The Andreou Marriage Arrangement (9 page)

Night
, she corrected. For she couldn't deny she found comfort as he held her through the night. To stir in sleep, and have him reach for her. The feel of his lips against the soft-beating pulse at the base of her throat. Just
knowing
he was there.

And the sex…more, so much more than she'd ever dreamed possible. Wondrous, exciting, magical.

But that's all it is, she reminded herself. Good sex is just…good sex, and not to be confused with a deeper emotion.

So…enjoy the ride and don't question the motives?

Fine, if you could separate the prosaic from the illusion.

After all, what was she to him other than a partner in every legal sense?

 

It was late afternoon when the Lear jet touched down in Athens, and they emerged to balmy sunshine, passed through Customs to be met by Loukas' driver, Cristos, who transported them via limousine to suburban Kifissia where luxury homes surrounded by trees and beautiful gardens exuded wealth.

Alesha's eyes widened slightly as the limousine turned into a gated entrance and eased to a halt outside the entrance to a double-storeyed palatial mansion.

‘My home base,' Loukas informed her as he led her into a large marble-tiled foyer where a middle-aged housekeeper, whom he introduced as Hera, greeted them. Cristos followed with their luggage.

‘It's beautiful,' she complimented simply. Elegant, she added silently as he led her upstairs to their bedroom suite. Rich furnishings, solid furniture, imposing mirrors and artwork adorning the walls.

A very large home for one man, she perceived, although fitting given he headed the Andreou consortiums and doubtless entertained…business associates, as well intimate dinners
à deux
with women.

Had any of his former mistresses shared his home?

And what if they had? His past was his own.

He'd vowed fidelity…the question had to be whether he intended to abide by it.

Emotional introspection following a long international flight, comfortable though it had been, did not make for a good mix.

What she needed was a leisurely shower, a change of clothes, dinner and a good night's sleep…in that order.

The spacious bedroom suite held one bed, albeit king-size, two walk-in robes with adjoining dressing rooms, two en suites.

Alesha opened her bag, extracted fresh underwear, tailored trousers and a knit top, then she entered the en suite Loukas indicated as her own, ignored the temptation to linger overlong, and chose to sweep her hair into a careless knot atop her head, vetoed make-up with the exception of lip gloss and emerged some ten minutes later to discover Loukas in the process of pulling on a cotton shirt over chinos.

Heeled sandals lent her height and aided confidence, she added silently as she slid them on.

Hera had prepared a delicately flavoured moussaka, a greek salad, with fresh fruit to follow, and Alesha declined coffee in favour of tea, lingered over it and endeavoured to fend off an increasing weariness while experiencing envy of Loukas' apparent vitality.

How did he do that?

‘Why don't you go up to bed? I have a few calls to make before I call it a night.'

It was all too easy to acquiesce, and she cast him a musing smile as she rose to her feet. ‘Goodnight.'

‘Sleep well.'

She did, almost as soon as her head touched the pillow, and she was unaware of Loukas' presence as he slid in beside her, or that he curved her in close against him.

 

Alesha murmured indistinctly as she slid into the dream, subconsciously aware the sound moved to a purr of pleasure as lips nuzzled the sensitive curve between her neck and her shoulder. Mmm,
nice
.

So, too, was the gentle drift of fingers over the delicate slope of her breast, and her mouth relaxed into a winsome smile as the tender peak hardened beneath their touch.

She shifted a little, unconsciously arching her body as the hand slid to her waist, explored the diamond pin at her navel, before tracing a pattern over her stomach.

A husky sigh emerged from her throat as a mouth fastened over one breast and gently suckled, sending sensation spearing through her body, and she groaned softly in the need to beg for more…only to give a satisfied moan of pleasure as deft fingers slid to the apex between her thighs and found her throbbing clitoris.

If this was a dream, she didn't want it to end, for the pleasure was so acutely intense it almost transcended into reality.

Afterwards she couldn't pinpoint precisely when she became aware of emerging consciousness…only that she did, and she reached for him.

‘At last you wake,
agape mou
,' Loukas murmured with a husky chuckle.

