The Helen Bianchin Collection (Mills & Boon E-Book Collections) (124 page)

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Authors: Helen Bianchin

Tags: #Fiction, #Romance, #Erotica, #Collections & Anthologies, #Contemporary Women, #General

BOOK: The Helen Bianchin Collection (Mills & Boon E-Book Collections)
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Her life had been good until Nikos Alessandros walked into it. She'd been satisfied with the status quo. Content to run the Gallery jointly with Emilio. Happy in her own apartment, and with her social life.
Now, it didn't seem to mean as much.
Apprehension seeded and took root. How could she bear to live without him?
‘Shall we continue?'
Michelle brought her attention back to the present and she tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. ‘Yes, let's go back.'
There was a sadness in the depths of her heart as they undressed each other and made love in the late hours of the night.
‘D
O YOU want to go down to breakfast, or shall we order in?'
‘The restaurant,' Michelle said at once. ‘Staying in could prove dangerous.'
‘For whom,
melle mou?'
‘I might ravish you,' she teased mercilessly, and heard his soft mocking laughter.
‘I tremble at the mere thought.'
‘Well you might,' she threatened as she slipped from the bed, aware that he followed her actions.
‘Today you have plans, hmm?'
Nikos sounded amused, and she picked up a pillow and threw it at him, then watched in fascination as he neatly fielded it. ‘If you don't want to play,
pedhaki mou,'
he drawled, ‘I suggest you go shower and dress.'
She escaped, only because he let her, and reemerged into the bedroom to quickly don elegantly tailored trousers and a deep emerald singlet top.
Nikos followed her actions, and after a superb breakfast they spent almost two hours in the Aquarium viewing the many varieties of fish displayed in numerous tanks before walking across the causeway to Darling Harbour to explore the many shops.
It was a beautiful summer's day, the sun shone,
there was just the barest drift of cloud, and a gentle breeze to temper the heat.
They had lunch at a delightful restaurant overlooking the water, then they boarded a large superbly appointed catamaran for a cruise of Sydney harbour.
Mansions built on the many sloping cliff-faces commanded splendid city views, and the cruise director pointed out a few of the exceptionally notable residences nestling between trees and foliage.
Coves and inlets provided picturesque scenery, and there were craft of every size and description moored close to shore.
Sydney was famous for its Opera House, a brilliant architectural masterpiece instantly recognisable throughout the world, and its Harbour Bridge.
Of all the cities she'd visited, this one represented
home
in a vast continent with so many varying facets in its terrain. It tugged a special chord in the heart that had everything to do with the country of one's birth, patriotism and pride.
Nikos rarely moved from her side, and he appeared relaxed and at ease. The suit had been replaced by tailored trousers and a casual polo shirt which emphasised his breadth of shoulder, the strong muscle structure of his chest.
Michelle was supremely conscious of him, the light brush of his hand when they touched, the warmth of his smile.
Here, they were a thousand miles away from the Gold Coast, and Jeremy. Let's not forget Saska, she added wryly.
There was no need to maintain any pretense. So
why hadn't Nikos abandoned the facade the moment they touched down in Sydney?
Because the sex is good? an inner voice taunted.
She should, she reflected, have insisted on separate suites. They could have each gone their separate ways for the entire weekend, then simply travelled to the airport together and caught the same flight to the Gold Coast.
So why didn't you?
a silent voice demanded.
The answer was simple...she wanted to be with him.
Oh great, she mentally derided. Not only was she conducting a silent conversation, she was answering herself, as well.
It was almost five when the cruise boat returned to the pier, and afterwards they wandered at leisure along the broadwalk at Darling Harbour, and sat in one of many sidewalk cafés with a cool drink.
‘Let's eat here,' Michelle suggested. The area projected a lively almost carnival ambience, and she loved the feel of a sea breeze on her face, the faint tang of salt in the air.
‘You don't want to go back to the hotel, change, and dine
a deux
in some terribly sophisticated restaurant?' Nikos queried.
He looked relaxed, although only a fool would fail to detect the harnessed energy exigent beneath the surface.
‘No,' she declared solemnly.
They ate seafood, sharing a huge platter containing a mixture of king-size prawns, mussels, oysters, lobster and Queensland crustaceans cooked in a variety
of different ways, accompanied by several sauces and a large bowl of salad greens.
Dusk began to fall, and the city buildings took on a subtle change, providing a delightful night tapestry of light, shadow and increasing darkness.
‘We could take in a movie, a show, visit the casino,' Nikos suggested as they emerged from the restaurant
Michelle offered him a sparkling glance. ‘You mean, I get to choose?'
‘Last night was business,' he drawled, and she bit back a laugh.
‘Not all of it.'
He took hold of her hand and linked his fingers between her own. ‘Behave.'
‘I shall,' she said demurely. ‘Impeccably, for the next few hours. At the casino. Then,' she added with wicked humour, ‘I plan to ravish you.'
‘Two hours?'
‘Uh-huh. It's called
anticipation.'
It was worth the wait, Nikos accorded a long time later as he gathered her close on the edge of sleep. She'd made love with generosity and a sense of delight in his pleasure. And fun, before the intensity of passion had swept them both to a place that was theirs alone.
His arm tightened over her slender back, and she made a protesting murmur as she burrowed her cheek more deeply against his chest.
He soothed her with a gentle drift of his fingers, and brushed his lips against her hair, listening, feeling,
as her breathing steadied into a deep even pattern.
 
