The Andreou Marriage Arrangement

by Helen Bianchin

  Her soft, slightly parted mouth almost begged the touch of his own. Fine, almost porcelain skin moulded delicate bone structure, a perfect nose, and long natural eyelashes fanned out from petal-like eyelids.

  He moved quietly towards the bath and switched off the jets, then he collected one of several large folded bath-towels and spoke her name.

  There was no sign she heard him, and his gaze skimmed over her slender curves, the soft swell of her breasts with their tender peaks, the delicate waist, flat stomach with its slim gold pin with a strategically placed diamond attached to her navel. A cheeky jewellery accessory that winked and gleamed beneath the water’s surface.

  He felt the stirring of arousal, and banked it down.

  ‘Alesha.’ His voice was firm, and he caught the faint flutter of her eyelashes. ‘Wake up.’

  He saw the moment his words penetrated her subconscious, the sudden upwards sweep of her lashes as she came awake, and the stark mix of startled surprise and fear in the depths of her eyes the instant before she recognized him and gained the reality of her surroundings.

  ‘It’s after midnight,’ he said quietly. ‘You fell asleep.’

  Loukas glimpsed her attempt to control the fleeting expressions chasing her features, saw the embarrassment change to indignation as she automatically used her hands to shield the vulnerable parts of her body.

  ‘Leave the towel and go…please.’

  He was tempted to release the water, scoop her out and wrap her in the towel, then carry her to bed. His.

  Except when he took her, it would be because she wanted him, not an act she conceded out of duty or mere compliance.

  He might be many things, and he’d been called on several…but he stood by his word.

  So he did as she requested and closed the door behind him, then he shed his clothes, took a cool shower, and slid between the sheets to lie with his arms crossed behind his head.

  He watched idly as she emerged into the bedroom attired in cotton sleep trousers and a singlet top, looking impossibly young.

  A slight smile widened his generous mouth as she avoided meeting his gaze, and he waited until she slipped beneath the covers before closing the lamps.

  ‘Goodnight.’ His voice was an indolent drawl in the darkness, and he only just heard her muffled response.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  ALESHA woke to light filtering through partly closed shutters along the wall of glass facing east.

  For a brief moment she felt slightly disorientated by her unfamiliar surroundings, then memory surfaced as she cautiously examined the spacious room.

  Specifically the large bed next to the one she’d occupied through the night…and she experienced a sense of relief to find it empty.

  She brushed a hand through her hair and checked the time, saw it was almost eight, and hurriedly slid from the bed before gathering up fresh clothes and disappearing into the en suite to complete her morning routine and dress.

  Jeans and a stylish tee sufficed, and she caught her hair in a ponytail, added gloss to her lips, then she made her way downstairs to the kitchen.

  Coffee would be good, breakfast even better, and she entered the spacious, beautifully appointed kitchen to discover Eloise stacking the dishwasher, with no sign of Loukas in sight.

  ‘Good morning.’ Alesha kept it light and offered a warm smile, which the housekeeper returned in kind.

  ‘It’s a lovely day,’ Eloise added. ‘What can I get you for breakfast?’

  ‘If it’s okay with you, I’ll make coffee, and just grab some cereal and fruit, and take it out onto the terrace.’

  ‘I can easily prepare a cooked breakfast if you’d prefer.’

  ‘Thanks, but cereal is fine.’

  There was something infinitely relaxing in looking out over the harbour. Small and large craft sprinkled the sparkling Port Jackson waters; tugboats guided a massive tanker towards the wharves, while ferries cruised the distance between the city and Manly.

  The cityscape bore tall modern high-rise buildings in varying architectural designs, their plate-glass windows glinting as the sun rose in the sky.

  No matter where she’d travelled, Sydney was home. The place of her birth and education. It held familiarity for her. Memories, all of them good…until Seth. And just as she emerged whole and healed, she was flung into the unknown again by her father’s hand.

  ‘Finish your coffee, then we’ll collect the rest of your belongings from the apartment.’

