Olive island

by Kay Thorpe

  gifts.'

  '

  If he was expecting her to betray agitation, he was going to be disappointed. She said carefully, 'Is this what you brought me here to tell me, kyrie?'

  `Not with deliberation. The occasion presented itself.' He added, 'You will call me Nikos in future. There is something in your pronunciation of the Greek for which I have small liking You are aware that your own name is taken from our Nicolette?'

  `Yes. But I'm always called Nicky.'

  `Then it is time this habit was broken.' Without warning his hand shot out and snatched away the grass stalk which she had put unconsciously to her lips. 'Do you wish to have the fever?'

  `From a blade of grass?' she protested, her mouth still tingling from his touch. 'It was quite clean.'

  `Things are not always as they seem to be. You will promise me that you will not do this thing again.'

  Two small words, positioned one way a request, the other a command. Nicky doubted that he ever even thought of reversing them.

  `It can't be that important,' she insisted. 'So what if I do pick up a few germs? I've done it often enough back home to be immune to most.'

  `This is not England. You have no immunity here. I ask you again.'

  `You didn't ask before,' she pointed out. 'You told me.'

  `Ah yes.' Mockery touched his voice. 'I was forgetting this aversion of yours. If I say please, this will satisfy you?'

  `Completely.' She would not look at him. 'From now on I'll leave your Greek grass strictly to the bugs.' Her ;eyes on the huge tree opposite, she added, 'Why does

  the olive split into two like it does? They all seem the same.'

  `It is said that a pair of young lovers were once asked a favour by the Gods, and for their reward requested only that they lie on their deaths under the tree where they had so often met. From that day onwards the olive has grown in the way you see it now, two parts of one whole.' His voice was tolerant. 'A pretty story, do you not think?'

  `Very.' She still refused to meet his eyes. 'I gather you don't believe in the legend.'

  For myself,' he said, 'I prefer the reality of love. I ask only to lie with the woman of my choice through life.'

  Marguerite? she wondered, and felt something hard come into her throat.

  `I think it's time we were going,' she said huskily `Gerry will wonder where I've got to.'

  Nikos made no attempt to move. 'You do not like to talk of love? Is this because you are not sure of Dino, or because you are not yet at all certain of your own emotions?'

  She made a restless movement. 'We've only known one another a week.'

  `It should be enough. The heart is faster than the mind in these matters.'

  `Then if you're still convinced that it's Dino I'm interested in, why did you feel it necessary to speak to Lee?' she demanded.

  `Because I thought it wise. Lee Merril is a friend, and an excellent manager, but I would not like to place too much reliance upon his regard for the heart of any young woman in whom he had an interest. So far as my

  brother is concerned, it is a different matter. You will never find happiness with a man who is weaker than yourself.'

  Nicky had a strong suspicion that she was getting herself involved in something she was not going to be able to handle, only she could not seem to stop herself. 'That's hardly fair to Dino,' she protested.

  'It is the truth. My brother has need of a woman who will allow him to lead her. You would not do that. For you a man must prove himself the master always.'

  'Hooey,' she said derisively. 'I've told you before I'm not like your women.'

  'You have told me, yes, but I have still to be convinced of it. You will fight as a Greek woman will not fight because it is your need to be forcibly subdued. Should I take you in my arms at this moment you would resist me with teeth and nails, but not for long.'

  Nicky pushed herself to her feet, cheeks pink. `I'd rather be bitten by a rattlesnake than have you touch me!'

  'That is not true either.' He reached up and seized hold of a jutting piece of bark just above his head, swung himself upright. There was a threatening gleam in his eyes. 'You would wish me to prove my words?'

  'You wouldn't dare,' she retorted unsteadily, and made to walk past him, only to find herself swept by a pair of arms which held her as easily as if she had been a child. She beat at him furiously with her fists, striking at his face and head until he put up a hand and imprisoned both her wrists against his chest. His lips found the hollow of her throat, scorched a slow line upwards towards her mouth . . . and paused. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek, see the texture of his skin, smooth where the razor had been.

