Gemma was in so much trouble! Alexi was back—and so were the same feelings and attraction that had led her to his bed within an hour of meeting him. God, why did he have to come back now? I already have enough on my plate, with Tyler and his school bills, and Damien…Damien! Oh, God! Alexi doesn’t know about Damien…
She looked into his dark eyes, hoping to find the Alexi that had treated her so sweetly and with so much respect. They’d had one night of intense passion. When she’d met him again, he was much more laid back, insisting they take things slowly. Three weeks. Three weeks of dates, kisses, soft caresses. Finally, he’d taken her to bed, but it had been nothing like the first time. Alexi had taken her gently, a soft and gentle loving that had charmed her—and yet, a part of her had longed for the dominating, aggressive man who’d first caught her attention.
She’d not worried about it much, sure that the ups and downs of sex with Alexi were just part of any normal relationship. Now he was back but the gentle lover who’d abandoned her two years earlier was nowhere to be found. Alexi was like a hunter and she his prey…and the things he made her feel were very dangerous.
She pushed against his hold, creating a small space between their bodies. “This isn’t going to work.”
He smiled into her eyes. “What isn’t going to work?”
“Using sex to make me forget that you disappeared.”
He tried to pull her closer once again, but she resisted. He made a face. “I was a fool for not coming back. I realize that. I can’t explain everything that happened, but believe me when I tell you I didn’t want to stay away.”
He looked so sincere that Gemma felt her resolve softening. “I don’t know…”
“Don’t think with your head, but with your heart and your body.” He pulled her closer, kissing her softly at first. When she started to respond, he deepened the kiss. It felt so good to be in his arms once again, Gemma couldn’t make herself push him away.
As he kissed her there in the parking garage, she felt her anger slip away. She’d cried so many tears over him… But now he’s back.
“Come to Greece with me.” He placed soft kisses across her jawline and down her neck.
What? Gemma jerked back, pushing forcefully against him when he didn’t immediately let her go. “Did you ask me to come to Greece with you?”
He nodded. “Yes, gatáki. Greece. My homeland.”
Gemma laughed, the absurdity of what he was asking of her too much for her to handle. “I can’t just take off for Greece! And since when is Greece your homeland? I asked you repeatedly where you were from. You never gave me a straight answer.”
He inclined his head. “And for that, I apologize again. Yes, gatáki. I am from Greece and I would very much like to show you my country.”
Gemma shook her head. “I have a job here.”
“And you could have one there as well. Do you remember the auction where we met?”
Gemma nodded her head. “Of course.”
“And the large Monet that was so badly damaged you weren’t sure it could ever be repaired?”
“Yes, but the curator said it had been pulled from the auction.” Gemma was confused. “I restored the painting you bought…”
“You did a remarkable job and my mi téra, my mother, was pleased with her birthday gift. It hangs in her private sitting room where she can look at it daily.”
“I’m glad she liked it, but what does this have to do with the large Monet?”
“I purchased it the morning after. I was keeping it as a surprise for you. Obviously, it has been waiting for two years to be revealed. It is in Greece and in desperate need of your services.”
The challenge of restoring the large watercolor tempted her. But in Greece? “I can’t leave here. You could have it shipped—”
He shook his head. “And risk damaging it further? You must come to Greece with me and work there.”
Gemma looked at him and her heart sank. She couldn’t go to Greece for a variety of reasons, first and foremost, the little boy who was at that very moment waiting for her to walk through the front door. Alexi didn’t know about Damien, and since she didn’t know or trust him, she wasn’t willing to risk that part of her life. Not even for a chance at the Monet.
“I’m sorry, I can’t leave Washington, D.C. right now. Again, you can have the painting shipped over here. It could take well over a year to fully restore the painting. If that is not acceptable to you then I would be happy to look up some art restoration experts in that part of the world and send you their names.”
*****
Leo held onto his temper. He wanted to demand she pack her bags and meet him at the airport, but Gemma wasn’t an easy woman to push around. He’d tried appealing to the sexual chemistry between them, but she’d been able to keep from falling under his spell. Even the lure of the painting wasn’t enough to entice her.
Leo wasn’t a man to give up on something once he’d set his eyes on it. Right now, he not only wanted the stock certificates signed over but he also wanted…no, he needed Gemma back in his bed.
She walked around him, heading for the driver’s side of her vehicle, and he quickly followed. He pressed her up against the car, using his body to hold her in place and his hands to stoke the banked desire back to a roaring fire.
“Gemma, don’t walk away from me. From this. Se thelo!” Seeing the question in her eyes, he cupped her jaw and tipped her head up to meet his own, whispering against her lips. “I want you. Very much.”
He could see the desire building in her eyes and used every trick he knew of to ensnare her with feelings, lowering his voice seductively. “Come have dinner with me.”
She swung her head in denial, still fighting the chemistry between them. “I can’t…”
“You can. Just one dinner. For old times’ sake.” He brushed his thumb across her collarbone, watching as her eyes darkened and her breath came in short pants. “Just dinner. I have a limo waiting out front and will bring you back here whenever you’re ready to leave.”
