The Greek's Bride 0f Convenience (HQR Presents)

by Helen Bianchin

  There could be no turning back, and she told herself that nothing else mattered, only now, as he gently removed every last vestige of her clothing.

  His hands and his mouth became evocative instruments as he sought to awaken a tumultuous response, his lips grazing down over her ribcage on a destructive path towards the central core of her femininity.

  Her shocked protest went unheeded, as with deliberate eroticism he taught her to enjoy an experience so fraught with sensual ecstasy that she cried out, alternately pleading for more and begging him to desist, until, just as she thought she could stand it no longer, his mouth began a slow upward trail, tantalising, teasing, tasting.

  Slowly, with care, he gained entry with one sure thrust, then he deliberately sought a response she was afraid to give.

  Her pleasure began as a spiralling sensation that swelled into an intense throbbing ache as she became completely and utterly absorbed in his deep rhythmic possession.

  Mindlessly exultant, she scaled the heights of ecstasy and knew she never wanted to descend from this elusive sensory plateau where sheer sensation ruled.

  Her faint whimper of distress was very real as he began to withdraw, and she held him close, unwilling to have it end.

  His lips moved to her shoulder, caressing the delicate curves and hollows, before wandering with tactile sensuality to tease the edge of her mouth; then he lifted a hand to her chin and forced her to meet his gaze.

  There wasn’t a single word she was capable of uttering, and her eyes felt like huge liquid pools mirroring the degree of deep slumberous passion she’d experienced beneath his touch.

  Gently he lifted her hand to his lips, and there was nothing she could do to prevent the slight quivering of her mouth as she glimpsed the warmth reflected in the depths of his eyes.

  It was impossible for him to be unaware of her unbridled response to his lovemaking, and a faint tide of pink coloured her cheeks as she glimpsed his slight smile.

  This, this was so different from Paul’s selfish insensitivity, Lexi decided wondrously, feeling bewitched and bemused by the awakening of her own sensuality. She had read once that good lovemaking was nature’s ultimate aphrodisiac, and it was true, for she felt tremendously and utterly complete.

  Her eyes widened slightly as Georg slid out of the bed, and anything she might have said was lost beneath the brief pressure of his mouth; then he straightened and walked towards the en suite bathroom. She let her lashes drift, down, unwilling to move so much as an inch.

  Minutes later her eyes flew wide open and she made a slight sound in protest as she was lifted out of the bed and carried into the bathroom.

  Without any effort he stepped into the round spa-bath and lowered her to sit in front of him. Deliciously warm water lapped her shoulders, and it was pure reflex action that sent her hands to her hair, lifting, twisting its length into a knot atop her head.

  She wasn’t capable of uttering a single word as he collected soap and began slowly sponging her skin. The action was gently erotic, and she felt a traitorous warmth unfurl deep within and steal treacherously through her veins.

  His lips grazed across her exposed nape and settled in the soft curve of her neck, then travelled to the tip of her shoulder and trailed back again. One hand cupped the slight fullness of her breast, while the other traced an evocative pattern across her ribcage, then ventured lower to settle with unerring ease on the nub of her femininity.

  Nothing seemed to matter except the resurging desire spiralling through her body, emcompassing and all-consuming, and she gave a startled gasp as he lifted her round to face him.

  He kissed her, gently at first, then with tantalising evocativeness, choosing not to allow her to deepen the kiss until she murmured a protest and captured his head with her hands.

  His eyes gleamed with lazy passion as she moved forward, and he allowed her licence to initiate a foray that somehow became his to control, then he gently broke the kiss, smiling faintly at her disappointment.

  For a moment she was unsure of his intention, and her eyes widened in disbelief as he carefully positioned her to accept his male length, and he watched several fleeting emotions chase expressively over her features as his manhood swelled inside her.

  Then his hands slid to her breasts, shaping the soft curves before rendering exquisite torture to their engorged peaks.

  Just as she thought she could stand it no longer, he slid one hand to her nape while the other tangled in the mass of her hair as he pulled her head down to his, and this time his kiss was an erotic possession that gave no quarter until she became a mindless supplicant in his arms.

