by Marie Kelly
Mina had known that her mother was not well, the cough she had for several weeks failing to clear up. After the older woman had repeatedly refused to go and see a doctor it had finally fallen on her to make the appointment and drag her resisting mother to it. As the doctor had examined her, Mina present at her mother’s insistence, had felt a cold hand grip her stomach as the jovial doctor’s countenance had grown more sombre and quiet. As he had flicked her looks which did little to hide his concern his voice had remained soothing and Mina thought a little forced in its lightness.
“I am sure that there is nothing to worry about”
He had boomed.
“But just to be on the safe side I am sending you up to the hospital for some tests”.
She had then spent the afternoon with her mother having a variety of blood tests and x-rays carried out. She had known deep within her that something was seriously wrong, as doctor after doctor had poured over the x-rays, their faces serious, Mina however trying to remain upbeat, laughing beside her silent and scared mother.
The next day they had received a request from their doctor to meet with him and later they had once again found themselves seated in his sterile white office, this time listening to the devastating results of the tests.
“I’m sorry Miss Lane” he had spoken, his voice almost fatherly.
“The cancer is at an advanced state and the lymph system has caused it to spread throughout your system. We have found secondary signs all over, including within your lungs, which is why you are coughing so much.”
Mina had felt her whole world collapsing at his words, fear clutching at her stomach as the room had spun alarmingly. She had cried out in pain.
“No…no…you must be wrong” her eyes pleading with the doctor to tell her that he was mistaken, that it was somebody else’s file he was looking at.
“It…it must be a mistake”. She had repeated over and over before her head had flown to the side as she had felt the soft hand of her mother’s cover hers. Her eyes had flown to look at the small woman who sat so calm and serene her hand patting Minas softly in reassurance as her daughter had sobbed uncontrollably, her face not able to hide the shock and fear of what she had just learnt. With a soft reassuring smile her mother had looked back to the doctor.
“What can be done” all she had asked as the older kindly man had looked unwaveringly back at the regal woman comforting her daughter before him.
“I’m sorry… the cancer being where it is and how far it has already spread…there is nothing that we can do”
Without even blinking her mother had continued so calmly.
“I see…How long do I have?” the soft answer causing her to nod in understanding.
“No more than six months”.
Mina had remembered how she had sat, her mouth opened, tears streaming down her face the whole situation so surreal to her, like a bad dream.
“Six months!” she had moaned her voice cracked and barely audible “So little”.
For the next few days her mother had been the strong one, making plans and helping Mina to come to terms with the situation. It had been a few days later when unable to sleep, Mina had found her crying, holding onto a pile of photos, photos showing two smiling faces by a pool at a Grecian villa. In those pictures she had seen her mother, so beautiful, smiling at her father with such love in her eyes.
Between tears her mother had told her the story of how they had met and fallen in love. How happy she had been at the villa and how it had been the happiest home she had ever lived in. At that point Mina had vowed to somehow let her mother spend the rest of her life back in the one place she had been most happy promising herself to somehow make this one thing happen.
After some research she had discovered that the villa was still a rental property and that it was ready to be leased in a month’s time. Using all her savings and remortgaging the home they shared she had been able to pay the first month’s seventy five thousand pounds rental fee. Knowing that she needed more, a lot more, she had then done the one thing she had always vowed never to do, contact her father’s family for financial help.
Finding out about the Dupris family had been fairly simple given how much was written about them on the Internet. She had discovered that Alexander’s wife had died six months before he had in a car accident and that it was Nikos Dupris who ran the Dupris Empire. She had read story after story of his ruthless business dealings, along with the many stories of his romantic entanglements.
The pictures of the 30 year old had shown how handsome he was, but they had in no way prepared her for the sheer presence of the man. Even now she could feel those icy grey eyes as they seemed to bore deeply into her soul holding her immobile like a butterfly skewered to a board. The smell of his musky aftershave also rushing back to her, making her shiver despite the searing heat of the sun beating down, the memory strangely pleasurable to the young woman.