‘Uh-huh.' She captured his head and framed it as she sought his mouth with her own in a piercingly sweet kiss that touched him more deeply than he thought possible.

It unleashed a primitive hunger he fought to control as he shaped her body and entered her in one unrestrained thrust, absorbing her startled cry as her vaginal muscles gripped his hardened length.

For several seemingly long seconds he remained still, gentling his mouth into an erotic supplication, then he began to move, slowly at first as he took her with him, her increasing urgency matching his own as they became consumed by electrifying passion.

Incandescent, primal…she cried out with the force of it,
and held onto him, almost afraid to let go in case she shattered into a thousand pieces.

It was almost as if her whole body vibrated with the aftershock of sensation that was more than just sex.

Dear heaven, she couldn't even find the words to describe how she felt as she buried her mouth in the curve of his neck.

She was barely aware of the soothing brush of his hand along her spine, or the touch of his fingers working a tactile massage at her nape.

There was no sense of the passage of time…just the slowing of her ragged breathing as she became consumed by a sense of dreamy peace. Too emotionally spent to do more than close her eyes and drift easily to sleep.

Loukas slid from the bed as the dawn lightened the sky, then showered; freshly shaven, he dressed in business attire and crossed to the bed and stood looking at his wife's softened features.

She slept curled to one side, a hand tucked beneath her cheek…rested, replete, her generous mouth slightly parted in the semblance of a smile.

He felt his body stir, and he banked down the urge to take her mouth with his own.

Except it wouldn't stop there, and regrettably there wasn't time. Cristos waited in the limousine to drive him into the city where he'd connect with Constantine, field a call from his mother, and attempt to vet the social activities Angelina had undoubtedly planned during his short visit.

Beginning with this evening's family dinner held in his parents' home.

Would Alesha recall he'd informed her of the invitation as she rested in his arms through the early morning hours?

Possibly not. Rather than wake her, he'd leave a message
with Hera, call between meetings, and issue Cristos with instructions to accompany her wherever she wanted to go.

Alesha woke late, discovered she was alone, and gave a startled yelp as she checked the time.

Nine? Half the morning gone…and where was Loukas?

Then she remembered, and she shifted the bedcovers, took a shower, dressed in casual wear and made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

Hera relayed Loukas' message, then she made fresh coffee and offered croissants, fresh figs, Greek-style yoghurt, and currant bread with honey.

Alesha chose the figs and yoghurt, washed them down with coffee before taking a walk in the grounds.

The day was warm, the air stirred by a slight breeze, and she admired the meticulously kept garden borders framing beds filled with floral blooms.

Loukas' mansion nestled against a hillside and offered a stunning panoramic view of the city reaching to the port of Piraeus.

The place of her parents' birth, where they had grown up and married before choosing to relocate in Sydney.

There was a sense of timelessness, of an ancient age, often violent, as rulers fought for power and glory.

She moved away, and heard the insistent ring of her cellphone as she paused to admire the swimming pool with its blue mosaic tiles, ornamental cupids at placed intervals spouting plumes of water.

The sound of Loukas' deep, slightly accented voice sent her pulse into a quickened beat.

‘A quick call to say I'll be caught up all day and not in until around seven,' he enlightened her. ‘We're due at my parents' home at eight.'

‘I'll ensure I'm ready.' She waited a beat. ‘Tough day?'

‘Nothing I can't handle.' He paused to speak to someone. ‘I'll see you tonight.'

An event Alesha prepared for with care, electing to wear classic black, killer heels, and subtle make-up with emphasis on her eyes. Hair—upswept or loose?

‘Loose,' Loukas declared as he entered the bedroom and shrugged out of his suit jacket, then pulled his tie free.

‘You think?'

He crossed to where she stood and framed her face, then kissed her. ‘Shame you're already dressed. You could have shared my shower.'

‘Not enough time.'

His eyes gleamed. ‘I could always ring ahead and say we'll be delayed.'

‘But you won't.' A wicked smile curved the edges of her mouth. ‘Besides, I prefer a lover with a slow hand.'

