The Wedding Deal (13 page)

“Well……….perhaps you should lie down” he had returned, his hand finding the small silky pants, pushing them aside as he had felt the gush of wetness his caressing fingers had produced, seeing as her eyes had closed, her lips parting wider as she had sighed softly, her hips moving against his hand. As she had kicked off the other shoe and her foot had slid over to gently caress the growing bulge in his trousers, causing it to throb almost painfully, her toes driving him wild.

Finally he had arisen, before once more pulling her into his arms and striding purposefully into the bedroom, Tessa laughing throatily.

“You Tessa Demitri are about to join a very exclusive club” he had laughed pushing open the door.

Returning back home Alexis had seen Tessa smile seeing the banner that Mrs Lowe had erected both at the front of the house and within the grand foyer. The whole area was covered in balloons and bunting which had seen them both laughing. She had squealed happily as before entering the house, he had swept her into his arms in old fashioned gallantry, carrying her over the threshold, much to the delight and amusement of the housekeeper who beamed happily at them both.

Finally placed back down onto her feet Tessa had been dragged into the kitchen for a much needed cup of tea by the excited Mrs Lowe for all the details of the wedding, as the smiling Alexis had picked up the mail, slowly sifting through the many letters.

As the two women were comfortably sat with Tessa laughing happily describing the golf cart Alexis had moved into the kitchen, a small frown on his face, stopping her in mid sentence as she had looked at him with concern.

“Everything OK?”

Drawing level with her he had slid an invitation to her. Picking it up she had read the contents in disbelief.

“Mr John Jones would request the pleasure of Mr and Mrs Alexis Demitri to celebrate the marriage between his granddaughter Tessa Jones with Alexis Demitri”

Looking quickly up at him, the shock so evident in her eyes she had been unable to speak, seeing almost a look of relief in his eyes.

“I take it you knew nothing about this” he had smiled gently as she had shaken her head.

“Absolutely nothing………..why would he do this?” she had questioned confusion in her eyes.

He had pulled out another sheet and looked down at the contents grimacing.

“Well it would seem that your grandfather has invited all of my friends and business colleagues” with a sigh he had folded it once more.

“I am sure he was trying to be nice” he had muttered, as Tessa had given a snort.

“Seriously Alexis…you have met my grandfather right?”

He had chuckled as the housekeeper had silently watched not sure what was going on.

“Do we have to go?” she had asked her look hopeful as he had dashed them with a small nod.

“Unfortunately Cara, these are not people we can just stand up………I am afraid that we will”

Groaning she had looked at him with defeat in her expression, sighing softly she had dropped her head into her arms.

“OK………..when is it?” as the two of them had laughed at her theatrics.

“Tomorrow night”

Hearing the even louder groan had sent the other two into hysterical laughter, Alexis patting her softly on the back sympathetically.

“Let’s not return the favour” he had chuckled as her head had nodded miserably.

It was not till later that evening as she lay snugly in his arms, both having just caught their breaths from their lovemaking that Tessa had asked the question that had been on her mind most of the night.

“Why do you think he did it? Why did he bother with the party?”

Alexis had frowned, his handsome face lined with concentration as absently he had lifted her hand, entwining their fingers together as he had examined their wedding bands.

“For my contacts”

He had finally answered, as she had looked questioningly at him.

“Your contacts?”

He had nodded slowly, his expression sombre before continuing.

“A lot of my colleagues will have nothing to do with your grandfather, many warned me about having any dealings with him, and I guess this is a way of showing our connection in the hope of creating some links”

He had given a small sigh.

“Problem is some might actually buy it”

Tessa had nodded.

“Please do not feel concerned for my sake of putting them right”

She had felt his smile against her head before he had chuckled.

“Well maybe I should wait; I think he is still trying to push that hot cousin of yours on me”

Tessa had given a small snort before laughing as he had turned her around, his mouth once more finding hers.

