by Zoey Oliver
He lays his head on my upper arm. “It doesn’t have to.”
I crane my neck to see his face. “What doesn’t?”
“Our marriage doesn’t have to end.” He trails a finger across my stomach, making me tremble. Jayson changes positions to straddle me. “Let’s forget the agreement we had and make a new one.”
Eyes wide, I stare up at him. “We agreed to three years.”
Jayson shrugs. “Is there some reason why we shouldn’t at least try to have a real marriage?”
I flounder, not even certain how I feel. It’s tempting to agree, but if we did so, I’d fall even deeper in love with Jayson. If he decides it’s not what he wants, could I stand to be devastated even more? “Why do you want to change things, Jayson?”
“We’re good together. We like and respect each other.” He runs his fingertips softly down my body. “I think we’re sexually compatible.”
I frown. “What about more? Don’t you want to marry someone you love?”
He shakes his head. “I don’t think so. We have the foundation laid for a strong marriage. Maybe we’ll even love each other in time.”
I try to reject the thrill of hope his words bring me. It’s one reckless afternoon. One more time wouldn’t make a difference. “Perhaps. I’m willing to renegotiate our deal. Do you want to add six months?”
“I don’t think we need to impose a deadline, agape mou.” Let’s just see how things progress.” Jayson slides slowly down my body, placing kisses as he goes—across my neck, breasts and stomach, progressing lower. When he reaches his destination, I become incapable of any further discussion or thought.
The next several weeks pass in a happy haze. Jayson and I spend most of the days and all of our nights together. Not only are we learning about each other’s bodies,we’re connecting on a deeper level. I’m no longer afraid of how much I’ve started to love him. I’m terrified. If he changes his mind, I don’t know how I would survive walking away.
The only problem is, that fear still can’t keep me from loving him. I watch him with Sophie, patiently listening to her instructions on where to move the furniture to clear the room for her birthday party that night. It’s a task any of the servants could have done, but Jayson volunteered.
I’ve dreaded this day coming for a long time. With Sophie turning eighteen, I’m no longer needed. There’s no reason I have to be here. I haven’t been sure what I would do with myself, beyond finishing the botany degree. Now, I find myself daring to tentatively envision a future with Jayson.
He looks up from sliding a wingchair out of the way and catches me staring at him. Jayson winks before resuming his task.
Which brings me back to my own work: arranging flowers in the vases around the room. I’m nearly finished when Jayson comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my body to draw me against him. He’s hard and ready for me, as he always seems to be, but there’s no time to indulge in anything romantic at the moment.
I let out a giggle when he nuzzles my neck. “Stop it. I have to finish this.”
“It looks fine to me,” he says, running his hand over my breast. “Perfect.”
“Sophie...”
“Is busy,” he says against my skin. “She’s with Irina, going over the menu. Again.” He laughs.
“You don’t turn eighteen every day.” I allow him to turn me around, so I’m facing him. I out down the bunch of hyacinths I was holding to put my arms on his shoulders. “What were you like then? I didn’t really know you.” I’d only been ten and had just started noticing boys. Even then, I found Jayson gorgeous, but he seemed much too old.
“I don’t even remember being eighteen.” He rests his forehead against mine. “I remember never being able to live up to my father’s expectations.” A sad smile drifts across his lips. “He told me multiple times he was thankful for Dmitri, because I would never be fit to run the Satyros Corporation.”
I stroke his neck. “That must have been difficult.”
Jayson shrugs. “It’s the way of many fathers.” His lips firm. “It will not be my way though.”
“You want children?”
He quirks a brow. “Of course.”
I swallow, searching for courage. “With me?”
Jayson frowns at the question. “Of course, agape mou, but not until I have had you to myself for a long time yet.”
I tilt my neck and he nibbles the flesh, feeling content. Jayson wants me to have his children. That must be a good sign that we have a strong future ahead of us. As he lifts me into his arms, I wrap my legs around his waist, silently agreeing with the idea to wait a while to have a child. I could spend years getting my fill of his body before I’m ever ready to share the attention.
