Blackmailed For Vengeance

by Marie Kelly

  “You might find today that you will start to receive phone calls from different organisations. I have made up a list of those you are free to commit time to, any others refer them to my office, the number is on the sheet. Be nice, Lee, but don’t get too involved. At 12.30 I will be back to meet with your brother”

  Lee had lifted the sheet, reading carefully through the names and information on it.

  “Ok” she said her brow knitted together in concentration.

  He had then risen

  “Try not to spend too long in the boutiques.” He said as he threw down several credit cards in front of her.

  “If they need topped up, let me know”

  Lee had looked at the cards, her face showing her uneasiness as she had not wanted to touch them

  Seeing her discomfort, he had smiled, his lips curling unpleasantly

  “Please don’t even try to pretend” he said softly before leaving the room to the waiting chauffeur.

  As he had gone Maria had once more appeared in the room carrying the toast as she had done the previous day. As they had done the before, the two women had then sat and ate together chatting pleasantly

  “You know Maria, it might be easier, if when Yanis left I just come down to the kitchen” the young woman had chuckled making Maria laugh with her

  “Sounds good” she said approvingly, before moving back out to get on with her work.

  If Lee has worried that there would be nothing to do then she was mistaken, as for the rest of the morning the phone had rung off the hook. People and organisations all wishing to congratulate her and Yanis on their engagement, while inviting her to join different committees. As she had been directed to do, Lee had stuck to Yanis list, for once thankful that he had taken the time to prepare the document for her.

  Those not on the list were referred to Yanis’s assistant and soon Lee had found that her whole week seemed packed with meetings and events, and she had sighed for the first time realising that perhaps the idle rich were not so idle after all. Being an organised person, she had always carried a diary with her, and was thankful for having it by the time mid day had come around, as she had efficiently organised each and every phone call. At mid-day the phone had been put to voice and she was able to escape upstairs to change for the arrival of her brother.

  At 12.45 Yanis had walked into her room, much to her surprise

  “Please knock next time” she said stiffly at the way he had just entered unannounced.

  He had lifted one eyebrow quizzically

  “Where would the fun be in that” he mocked her, smiling as she had tightened her jaw her whole body rigid with indignation

  “I would have thought that at the very least Yanis Demitri, you could pretend to behave like a gentleman” she said her tone school marmish

  Moving forward he had chuckled softly

  “Since when did you see me as a gentleman Lee” he asked, his closeness to her now causing her to flush slightly as she could feel every pulse in her body jumping. Looking around for somewhere to escape she had found herself trapped against her bed

  “What do you want” she bit out between clenched teeth

  “I just came to find out if there is anything I should know about your brother – don’t want to look like I never take an interest in my future family” he said sweetly

  “The only thing you need to know about my brother” she retorted “is that he doesn’t steal or behave in a dishonest way” before adding “unlike his employer”

  Far from the anger her comment was meant to invoke within him, he had laughed gently at her

  “Always so prickly Lee…and yet you look so lovely in that top” he said admiring the silky gypsy style top which clung to her figure

  “But I think you will find that the straps are meant to sit on the arm showing the shoulder” he said moving his hand to pull down the strap to demonstrate. As his fingers had touched her bare skin a small shudder had passed through her, as his eyes had caught hers allowing her to see the smouldering look deep within his. Frozen in expectation and holding her breath, Lee had stood still unable to stop him as he bent his head to kiss the naked flesh on her shoulder.

  As a small whisper of a sigh had escaped her soft lips, his fingers had pushed her hair away from her neck, before his hands had moved to hold her upper arms, pulling her closer to him as he slowly continued kissing along her shoulder. Lee had felt her eyes fluttering closed as her whole body had exploded under the small feather like kisses, feeling her breasts tighten with the desire he was filling her with.

  “Please stop” she begged, her voice barely audible

  But he had ignored her as he had continued kissing along the length of her graceful neckline, his tongue following the curve of her jaw until his mouth was against her mouth. By now Lee was lost in a need for him which was shocking to her, and with a small tortured groan she had kissed him back, her tongue flicking with his as they had played within the others mouth so tantalizingly.

  As she had slid her arms around his waist, feeling the curve in his back jump as her fingers had brushed against him gently, she had leant in closer to him, enabling her to feel the hardness of his arousal against her. He had lifted his head to look down into her desire filled eyes, his just as black and needy at that moment, before he had pulled the elastic of the top over her breast exposing one perfect pert naked nipple to invite his mouth. With a deeply masculine groan his head had lowered, his tongue finding and teasing the small pink peak. Lee had shuddered violently against him, as he had taken it further into his mouth sucking on it as his teeth had gently nibbled on her.

  She had never before felt such sensations and could feel herself sinking under the need to have him make love to her allowing his hands to slowly lift her skirt so that they could expertly move up her legs to cup her small buttocks. As his finger had began to gently explore between her legs she had gasped before the sound of the door bell ringing had pulled her back to reality.

  Yanis had moaned gently looking down on her “Saved by the bell” he whispered softly

  Pushing him away from her, Lee had fled to the other side of the room, pulling her top back into position before stopping to look wildly at him her chest rising fast

  “H.h.how d.dare you” she stammered.

