The Wedding Deal (11 page)

“Oh you will Cara……..you will” he had laughed a small blush lighting her cheeks, as she had laughed back, both moving forward looking so happy and relaxed in each other’s arms.

The inside of the villa had been no less impressive than the exterior, and she had admired the elegant and exquisite furnishings of the wonderful house, now her house she had realised once more looking at Alexis. A small frown had creased her lovely forehead as she had felt the warmth inexplicably fill her.

After he had shown her to her room, they had moved out to wander around the villa’s extensive grounds. Tessa had been speechless at the beauty of the landscape, most of which was allowed to grow wild, adding to the way the villa seemed to blend in so well with its surroundings as though it had always been there. They had made their way down the gentle sloping path to the beach below and she had gasped at the perfection of the spot, seeing how the blue sky against the green of the clear water made for a picture perfect setting.

“I was thinking Tessa” Alexis had spoken softly beside her.

“That this would make a wonderful spot for our wedding”

Tessa could only nod, completely unable to say just how perfect it really was. She had not been aware of the tears which rolled down her cheek, as she had smiled gently, until his thumb had slowly wiped one away, his other moving to snake around her waist before pulling her in closer. As their mouths met finally Tessa understood. She knew for certain why her whole being was in such turmoil. Why this man seemed to raise so many emotions within her. She knew that despite the agreement of a loveless marriage she had agreed to enter, her services as the perfect wife and mother bought and paid for, that she had fallen in love with him. She had fallen completely and utterly in love with Alexis Demitri, a man who could never love her back, the tears the only testament to this revelation as she had fallen harder against him, her kisses hungrily responding to his.

As he had tried to pull back from her, his whole body had shaken with the effort it took. His forehead resting against hers he had looked down into her flushed features, the words in his throat frozen seeing the want in her eyes, before she had dropped them to look longingly at his lips. As her small tongue had flicked over her own he had groaned, the last vestige of willpower leaving him as he had kissed her again.

For over a week he had kept this woman at arm’s length. Each day being in her presence feeling how she had affected him, how his whole body had yearned to feel her against himself, to run his tongue along her skin, taste her as he had that day in her apartment. The memory keeping him awake late into the night. Alexis could not understand his reaction to Tessa. He wanted her, but he had wanted other women in the past, but none as strongly as the innocent now in his arms. Did it really matter if they made love before the wedding? His normally ordered and resolute mind had pushed his previous determination to the side, his desire for her swamping him in his need to have her, to make her his.

Tessa had felt as he had lowered her gently onto the sand, his hands expertly exploring her body, driving her wild as his touch had been so sure. His fingers had undone the small buttons of the summer dress she wore as she had gasped, her body in almost auto mode, as she had clutched at him. She had pulled the t-shirt he wore until her fingers had slide under the material, skirting along his skin down his spine, as he had shuddered his fingers pulling down the lacy material of her bra as his mouth had sucked in one hardened nipple. Tessa had cried out with the sheer pleasure as his tongue had flicked against her, her fingers racking through his hair as she had held him to her as she writhed below him.

Having undone all the buttons of her silky dress, Alexis hands had moved to glide down her belly. His fingers had slid between her legs as she had whimpered and groaned beneath him. It had taken a while for the ringing of his mobile phone to break through to Alexis fevered mind making him pull back from her, knowing that only a select few people had his number. Quickly answering the phone, his voice had been hoarse.

“Alexis Demitri” he had managed, before sitting up straight, pulling away from Tessa’s surprised arms.

He had spoken to the other caller for a few seconds, before turning back to her, his eyes alight with humour along with frustration.

“Talk about divine intervention” he had chuckled, seeing as she had pulled the material of her dress around herself, once more hiding her lovely body.

“That was the minister……He is on his way to see us”

Tessa had felt the tension leave her, as she had fallen back onto the sand, laughing loudly as he had began laughing with her, before he had once more pulled her against him, this time just cradling her in his arms.

