by Aleka Nakis
“The pleasure was mine, Kyria.” The captain lifted her hand to his lips.
That was a first. Nobody had called her ‘kyria’ before.
“Kyria? Why not miss or despinis?” she asked Alexandros as they walked on the deck, inspecting the damaged railings.
“Because, he is a smart man, and he knows you’re not an available despinis.” Taking her hand in his, he smiled at her as they descended the stairs. “Stop analyzing every little word, koukla mou. It’s the book that you need to concern yourself with.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means we are each authors of our own books or artists of our own frescoes. Concern yourself with the emotions the painting on the wall invokes, not just a single brush stroke.” He shrugged his shoulders in a typically Greek way and flashed a wicked smile.
She couldn’t help but return the gesture, and formed her lips into a playful smirk. “I didn’t know you had such a poetic way of expressing your thoughts.”
Alexandros released her hand and pressed his lips against her ear. A glimmer of mischief in his eyes as he kept her waiting for a response.
“There are many things about me you don’t know, and you need to learn,” he whispered, entwining his fingers in her hair and bringing his mouth down on hers. His heated lips applied pressure, his tongue skimmed over her teeth, and then he delved deliciously deeper. A small moan escaped her.
“Oh?”
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the right place or time to acquire that knowledge.” Pulling away, he laughed lightly. “Come on, koukla, we need to stop on deck four for the damaged portholes, and then we’ll finish above deck so we can go.”
Recapturing her hand, he turned and led her down the stairs. He didn’t let go until they were back in the helicopter and he needed to secure their safety belts.
They were over Athens before noon. At first, Athena sat quietly enjoying the view of the ancient city that held a very special place in her heart, and then she began to share her thoughts with Alexandros.
“When we arrived for summer holidays with my family, we always spent the first two or three days in Athens. While we were younger, Mom and Dad did the tourist things with us. We’d start with the changing of the guard at the Syntagma.”
Alexandros pointed to the Parliament building, the Syntagma, on their left as she spoke.
“My brothers and I liked to have ice cream at the Zapeion in the National Gardens next. We’d linger there for the afternoon in the shade of those massive trees and search the grounds for archeological treasures. We’d end the afternoons at the modern Olympic Stadium for a jog around the track. Usually jetlag would win by then and we’d go back to the hotel.
“The second day we were up hours before our parents and were ready to trek up to the Acropolis. We’d spend the morning asking thousands of questions about the construction of the Parthenon and the amazing ability to haul all that marble to the top without the help of modern technology. The same questions each year. By the afternoon, my parents were grateful for us to sit at Thanassi’s Kebabs and fill our mouths so that they could enjoy the peace for a half hour. We had the same routine for ten years or so. I’m surprised they humored us like that each year, but they did.”
Alexandros enjoyed listening to her speak about her childhood and her family. She’d met his family, but he didn’t know hers. Families such as Athena’s were very tightly knit. Spending years secluded and away from extended family, they found support and love from deep within the home. He wanted to know more about her, which meant knowing more about her family.
“So when did your parents stop humoring you?” Alexandros asked, prompting her to tell him more.
“They didn’t. We still do the first afternoon thing, when we all travel together that is. Only, as we got older, we began to win over the jetlag on the first night. Well, except for Tony. He still enjoys his sleep that first night. He loves his sleep.”
Her face, bright with the recollection, animated her love for her brothers. Her hands spoke volumes of emotion and the small crinkle her nose made when she emphasized Tony’s need for sleep, squeezed at his heart.
Such a passionate woman, no way am I letting her go.
“Demo and I started going out to the cafes and later to the tavernas until all hours of the night. We were usually too tired for the Acropolis in the morning, so we used to meet them at Thanassi’s for lunch. We joked that the Acropolis has been there for three thousand years and it would be there until the next year. Every couple of years, we got everybody to wait for us until the afternoon though. We could never turn our backs on the Acropolis, regardless of how old we got or how long the nights became.” She raised her shoulders in a casual shrug and smiled with the memories.
“Your family sounds fantastic. I would like to meet them,” he said sincerely. “It seems like you will be showing me my own city today. How about lunch at Thanassi’s then?”
“Yes,” she said, and smiled. “I was hoping for that. A visit to Athens without one of their kebabs would not seem right.”
“It would be my pleasure to make things right for you, agape mou.”
The helicopter landed atop the Strintzaris building in the heart of the city. Alexandros walked her through the company headquarters and introduced her to some of his valued employees. They were in his office suite looking across the National Gardens when Costa called.
Alexandros took the call at his desk, assuring his brother Athena was fine. He explained that they would do some shopping and enjoy the city for the day, but they’d be back on the island for a late dinner. He then requested details of what was happening with Giorgios and was happy with the information he received.
The conversation turned to business and he watched Athena relax on the couch in front of the floor length window. She slipped off her shoes and pulled her feet under her. Her eyes drifted closed and she leaned her head on the arm of the couch. Within moments, she was asleep.