  Yanis had quickly recovered and looked at her the desire in his eyes now replaced with a mocking look

  “Please, Lee, you were hardly fighting me off” he said “In fact if that door bell hadn’t rang then I imagine right now we would both be lying on that bed”

  She had just stared wide eyed at him not able to speak, as with a small shrug he had moved over to her door

  “Still perhaps later” he said softly, his eyes moving over her body with a knowing look

  As he left Lee had taken several seconds to pull herself together. She couldn’t believe that she had not fought him, had welcomed his kisses, and with a miserable moan she had closed her eyes in self disgust before fixing her hair and reapplying her lip gloss, her shaky hand touching her lips where his had been only seconds before, the memory so unsettling to her.

  As she left the room and moved down the stairs she saw Yanis already talking to her brother. With a small cry of happiness she had run down the last few steps to have him sweep her into his arms in a wonderful bear hug.

  “Hey sis” he said laughing

  “I’m so happy for you – you look wonderful” he said putting her back down on her feet, seeing the way her eyes glowed. Looking shyly at Yanis, he had smiled before turning back to her

  “I guess love suits you”

  Yanis had watched the two, seeing the obvious affection between them. The genuine actions of the siblings making him feel uneasy at the way he had used Peter, but with a determination he had told himself, that the end justified the means, and Lee Andrews had to be taught a lesson.

  Peter Andrews was about 5.10 and of a slim build. Unlike his sister his hair was dirty blonde and neatly cut. However, the most st
riking thing about him was his large green eyes and wide smile which gave him a handsome approachable look. Yanis had instantly liked the young man. He could see the way he fought to maintain a respectful air towards him, while at the same time to ensure that his intentions towards his sister were pure. Prior to her coming down the stairs he had quizzed Yanis about their plans, showing surprise at the speed of their engagement. He had felt a warmth towards the young man at the way he seemed to want to ensure his sister did not get hurt, feeling slightly guilty knowing that this was exactly what his intentions were.

  “Shall we” Yanis said moving over to take Lees hand as he led the way into the dining room

  During the meal which was as usual delicious Lee had watched as Yanis had gone to great lengths to put the younger man at his ease, as Peter had been uneasy around him knowing his reputation as a keen business man and obviously in awe of the older man. For once she had smiled over at him with real warmth on her wonderful face and inexplicably he had found himself almost entranced.

  Yanis had already noted how that smile could transform her whole features, but this time, it had moved something deep inside him and with an uneasy sensation he realised that he had wanted her to look at him in that way. Looking over at Peter, he had been confused by him too. He was sure that the young man would know perfectly well that he owned the company he worked for but at no point during the meal had he brought up this fact. It struck him that Peter Andrews was not out to profit from his sister’s connections.

  “So Peter, you work for Mr Smith at Harrows” he said almost matter of factly, watching as the young man had fidgeted slightly

  “Yes, yes I do” he responded

  “He speaks very highly of you” Yanis continued, seeing the look of surprise on both Lee and Peter’s faces

  Peter had looked uncomfortable

  “I hope you won’t mind Yanis” he said softly “but I really wanted to keep my sisters engagement with you quiet” he said, quickly adding

  “Not that I have any problem with you two… it’s just that I don’t want them to feel that I’m trying to get ahead…you know” he trailed off in embarrassment.

  Yanis had smiled warmly at the young man

  “That’s OK Peter” he said softly “I have to admire your attitude”

  “While we are on the subject” Peter said looking a little uncomfortable

  “I had a few phone calls from the press…I didn’t really know what to do or say…so I just ended up ignoring the phone for the morning….any ideas” he asked looking at Yanis, who had frowned slightly

  “I’m sorry” he said “keep on ignoring them and if you are bothered just keep refusing to comment – tell them to contact my office”

  Peter had nodded winking at his sister “I don’t really have a good side” he joked as they had moved to more pleasurable conversations.

  For the rest of the meal Peter had bombarded Yanis with stories of his childhood and of how Lee had taken care of him, offering every embarrassing story he could remember. Yanis found himself enjoying the meal, laughing at both Lee and Peter’s ease and friendly bickering. It was strange for him to hear this side of her life, which was so in direct contrast to the gold digger that he knew her to be and it had confused him slightly. However, he had then wondered if perhaps the brother was in on it too. Looking at them both he told himself that people like they tried to portray didn’t really exist, and with an inward smile he had reassured himself.

  When Peter left it was late. They had moved from the dining room to the large comfortable sitting room, where they had spent many hours sitting chatting. When he had left Peter had shaken Yanis’s hand with such a warm smile that he had returned one back just as warmly.

  “Welcome to the family Yanis” he had said with sincerity.

  Behind him he could see Lee turn away a hurt look on her face as she bit her lip to stop herself telling her brother the truth.

  Peter had then kissed her on the cheek giving her another big bear hug.

  “Don’t forget to call me now that you are living in the lap of luxury” he joked at her “I’ll be only too happy to come over and use all your stuff” he grinned, before he had once more entered the chauffeured car to be taken back home.

