Australia: Gorgeous Grooms: The Andreou Marriage Arrangement / His Prisoner in Paradise / Wedding Night with a Stranger

A return to the city streets where some of the most famous shops were located ensured forays into a few, where recognition of the Andreou name resulted in almost obsequious attention.

‘Today we look, we compare,’ Angelina confided. ‘Anything of particular interest we request a twenty-four-hour reserved hold. Tomorrow we return and decide.’

It was late when Cristos departed from the Andreou home in Voula and headed north to Kifissia.

All Alesha had to show for the day was one glossy designer-emblazoned bag.

She thanked Cristos when he deposited her outside the front door of Loukas’ home, greeted Hera on entering the foyer, then she ran lightly upstairs to their suite, toed off her shoes, undressed and ran a bath where she luxuriated in a leisurely scented soaking before emerging to dry off and don a towelling robe.

Loukas entered the room as she caught the length of her hair and twisted it into a loose knot, which she fixed in place with a large clip.

‘Hi, you’re home,’ she offered as he crossed the room to her side. The mere sight of him, his presence, invaded her senses, and her insides felt in serious danger of melting into an ignominious puddle as he framed her face and took her mouth with his own in a lingering kiss.

‘You shared an enjoyable day?’

Alesha rolled her eyes. ‘Do you have any idea how the female members of your family shop?’

‘That bad, huh?’

‘Don’t you dare laugh,’ she threatened.

‘I wouldn’t dream of it.’ He rested light hands on her shoulders. ‘Which ache the most … feet or shoulders?’

‘Both,’ she said succinctly, and almost groaned as his fingers sought out the kinks and knots and began to ease them with an expertise for which she could only thank him.

Heaven … he could have been a masseur in another life.

‘Should I ask how many purchases have been made?’

‘Shoes,’ she offered. ‘Even though I have a perfectly suitable pair of my own.’ She lifted a hand, then let it fall to her side. ‘Your mother has offered me her lace wedding veil.’

‘I believe it’s exquisite.’

‘I thought this would be simple.’

‘Shopping to my mother, Daria and Lexi is an art form,’ Loukas assured her solemnly. ‘And accorded due reverence.’

‘Tomorrow we take up where we left off.’ She turned slightly to look at him. ‘There’s no chance I can take a rain check and spend the day with you in the city office?’

‘It would be more than my life is worth.’

‘You’re kidding me? The powerful omnipotent Loukas Andreou bows down to the three women in his life?’

‘Four,’ he corrected with an amused smile. ‘You neglected to include yourself. And shopping, in this instance, is of the utmost importance.’

‘I shall think of ways to make you pay,’ she threatened with dire emphasis, and heard his husky laugh.

‘Sounds interesting.’

‘Is this second wedding, for want of a better word, scheduled to happen soon?’

‘Early next week, I believe.’

‘You mean, you don’t know for sure?’

‘Tuesday has been mentioned.’

She could do this. The trick was to be more assertive and not allow the Andreou women to make all the decisions.

‘Is there any social engagement I should be aware of?’

‘A fundraiser on Saturday evening for a worthy charity Andreou has sponsored for a number of years.’

Consequently attendance would be expected together with the gift of a sizable donation. Which meant an Andreou bride would garner considerable interest.

But then, hadn’t Loukas also drawn attention as her husband at a similar charitable event Karsouli supported in Sydney?

Wealthy tycoons were known to donate generously to worthy charitable causes. Most chose to give something back, with time and money for those genuinely in need. Committees organized events, provided entertainment and a three-course meal including alcoholic beverages … and charged accordingly.

It gave the social elite an opportunity to select designer gowns, wear their jewellery, be seen and the chosen few to appear in the media social pages.

‘How was your day?’ She hadn’t thought to ask, and he removed his hands as she turned to face him.

‘Busy. Constantine is considering semi-retirement. It means reshuffling a few executive staff, selecting suitable replacements and aligning a technical infrastructure I can oversee from Sydney.’

‘And you’re okay with his decision?’ It would mean a heavier workload, possibly a reasonably regular commute between Sydney and Athens.

Would she accompany him? Somehow the thought of remaining in Sydney alone didn’t hold much appeal. She’d miss his presence … sharing her bed, the pleasure of his touch through the night. Dammit … she’d feel as if a part of her were lost.