‘The Rocks,' Michelle chose without question when Nikos queried over breakfast what she would like to do with the day. Their flight to the Gold Coast was scheduled for midafternoon.
‘Trendy cafés, shops, and—'
‘Ambience,' she intercepted with a wicked smile.
They took a taxi, and spent a few pleasant hours wandering the promenade, examining the various market stalls, chose a café where they enjoyed a leisurely meal, then it was time to return to the hotel, collect their bags and head for the airport.
With each passing hour she felt an increasing degree of tension. And sadness the weekend was fast approaching a close.
‘Thank you,' she said quietly as they waited for their bags to arrive on the carousel from the flight. ‘It was a lovely break away.'
Nikos glimpsed the subtle edge of apprehension apparent, and divined its cause. A muscle hardened along the edge of his jaw. Jeremy's behaviour pattern was predictably unpredictable. His parents' method of dealing with their son's recurring problem, however, was not.
For the past week he'd deliberately scaled down his business commitments to an essential few, and chosen to work via the computer link-up in his apartment, instead of his company office overlooking the Southport Broadwater.
Nikos sighted their bags and lifted them off the
carousel. Five minutes later he was easing the large BMW out from the security car park.
‘Do you mind if I make a phone call?' Michelle queried soon after they entered the penthouse.
‘Go ahead. I'll be in the study for an hour.'
She rang her mother, put a call through to Emilio, then she retreated to the bedroom to unpack.
 
Michelle left early the next morning for the Gallery, and by midday she'd managed to catch up with most of the paperwork. Lunch was a sandwich washed down with mineral water and eaten at her desk.
Preliminary festive season parties were already under way, and tonight they were to join her parents and several of her father's associates for dinner at the Sheraton.
It was after five when she entered Nikos' penthouse, and after a quick shower she tended to her make-up, swept her hair into a smooth French pleat, then she donned a cobalt blue fitted dress with a sheer printed overlay, slid her feet into stiletto-heeled shoes, and collected her evening purse.
‘OK, let's go.'
‘There's something you should know before we leave.'
Her smile faltered slightly. ‘Bad news?'
‘Jeremy and his parents left the country early this morning. Their home is up for sale, and Emerson's office is closed.'
‘Thank God,' she breathed shakily, as surprise mingled with relief.
‘Rumour has it they intend settling in Majorca.'
It was over! She could hardly believe it No longer would she have to look over her shoulder, suspect every shadow, or be apprehensive each time the phone rang. She could resume a relatively carefree life, move back into her apartment...
Nikos caught each fleeting expression and successfully divined every one of them.
A weight sank low in her stomach as comprehension dawned. Nikos' protection was no longer necessary. Which meant—
what?
Did she thank him, then walk out of his life?
Would he let her?
‘The news has already leaked and speculation is rife,' Nikos said quietly. ‘I wanted you to hear it from me, rather than an exaggerated version from someone else.'
‘Thank you.'
He could sense her tentative withdrawal, see the hidden uncertainty, and he wanted to shake her.
‘We'd better leave,' Michelle said brightly. ‘
Maman
said six-thirty.' It was almost that now.
It was a beautiful evening. Except she didn't really see the azure blue of the sky as Nikos drove the short distance to the Sheraton hotel.
Michelle drew in a deep breath, then slowly released it as he slid from the car and consigned it to the concierge's care for valet parking.
She'd have to go inside and act her socks off in an attempt to portray an air of conviviality.
It didn't help to discover Saska was present in the company of one of her father's business associates. Although it was hardly surprising given the associate
had been a guest on the same night as Saska at her parents' home the previous week.
Champagne on an empty stomach was not a wise move, and her appetite diminished despite the superb seafood buffet. While everyone else filled their plates and returned for more, all she could manage to eat was a few mouthfuls of salad and two prawns.
Michelle conversed with apparent attentiveness to the subject, but within minutes she retained only a hazy recollection of what had been said.
Her mind was consumed with Nikos as she reflected on every detail, each sequence of events that had brought and kept them together.
She reached out and absently fingered the stem of her champagne flute.
‘Mchelle?'
Oh Lord, she really would have to concentrate! She looked across the table and saw Saska's bemused expression. ‘I'm sorry,' she apologised ‘What did you say?'
‘I'm leaving for Sydney tomorrow to spend a few weeks with friends before flying home to Athens.'
Sydney,
Athens?
Saska was leaving the Gold Coast
tomorrow?
Her brain whirled. Did that mean Saska had given up any hope of turning Nikos' affection into something stronger, more permanent?
‘I'm sure you'll enjoy Sydney,' she managed politely. ‘There are so many things to see and do there.'
‘I'm looking forward to it.'
Michelle. wasn't sure how she managed to get through the rest of the evening. She even managed
to pretend to eat, and followed mineral water with two cups of very strong coffee.
It was after eleven when Etienne settled the bill and brought the evening to a close. Some of the guests had taken advantage of valet parking, others had chosen to park in the underground car park. Consequently farewells and festive wishes were exchanged in the main lobby.
Within minutes of emerging from the main entrance the concierge had organised Nikos' car, and Michelle sat in silence during the short drive.
The penthouse had been a haven, now it seemed as if she was viewing it for the last time. Dammit, she daren't submit to the ache of silent tears.
She was breaking up, fragmenting into countless pieces. Tomorrow... Dear heaven, she didn't want to think about tomorrow.
Nikos lifted a hand and tilted her chin, then held fast her nape as he angled his mouth over hers in a kiss that tore at the very depths of her soul.
It became a bewitching seduction of all her senses, magical, mesmeric, and infinitely flagrant as he led her deeper and deeper into a well of passion.
There was something almost wild about their lovemaking, a pagan coupling filled with raw desire and primitive heat.

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