by Aleka Nakis
Following the road up the mountain, she left the beach. The sun beat down on her, testing her endurance, but she did not relent. Pounding her feet into the road, she allowed the firm earth to strengthen her resolve.
No, he would not see what he’d done to her heart. She would not give him power over her happiness. She’d beat him in his own game.
No longer a fourteen-year-old girl who needed her brother to protect her honor, she was a grown woman. And a grown woman could have casual sex as well as any man could. She would not equate sex and love.
The sex was good, it was phenomenal, but she didn’t have any other man to compare him to. Was this the way it was with everyone?
Lying to herself, she whispered under her breath. “You had a fling with a good looking man. It was purely physical and meant nothing more.”
She tried to convince herself she could shut him out of her heart. No feelings, no exhilaration, no devastation.
She would see him at the wedding tomorrow, would have to face him. At the thought, her stomach curled and her feet stopped.
Bending at the waist, she rested her hands on her knees. She breathed heavy while drops of perspiration formed on her skin, and clung to her lashes. Surprisingly, she could not catch her breath.
Looking up, she blinked. A young man was walking toward her.
“Hi, you must not be from these parts,” he said, reaching into his backpack and retrieving a bottle of water. “No local would think of taking on the sun at this time of the day.”
Gratefully accepting the water, she drank before talking.
“Thank you. And no, I’m not from these parts. However, I should’ve known better. I’ve spent most of my summers in Greece, and I’m aware of how unforgiving the sun can be at this time. I’m very lucky you were coming down the road just now.”
“I wouldn’t say lucky.” The man glanced at the old agricultural road and a Vespa parked against a tree. “You’re giving the road quite a beating. Eh?”
She laughed, welcoming the vision into her mind. If she were one of her brothers a few years ago, she would have loved to pick a fight just to pound her fists into someone.
“My name is Gianni.”
She extended her hand and introduced herself. “Athena.”
“Athena, I was on my way to the beach for a cool drink, and from the look of things, you could use one too. Why don’t you join me?”
Tensing, she was ready to reject his invitation when he emphasized his intent of friendship.
“My fiancée will be joining me there in a while, and she’s been looking for a partner to beat up the tourists with. I didn’t make the cut.” He made a look of defeat, shrugging his broad shoulders together and slumping his back.
She began to laugh, recognizing the comical, non-threatening tone in his voice. “Sure, thanks,” she said and fell in step beside him.
When they got to the beach, she had a tall glass of fresh orange juice and a toast of cheese and ham. They talked about the weather, the anticipated busy tourist season, and mundane work details new friends discuss before his cellular rang. Gianni checked the number and immediately flipped it open.
“No, everything is fine.” Gianni smiled, but diverted his eyes from her. “I understand… yes… absolutely. I will see you later.”
“That was my fiancée, she can’t make it. I’m sure you will meet her soon.” He pushed back in his chair and flashed a familiar smile.
Where had she seen that smile before?
Standing, she extended her hand. “Well, then thank you for the rescue and the breakfast, but since my future sparring partner has been delayed, I need to get going. It was nice to meet you, Gianni.”
He shook it with the affability of an old friend and assured her they would meet again.
She walked along the hot sand, carrying her running shoes in one hand. Moving close to the water, she relished the waves gently lapping against the shore, and occasionally, her feet.
Once back in the cabana, she found the phone Spiro had packed and called Heather.
“Hi, where are you?” her friend asked in concern.
“I’m at the beach, getting ready for a swim.” Athena succeeded in composing her voice and covering her anguish. “I just need a little time to myself before leaving for Crete, so I’m staying on the beach for the day.”
Athena refused to trouble her friend the day before her wedding. She would erect a wall around her heart and carry on as if nothing was wrong.
“Is Alexandros with you?”
“No. I want to rest and take a tan today.” Athena sounded surprisingly convincing.
“You’re crazy to pass up a minute with him. You two are great together.”
Athena’s heart wrenched as she listened to her best friend tell her how happy she was for her, what a great couple they made, and that pretty soon she could see them repeating the week’s events. This time for Athena’s wedding.
Athena steadied her breath and blinked back the tears Heather couldn’t see. “Yeah, yeah. You’re such a romantic. I have to go, the wind is picking up, and my towel and book are flying away. I’ll see you in the morning. Love you.”
She closed the phone before her friend could respond and fell into the plump pillows on the couch.
She could do this. It was only one day, and if Heather did not know she was hurting, no one would. Nothing was going to ruin her friend’s wedding. She would ignore the pain in her heart, the ache in her body, and the tears in her soul. She’d put on her practiced boardroom face for the wedding, and run like mad afterwards.
Athena went swimming, her tears melting in the salty water. Exhausted, she swam to shore and lay on the towel she had stretched out on the black sand. Her thoughts started racing again and she quickly stood as if to walk away from them.
Picking up two magazines from the kiosk by the taverna, she tried every which way to concentrate on fashion. She loved Italian shoes. Yes, she was going to buy herself a pair of those cute sandals in each color. Blue was in this summer and she looked good in blue. The natural makeup look was in, and curls were finally making a comeback.