For a moment she couldn’t think. Where had that come from? It meant she cared … when she’d silently sworn not to become emotionally involved.

A hollow laugh rose and died in her throat.

Sure, like that isn’t the joke of the year!

‘It’s inevitable, given he’s reached his early sixties.’

For a moment she looked at him blankly, for she’d lost the thread of their conversation.

She glimpsed the faint gleam in his dark eyes as he lifted a hand and traced light fingers down the vee of her robe, loosened the ties at her waist, then he shaped the slight weight of her breasts.

‘Beautiful,’ he complimented gently. He lowered his head and brushed his lips to each in turn, then he sought the faint scar beneath one sensitive peak, caressed it … and sensation speared through her body.

‘You’re wearing a new perfume.’

‘It’s soap,’ she managed in a slightly strangled voice, and felt his mouth curve into a smile. ‘Gardenia,’ she added and gasped as he lifted his head and took possession of her mouth.

Magic, sheer magic, she registered dimly as she threaded her fingers through his hair and leant into the kiss, gifting as well as taking, absorbing everything he chose to give … and more.

It wasn’t enough. She needed him, all of him, naked, skin on skin, his body fused with hers in a primitive mating, uniquely and exclusively theirs in a way there could never be another for either of them.

Was that love?

Lust, certainly. But surely love was a different entity, involving trust and fidelity.

And she couldn’t love him … could she? Hadn’t she sworn never to let another man get beneath her skin and steal her heart?

Yet Loukas was there, a constant in her thoughts, her mind. He managed to make her feel different, almost special. Was it merely a practised act in order to lull her into a false sense of security?

Sadly, she didn’t know … and there was a part of her that didn’t want to know. For to discover it was all a charade would hurt her more than she imagined possible.

And that, she recognized, was an admission in itself.

With effort, she eased back from him a little, aware he didn’t attempt to dissuade her.

‘You should go shower and change,’ Alesha managed quietly. ‘Or we’ll be late for dinner.’

He touched a finger to her slightly swollen mouth. ‘And that would never do, hmm?’

‘I’m sure Hera has gone to considerable effort.’

Without a further word she crossed into her dressing-room, shed the robe, selected fresh underwear, and chose tailored trousers and a fashionable blouse … reappearing into the bedroom to find it empty and the sound of the shower running in Loukas’ en suite.

Dinner was a pleasant meal, during which conversation didn’t lag … although afterwards Alesha retained little memory of what they’d actually discussed.

Loukas excused himself on the pretext of work, while she used her laptop to catch up with emails and respond to one of Lacey’s that had landed in her inbox that morning.

It was late when she retired to bed, and even later when Loukas joined her. For a moment she lay perfectly still, unsure whether he’d reach for her or not … and when he curved her close in against him she wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or peeved when his breathing slowed and acquired the steadiness denoting sleep.

The following few days were filled with shopping, and it came as a relief when the Andreou women conceded contented satisfaction in having achieved their objective.

Alesha had to admit they showed excellent taste in fashion, and she couldn’t fault their suggested choices.

‘Now you can relax,’ Lexi confided as Cristos delivered them to Voula late Friday afternoon.

You think? Alesha posed silently.

With the charity fundraiser the following evening, the reaffirmation of marriage vows and party planned for Tuesday, relaxing wasn’t a state she’d reach any time soon.

Daria, as Loukas had predicted, had mellowed considerably during the past few days, and it was possible to catch a glimpse of the woman beneath the severe exterior.

Angelina proved to be the quintessential mother, who had learnt to accept her son and daughter as adults in an adult world, and gained the wisdom to step aside from the strict parental role and respect them as equals. An admirable quality that Alesha found endearing.

Lexi’s engaging personality made her easy to like, so too did her determination to strike out on her own.

‘Loukas is Andreou. My talent lies with fashionable jewellery, specifically design. I have a studio in the Pláka, and a small degree of success. This year has brought exposure, and I will soon need to take on another staff member.’

‘So when do I get to see some of your designs?’ Alesha asked as they shared coffee in the lounge after a dinner Angelina had insisted she share when Loukas had called to say he would be dining with associates and not due home until late.