He carries me up to our bedroom, closing the door with his foot. I gasp when he pushes up my skirt, bracing me against the wall.
“I love when you wear dresses.” He strokes my hot flesh. “Along with those silky little panties.” Jayson pushes them aside to touch my skin. I’m already wet and eager for him.
“Please, Jayson.” I dig my hands into his shoulders as he shifts positions to take a foil packet from the nightstand. When he has it open, I lend him a free hand with slipping it on. “Now.”
Jayson plunges deep inside me, pushing me against the wall with each thrust. It’s unbearably erotic, to be trapped between the unyielding wall and his almost equally unyielding body. I arch against him, losing myself in the rhythm. I come, once, twice, countless times before he finally lets himself go, crying out in the way I love, and collapsing against me.
Sweaty and exhausted, but energized, I lay my head against his shoulder, kissing his chest gently. I can’t imagine ever being happier than right now. My only regret is that we wasted three years living as roommates.
I help Sophie with her hair later that evening, pinning up the black strands into a sophisticated up-do. The younger girl chose an aquamarine gown that’s slightly sexy, but no so much that Jayson would be trying to send her back to her room to change. I press a kiss to Sophie’s cheek. “You look beautiful, and all grown up.” Tears fill my eyes, and I have to blink several times.
Sophie looks alarmed. “Are you all right, Harper?”
I nod, wiping away the few tears that escaped. It’s a good thing I’m running behind and haven’t put on my own makeup, or I’d have to redo it now. “I’m fine, and just so proud of you. You are a lovely young woman.”
Sophie drags her lower lip between her teeth, looking uncertain. “Do you think so? Really truly?”
I hug her. “Of course I do.”
With a quick glance around, though we’re the only two in Sophie’s room, the girl lowers her voice to say, “Loukas wants to…you know. I want to as well, but I’m scared.” She looks up, eyes full of fear. “Do you think I’m old enough?”
I blink. Only five years separate us, but suddenly I feel a thousand years older. “I think that if you can’t even say have sex, you’re probably not ready to.”
Sophie looks a little disappointed, but nods. “What’s it like?” She quickly holds up a hand. “I don’t want details about Theo Jayson and you, but is it… well, is it what everyone says it is?”
With a sigh, weighing my words, I answer, “It can be. With someone you love, sex can be amazing. It’s so much more than physical.” I want to roll her eyes since I’m sounding so knowledgeable about something which I only just discovered. “When you find the right person, you’ll know. That doesn’t mean you have to be married to him, but you should at least love him.” Putting an arm around Sophie’s waist, I ask, “Does that help?”
After a moment, she nods. “Thank you, Harper.”
“You’re welcome.” I smile, then glance at the clock on the wall. “Now I really have to hurry to finish dressing, or I’ll be wearing my bathrobe to your party.”
“At least you wouldn’t outshine me,” says Sophie, a teasing gleam in her eyes.
“Darling, no one could outshine you, especially tonight.”
Despite the time constraints, I dress with care. I want to be beautiful for Jayson, without any risk of outshining Sophie. With that in mind, I choose an elegant, strapless black sheath. It hugs my curves and flares slightly at the hips, and has a satisfyingly graceful swing to it. High heels that kill my feet and the anniversary earrings complete the ensemble. Mascara, black eyeliner, and pale pink lip gloss are all I need with the color I’ve gotten from gardening.
Jayson likes my hair down, so I leave it flowing to my shoulders, noting in passing that it’s getting time for a trim. I’ve lost all sense of time while on this island, immersed in my husband. Has it really been only three weeks since we first had sex?
I close the drawer on the vanity and get to my feet, wincing at the heels. If they didn’t do such amazing things for my legs and ass, I’d kick them off and throw them away. Jayson waits in the bedroom, looking incredibly handsome in a lightweight black suit with a silver tie. He growls low in his throat as I walk toward him.