Alexandros bent and kissed the tip of her nose. He admired her strength and her fortitude considering the previous night’s horrendous events. She looked so peaceful and beautiful. He contemplated moving her into the adjacent bedroom he used when he was unable to leave the office, but after watching her for a few minutes, he decided to let her sleep where she was. If he woke her, she might not agree to take the extra time to rest. He pulled the curtains to darken the room and covered her with a soft cashmere throw from the bedroom.
Sitting back at his desk, he called his personal assistant and requested some files, instructing her not to knock and to enter cautiously. He then silenced the ringers on the phones and turned toward the computer to work.
Chapter Fifteen
She woke to a ringing telephone. Sitting up, she looked around the dark office and saw the only light was coming from a door slightly ajar on the far end. She was alone.
The phone continued to ring.
Bringing her feet to the floor, she traced the ringing to her handbag. She reached across the coffee table and pulled out her personal cellular.
“Ne?”
“Hello, koukla. Don’t tell me I woke you?”
“Demo! Gia sou! It’s good to hear from you. You sound like you’re next door or something.”
“That depends on where you are, koukla.”
“I’m in Athens. Where are you?”
“What a coincidence. So am I.” Her brother was teasing her. He wasn’t supposed to be in Greece for another ten days. She was collecting her thoughts when he spoke again. “Athena, you still awake?”
“Yes, Demo. I’m sorry. I just woke from a nap, and I’m a little disoriented. How are you?”
“Napping in the middle of the day? That’s Tony’s job, not yours.” He chuckled. “And I’m just fine, thank you for asking. Winding down from the flight.”
“You really are in Athens? Really?”
“Really. I called for you in Santorini and Heather told me you were here. Too bad I’ve already arranged
to leave for Crete tonight. I’m on the ten o’clock ferry to Chania. I didn’t know I’d have company if I stayed in Athens. Will I see you before I leave?”
“Yes, I think so. I need to check with Alexandros and make sure the time works out. Where are you and how can I reach you?”
“Back up a minute, koukla. Alexandros who?”
Athena cringed. Alexandros’ name had rolled off her lips too easily. She tried to brush it off, but her brother’s reaction had her on edge.
“Come on, Demo, stop playing with me. Alexandros is Heather’s soon to be brother in-law. We came up to Athens to do some shopping and run a few errands. Now give me your number.”
“And you happen to be sleeping in the middle of the day while running errands with Alexandros Strintzaris?”
She knew Demo wanted her to elaborate, but she wasn’t going to do so. She was a grown woman now, and she didn’t have to answer to him.
“Cut it out, and stop acting like such a big brother. Give me the number, and I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”
“Don’t forget, I am your big brother,” he laughed. “Will I meet this Alexandros if I give you my number?
“Perhaps.”
Athena jotted down the phone number and sent her brother a kiss over the phone line before disconnecting. Walking toward the door, she saw Alexandros at a conference table with some of his executives. She caught his eye, and he smiled at her.
Quickly excusing himself, he stood and walked away from the table. He stepped through the office and closed the door behind him as he turned on a light switch.
“You look far too tempting when you wake up.” He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. Feeling her against him was so right. He smiled. “Give me a minute to get rid of the suits in the other room. I’ll be right back.”
“Alexandros, wait one moment.” Her voice prevented his feet from moving. “Can we talk first?”
“Of course. Is everything okay?”
“Absolutely, actually more than okay.” There was a twinkle in her eyes. “My brother just called and he is in Athens. I was wondering if we had time to meet him for a drink or something?”
“We will make time.” Alexandros relaxed and pulled her close, kissing the top of her head. “I got worried you were not feeling well. You slept for over three hours. Which brother and where is he so that we can send a car?”
“It’s Demosthenis. I promised to call him back with the details since we still have to go for Heather’s gift.”
“The gift is taken care of, unless you don’t think she will like it. I put it in the bedroom on the nightstand. Take a look and give me your opinion. You can freshen up in there while I wrap up the meeting, and then we’ll go to Thanassi’s for lunch. Entaxi, agape mou?”
“Okay. Thank you for letting me rest. I needed it more than I thought. I feel much better now.”
“I don’t know how you managed to get up and function so early this morning. You amaze me.” He ran his palm across her cheek and laid his thumb on her full lips. He applied soft pressure and her lips gently parted as he bent to seal them with a kiss. She responded and fell further into his embrace.
Tasting her sweetness, he acknowledged to himself that only the arrival of her brother was helping him control the physical need to possess her completely. He ran his hands down her back and rested them on her curved bottom. His thighs felt at home between hers, but he knew he must curtail the intimate contact immediately if he was to maintain control.
“Go, agape mou, freshen up and I will be ready shortly.” He breathed with great restraint as he guided her towards the bedroom door. “Plan the remainder of the day as you would like. I’m in complete agreement.”
He had left the decision up to her. He knew they were growing together, he felt the intimacy building between them with each passing hour. She would find a way to show him when she was ready. He made every conscious effort not to rush her physically and to allow her the time to accept him, body and soul.