Leo was turned on by the fact that Gemma didn’t immediately comply with his demands. He was used to women falling all over themselves to get his attention. Gemma made him work for the pleasure of her company.
He smiled inwardly, knowing that in the end, he would get his way. He always got his way. Any other outcome was simply—aparádektos. Unacceptable!
Chapter 6
Gemma was awash in a sea of sensations. It had been too long since anyone had made her feel so sexy or desirable. Since finding out she was pregnant two years earlier, she’d been firmly off the dating market, becoming more than a little lonely for male companionship. Sure, she had Aimee and other workplace friends, and her little man was always by her side to make her feel needed, but this was different. This primal longing in Alexi’s heart was for her—and only for her.
“Just come for dinner.” It sounded so benign, and yet the heat coming from Alexi’s eyes promised it would be anything but. And she wanted what he was offering. Just one more time to feel the kind of passion he offered… It was too much to resist.
She nodded. Before she could think twice, he ushered her back out of the parking garage and into the waiting limo.
She sank into the plush leather seats, marveling at the luxurious vehicle. She’d known money wasn’t an issue for Alexi. He had always insisted on paying for everything, but she was still shocked as the limo pulled up in front of the Hay-Adams, one of the most prestigious and expensive hotels in the District. “Are you staying here?”
He smiled and nodded. “I’ve got a penthouse suite while I’m here. Come, dinner is calling us.”
Gemma allowed him to lead her into the elegant hotel lobby, looking back and forth as she tried to take in everything at once. Located as close to the White House and Lafayette Park as one could get, the hotel was like stepping into a luxurious private dimension in which only the most elite resided. The arched columns, encased in vibrant walnut workmanship, the stamped a
nd painted ceilings, and the white marble flooring made sure every occupant felt surrounded by elegance. The décor was a mixture of old and new. Everything sparkled. Gemma felt sorely underdressed and ill prepared for mixing with anyone they might meet.
He led her to a private elevator. Soon they stepped out into a small hallway and he ushered her into a suite fit for a king. Ecru walls, elegant armchairs, large floral bouquets, and floor to ceiling drapes made the space look enormous. She wandered over to the windows and looked out at the D.C. skyline. She could see the Washington Monument in the distance, and beyond that, the Lincoln Memorial. It was D.C. in all its glory, displayed for the fortunate person who could afford to stay in such surroundings.
“The view is very nice.” Alexi came up behind her and touched her shoulder softly. “What would you like to eat?”
Gemma looked over her shoulder at him and suddenly remembered that Aimee and Damien were waiting for her at home. She tensed. Should I leave, or call and ask Aimee to cover for me? When Alexi started massaging her tight shoulders, her body made the decision for her. “Um…I don’t really care. I need to make a phone call home. People are waiting for me.”
He released her with a terse nod. He stepped back, heading for a small table that held a phone and what appeared to be a rather lengthy menu. “I will order some food while you take care of your phone call.”
Gemma took out her phone and pressed the button to dial home. Did I imagine it, or did his voice sound colder all of a sudden? Aimee answered and she turned back to the windows. “Aimee?”
“Hey! I was beginning to get worried. Are you still at work?”
“No. I ran into an old friend and he asked me to dinner. I haven’t seen him in a while. I was hoping you could hang out with…”
“Girl, you never go out and do something for yourself. I just have one question. Is he cute?”
Gemma blushed. “Yeah. He is. So, if you don’t mind…”
“I really don’t. Have fun and if dinner becomes a nightcap and then breakfast, so much the better!”
Gemma smiled. “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Aimee giggled. “Fall apart. Have a good time.”
Gemma disconnected the call. She turned to see Alexi watching her from across the room with a frown upon his face. She pocketed her phone. “Is everything alright?”
He nodded. “Yes. Dinner will be served momentarily. I ordered some wine as well. I hope you like it.”
Gemma smiled. “I’m sure I will. I don’t get the chance to drink very often.”
A knock on the door heralded the arrival of their dinner, served on an elegant wheeled cart with silver domed lids covering the various dishes. Alexi had ordered up a succulent selection of vegetables, breads and prime rib that melted in her mouth. The wine he’d ordered was delicious, as was the delicate caramel soufflé that completed their meal. He tried to refill her wine glass, but she switched to water, wanting all of her faculties present so that she didn’t make another terrible mistake.
“Dinner was wonderful.” She relaxed. He’d kept the conversation light and non-threatening, reminding her what an enjoyable dinner companion he was. Most of her misgivings had disappeared.
“Shall we sit on the couch and have our coffee?” He stood up, offering her his hand.
Gemma shook her head. “I could move, but I still don’t drink coffee. Most of my co-workers think there is something wrong with me, but I just can’t stand the stuff.”
He smiled at her. “No coffee then. Just conversation.” He pulled her down to sit beside him, keeping hold of her hand longer than was necessary. “Tell me what you’ve been doing for the last two years.”
Gemma leaned back against the couch, enjoying the comfort of the deep cushionsand soft lighting. “I’ve been working at the museum.”
“Ah, restoring the great masterpieces of the world?” He teased, reaching for a stray lock of her hair and rubbing it back and forth between his fingertips.