The next day had seen the couple leaving, the chauffer driven limousine , specially sent for them by John Jones. Alexis had looking as handsome as usual in his tux and Tessa stunning in the blue cocktail off-the-shoulder dress. Around her throat a choker of diamonds caught the light as Tessa tried hard not to play with them, still full of shock at the exquisite gift he had surprised her with as they were about to leave.

“Alexis” she had breathed in surprise.

“You…you shouldn’t have”

As he had smiled putting it around her throat, his fingers lightly touching her body, before bending and gently running his tongue along her neck and shoulder, causing the now all too familiar flames to burn hot within her.

“Who else would I get these for?”

He had whispered gently making a small shiver skate down her back.

“except for my beautiful wife”

Tessa feeling so happy and in love.

As they had moved into the foyer of the expensive hotel booked for their wedding celebration, John Jones himself had rushed forward to greet them. The warm fawning smile for Alexis and in turn her had sickened her to her stomach and Tessa had fought hard to keep a civil smile on her face. Leading them into the room he had pulled Marcie over positioning himself between the couple as he had asked Alexis if he remembered her. Tessa had worked hard to hold back the laugh which shone so brightly in her eyes as he had thrown her a “told you so” look as he had kissed the blonde’s hand gallantly, Marcie simpering flirtatiously at him before glowering over at Tessa, her eyes greedily taking in the diamond choker and bracelet which adorned her cousin.

After spending what he felt to be adequate time with the Jones’s Alexis had moved to gently guide Tessa away, thanking John for the impromptu party, and smiling as he had stated.

“Well better do our duty, Cara, and mingle”, both finally able to escape from the pair.

Meeting Alexis’s friends and colleagues had been fun, as they had been so warm and welcoming to her. Some had seemed wary, given her family connections, but her natural charm and intelligence had soon won over all who met her. There were also many she had previously met at functions they had attended prior to the wedding and one of the wives had dragged her over to meet other wives who had all insisted on details of the wedding, with Tessa happily complying. It was mid-story that she had noticed her grandfather once more pouncing on Alexis, not able to see his expression, but seeing how intently he talked to the man she loved. With a small smile she had felt sorry for Alexis before the pair was swallowed up by the crowd.

When she had finished talking, Tessa had excused herself, her eyes scanning the busy room for Alexis, jumping as her grandfather had appeared before her. Tessa had grit her teeth as the older man had smiled at her, the smile not reaching his cold eyes, his voice less than friendly as he had dropped any pretence of congeniality now that Alexis was no longer by her side.

“Well marriage seems to be agreeing with you Tessa” he had bitten out.

“So long as you keep him sweet I’m sure you will be of some use to him. But try not to give in to those natural urges of yours”

Tessa had given a sweet smile back at him determined not to rise to his baiting.

“I think you are confusing me with Marcia John, she is so like you, and as I recall not much to Alexis’ liking”

She had seen the flash of anger in his eyes before his smile had become more evil.

“So have you met his mistress yet?”

His words had crashed down on Tessa, not expecting this attack, as her composure had slipped a little before she could steady herself. He had taken her reaction in, a small chuckle leaving him. However, as she did not reply he had continued.

“She is a beauty that one”

Tessa still not responding determined not to give him the satisfaction of asking who he was talking about.

“He calls her his Best Project Manager”

John had given another laugh, his voice full of innuendo, as it had sunk into Tessa who he was talking about, her stomach feeling sick at the knowledge. Clara was beautiful, she was smart and sophisticated and Alexis’s {same} mistress, this knowledge tearing painfully at her as she had fought hard to keep her face emotionless so as not to give her grandfather the satisfaction he was looking for, the whole time her heart breaking into thousands of shards which tore painfully at her insides. The memory of the last night before they had travelled to Greece had rushed back to haunt her. The knowledge that he had needed to spend one more night with his mistress before marrying her, tearing painfully at her, as she had fought hard not to show her heartbreak.