“Oh my God Tessa…..what you do to me”

With that he had dropped a small kiss on her head and moved quickly to his feet, holding out his hand to help as she had quickly fixed the buttons on her dress reddening at how naked she actually was. With that the two had moved back up the slope just in time to meet the minister as he had driven up to the villa in his old beaten-up car. With a small smile it had reminded Tessa of her old one, thinking how out of place the minister’s car looked beside Alexis’s top of the range Jag.

By the time the minister had left and all the arrangements had been finalised the blistering heat of the sun had dissipated as night had began to fall. The two had eaten on one of the many verandas which made up the exterior of the wonderful home. Tessa had very much enjoyed the moussaka served to them as they had looked into the night sky, no light pollution to diminish the brightness of the stars. Sitting silently, both so comfortable in the other’s presence, both lost in their own thoughts Tessa had felt such peace as the sound of the cicadas, rhythmically sounded through the night.

“Well Tess” Alexis’s voice had suddenly broken the silence, causing Tessa to drop her eyes from the sky.

“This time tomorrow we will be husband and wife”

She had given a small smile, the thought not as unwelcome as it had been only a week ago. Looking back at the man soon to be her husband, she had once more felt the rush of emotions that her realisation that afternoon had unleashed within her. Giving a small contented sigh she had stood, stretching as tiredness had filled her.

“Well I think I will head for bed, us blushing brides need our beauty sleep”

He had stood with her, looking down as he had smiled back.

“Mmmmm I think you have that covered” he had chuckled as she had felt the pleasure filling her once more. Making to move, he had quickly captured her fingers, bringing them to his lips to kiss them softly, his breath caressing her hand and sending the all too familiar sensations flooding through her. With her voice thick with her need for him she had bade him goodnight and made her way to her bedroom. That night she had slept soundly, her dreams filled with his laughing face.

The next day had been a flurry of activity around the villa. They had decided to exchange vows at dusk, just as the sky would be bursting with the oranges and reds and pinks which lit up the heavens. Tessa had been surprised that he would be going to such lengths given the terms of their marriage; however she could not help but be pulled into the buzz of the whole event. Everywhere she went the staff would smile warmly at her, wishing her happiness and health and when Alexis had seen her he had taken a deep breath seeing as her whole complexion seemed to glow with happiness.

“Good morning” he had murmured, pulling her against himself, his mouth nuzzling into her long hair, as she had chuckled feeling the sensations skating down her spine.

“I hope you slept well……because you may not be getting much tonight”

Tessa had looked up into his eyes full of such mischief feeling the small flush rise to her cheeks as she had only smiled back at him.

That day, he had taken her for a trip around the island. They had stopped for lunch at one of the small restaurants in which they were both greeted by the owners, who had already heard of their nuptials to take place that day.

“One thing you learn about Greek small islands, Cara” he had grinned

“Is that there are no secrets….everybody knows everything”

Tessa who had been thanking the many well-wishers had thrown him a knowing look.

“You mean like the fact you are deliberately keeping me out of the villa today “

She had seen as he had laughed, nodding,

“True…….I admit it…….I wanted to surprise you with the beach layout…….make it special”

Tessa had smiled carrying on with her dinner, while inside she had felt the warmth at all the effort he was making, the knowledge touching her very deeply.

The day had been wonderful. Alexis was an attentive and enthusiastic guide, often pulling his car over to point out small hidden areas of beauty not visible from the road. The two had wandered around the small island together, often hand in hand and Tessa had felt happier than she could ever remember. Finally by late afternoon they had returned to the villa, both moving to their rooms to get ready for the ceremony itself.

The night before the wedding she had hung up the dress that her mother was supposed to wear to marry her father. Her eyes had been full of sadness for the happiness that had been snatched from her mother. In her hands once more she had looked at the only picture of her wearing the dress, smiling at the photographer, her eyes so full of hope and happiness for the future. A look Tessa had never seen as she had been growing up.