“Yes, some.” She watched as he slowly leaned towards her and kissed the tip of her nose. He ventured lower, tasting her lips, and then her chin. And then he nudged her head to the side and trailed a path of kisses down her neck. His hands molded themselves to her torso, and only when she felt cool air flow over the skin of her stomach, did she realize he’d unbuttoned her shirt. Rather than being offended, she gave herself over to the chemistry building between them, rejoicing in how feminine he made her feel. His hands seemed to be everywhere as he learned her taste.
She felt a strong desire to see his chest and tuggedat his shirt, pulling if from his slacks and then quickly undoing the buttons. She threw it wide open, running her palms across his hairless chest, revelling in the pure sculpted muscle beneath her fingers. Her delighted smile became a gasp and his hands found their way inside her waistband. “Alexi…”
He paused for a moment and then removed his hands. He stood, sweeping her up into his arms. “The couch is no place for this activity. I want you in a bed where I can stretch out and take my time with this delicious body.”
Gemma flushed hot as arousal shot through her system. “I want to touch you as well.”
“You will get no complaints from me.” He laid her down on the bed and made short work of removing the rest of his clothes. He undid her pants, pulling them from her person. Her underwear followed, leaving her clad only in her bra. He levered himself over her prone form and then used his hands and teeth to tease her until lying still was impossible.
“Alexi, I want you.” Gemma had never been outspoken in the bedroom, except with Alexi. With him, she was secure and confident enough to ask for what she wanted. And right now, she wanted him. “Don’t tease me anymore. I want you inside of me. Now.”
He laughed at her and then settled back on his knees. He pushed her thighs even further apart, teasing her with his hands until she was at the edge, moaning for more. “Now you are ready.”
Gemma was so far gone she needed him to finish what he had started. When he settled between her thighs and pressed into her, she could only tip her head back and arch into his touch. “God, that feels so good.”
“Se hriazome.”
“What does that mean?” She closed her eyes as he began to move deep within her.
“I need you.” His breathing was only slightly uneven. “Wrap your thighs around my hips, lígo gáta. Hold on tight to me.”
Gemma did as requested, holding on as he pounded into her, taking them both to the pinnacle of pleasure. Her heart soared as she reached her climax and basked in the aftermath. No one had ever made her feel this way. Being with Alexi was like coming home again. It felt so good that words could never suffice to describe the feeling. With a contented sigh, she drifted off to sleep in his arms.
It wasn’t until she awakened in the wee hours of the morning that regret settled in. She moved his arm from around her chest and made her way to the bathroom. She glanced down at herself, feeling reality hit her like a brick wall. She dampened a wet cloth to wipe away the evidence of his desire for her. Damn! He didn’t use a condom! I didn’t insist on it!
Gemma paled. The past seemed to repeat itself right before her eyes. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. How stupid could I be? The sex had been out of this world, but they’d had unprotected sex once before. And remember what that got you!
She didn’t regret having Damien, but she wasn’t prepared to go through another pregnancy on her own. Gemma did the only thing she could think of. She ran.
Chapter 7
Leo woke up just before dawn to find that Gemma had fled the hotel room. His first response was to call her and demand she return, but then he wondered if she’d fled because she’d discovered his true identity. I can’t let anything stop me from getting those stock certificates back.
He dressed quickly and then called his driver. He had Gemma’s address from the stock transfer letter and also the private investigator’s report. He gave his driver the address and then settled
back, watching as they travelled away from the touristy part of Washington, D.C. and entered what he could only describe as slums—rundown apartment buildings, older cars in need of repair, and graffiti painted on the sides of buildings and overpasses.
They came to a stop in front of a large apartment complex. “Sir, are you sure this is the correct address?” his driver asked.
“Is this the address I gave you?” Leo surveyed the neighborhood, vowing Gemma would not spend one more night in such surroundings. He’d enjoyed having her in his bed, and her response had indicated she felt the same. While he convinced her to return to Greece with him, he would make sure that she was pampered and treated like a princess there. Surely that would go a long way towards convincing her to sign the stock back over.
“This is it. Do you want me to go up?”
Leo shook his head. “No, I will go.” He exited the vehicle and made his way to the apartment’s entrance. The lock was broken and only one door closed tightly. According to his information, Gemma lived on the third floor. He turned towards the elevator only to see an “Out of Order” sign taped haphazardly to the doors. “Dekára. I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t already hit the gym.”
Leo climbed the three flights of stairs, barely breaking a sweat by the time he stood in front of the door leading to Gemma’s home. He knocked once on the door and then he was staring into the Gemma’s frazzled face.
“Alexi!” Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”
“Well, since you didn’t see fit to say goodbye, I came to check on you. We are not finished, you and I.”
Gemma backed away from him. Her face was pale and it appeared she’d been crying. Before he could investigate the cause of her tears, a little boy with deep blue eyes and dark hair latched onto her leg.
Gemma picked the child up in what seemed like panic. Leo frowned as she ignored him in favour of whispering to the child, backing away into the small apartment.
Leo watched her retreat, noticing an open suitcase sitting on the worn couch. She’s leaving? Why?
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