He trailed light fingers down her cheek. ‘You'll keep.'

Constantine and Angelina resided in the southern suburb of Voula, in a luxurious home located at the top of Panorama.

Cristos deposited them at precisely eight, and no sooner did the limousine draw to a halt than the front door opened to reveal Loukas' parents, who moved quickly down the wide steps to offer an affectionate greeting before ushering them into a spacious foyer where a vision in black stood poised at the base of an elegant staircase.

Lexi, Loukas' young sister, all grown up in her early twenties, tall, dark-haired, impeccably dressed…the antithesis of the defiant teenager Alesha remembered from five years ago.

‘Hi.' Lexi hugged him. ‘You've given me the best gift of all…a sister.' She turned towards Alesha. ‘Welcome.'

‘Thank you.'

Lexi offered quietly, ‘Thia Daria is waiting in the lounge to offer a formal greeting.'

Constantine's sister…a dour spinster, Alesha recalled, with an acerbic tongue, and wondered if perchance she'd mellowed a little since the last time they'd met.

Not a smidgen, if the woman's severe expression was any indication.

‘So,' Daria began imperiously. ‘You are the pawn Dimitri offered to save his wretched soul.'

Oh, my, this had all the portents of being a
fun
night.

‘Hardly his soul.' She met the older woman's steely gaze and held it. ‘He took that with him.'

‘I speak the truth.'

‘A truth I'm very aware of,' Alesha offered calmly. ‘Did you imagine otherwise?'

‘Loukas is my godson. As the only male Andreou of his generation, I consider it is of vital importance he has taken a wife worthy of bearing his name.'

‘While I consider the importance lies with Loukas' ability to share equal partnership in Karsouli.'

Lexi clapped her hands lightly. ‘Well fielded.'

Constantine indicated a collection of comfortable sofas. ‘Please, be seated. I'll open the champagne.'

‘I prefer ouzo.'

Naturally, Alesha conceded, Daria would take pleasure in being contrary. Was it a game? Maybe two could play…

Over dinner, perhaps.

A delicious meal prepared especially by Angelina, comprising several courses…tasty samples of various seafood dishes, followed by mouth-watering sweet honey and nut pastries and fresh fruit.

It was during dessert that Daria made an announcement in
the form of a statement…no one could possibly term it a suggestion, Alesha decided a trifle ruefully.

‘You have denied your family the pleasure of participating in your wedding. A ceremony will be repeated here in Athens. Tomorrow,' she determined firmly, ‘we will shop.'

‘A reaffirmation of your marriage vows,' Angelina declared with enthusiasm. ‘All that is required will be the documented proof the marriage has already taken place.' Her eyes sparkled. ‘There will be guests…a party.' She paused for a few seconds. ‘Afterwards you will take Alesha to the island for a few days,' she concluded.

Oh, my. The light touch of Loukas' hand on her thigh caused her to look at him askance.

‘A charming idea.' His eyes speared her own. ‘Alesha?'

That was right…throw the ball into her court! Like she was going to refuse? ‘Charming,' she agreed. In a moment of inspiration she turned towards Lexi. ‘I'd love it for you to be my attendant.'

‘Done,' Loukas' sister concurred with delight. ‘Which means I get to join in the shopping expedition.'

‘It will be my pleasure. My gift to you both.' Constantine beamed as he sank back in his chair. ‘And now we shall adjourn to the lounge and Angelina will bring the coffee.'

It was almost midnight when Loukas summoned Cristos and they took their leave.

Alesha settled into the rear seat of the limousine as Loukas joined her, and she sat in reflective silence as Cristos traversed the driveway.

Loukas reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘You managed very well.'

His features appeared as shadowed angles in the evening's
darkness, illuminated by passing street-lighting and the beam of oncoming traffic.

‘Your aunt is a lioness.'

‘Yet beneath the surface lies the heart of a pussycat.'

‘You're kidding me?'

‘You're now part of the Andreou family. One Daria guards with her life. You will discover she is generous to a fault,' he relayed quietly. ‘And very caring towards those who earn her trust.'