‘I’ll give you the link to my website, and we’ll fit in a time for Cristos to bring you to the studio before you return with Loukas to Sydney. Sound good?’

‘I’ll look forward to it.’

It was almost eleven when Cristos delivered her home, and her cellphone beeped as she headed upstairs.

‘Another hour, agape mou,’ Loukas relayed in his slightly accented drawl.

‘I’ll probably be asleep.’

‘In which case I’ll wake you.’

The mere thought of being woken by him sent delight slithering down the length of her spine. ‘If you must.’

His soft chuckle almost undid her.

Alesha undressed and headed into the shower, set the water dial to hot and let the heat soothe away the stress of the day as she lathered her body with the gardenia-scented soap … and attempted to convince herself the choice had nothing to do with Loukas.

Caught up in reflective introspection, she attempted to analyze when her emotions had begun to change from reluctantly accepting the marriage … to wanting it to work, to be real.

To love, and be loved in return? Was that too much to ask for?

Yet love couldn’t be bought. It was built on emotion, and deserved the utmost care.

In a moment of self-indulgence she let her mind wander to the years ahead … children Loukas would lift high in the air and laugh with in their tender years, be fiercely protective of as they grew, and encourage to achieve in all areas of their lives.

Wishful thinking didn’t mean it would happen, and with fresh resolve she closed the water, caught up a towel and dried off before donning sleep pants and a singlet top.

On the verge of sleep she heard the faint click as Loukas closed the bedroom door, the soft rustle of clothing being discarded, followed by the sound of the shower.

Long minutes later he slid beneath the covers and reached for her, turning her easily in his arms as she caught his head and brought his mouth down to her own in a hungry kiss that stirred his senses to fever pitch.

This … this was what he’d consciously anticipated as he’d wined and dined three associates while negotiating a deal. One that had taken skilled strategy and patience to achieve.

Now he wanted to bury himself in the sweet sorcery of a woman’s body. Not any woman … this woman.

To pleasure her until he sensed the soft purr in her throat as she arched her body against his own. The faint moan of capitulation as he nuzzled the sensitive hollow at the curve of her neck. Her reaction to his touch, the intimacy they shared … and the joy of mutual orgasm.

On the edge of sleep he gathered her close, soothed her when she stirred and held her through the night.

Alesha dressed with care, aware the silk chiffon gown with its ruched bodice in deep sapphire hugged her slender curves and highlighted the texture of her skin. The diagonally cut skirt flowed gently to rest at her ankles, and her heeled pumps and evening clutch were a perfect match.

Jewellery was restricted to a diamond pendant, ear-studs and matching bracelet.

She ensured her make-up was understated with emphasis on her eyes, a touch of bronzing powder and a soft neutral lipstick and gloss.

‘Beautiful,’ Loukas complimented as she prepared to precede him from the room, and she threw him a faintly teasing look.

‘Thanks.’

Her eyes sparkled as she subjected him to a sweeping appraisal.

Attired in a black evening suit, fine white linen shirt and black bow tie, he looked far too compelling for any woman’s peace of mind … especially hers.

‘I guess you’ll do.’

His soft laughter curled round her heartstrings and tugged a little. ‘Damned with faint praise.’

Together they descended the staircase and moved to the front entrance where Cristos waited with the limousine.

‘Anything more and you’ll get a swelled head,’ she said solemnly as she slid into the rear passenger seat. Her pulse leapt as he captured her hand and held it for the duration of the drive into the city.

The hotel hosting the event had to be one of the city’s finest, Alesha perceived as she stood at Loukas’ side amongst the mingling guests sipping champagne.

Men of varying ages wore formal evening wear while the women sparkled … literally, in jewellery worth a fortune.

She became aware her presence garnered speculative interest, and she tilted her head a little, kept a smile in place, and maintained an expected pretence.

It was something of a relief when Constantine, Angelina, Daria and Lexi joined them.

‘The rescue team,’ Lexi enlightened her quietly as she leant forward to brush her lips to Alesha’s cheek. ‘You look gorgeous.’

‘Same goes.’ A genuine compliment as Loukas’ sister wore a stunning gown in fire-engine red that showcased her figure with breathtaking style.

Daria looked regal in black, while Angelina had opted for delicate shades of lilac.