  'Is it enough?' he asked softly. 'Or must I go further?'

  'Let me go.' Her voice was low. 'You're hurting me.'

  'You will say please,' he said. 'And then I will let you go. If you do not .

  'Please.' She would have said anything right then.

  'That is better.' Nikos released her, watched her rub involuntarily at her wrists, said evenly, 'It is growing late. We had better be on our way.'

  For a wild moment it was on the tip of her tongue to tell him she would find her own way from here, but common sense pointed out the futility of such a protest. If she refused to get into the car he was quite capable of putting her into it — had just proved that much — and she preferred to stay as far away from him as possible. Squaring her shoulders, she went over and opened the door and slid into the seat, staring out through the windscreen as he came round to toss the rug casually into the back before getting in himself. She had a horrible feeling that he was laughing at her behind that controlled exterior.

  It was a silent half an hour down into the town. Nicky sat huddled into her corner, afraid to even attempt to start sorting out her confused emotions. Nikos seemed perfectly at ease, hands light on the wheel, his whole bearing relaxed. He had quelled her, made her beg, and that had put him right with the world. Now he could go about his business minus that particular irritation.

  Handing her out of the car outside the Castello, he said evenly, 'I shall be ready to return to Perata at about four-thirty. You will have completed your business by that time?'

  `I think so ' She concentrated on the stone steps leading to the front entrance of the hotel, and was thankful when she spotted the person she had come to see standing over by the large announcement board to one side of the foyer. 'There's Gerry now.'

  `Yes.' He sounded disinterested. 'I will return here to the foyer when it is time.'

  Gerry lifted his brows at her in meaningful surprise as she went to join him.

  `Got a lift with the boss, did you? How did you manage to wangle that?'

  `I didn't, it was offered,' she said briefly. 'Sorry I'm a bit late, Gerry. We got held up. Is there any chance of a pot of tea? I'm gagging.'

  `There is, though it won't be a British type brew, I warn you.' His glance was half curious, half sympathetic. 'You do look a bit overwrought. This weather getting you down?'

  `It certainly is.' She seized upon the excuse gratefully. 'I feel like filling a bath with ice cubes and lying in it. Do you think it will be better after the sun goes down?'

  'It might, though I wouldn't count on it. Try not to think about it too much. It doesn't usually last all that long in the islands. Find yourself a seat, and I'll go and see about that tea.'

  Nicky chose a low table in the shadiest part of the foyer right under one of the big fans, sat down and 'tried to waft some of the heat out of her face with a

  folder from her case. She didn't want to think about anything at this moment, least of all Nikos. She closed her eyes and attempted to relax, became aware that someone had stopped close by her chair and opened them again to see Dino regarding her with his head on one side and a smile on his face.

  `You looked just then,' he said, 'like a young deer startled from its sleep by an enemy, your eyes so wide and nervous. What are you doing here?'

  Shades of his brother, s
he thought, and felt the tightness in her chest increase.

  `My duty,' she said. 'What are you doing here?' `Why should I not be here? The Castello belongs to the Alexandroses. You did not know this?'

  `I did, as a matter of fact.' With some deliberation, she added, `Nikos told me this morning when he offered to bring me.'

  `Nikos is here?' Dino's expression had altered a fraction. 'You are waiting for him?'

  `Not yet. I'm waiting for Gerry to find me some tea. Your brother is with the manager.'

  `Ah, then I am not in a hurry after all. He will be there for a long time.' He sat down in the chair next to Nicky's own, gave her one of his most devastating smiles. 'You do not mind if I join you for a little time?'

  `Do I have a choice?' she asked, smiling back because it was impossible not to. 'Where are you supposed to be this afternoon, Dino?'