  It was a long time before they emerged to towel each other dry, then they walked arm in arm to the bedroom and slid into bed to continue the long slow exploration until sleep claimed them at the edge of a new day’s dawn.

  CHAPTER NINE

  LEXI FELT A featherlight touch tracing a delicate pattern along her collarbone, and she opened her eyes slowly, unwilling to come fully awake in case what she’d experienced last night had been little more than a figment of her vivid imagination.

  ‘Wake up, sleepyhead.’

  Dreams didn’t have voices that sounded like a deep, teasing faintly accented drawl belonging to a certain Greek—at least, none of the dreams she’d ever experienced.

  Slowly she let her eyelashes sweep upwards, and her eyes widened slightly as they met the lazy warmth reflecting in his.

  ‘Good morning,’ Georg greeted her gently.

  She couldn’t think of one coherent word to offer, and his mouth assumed a sensual curve that tripped her pulse-beat and sent it racing at a rapid rate.

  Thanks, she wanted to say, for the most beautiful night of my life. Except that her throat was dry, and she doubted that any sound would emerge.

  ‘Orange juice? Coffee?’ he slanted musingly, shifting slightly to prop his head with one hand.

  She wanted both, except she was loath to move, and he laughed softly as he reached out to push several tumbled tresses back behind her ear.

  ‘Time to rise and shine,’ he mocked huskily. ‘I have a meeting to attend at nine-thirty, and I imagine you want to ring the hospital.’

  Jonathan. Dear lord, how could she possibly have forgotten? Her eyes mirrored her anguish, and he leant forward to brush his lips across her mouth.

  ‘David hasn’t rung, so Jonathan’s condition will be stable.’ He pushed the sheet back and bent to bestow a lingering kiss on her breast. ‘Let’s take a shower, then we’ll share breakfast.’

  There was nothing she could do to prevent the faint tinge of pink that flew to her cheeks at the promise of shared intimacy, and the colour deepened as Georg slid out from the bed, unconcerned by his nakedness, and walked round to scoop her into his arms.

  ‘Put me down,’ Lexi protested half-heartedly, and he merely laughed as he carried her through to the bathroom.

  Reaching into the shower-cubicle, he turned on the taps then let her slide to her feet in front of him.

  ‘You’re shy.’

  As a statement of fact it was without equal, and she gave a slight ineffectual gesture of assent.

  ‘Don’t begin erecting barriers, Lexi.’

  She felt utterly defenceless, and she swallowed convulsively as her mouth began to tremble. ‘I’m not—used to this,’ she said shakily.

  His eyes flared, and she saw the pupils darken and change as he caught her close. Then his mouth opened over hers in a kiss that possessed every nuance of erotic mastery, skilfully absorbing her until nothing else mattered except now.

  She had no idea how long they remained locked together, and when he slowly broke the kiss she could only stand in total bemusement as he reached for a shower-cap, pushed the mass of her curling hair beneath it and gently pulled her into the cubicle.

  Half an hour later they were both dressed and seated opposite each other at the breakfast table.

  Jonathan, the hospital reported, was stable and had spent a comfortable night.
Visitors were limited to five minutes and restricted to immediate family.

  Almost as soon as she had replaced the receiver David rang through with the same news and suggested she meet him for lunch.

  ‘I’ll see you tonight about seven,’ Georg bade her as he drained the last of his coffee.

  ‘Where?’ Lexi queried idly as she walked with him towards the door, and he smiled down at her.

  ‘My apartment…yours—does it matter?’

  Her eyes lifted to meet his, and she looked unsure, not really wanting him to leave, yet knowing that he must.

  ‘We’ll discuss it tonight. Take care,’ he said quietly as he opened the door.

  Then he was gone, and Lexi closed the door behind him before wandering back into the kitchen.

  The day held a dream-like quality as she attended to routine chores, made a few calls, rang David and confirmed arrangements for lunch, then drove to the hospital.