After she had showered and set her hair she had placed the small tiara on her head, placing the small veil at its back, allowing it to drop down past her shoulders. She had then stepped into the dress, the strapless bodice hugging her wonderful figure, showing her curves to perfection. It was a simple dress, but more beautiful for that as it hugged her hips before starting to flare out at her knees, a slit up the front allowing her lovely legs to be visible as she had moved.

Finally ready, she had stood before the mirror, seeing how good she looked, almost as lovely as her mother had she thought, wishing that the woman was there to see her on that day, a small tint of sadness lighting her eyes. Looking quickly at the clock she had given a small gasp, seeing how the time had slipped away. Grabbing her shoes she had moved from the room, heading down stairs to meet up with Alexis. However, there was only a table placed in the middle of the hallway on which sat a large bouquet of the most wonderful flowers, which had made Tessa smile. Picking up the note, she had been surprised to read the message from Alexis.

“Every princess should arrive to her wedding in style – your carriage awaits”

With a grin Tessa had lifted the spray of flowers, enjoying their essence as she had moved out of the villa. Seeing what waited for her, she had gasped in surprise, before laughing softly seeing the decorated golf cart. Covered with ribbons and bows, trimmed with good luck banners it waited for her, the driver wearing the complete chauffeur outfit. The man had grinned at her before moving around to help her to get seated in the cheerful cart. He had then taken his place and began the journey down the hillside that she and Alexis had walked down the previous day.

There a photographer had snapped pictures of her as she had gracefully exited the small vehicle, her face shining with happiness the large smile lighting up her lovely face and eyes. The housekeeper of the villa had helped her to fix her dress and to ensure that her veil was straight, before giving her a big hug. In broken English she had wished her happiness before moving to one of the two seats for the witnesses, the chauffeur taking the other. Ahead of her Tessa could see Alexis. Wearing a full tuxedo, which showed off his long back and muscular shoulders he had waited for her, not looking back, his head forwards. A red carpet led up to the makeshift altar where the minister stood, a kindly smile on his gentle face. On both sides of the carpet large arrangements of flowers filled the air with the bouquet of roses and other aromatic plants.

Finally ready she had heard the two musicians playing violin and flute begin to play the wedding march. With her heart full to bursting, Tessa had begun to walk slowly towards Alexis, the sun ahead of them slowly sinking down into the aqua clear water of the sea before them.

Alexis had heard the music start to play, feeling inexplicably nervous, surprising himself. Not until he had become aware of Tessa standing beside him did he turn, his breath catching in his throat at how beautiful she looked. With his eyes shining with honesty he had whispered gently to her.

“You look so beautiful” seeing as she had flashed him a warm smile back.

The minister had looked at them both, winking at them as they had smiled and relaxed. They had both agreed to the traditional wedding vows, Tessa a little uncomfortable that he would be promising to love and respect her. However, she had rationalised that he no doubt would love her as best as he was able and that given his outlook he would see that he was keeping only unto her. She knew that his mistresses would never be allowed to interfere with his home life. She however, had known that the words she spoke were the truth. She loved this man. She loved him with all her heart, in a way that no other man had ever made her feel. Others had tried and failed, and Tessa had known that to her she truly was promising everything that she vowed.

As they had exchanged words, the sky before them had erupted in a myriad of colours, the horizon almost on fire with the reds, oranges and pinks of nature’s daily show. She had felt him slip the gold band onto her finger, her hand trembling slightly as she had placed a matching one on his. Standing with Alexis, in the most beautiful setting she had ever seen Tessa had felt complete tranquility fill her soul as the minister had finally announced.

“You may kiss your wife”

Before Alexis had placed his hands on the top of her arms and pulling her toward him, kissed her softly, his eyes meeting hers, as he had murmured gently,

“My wife” Tessa smiling back, feeling a small tear rise to her eyes.