Entering the bedroom, Athena considered her options. She could plan to stay here for a while longer. She wanted to be alone with Alexandros, she wanted to love him and let him love her. She could linger in the bath and invite him to join her when he came back. Her thoughts raced to foggy mirrors, tousled bed sheets, and excruciating physical pleasure. Her stomach tightened into a knot and she hesitated to proceed. Choosing the second option of readying herself to spend time with him out on the busy city streets, before meeting with her brother, was less complicated.
Her brother!
She dialed Demo’s number and arranged to meet at the Zapeion café. Refusing a car, he assured her he was looking forward to seeing his little sister and her new friend. Demo tried to press her for more information on her relationship with Alexandros, but she refused to take the bait. They said their goodbyes, and she turned to see three pretty packages on the bed. She walked over to them, picked up the rose across the top of the two larger ones and read a note that told her they were for her.
The first box contained bath products from one of Athens’ most exclusive body shops. It was a complete assortment of shampoos, shower gels, creams and even a toothbrush.
She carried the box into the en-suite bathroom and noted the reason for the gift. All the products in the cabinets and on the shelves were positively masculine; the scent of Alexandros’s cologne filled the room. Not that she would have minded immersing her body in his scent, but she found the gift to be extremely thoughtful and welcoming.
Taking extra care to unwrap the ribbon on the second box, she found a beautiful silk halter dress. It was a warm ivory shade with a bold gold flower print along the empire waist. It stopped just above the knee and highlighted her shapely long legs as well as her smooth shoulders and full breasts.
She found delicate lace undergarments beneath the dress and smiled at the thought of having Alexandros remove them from her body. She decided to wait a while longer for such a pleasure. Athena peeked in on the third box on the nightstand, Heather’s gift. It was gorgeous. No one could ever accuse Alexandros of having bad taste.
She entered the main office dressed and ready for the afternoon in the city. Alexandros had changed out of his business suit into a pair of well-tailored black linen slacks and a fresh, cream-colored linen shirt. Despite the casual folded sleeves and the open collar, his appearance shouted power and strength. He caressed her body with his dark gaze as he ordered the car.
“Thank you,” she said, turning to afford him a full view. The skirt billowed about her as she curtsied.
“My pleasure, pretty lady.” He stepped beside her and offered the crook of his arm. “Where to?”
“Why Thanassi’s, of course.” She took his arm and they walked to the private lift in his office suite. She tapped her fingers on his forearm as they waited. “Demosthenis will meet us at Zapeion at six-thirty. Until then, we can roam the streets by the Monastiraki and enjoy the view of the Acropolis from below.”
The driver left them a few blocks from the restaurant because the area was only for pedestrian traffic. Strolling arm in arm, they arrived at the busy sidewalk taverna to find a table set with roses waiting for them. A long line of hungry tourists and locals waited, but the owner bypassed the line and personally escorted Athena and Alexandros to their seats. A bottle of cold mineral water was opened, and they ordered the favorite Greek salad, French fries, and the infamous kebab platter.
Savoring the simple meal, they spent an hour enjoying the street musicians as they serenaded the patrons. Athena expressed her approval of the gorgeous necklace and bracelet Alexandros had picked for Heather. It was a LaLaounis design, with hand set beads of twenty-four carat gold and emeralds meant to replicate the jewelry worn by the aristocracy during the times of Alexander the Great.
It was a gift his new sister would surely treasure.
“I’m so glad you like it,” he said. “I hope she doesn’t think it is too traditional.”
“No. I
t is perfect. She’ll love it. It is absolutely gorgeous.”
He filled her in on some business talk about the hospitality industry and relayed greetings from her boss.
“Do you remember when we first met in Naples, and I kidded with Luca about luring you to Strintzaris?”
She nodded.
“Well, what do you think? I would love to have you closer, and that could easily be accomplished if we worked together. You’re very talented. We would be very lucky to have you as part of the team.”
“It wouldn’t be fair to Luca. He took the risk on me, and he’d lose the profit.”
Furrowing his brows, he asked her to explain what she meant.
“I’m not supposed to discuss this, but I think I owe you an explanation.” Taking a deep breath, she told him the whole story of her plans for the resort on Crete, all the while wondering if he would get up from the table and walk away from her for good.
Alexandros just listened with a stoic face that belonged on these ancient streets. When she was done, he met her gaze and surprised her with a stunning grin.
“Bravo, koukla mou. You are extremely resourceful,” he said, pride the prominent emotion displayed on his handsome face. “A true Greek tycooness—if there is such a word.”
Relief flooded through her. “You’re funny,” she added. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be upfront from the start. It was a business decision, not a personal one. Demo has advised me not to let anyone know in case it should be leaked to the press, and the resort won’t be able to benefit from the Giardetti name.”
“I understand that completely.” He nodded, running his fingers through his hair. “What I don’t understand is why you didn’t let your brothers finance the deal.”
“I told you on the beach. Remember? I want to do it on my own merits. I don’t want to ride their coattails.”
“You are determined.” He shook his head. “Well, you did it, and now there is no reason for it any more. I could settle the deal you have with Luca, and then you’d have Strintzaris resources at your disposal. I’ll pay Luca the profit loss upfront.”