  `Anywhere where Nikos is not,' he returned. 'It is siesta; the restaurant is closed until six o'clock now. My time is my own. At home there is only my mother and my cousin who will talk of nothing or no one but

  Nikos.' The smile had disappeared.I am tired of

  Nikos. I am tired of this place. I am tired of everything ! One day I shall leave the island for good.'

  'To do what? You can't get very far without capital.'

  know this.' He looked despondent. 'It is something I dream about. You think I should be content with what I have here?'

  Nicky sighed. don't know. I suppose there are

  worse ways of living. Perhaps when you marry things will be different.'

  'You think so?' He shook his head. 'You do not know Nikos.'

  No, thought Nicky, she did not. And she never would. She saw Gerry coming back, said quickly, 'Dino, would you do me a favour?'

  'Of course,' he responded with flattering alacrity. 'You have only to ask !'

  'Then would you please take me back to the Xenia before half past four?'

  'If that is what you wish.' There was understanding in his gaze, and a kind of satisfaction. 'You do not wish to return with Nikos, is that it?'

  'Yes.' She looked up at Gerry with a smile. 'You two know one another?'

  'We've met.' There was a hint of reticence in the other's manner as he looked at the young Greek. don't suppose you'd want tea, would you?'

  'You are right, I would not,' agreed Dino, and lifted a lazy hand to summon a passing waiter. 'Ouzo. Do not allow me to interrupt the business you must conduct,' he added to Gerry. shall sit here very quietly until it is done.'

  Under the circumstances there was little Gerry could do but accept the situation, although it was apparent, to Nicky at least, that he didn't much like it. Guiltily aware that she should have arranged to meet Dino afterwards, she said hastily, have the report here with me, if you'd like to take it now. There's nothing of any real irnportance to talk about. So far everything seems to be going fine.'

  'Good.' He accepted the folder from her, scanned through the contents and transferred them to his own. 'You're lucky to have a completely contented party. There's usually at least one couple who find something to complain about, no matter how good things are. No incidents of any kind at all?'

  Just for a moment Nicky recalled the brief discussion that morning about the people wandering over a dangerous part of the cliff. She had no idea where the section was, and had completely forgotten to ask Lee afterwards. But Nikos had said it would be taken care of. 'No,' she said. 'Here comes the tea.'

  Quite shortly afterwards Gerry excused himself on the grounds of work to be done.

  `I'll probably see you at the barbecue,' he said to Nicky before leaving. 'Twenty-two in your party, I believe you said?'

  'Yes. Shall I lay on anything for those who aren't going, do you think?'

  'If you can think of anything liable to interest them. It's up to you.' He sketched a vague salute in Dino's direction and went off speedily towards the lifts.

  Dino had finished his ouzo and sat now turning the glass moodily between his hands while Nicky poured herself a second cup of tea. It was still only five minutes

  to four, and it was cooler here than anywhere else she had been that day. There was time to enjoy it a little while, to savour the draught from the fan above and allow the churning feeling inside her to subside.

  `It's a beautiful hotel,' she remarked, glancing round

  at the luxurious fittings. 'It must cost the earth to stay

  here — even on a package tour.'

  `It is the best in Kerkyra,' he agreed without particular pride. 'And one must always pay for the best.' He put down the glass and looked at her. 'If you have finished your tea we could leave now.'

  She had barely started it, but it was Dino who was doing the favour. She pushed her cup away without a murmur. 'All right, I'm ready.'

  The MG was parked in a side street, just round the corner from the hotel, its hood down and dust covering the yellow paintwork. Nicky smothered an exclamation as she got into her seat; the leather was so hot it almost burned her skin. Someone with a little forethought would have parked on the shady side of the street and brought the hood across for added protection, but Dino had quite obviously drawn up in the first available spot and leapt from the car, probably without even bothering to open the door. Nevertheless, she was glad of the rush of air when they were moving, despite the fact that it could hardly be described as cool. It lifted her hair and dried off the perspiration which had sprung from her scalp the moment they had left the hotel. Resolutely she turned her mind away from the thought of Nikos pacing the foyer at half past four while he waited vainly for her to appear. Anything was better than another moment of his silent mockery.