“Are you wearing those silky little panties I love?”
With a small smile, I lift my skirt to flash him my lace underwear and garter belt securing black thigh-highs. When he reaches out to touch, I lightly smack his hand away. “There’s no time for that. Yet,” I add.
With a groan, Jayson offers his arm instead. “You are killing me.”
I pat his hand on my arm. “You’ll survive.”
“You’re a temptress.”
I can’t hold back a laugh, unashamed that I’m silently enjoying his so-called misery. He’s teased me often enough that it only serves him right to turn the tables. Not to mention his blatant desire boosts my ego.
We get downstairs shortly before the influx of guests. When the doorbell rings a few minutes later, Jayson whispers in my ear. “We would have had time, agape mou.”
I smile wickedly. “Perhaps ten minutes would be enough for you, but I need more.”
His lips twitch with suppressed amusement. “You are going to pay for that comment. You’ll have so much time, you’ll beg me to stop.”
I shake my head. “Never,” I tell him with complete seriousness.
A group of giggling teenagers interrupt us, and we end up separated as we mingle, acting more as chaperones than party guests…at least until some of the older guests begin to arrive.
I spend the next hour circulating among the guests, making sure everyone has what they need. It’s strange to see some of Sophie’s friends drinking as heavily as some older guests, but alcohol isn’t the taboo in Greece that it is in America. At least Sophie is nursing the same glass of champagne she took at the beginning of the party. Her handsome Greek boyfriend, Loukas, is doing the same. Probably because they know I’ll flip out if they don’t.
Shortly after, a slight disruption draws my attention to another part of the room. My stomach clenches when I recognize Maia Papadas at the center of a small group. A group that includes Jayson. My husband. Maia leans toward Jayson, tossing her hair back as she laughs at something he says. Her hand settles on his forearm, but he makes no move to brush it off.
Resolutely, I turn away from the sight, determined to ignore Maia’s behavior. I’ll have to trust Jayson if we’re going to have a real marriage. He doesn’t seem to be in love with Maia any longer, so really, I have nothing to fear. I’ve almost convinced myself of that fact as I greet more guests and make sure the catering staff is keeping the food in steady supply. It’s a party much like any other, despite Maia’s unwelcome presence.
When the caterer comes up to let me know that the birthday cake is ready, I crane my head, looking for Sophie. I approach the other girl, who is deep in conversation with Loukas, clearing her throat loudly so they know I’m coming. “The cake is ready.”
Sophie smiles. “So am I.” She looks around. “Where is Theo Jayson?”
“I’ll find him,” I answer. Turning from Sophie to scan the room, I don’t see him. My eyes seem to have an unerring ability to zero in on him wherever he is, but I still don’t see him. With a small sigh of impatience, I go in search of Jayson.
His study and our bedroom are both empty, along with the rooms near the party. I pass near a small salon and the sound of Maia’s voice makes me pause. I peek inside cautiously. The salon leads to one of the gardens, and Maia is out on the patio, with the French doors still open. Standing near her is Jayson.
I gasp softly when Maia presses herself closer to Jayson, putting a hand on his shoulder. “Erastís, you must forgive me. I was young and foolish. It scared me how much I loved you, so I ran away.”
“Right into Kyrios Milanou’s arms,” says Jayson sardonically.
Maia clutches his lapels, looking up at him with a pleading expression. It’s clearly contrived, but does Jayson realize that? “I married Stavros to please my father. He wanted it.” Her voice drops down, forcing me to ease closer to hear. “You must know I had no love for him. When he took me in his arms,” she shakes her head no, “I hated to have that old man touching me.” She trails a hand down Jayson’s chest, stopping dangerously close to his belt. “I only got through it by imagining it was your hands on me and you making love to me.”
“Perhaps you imagined it was my fortune when you spent his money?” Jayson shakes his head. “No, it couldn’t be, because you broke off our engagement when my father threatened to disown me if I didn’t follow his plans for my life.”