  Loukas had the silent tread of a cat, and she replaced her cup down onto its saucer with care before she turned to meet his gaze.

  Attired in jeans and a chambray shirt, he bore a deceptively casual air that was the antithesis of the man he’d proven himself to be.

  It was the eyes, Alesha perceived. Dark silken depths that were too perceptive for anyone’s peace of mind…especially hers.

  Oh, why not admit it? He unsettled her, increasing her vulnerability to a point where she felt constantly on edge in his presence.

  ‘I can manage to do that on my own.’

  ‘You don’t need to.’

  ‘What if I prefer to?’

  ‘Give it up, Alesha.’

  She tilted her head and held his gaze with equanimity. ‘I was unaware taking your name meant alienating my freedom of choice.’

  He rested a hip against the edge of the table and leant towards her, not exactly crowding her in, but close…too close.

  ‘You prefer the difficult route to a simple one?’ He waited a beat as her eyes darkened at his proximity. ‘Or do you merely enjoy debating me?’

  She resembled a startled foal whenever he encroached on her personal space, and his gaze narrowed fractionally as the pulse at the base of her throat began to visibly thud.

  ‘You lucked out if you want a subservient wife who will agree with your every word.’

  ‘It should make for an interesting life.’

  Her smile was deliberate. ‘You think?’

  Loukas stood to his feet. ‘Collect your keys, then we’ll leave. Presumably you’ve forgotten one of Dimitri’s charitable causes is hosting an event this evening and our presence is expected?’

  He glimpsed the conflicting emotions pass fleetingly across her expressive features before she managed to control them. ‘I doubt you packed a suitable gown.’

  She hadn’t. Neither gown nor shoes, nor evening clutch.

  Surely she had the event entered in her diary? Yet she’d neglected to check…understandable given her father’s sudden death, the funeral, Dimitri’s will. Dammit, her marriage.

  But tonight? She could have put in a token appearance even with Loukas as her partner as a matter of respect. But wearing Loukas’ wedding ring, how long would it take for the inevitable question to arise? The speculation?

  Dear heaven, the need to maintain some form of pretence as Alesha Andreou?

  She didn’t want to go there…at least, not so soon. Yet she’d been raised with a strong sense of duty, a respect for bona fide charitable causes, and this evening’s fundraiser was indeed a special one, fostering a terminally ill child with the opportunity to fulfil a much revered wish.

  Alesha gathered her crockery and flatware together and deposited both in the kitchen before she ascended the stairs to collect her keys.

  She caught sight of Loukas waiting in the foyer as she re-entered the upstairs gallery, and she ran lightly downstairs.

  ‘I’ll be a while.’

  It was a parting shot, a last-ditch attempt for independence that failed miserably as he swung open one of the two solid-panelled doors and indicated the four-wheel drive parked in the driveway.

  ‘Let’s go.’

  She threw him a fulminating look that had no visible effect whatsoever, and they rode the distance to Double Bay in silence.

  The apartment was exactly as she’d left it, and she became extremely conscious of Loukas’ presence as he overrode every objection she made.

  Okay, so she’d transfer all her c
lothes, shoes and personal possessions. Any decision about the furniture and the apartment itself could wait. The practical side voted she maintain it as was. Logically, she should lease it out.

  Except it bore her personal stamp, with everything carefully chosen to create a perfect blend of muted colours, a kitchen to die for, beautifully elegant furniture and furnishings.

  Hers alone…a sanctuary representing a personal triumph through darkness to light, the re-emergence of strength and resolve.

  ‘I’ll clear the tallboy and dresser drawers while you take the wardrobe.’

  She looked at him askance.

  He intended to gather together her personal stuff? Lingerie, briefs, bras?

  ‘I’ll take care of those.’

  Except he was already there, opening a drawer and scooping up pastel silk thongs, satin briefs, lacy bras and transferring them into a packing box.

  ‘Must you?’ she flung with exasperation, barely quelling the urge to hit him.