  As the door closed behind him Yanis had turned to look at her

  “Your brother is nice” he said absently

  Taken aback as she had rounded on him “Feel any guilt at trying to frame him” she said her tone icy. Yanis had frowned at her

  “It had nothing to do with Peter” he said softly “You know that”

  Lee had glared at him

  “Can you justify anything to yourself Yanis, or at any point do you draw the line”

  Quickly she had turned from him to walk up the stairs before she had felt him grabbing her by the arm and turning her around to face him, his angry eyes blazing down on her

  “You are so quick to condemn aren’t you Lee” he growled “How quickly you forget about Jim lying in a hospital bed because you decided to play with his heart, you don’t give a damn about anybody but yourself, so don’t condemn me” he snarled at her before letting her go and moving back down the stairs. She had raised her chin in defiance, feeling her lips start to quiver as angry tears had risen in her eyes, quickly turning from him to run up the stairs to put as much distance between them as was possible.

  In the sanctuary of her room she had pulled a chair over to the door, propping it against the handle to ensure that he would not make another appearance in her room that night, as he had done earlier. Sitting on the edge of the bed she had felt her whole body shake, as she dashed away the tears with fell silently down her cheek with the back of her hand.

  “Damn you” she muttered to herself feeling hatred for the arrogant man, who had so completely broken down all of her defences that afternoon, and yet as she lay in bed later and closed her eyes her dreams were filled with his handsome face and muscular body as he made love to her.

  The next morning she had lain longer in bed, showering and getting ready, but staying within the safety of her room. Only when she heard the slamming of his car door, did she venture down the stairs moving into the kitchen to join Maria, who had already prepared toast and tea for them both.

  “Are you going shopping today” the older woman had asked, raising an eyebrow as she had shaken her head

  “No, I have some meetings with some charitable groups” she replied checking her watch, before with a small grin adding

  “Best be going, don’t want to embarrass Yanis by being tardy” she said with a small giggle

  The older woman had watched her leave, a small frown on her face. She had been Yanis’s housekeeper since he was a young man, and come to know him well. Normally he had confided in her with regard to what went on in his private life, but his relationship with the young woman who had just left was shrouded in secrecy. She was aware that they slept in different rooms, something most unusual for Yanis, as any woman who stayed over, usually did so because they were his lovers.

  When she had heard they were engaged she was equally as surprised, but surprisingly she had been happy. Maria realised that she liked Lee Andrews, liked her very much.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  For the rest of the day Lee had spent her time meeting with different groups of people. They had been impressed with her knowledge of their work, knowledge gained from Yanis the evening he had first eaten with her. They had also found her to be highly intelligent and practical, giving good solid suggestions as the meetings had progressed. Soon the members had come to realise that perhaps Lee Andrews the future wife of their biggest benefactor was not just somebody who would be a figure head, but somebody who would actually contribute in a meaningful way, and she had quickly made friends wherever she went.

  That evening, after visiting Jim alone, as Yanis had called her on her mobile to tell her he was working and unable to attend, she had gone to bed early tired from the round of meetings she had attended. She was thank
ful that he had not returned yet, to torment her with his accusations, forgetting to place the chair against the door, as she had crawled into the soft bed snuggling into the soft bedding as sleep had taken her.

  Yanis had returned home late, looking at his watch he could see that it was nearly midnight and discarding his brief case and suit jacket he had poured himself a large whisky, enjoying the smooth liquid as it travelled down his throat. Placing the glass back on the tray he had looked for any sign of Lee, wanting to see her face for some unknown reason. Realising that she was not downstairs, he had scowled and moved upstairs. Standing outside her room, he had not heard any sound, and gently he had opened the door moving quietly into the room.

  As his eyes had adjusted to the darkness he had finally spotted her lying asleep. He had watched her breathing so softly and had frowned at the way his body had responded to her. As he stood there she had moved to lie onto her back and he could see the curve of her breasts, as she lay so innocently with her arms thrown over her head. Yanis Demitri had enjoyed many women, but seeing her there he had never wanted one more. All his life women had been putty in his hands; he knew the effect he had on them and had become blasé in his attitude to them.

  Yet this woman, one who had treated his friend so badly was getting to him, and with certainty he knew that it would only end when he had bedded her. She excited him, with her innocence, although he knew it to be an act, her wonderful face and body and the way she fought him, refusing him while her own body betrayed her as she fought against her own desire for him. He found himself also attracted to her intelligence and sense of humour, something he had not bothered with in women before and he had frowned. Lee Andrews would have to be his and soon he promised himself feeling the way his body cried for him to wake her up there and then and satisfy the desire within him. With gritted teeth he had moved back out of the room, moving to his own room and the cold shower he so badly needed at that point.

  Waking next morning Lee had looked at her watch suddenly aware that she had slept in. With a small sigh she had jumped into her shower, before dressing in a soft baby blue summer dress which clung to her young body. She was relieved that she had no appointments that day having left the day clear so that she could meet with the children at a local orphanage. While it had been on his list, it had stood out to Lee, who had understood what it was to be left parentless at a still young age. She had spent nearly an hour on the phone with the administrator, who had been delighted when she had offered to spend some time with the children.