‘Would you like a rundown on some of the guests?’ Lexi queried lightly. ‘Or would you prefer to form your own impression?’

‘You think it’ll make a difference?’

‘Not in the slightest,’ Lexi assured her. ‘Although I shall warn you of any impending danger.’

She couldn’t help a faint laugh. ‘Loukas’ ex-girlfriends?’

‘Plural? You’re quick. One in particular.’

‘Do I get a name?’

‘Iliana,’ Lexi informed her with droll humour. ‘Model, filthy rich, and hunting Loukas. Expect a cat-fight when she discovers he’s taken.’

‘As she will?’

‘Darling Alesha. News travels fast.’

So it did, in any city in the world. Why should Athens be any different?

‘Approaching from the right,’ Lexi voiced softly several minutes later. ‘Wearing black and white.’

Stunning, tall, incredibly slender, with exquisitely assembled facial features, luminous dark eyes and a mouth that promised much.

Oh, my. Perfection personified, Alesha conceded as Iliana drew close.

‘Kalispera.’

The greeting included each of them, but the model’s attention rested solely on Loukas.

‘Iliana.’ His voice held a coolness that was ignored.

‘You have a relative join you tonight?’ The assumption held a teasing lightness that wasn’t reflected in her eyes, and Alesha was willing to swear all three Andreou women drew in their collective breaths.

‘My wife, Alesha,’ Loukas relayed in a silky drawl, and merely compounded the situation by taking hold of Alesha’s hand and raising it to his lips.

‘How … adventurous of you, darling,’ Iliana arched, ‘when a legal commitment was never on your agenda.’ She paused to summon a slight, deliberately fake smile. ‘Although there is the duty to produce an Andreou heir.’

The woman was all feline with vicious claws, Alesha perceived, and doubtless ate unsuspecting men for breakfast.

It posed the question as to how deeply involved she’d been with Loukas.

Even the thought of the model’s sinuous body wrapping itself around him made Alesha feel slightly nauseous.

She gave herself a mental shake. Get real. He’s no celibate. It’s a given there have been women … probably scads of them. So what?

But Iliana?

How could she hope to compete?

‘Do you not speak?’ the model posed with the glitter of revenge momentarily apparent in her dark eyes.

‘When I have something to say.’

She sensed Lexi’s faint smile, and mentally braced herself for Iliana’s next verbal parry.

‘It doesn’t bother you that Loukas and I are intimate friends?’

‘Should it?’

‘Enough.’ One word, quietly delivered, but only a fool would ignore the steel beneath Loukas’ silky voice.

Daria offered a comment in her own language … words Alesha had no difficulty in comprehending.

The evening didn’t improve as Iliana boldly took her place at their table, ignored Daria and Angelina’s telling looks as she proceeded to stake a claim for Loukas’ attention.

To his credit he mostly ignored her, adhering only to polite civility as the occasion demanded.

Yet it made for unnecessary awkwardness, and doubtless aroused speculation amongst many of the guests present.

Alesha recalled the words of a famed socialite who advised … ‘Don’t get mad, darling—get even.’

So she smiled, conducted animated conversation with their table companions, and managed to cast Loukas an adoring look or three during the meal.

It helped that he played a similar part, although there was a bad moment when Alesha and Lexi used the powder room, and Iliana entered as they were about to exit.

Alesha witnessed the gleam of satisfaction in the model’s eyes, and mentally prayed a verbal war could be avoided.

‘Very clever of you, darling, to land a fish of Loukas’ calibre. What bait did you use?’

‘Public displays are a trifle tacky,’ she ventured as Iliana initiated a confrontation. ‘Don’t you think?’

‘Are you pregnant?’

‘Iliana,’ Lexi said quietly. ‘You’re in danger of making a fool of yourself.’

Alesha placed a placating hand on Lexi’s arm and held the model’s gaze as she asked evenly, ‘Is there a point to this conversation?’

Hard eyes raked a damning appraisal. ‘You’re quite pretty. But don’t think your marriage will last. Loukas is an intensely sexual animal. I doubt you’ll satisfy him for long.’

‘You think? Perhaps I should thank you for the advice and suggest more creative positions …’ she paused deliberately ‘… in places other than the bedroom.’

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