant company, the touch of his hand at the back of her waist, the effect his warm smile had on her equilibrium. Dammit, their projected togetherness.

It was inevitable the wide diamond-encrusted wedding ring on her left hand would eventually capture attention. Coupled as it was with the plain gold band Loukas now wore, conclusions were reached and the more emboldened requested confirmation.

The news spread, with almost comical circumspection if one was inclined towards cynical amusement.

‘Darling, how wonderful happiness should evolve from such recent sadness.' Words expressed by the charity committee member were genuine, and Alesha accepted the air-kiss, the obligatory hug as others followed.

Men, captains of industry, who took the opportunity to shake Loukas' hand and offer congratulations. And women, some of whom expressed their affection a little more enthusiastically to Loukas than the occasion demanded.

Two in particular, known for their flirting skills and love of high-living.

Alesha assured herself she didn't care when the exquisite blonde melded her body close and wound her arms round Loukas' neck.

To his credit, he moved his head so the intended kiss brushed the edge of his jaw, and he summoned a faint smile as he disentangled the blonde's arms.

A sparkling laugh, the hint of a moue, then the blonde turned towards Alesha. ‘Darling, he's delicious. If you hadn't snared him first…' The words trailed to a halt, with no doubt of the implication.

Darling
, Alesha was sorely tempted to redress, you'd have been most welcome. Instead she offered a sweet smile, and barely managed to contain her surprise as Loukas lifted her hand and brushed his lips to her sensitive palm.

For a brief moment the room and everyone in it faded as her eyes locked with his, and the air between them seemed filled with electric tension.

Then he smiled, and curled her hand within his own. ‘Fortunately, she did.'

Oh, my…
what was that
?

Playing the part, a tiny imp taunted. And he does it so well.

‘Pity,' the blonde voiced with seeming regret. ‘We could have had fun.' With a pretty wave of her hand the blonde turned and melted into the crowd.

‘You can let go now,' Alesha managed quietly, attempting to pull free without success, for he merely threaded his fingers through her own. She kept her voice light and a smile in place. ‘Must you?'

‘Yes.'

He glimpsed sudden pain darken her eyes, then it was gone.

It was perhaps as well the ballroom doors opened and the assembled guests converged towards the three main entry points.

Their table held prominent position, and the usual speeches included gratitude for previous funding together with a plea for the guests' continuing generosity.

The drinks flowed, entertainment was provided between each of the three dinner courses, and it wasn't until coffee was served that there was the opportunity for any lengthy conversation.