  His husky chuckle incensed her, and she reacted without thought, aiming the shoe she held in her hand with accuracy, only to watch in stunned disbelief as he fielded it and placed it down with care.

  His smile was still in place, but the expression in his dark eyes sent chills scudding the length of her spine.

  ‘You want to play?’

  Not the sort of game he had in mind, and she silently damned her foolish action. ‘I don’t do sex in the middle of the day.’

  One eyebrow lifted in cynical humour. ‘You prefer furtive foreplay beneath the cover of darkness?’

  As Seth had? Ensuring any strike came without warning, and the advantage became his?

  In the animal kingdom, she qualified, Seth was akin to a reptile—while Loukas came from an entirely different species…primitive, highly sensual, and infinitely dangerous. A very sexual man, whose reputation with women was legend.

  And now he was hers.

  Or more accurately…she was his.

  Something moved in her eyes, then was quickly gone.

  Loukas’ gaze narrowed as he glimpsed the fine hold she had on her emotions, and how unaware she was that he could so easily read them.

  Just what was it about her brief marriage that had changed her from a delightful young woman possessed of an engaging personality into someone who rarely laughed and shied away from men?

  Abuse? Physical, mental…or both?

  The extent of his anger at the possibility surprised him, and he banked it down as he turned his attention to the next drawer. ‘Let’s get this done.’

  Methodical placement of clothes being her thing made for easy transference from wardrobe to packing boxes, and she focused on the chore at hand while attempting to ignore Loukas’ presence.

  Difficult, she acknowledged, when he was there, a physical entity that filled her with an edgy awareness and made her supremely conscious of every breath she took.

  Tonight…she really didn’t want to think about the evening, or how much it would cost her to play an expected part at Loukas’ side. To smile, converse and pretend.

  You’ll be fine, Alesha silently assured herself as she slid the zip fastener home on an exquisite gown in deep emerald green whose off-the-shoulder design hugged her slender curves. She opted to leave her hair loose, and employed the skilful use of make-up to highlight her eyes and accent her generously moulded mouth.

  Six-thirty for seven meant leaving the house at six, and she attached diamond studs to her ears, added a matching pendant on a slim gold chain, only to have the clasp prove difficult.

  ‘Problems?’ Loukas crossed to stand behind her, and she held her breath as his fingers brushed her own as he slid the clip into place.

  The exclusive tones of his cologne teased her senses, and she stood still, unable in those long seconds to do anything but breathe.

  He seemed to surround her, a magnetic force that caused her body to pulse, irrespective of the dictates of her brain.

  For one wild moment she wondered if he knew.

  Dear heaven, she hoped not.

  ‘Ready?’

  She stepped away from him and collected her evening clutch. ‘Yes.’

  As ready as she’d ever be, she vowed silently as the Aston Martin swept through streets slick from an early evening shower.

  She’d done this before, many times. Attending various functions in the company of her parents, and partnering Dimitri after her mother’s death.

  So what was the big deal?

  You can do this, Alesha assured herself again as Loukas slid the car to a halt adjacent the main entry of one of Sydney’s prestigious hotels.

  With smooth efficiency the concierge arranged valet parking, and she entered the hotel foyer at Loukas’ side.

  A magnificent wide staircase curved to a mezzanine level where guests were gathered in the spacious lounge adjacent the grand ballroom.

  Uniformed waiters and waitresses offered canapés, champagne and orange juice.

  Smile. Do the meet-and-greet thing, comment on the attendance, assure Karsouli’s continued support to members of the charity committee…and refer any awkward questions to Loukas.

  Simple. At least it should have been.

  Except she neglected to factor in Loukas’ constant company, the touch of his hand at the back of her waist, the effect his warm smile had on her equilibrium. Dammit, their projected togetherness.

  It was inevitable the wide diamond-encrusted wedding ring on her left hand would eventually capture attention. Coupled as it was with the plain gold band Loukas now wore, conclusions were reached and the more emboldened requested confirmation.