She leafed aimlessly through the magazines. Finally, she tossed them aside. She did not care what they said.
Watching the sun make his way to its resting place for the night, she realized she was lonely. Emptiness had settled deep inside her, a hollow feeling in her heart. Determined not to wallow in self-pity, she decided to go shower and return to the taverna for an early dinner. Then she’d get some sleep and be ready for tomorrow.
Rising to her feet, she could feel something electric in the air. The fine hair on the back of her neck stood at attention as she walked back to the cabana. Pushing her shoulder against the door, she found no resistance, and it swung open.
She gasped. Her gaze swiftly traveled over his face. Alexandros’s eyes were immense, dark stubble laced his jaw, and his hair was disheveled. He was still striking to look at. Her heart squeezed in her chest.
He extended his arm capturing her behind the neck, and swiftly sealed his mouth over hers. Her heart skipped as he curled his fingers into her hair and held her against him.
He prompted her lips to part, filling the soft, hot void with the demanding need to possess her. Weakness spread through her body as he held her close to him, her breasts swelling against his chest. He placed his lips to her ear breathing fire through her.
“You will never do that to me again.”
Everything began spinning and her legs released her. The room went dark.
****
She resurfaced and saw concerned confusion staring at her. Determined that Alexandros would not find any answers in her eyes, she shuttered them with her dark soft lashes.
You can do this. You feel nothing. You’re strong and carefree. His touch is only physical, on the skin. Your heart is safe.
She tried to focus again. “Hello, Alexandros.”
“Are you okay, agape mou?”
“Yes, yes. Please move away
, and give me some space.” She worked hard to shield her eyes from emotion, but her hand trembled as she pushed at his thigh.
“Slowly, paidi mou, you may faint again.” He shifted his body, giving her a few inches to sit up.
“I’m fine.” She waved his hand away and tried to increase the distance between them. “I just had too much sun.” She avoided his gaze. “I need to get up. Have some water…” to rinse the taste of him out of her soul. How could hate and love walk in tandem in her heart?
“I’ll get you a drink.” He stood and cleared his throat. “We need to talk. You must tell me what has upset you so much that you walked away from me. I don’t understand any of it.”
His words shocked her. The wall between them was back. She swung her legs over the bed he had carried her to and began walking toward the bath.
“No, we do not need to talk. I want to shower.”
“Suddenly you don’t welcome my touch, and you refuse to look at me. You fainted for no good reason.”
“That’s not true. I stayed in the sun too long. That’s all. Don’t make it a big deal. I simply need to shower.”
“Why are you running from me again? You should listen, and you should talk to me, not wash me out of your life. Be reasonable.”
She remembered her resolve. He wouldn’t see how she really felt, he could not hurt her, and she would attend the wedding, escaping him immediately afterwards.
“Listen, darling.” She’d never heard her voice sound like that before. “There is nothing wrong. I’m going to take a shower and then go out to eat. I’m hungry.” She conjured a smile over her shoulder, tossing her head as she walked toward the bath.
She hoped he would grow tired and leave. Perhaps he would go for a walk to stretch his legs and she could leave instead. Wishful thinking.
“I’ll be right here,” he informed her of his intentions to stay and walked into the living room. Glancing back, she saw him sitting on the couch with his leg crossed over his knee.
Taking a deep breath, she walked into the bathroom and locked the door. Turning on the shower, she went back to the door to listen. Nothing.
Leaning her back on the smooth wooden surface, she inched down to the floor.
Chapter Twenty-two
Dressed and ready to go, Athena entered the living room. Alexandros looked up with brooding eyes and examined her from tip to toe. He stood, crossed over to her, and took her arm.
“Let’s go.” His voice was edged with annoyance, his hold a little too strong. He dragged her out of the cabana and to the car. It would be futile to argue with him, and frankly, she did not have the energy.
He deposited her in the passenger seat, walked around the car, and folded his long legs into the driver’s side. They drove in silence along the cliffs, and suddenly he turned right taking them higher still.
“Where are we going?” she whispered.
“To eat. You are hungry, no?” His tone was abrupt, his eyes dark and narrow. “Don’t tell me you’ve developed an aversion to Greek food as well.”
He had no right to be angry with her. She was distraught because of him. When he’d stop the car, she would let him know exactly what she thought.
I cannot do this anymore. I don’t know how to pretend that it doesn’t matter. I’m beat and can’t play.
He shifted gears and gently settled a large hand on her thigh. His fingers caressed her softly, but closed tight as he began to talk. “I spoke with my father this morning.”
“He promised. He gave me his word.” Her voice cracked. “He told you where I was?”
“No, Baba’s a stubborn mule and refused to let me know. He insisted that I let you be.”
“How did you find me?”
“I saw the driver by the port this afternoon. Concerned about you, Demosthenis asked if he could bring you anything to the cabana. He said you only had a small overnight bag.”
“I see.” She looked straight ahead as the car negotiated the sharp turns.
“No, agape mou, you don’t.”
She swallowed the lump in her throat and waited for him to continue.