  As a driver, Dino was about on a par with Spiros,

  but at least the car was new and the brakes good, and there were seat belts provided for the faint at heart. Nicky fastened hers before they were clear of the town, and felt better able to withstand the corners.

  There was more traffic than there had been earlier. They passed a variety of cars, a couple of loaded coaches, one of the rickety local buses bearing a destination plate which looked curiously like English as seen through a mirror. Once there was a donkey with loaded panthers but no apparent driver, a patient, plodding wood-carrier whose only concession to the rules of the highway was an unswerving adherence to the exact centre of the tarmac.

  Dino looked at Nicky in amazement when she suggested that they stop and tether the animal at the side of the road until its owner caught up with it.

  `It will come to no harm,' he said. 'And it is not ours to tether.'

  `But it might cause an accident,' she protested, and he shrugged fatalistically.

  `It is far behind us now, and there is no room to turn'

  Nicky gave up. There was little use in arguing a lost cause. They were approaching the turn-off for Paleokastritsa to the west, and the car in front was slowing as if the driver was in some doubt as to his route. Dino pulled out to overtake, whipped round the front end of the vehicle and was several hundred yards along the other road before Nicky had recovered her sense of direction.

  `We're going the wrong way,' she pointed out rather obviously. `You're supposed to be taking me back to the Xenia.'

  'He laughed, unperturbed. will take you there later. You have not yet seen Paleokastritsa?'

  'We're due to make the trip on Thursday. I haven't time now.' She tried to sound firm about it. 'You must take me back, Dino.'

  'They will think you have been delayed in Kerkyra,' he said. 'Forget about your work for a little while. It is not far.'

  It was easier, Nicky decided resignedly, to simply go along with him. Easier, and probably quicker in the long run. It was still only a quarter past four. There was plenty of time to make the trip, providing they didn't stay too long. And it would be a good thing in a way to gain a preview of the place so that she could feel qualified to talk about it on the way here on Thursday.

  'All right,' she agreed. 'But we'll have to be quick. Is it really as beautiful as th
ey say?'

  'The most beautiful place on the whole island, apart perhaps from Ermones, which is said to be the place where Nausicaa came upon Ulysses after he had been cast up from the sea. I shall show it to you from Lakones where we can also eat and drink while we look. There will be too many tourists down on the beaches.

  'This Lakones,' she queried. 'Is it very high up?' 'You will see.'

  She did. About a mile from the coast itself, Dino branched off to the right on to a road which was an almost exact counterpart of the one over to Perata in its lower reaches, but which soon left the former far behind in its winding steepness. One hundred, two hundred, three hundred feet they climbed, and still.

  they were nowhere near the top. Occasionally the overhanging trees gave way to open patches where the road seemed to actually overhang the dizzy drop to the sea far below, while the rocky face on Nicky's side of the car crowded in upon them as if to push them over it. She hung on weakly to the seat, hardly daring to move until they breasted the last steep comer and came to a blessed standstill before a long, low building standing on the very edge of the mountain itself.

  Beyond a screen of wooden poles lay a covered verandah which jutted like an opera box over the bay. From this height the whole stretch of coastline both to the north and to the south came into view, a breathtaking vista of green and silver and gold bordered by a sea ranging in colour from deepest midnight to a blue almost indistinguishable from the sky.

  Sitting down gingerly at the table to which Dino had led the way, Nicky could only hope that the stresses and strains of this architectural triumph had been properly calculated. Despite the beauty of the scenery, it was impossible to forget that five hundred feet of empty space lay directly beneath her chair

  Dino ordered retsina for himself, and lifted an inquiring eyebrow at Nicky. 'You would like this too?'

  'I've never tried it,' she admitted. 'But there's a first time for everything, and I could do with some Dutch courage. I'm afraid I just have no head for heights.'