Finally able to speak she had given a noncommittal shrug of her lovely shoulders.

“That is his business; I knew what I was signing up for”

Rewarded by the disappointment in the other man’s face as he had grunted and turned from her,

“Just make sure you never forget that Tessa”, finally leaving her alone with her thoughts.

Feeling two hands slide around her hips from behind Tessa had jumped, giving a shaky smile as Alexis had looked down on her.

“Everything OK?”

He had asked, seeing the stricken look in her eyes, something many would not have noticed, but already knowing her well enough.

“Yes…..I…I just have a headache that’s all” she had finally managed, her eyes not able to meet his. Instantly his expression had turned to one of concern.

“Then we should go” he had said with finality in his voice, as Tessa had shaken her head,

“No……we should stay till the end”

He had looked down at her.

“I am sure that they will understand - we are newlyweds after all” moving in closer whispering into her ear,

“It is almost expected, Cara…..I think many others would like to leave too……but they can’t until we do”

Tessa had given a small half smile, nodding her head, with the realisation that what he said was true, wanting to be as far away from her grandfather as she could get.

“OK…….yes let’s go”

It had taken them a further half hour to get out of the hall, as people moved forward to say goodbye and wish them both well for the future, Tessa’s last image of the room, that of her grandfather glowering angrily at her.

Back in the car, Alexis had seemed distant, quieter than earlier and Tessa wondered if he was missing his mistress. If he was wishing himself to be with the beautiful blonde, the thought bringing her so close to tears that she could feel her heart once more breaking with this new knowledge, knowing that the honeymoon was well and truly over.

When they had moved back into their bedroom, he had moved around the room, his tone polite but still so distant, that Tessa could feel her head start to throb for real. As they had slid into bed, he had given her a small kiss.

“You were beautiful tonight Tessa, how are you feeling?” he had said, his voice thoughtful, as though there was more he wanted to ask.

She had given a shaky smile up at him.

“I’m fine……just a headache. I’m sure a good night’s sleep will get rid of it”

A long strained few seconds of silence had followed, as though he were fighting hard with himself, wanting to ask her more, and Tessa had found herself holding her breath instinctively knowing that it was important. Finally he had given a small sigh leaning in and gently kissing the top of her head.

“Then sleep, I am up early tomorrow, Clara and I have to attend a meeting”

As he had spoke he had turned to extinguish the bedside light and had not seen the stricken look on Tessa’s face at the mention of the other woman’s name.

That night for the first time since their marriage, they had not made love, and Tessa had turned her back on Alexis, her whole insides churning, as silent tears had slid down her lovely face. She had heard his breathing become deeper as he had fallen asleep. Sleep eluding her, as every time she had closed her eyes, visions of her husband, the man she loved, would fill her mind. Visions of him making love to the beautiful woman she had met at the charity ball, the visions mocking her as she realised that there would be many more Claras in their marriage. She had chastised herself for making the biggest mistake that she could possibly make knowing the terms of their marriage, the mistake of falling in love with him.

The following morning, as Alexis had risen Tessa had too. He had been shocked to see how white she looked, telling her to go back to bed. However, she had given a small smile shaking her head.

“No…….too much to do” seeing the look of surprise on his face.

“What is so important?” he had asked.

Tessa had looked back, giving a soft sigh.

“Well I need to check on the studio…..there are a few repairs that need done before the new term starts”

Alexis had stopped looking at her with surprise.

“What do you mean new term?”

A frown had appeared on his face as she had looked on in surprise.

“My dance studio”

She had answered her voice full of the surprise she felt.

“There is no need for you to keep the studio going now Tessa…….you have all the financial security you need”

Tessa had stood, slowly moving over to him.

“I don’t do this for security Alexis……I do it because I love teaching” a feeling of dread slowly filling her.

“You know I love teaching dancing”

He had watched her, his fingers racking through his hair as he had chosen his words.