“I realize that I made a big mistake, and I need you to forgive me.”
Oh, Thee mou! Why was he doing this to her? He was toying with her heart, and she could not listen. “Please, don’t say anymore. I can’t do this. I just want the weekend to finish and to return to my life.”
Guilt tugged at Alexandros’ gut. He’d never imagined she would be so upset. He wanted to make her happy, not to smother her spirit. At least now, she was listening to him. He had a chance to set it right.
His fingers relaxed, and he brought the car to a halt at a taverna sitting atop the cliff. Strings of light ran along the trellis, illuminating the little tavern on the dark cliff. The harbor was below them, and the lighted boats sparkled like jewels on the dark smooth sea.
Guiding her along the terrace to a candlelit table on the edge, he pulled out her chair and stood behind her, waiting for her to sit. His hands cupped her shoulders, and he bent to whisper.
“I’m sorry.”
She quivered.
He sat snugly beside her, not wanting to let her go. He had never thought his actions would bring about these consequences. He’d been careless, selfish, and inconsiderate of her needs. He truly believed he could have fulfilled them all.
Keeping physical contact with her, lightly stroking the inside of her wrist, he ordered a bottle of nikteri and a plate of mezedes. Running the back of his fingers down her beautiful face, he placed his thumb on her lips, judging her readiness to hear him.
“Agape mou.”
Lifting her glass with shaky hands, she took a sip of wine, and then bit her bottom lip. He returned his thumb to her mouth, asking her to listen.
“I will not lose you. You can work for Luca as long as you please. It doesn’t change how I feel about you.”
“It’s not about work, it’s—”
“Shh, agape mou.” His thumb rested on her lips. Alexandros would do anything to make her happy. “Please listen to me. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and I was wrong to expect you to change your whole world. If you don’t want to live in Greece, we can live in New York. I’ll headquarter there. Costa will be here, and I’ll fly in as often as is necessary. Say yes, Athena, say you will marry me. I want you to be mine—panta, forever.”
“I can’t.” Her lips trembled.
“Why? Have you given your word to someone else?” He wiped a tear escaping her eye.
Thee mou, thankfully she has only given her word, her body she gave to me.
He felt the pang of guilt shred his gut again. This time he was really selfish. He wanted her all to himself.
“I will take care of it. We’ll break the engagement, tactfully.”
“No,” she said, a small sound escaping her throat. “There is no one else for me.”
“I want to take care of you, to make you my wife, to love you everyday of my life.” He caught another tear and bent to place his lips on her wet cheek. “Do you love me?”
He swallowed the knot choking him. The truth would determine his next action.
“Yes, Alexandros, I love you. You’re the only man I’ve ever loved. Last night you shattered my heart, and now it can not be pieced together.”
Tears were coming too fast. Her eyes were red and swollen. He couldn’t understand how their love could hurt her.
“We can go anywhere you want. You don’t have to be involved with a Greek in Greece. I will go with you. Agape mou, I’ll be happy and make you happy no matter where we choose to live. As long as we’re together.”
“Alexandros, if you really care for me, you’ll agree with one request.”
“What is in you heart? Tell me, and I’ll make anything you want happen. You have my word. Anything to make you smile, to stop those tears from burning your beautiful eyes.”
Her knees shook in a quick up and down motion. She barely looked at him; rather she stared at the knot she was
twisting her hands into.
“I want a truce. I don’t want to fight with you, it hurts too much.”
Her blunt honesty hit him hard.
“I want to enjoy the wedding tomorrow. I don’t want Costa and Heather to know anything is wrong. It’s the most special day in their lives, nothing should ruin it.” Her gaze met his, and there was pleading in her eyes.
“We’ll enjoy the wedding, together.”
“Okay, but no more talk about last night. No talk about us. I cannot do this. We will be civil and mature towards each other. If you still want to, we can talk after the wedding.”
“Absolutely,” he said, wondering if they were discussing the same things. What was she saying? Was she planning to walk out on him?
“My brother is scheduled to arrive in the morning, and I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to see him. And, I don’t want him to see me like this. He can see right through me.”
“Do you want to see him after we’ve settled this?”
“I have no choice. I will see him at the church. We’ll deal with us after the wedding. Will you keep your distance and remember the truce?”
Pride was starting to intervene. She could not want more than he’d offered her. In his desire to make Athena his, he’d made a mistake, he hadn’t committed a sin. She was not making any sense.
Regardless, he’d given her his word, and he would respect any request she made. He’d deal with Demo on her behalf. Hoping she would realize she wasn’t being reasonable, he nodded his head in confused silence.
They finished their meal in forced politeness, settling the bill in a hurry. He drove to Kalithea and bid her goodnight at the main entrance with a simple kiss on the cheek. He walked to the study at the other end of the villa, as far away from her room as possible without leaving her completely alone.
Athena opened the door to her room and found herself standing in a garden. Apparently, Alexandros had flowers delivered for the previous night, and they filled the room with an exotic aroma that was rousing. The bittersweet emotion took control of her, and she lay on the bed, crying into a soft wet pillow.