  The news spread, with almost comical circumspection if one was inclined towards cynical amusement.

  ‘Darling, how wonderful happiness should evolve from such recent sadness.’ Words expressed by the charity committee member were genuine, and Alesha accepted the air-kiss, the obligatory hug as others followed.

  Men, captains of industry, who took the opportunity to shake Loukas’ hand and offer congratulations. And women, some of whom expressed their affection a little more enthusiastically to Loukas than the occasion demanded.

  Two in particular, known for their flirting skills and love of high-living.

  Alesha assured herself she didn’t care when the exquisite blonde melded her body close and wound her arms round Loukas’ neck.

  To his credit, he moved his head so the intended kiss brushed the edge of his jaw, and he summoned a faint smile as he disentangled the blonde’s arms.

  A sparkling laugh, the hint of a moue, then the blonde turned towards Alesha. ‘Darling, he’s delicious. If you hadn’t snared him first…’ The words trailed to a halt, with no doubt of the implication.

  Darling, Alesha was sorely tempted to redress, you’d have been most welcome. Instead she offered a sweet smile, and barely managed to contain her surprise as Loukas lifted her hand and brushed his lips to her sensitive palm.

  For a brief moment the room and everyone in it faded as her eyes locked with his, and the air between them seemed filled with electric tension.

  Then he smiled, and curled her hand within his own. ‘Fortunately, she did.’

  Oh, my…what was that?

  Playing the part, a tiny imp taunted. And he does it so well.

  ‘Pity,’ the blonde voiced with seeming regret. ‘We could have had fun.’ With a pretty wave of her hand the blonde turned and melted into the crowd.

  ‘You can let go now,’ Alesha managed quietly, attempting to pull free without success, for he merely threaded his fingers through her own. She kept her voice light and a smile in place. ‘Must you?’

  ‘Yes.’

  He glimpsed sudden pain darken her eyes, then it was gone.

  It was perhaps as well the ballroom doors opened and the assembled guests converged towards the three main entry points.

  Their table held prominent position, and the usual speeches included gratitude for previous funding together with a plea for the guests’ conti
nuing generosity.

  The drinks flowed, entertainment was provided between each of the three dinner courses, and it wasn’t until coffee was served that there was the opportunity for any lengthy conversation.

  A DJ set discs spinning at one end of the ballroom and provided a mix of music. A time of the evening when some of the older guests began to leave, and the younger set filled the adjoining floor-space.

  ‘Shall we?’

  Dance? With him?

  She had, on a few occasions in the past. Way past, when her life had been uncomplicated and she’d viewed the future as a journey of discovery.

  Following her separation from Seth, the only male she’d chosen to dance with had been her father…occasions when she’d felt protected, safe.

  Loukas and safe didn’t equate.

  In the name of heaven, get a grip. She was in a room filled with people, and she was being too ridiculous for words.

  ‘Sure, why not?’ she managed simply.

  Except being held by him was far from simple. Even in killer heels she was conscious of his height, his restrained strength and his sexual energy.

  One hand lingered at the base of her spine, and she barely controlled a faint shivery sensation as his thumb brushed a gentle pattern over the delicate bones.

  If he sought to soothe, the caress had the opposite effect, and she dug her lacquered nails into his hand in a silent plea to desist.

  A fruitless exercise as he drew her close, splaying the hand at her spine to hold her there.

  Worse, the DJ selected a slow, seductive number and the lights dimmed low, providing a level of intimacy that made her want to pull away from him.

  She tried, without success, and everything within her coalesced and became one highly sensitized ache. It made her want something she’d thought she once held in her grasp…only to be cheated as her emotional dreams were smashed into a thousand pieces.

  Please, she silently begged. I can’t do this.

  I want my life back…the one I carefully rebuilt for myself. No emotional ties, no room for disappointment and heartache.

  ‘I think we’ve managed a sufficiently convincing display,’ Alesha offered evenly, and wondered if Loukas had any idea of the effort it had cost her not to tear herself away from him.