  Jonathan was still heavily sedated, and, although he opened his eyes during her brief visit, she doubted her presence registered.

  David was already seated when she entered the small restaurant, and he rose to his feet with a warm smile creasing his attractive features.

  ‘I had trouble parking,’ she explained with an expressive shrug as she brushed her lips to his cheek. He shook his head as he told her, ‘I’ve only been waiting a few minutes. Will you have something to drink?’

  ‘Mineral water.’

  They each ordered from the menu, and Lexi opted for a garden salad followed with fresh fruit.

  ‘How are you getting on with Georg?’

  ‘Reasonably well,’ Lexi acknowledged cautiously.

  ‘Jonathan is absolutely delighted you’ve both opted for marriage,’ David ventured, shooting her a deep probing look that didn’t fool her in the slightest. ‘You must know you have my blessing.’

  She took a leisurely sip from her glass, then replaced it carefully down on the table. ‘I’m sure you and Jonathan are immensely relieved.’

  David appeared to choose his words carefully. ‘We’ve both known the Nicolaos family for many years.’

  ‘How is the business deal progressing with the Japanese consortium?’

  ‘Extremely well. Alex and Georg have managed to elicit a signed preliminary agreement, which I have perused and sanctioned. As soon as Jonathan is well enough the documents will be presented for his signature.’ He lifted his shoulders in an expressive gesture. ‘Aside from time-consuming technicalities, it is virtually a fait accompli.’

  She picked at her salad and forked a few morsels into her mouth before venturing, ‘And Paul? Presumably you’ve managed to come to an amicable arrangement with him?’

  ‘We’re in a state of negotiation.’

  ‘He’s pressing for a larger settlement, and you’re stalling,’ Lexi deduced with a wry grimace.

  ‘For a few more days, until the deal is due for a Press release,’ David agreed.

  ‘After which he will have no room for further negotiation.’

  ‘Precisely.’

  It was impossible to refrain from cynicism. ‘And all loose ends will be successfully tied.’

  ‘A propitious start to a productive new year.’

  ‘It’s Christmas the day after tomorrow,’ Lexi murmured, and her expressive eyes dulled slightly as she became lost in reflective thought, remembering previous years at home with numerous gifts piled beneath an enormous decorated tree and Sophie dishing up a veritable feast of festive fare. ‘It won’t be the same with Jonathan in hospital.’

  ‘I’ve already spoken with Sophie, and we’ll have lunch together at the house, then spend time with Jonathan. Georg, I’m sure, will insist you share the evening with his family.’

  She was gripped with a sudden need to confide her own doubts and insecurities. ‘David…’ she paused, unsure whether her choice of words would sound inane ‘…I’d rather this marriage was planned for months down the track, instead of the mere weeks Georg is insistent upon.’

  Her brother assumed a look of professionally bland inscrutability. ‘It’s perfectly understandable you should experience doubts, given the circumstances. Why not discuss them with Georg?’

  ‘Because he’s equally clever as you, if not more so,’ she acknowledged quietly, and he offered her a slightly whimsical smile.

  ‘Shall we order coffee? I’m due in court at two.’

  ‘David—’

  ‘Marry him, Lexi,’ he advised gently. ‘I’m confident you’ll never have cause to regret it.’

  How could something appear so simple and logical, yet be fraught with innumerable complexities? Lexi pondered as she drove to the hospital and called in on Jonathan.

  This time he was awake, but extremely drowsy, and she was cheered by his faint smile and the reassurance by nursing staff as to his progress.

  What remained of the afternoon she spent shopping, and she returned to her apartment laden with various coloured carrier-bags and packages which she spilled on to the bed in the spare bedroom.

  It was hot—so hot, in fact, that Lexi decided to change into a bikini and swim several leisurely lengths of the swimming-pool in an effort to cool off and relax, before returning to her apartment to shower and wash her hair.

  Would Georg want to dine in, or go out? Out seemed infinitely safer, for she needed time to think about their shared intimacy and all that it implied before accepting a state of domesticity and shared domicile.