“That wasn’t the reason—”
“Save it,” says Jayson harshly, finally pushing her away. “I honestly don’t care any longer, Maia. I’m not in love with you and haven’t been for a long time.”
“You could be again, with a little persuasion.” There’s a hint of petulance in her expression, despite her seductive drawl.
“I’m married,” says Jayson coldly. A smile spreads across my face, and I press a hand to my chest to still my racing heart. Perhaps I shouldn’t take such joy in his rejection of his old lover, but I’m not going to feel guilty, either. Maia is skulking about, trying to seduce her husband. No shit, I’m not going to feel badly for her.
Maia’s laugh is icy and stark. “You must be kidding. That girl is completely hopeless. It’s obviously a sham marriage. I know your big heart and your even biggermorals, Jayson. You probably married her to take care of her, after her father died in your brother’s service.”
I flinch at what sounds like a coldly accurate assessment of the situation.
“You know nothing of our relationship.” Jayson looks pointedly at his watch. “It must be nearly time for the cake.”
Taking that as my cue, I stride into the room, deliberately clicking her heels against the marble floor with more force than necessary. Pasting on a fake smile, I approach them. “There you are. The caterer is about to wheel out the cake.” I walk straight to Jayson and put my arm around his waist. “She’ll be heartbroken if you aren’t there. She’d miss you almost as much as I have the last few hours.” With a sexy smile, I lift my head in his direction. Jayson instantly responds to the cue, bending his head to capture my mouth.
It started as a way to demonstrate the marriage wasn’t fake—at least not anymore—but the kiss quickly escalates. Jayson gathers me into his arms and kisses me deeply. Vaguely, I hear Maia say something in Greek. While I don’t understand the words, the tone reveals her rage. When neither of us broke apart, Maia says something else that sounds crude and spins on her heel. Her shoes tap across the marble in as she strides from the room.
Even with her gone, I can’t tear myself from Jayson’s embrace. In the back of my mind, I know time is precious, but I can’t remember why we shouldn’t be doing this now.
Fortunately, Jayson is more clearheaded. He withdraws his mouth, lifting his head with a sigh that sounds regretful. “Cake now, agape mou, and you later.” He struggles to step away. “While I’m sure both will be sweet, I’d rather have your taste in my mouth.”
Smothering a yawn, I’m finding it difficult to keep my eyes open as the party finally winds dow
n, and most of the remaining guests are Sophie’s friends. Casting a longing glance at the doorway, I’m wishing I could excuse myself and go to bed. I’ve spent so many nights with Jayson, and I have to admit, we’re not getting much sleep.
“Tired?” he asks, coming up behind me to put an arm around my waist.
“Very. I hope the kids leave soon.”
“Why don’t you go on up to bed? I’ll keep an eye on them.” He glances at his watch. “I need to check the markets anyway.” Jayson waves a hand at the small group. “I don’t think they can get into much mischief with me down the hall.”
Another yawn escapes, and I let myself be persuaded. “I’ll be lonely without you.”
He chuckles. “Liar. You’ll be sleeping.”
“You can wake me up,” I whisper.
With a shake of his head, he pats my rear and scoots me in the direction of the door. “I’m going to allow you to sleep tonight.” His expression turns wicked. “For a while. I’ll let you build up your energy again.”
I fall into a deep sleep almost the instant my head hits the pillow. Upon awakening, I’m disoriented, uncertain what roused me so abruptly. A second later, I hear raised voices and realize it’s the sound of an argument. Listening for a moment, I recognize Sophie and Jayson’s voices. It isn’t like them to argue, and I slide from bed and wrap myself in a robe before leaving the bedroom.
They stand down the hall, near Sophie’s bedroom. Jayson is yelling and waving his hands, occasionally pointing at Sophie. Loukas, who is standing beside her, looks frightened but determined not to show fear.
“What’s going on?” I ask as I approach them.
“I caught this boy sneaking out of Sophie’s room. They had…” He switches to Greek, unleashing a new wave of anger on the young couple.