  She was ready a few minutes before seven, dressed in an elegant cream strapless silk gown with matching accessories. A silk wrap completed the outfit, and she added a slim gold choker, bracelet and ear-studs. A last-minute check in the mirror lent reassurance that she’d made the right decision in adopting an intricate upswept hairstyle, and her make-up was understated, with skilled application of shadow and liner to emphasis her eyes.

  For some reason she felt consumed by nervous tension, and when the doorbell pealed she took a deep breath before crossing the lounge.

  Georg looked the epitome of the sophisticated executive, and she let her eyes sweep over the impeccable tailoring of his suit before lifting her gaze to meet his.

  Then she immediately wished she hadn’t, for she wasn’t quite prepared for the lazy warmth evident in those dark eyes or the sensual curve of his mouth. It brought a vivid reminder of all that they’d shared through the night, and her senses leapt at the thought of what lay ahead at the evening’s end.

  ‘I wasn’t sure what you had in mind,’ Lexi offered helplessly, and a husky chuckle left his throat.

  ‘Oh, just an enjoyable meal in your company,’ he drawled, adding softly, ‘for now.’

  Her eyes widened at his unspoken implication, and she was powerless to prevent the feeling of acute vulnerability. ‘Would you like a drink?’

  His smile deepened, and her stomach seemed to execute a series of somersaults as he caught hold of her hand. ‘If you’re ready we’ll leave.’

  The restaurant Georg had chosen was one of the city’s élite establishments, and he ordered expensive champagne, then asked her choice of food before selecting what proved to be an epicurean delight.

  They conversed, discussing the highlights of each other’s day among other things, and afterwards Lexi had no clear recollection of a single topic.

  All she was aware of was Georg. His expressive features, the wide-spaced dark eyes, the broad well-defined bone-structure, and his mouth, which seemed to compel an almost hypnotic fascination.

  It was after ten when they left, and Lexi was grateful when he slotted a tape into the cassette-player, for it meant she didn’t have to search for something adequate by way of conversation.

  On reaching her apartment block, he simply parked the car and together they took the lift to her designated floor. She was incapable of making any demur when he retrieved her keys, unlocked the door, then ushered her inside.

  All evening she had been conscious of his indolent regard, the degree of latent passion evident,
and now she felt like a finely tuned violin waiting for the maestro’s touch. It was crazy to be so acutely aware of another human body and the effect it could have on her senses.

  ‘You look so incredibly fragile I am almost afraid to touch you,’ Georg mused as he lifted a hand and trailed his fingers down her cheek. He traced the curve of her mouth with a gentle forefinger, then lowered his head to bestow a fleeting kiss on her mouth.

  Her lips parted involuntarily, trembling as she caught his indrawn breath, and she felt a sense of loss as he drew back and stood regarding her with disruptive sensuality.

  ‘Will you object if I unpin your hair?’

  She shook her head in silent acquiescence, and when the curls lay in a thick mass below her shoulders he slid his fingers through their length.

  ‘I’ve wanted to do this all evening.’

  And I’ve waited all day, she assured silently, and felt vaguely shocked at the truth of her thoughts.

  Then he kissed her, gently at first, and afterwards she had little recollection of who was in command as passion flared and demanded assuagement.

  With a husky exultant laugh Georg swept her into his arms and carried her through to the bedroom, where he took infinite care to remove every last vestige of her clothing before beginning on his own.

  Lexi behaved like a shameless wanton beneath his touch as he sought to strike an unhitherto heard chord, and she cried out as the deep rhythm of his possession took her to the heights of ecstasy and beyond.

  Long after he had fallen asleep at her side she lay awake, too caught up with introspection to cull an easy somnolence.

  Even now it seemed a fantasy, some wild imaginative dream that had no part of reality. Potent, dangerous, and—in its aftermath—destructive.

  Just as she’d thought the pain and degradation Paul had inflicted was unacceptable, this—passionate possession Georg evoked was everything she’d been led to believe, and more.