Only now did Mina realise that she had stopped her drawing, lost in her thoughts, and with a small laugh she had re-focused her attention to the landscape before her.
Moving into the pool area, Nikos Dupris had perused the scene smiling softly at the laughing children and ignoring the looks of the many young women as they threw him flirtatious smiles. Nikos was well used to the attention of women, and much more sophisticated ones than these he had thought, his eyes continuing to scan the area.
With a frown he had failed to spot the woman he had come to find, and had summoned a waiter with a flick of his hand, the man instantly rushing over to him, recognising power when he saw it, smiling as the tall man had asked if he knew where Miss Lane could be found. The waiter had nodded pointing to where Mina sat, hidden beneath the hat and glasses, smiling wider as he was tipped handsomely.
Quickly moving over to the seated woman Nikos had found himself admiring her long shapely legs one lying elegantly on the bed, the other drawn up before her supporting a sketch pad.
“Miss Lane?” he had murmured moving in front of her.
Mina had leapt on hearing the soft sensual drawl of the Greek, eyes flying up as her face had shown surprise at seeing him standing so close to where she sat. She was glad that the glasses hid her expressive eyes as she had once again felt herself in awe at the man before her. Dressed in a black t-shirt and tan cotton trousers he was even more handsome than he had been the previous day. Mina could only admire how calm and relaxed he stood while she floundered and dropped her pad fighting to hide her surprise.
“Mr Dupris….I didn’t expect to see you” she had gasped in shock “You said tomorrow”
Above her Nikos had looked down, his eyes like hers, hidden behind dark glasses. Shrugging and not waiting for an invitation he had pulled over a nearby chair.
“Forgive me Miss Lane” he had breathed softly, his voice velvety making her shiver slightly with the pleasure it sent skittering down her back.
“However, things moved faster than I thought and I had the impression from our last meeting that you were in a hurry to have this resolved”
Mina had looked back at him her expression a mixture of surprise, apprehension and fear as she had gently nodded.
“Yes…yes I did”.
Seeing as he had given a soft smile, leaning forward slightly towards her.
“Perhaps we can speak about this somewhere else… somewhere more private where we can talk without interruptions” a boyish grin coming to his face softening his harsh features instantly and making him even more handsome, Mina surprised that this was even possible “Please let me take you for a drink”, as he had ducked to avoid a large rubber ball from the pool, catching it nimbly in his other hand before throwing it back to the laughing children. Biting her lip nervously, her whole being still off balance by his sudden appearance she had given a nervous return smile before pulling herself together.
“Sure” closing her notepad as she had scooped up all her belongings into the oversized brightly coloured beach bag which sat at her feet.
“Please Give me ten minutes, and I’ll be back down”.
To her surprise Nikos had risen also and accompanied her to the small uninspiring reception area, noticing as the young receptionist who had been so snooty with her the previous day, had become so attentive and flirtatious pouting sexily to the man behind her trying to engage him in conversation as her eyes had slid over his tall, toned body. However Nikos while polite had been disinterested as he had taken a seat at the far end of the foyer, the lovely girl scowling at his obvious snub by the object of her lustful affections.
Inexplicably Mina had smiled as she had made her way back to her small room, quickly pulling out the small blue summer dress she had brought, biting her lip as she had looked critically at herself in the mirror, seeing as it had flattered her lovely figure, but not in an obvious way. Frowning softly she had lifted a strand of her long blonde hair which had fallen around her shoulders and down her back. Sighing she had quickly grabbed a large clip and pulled her hair into a more severe knot. Safely securing it to give her a more formal look, she had wanted to ensure that he took her very seriously, knowing that so much depended on her getting the money she had asked for, not wanting to be taken for an airhead. Once more the frail image of her mother had caused a look of pain to slash across her eyes.
Finally pulling on small heels she had been ready, and nine minutes from leaving him she had once more descended into the foyer, seeing the look of surprise as he had briefly checked his watch a slow humorous smile playing on his wonderful mouth.
“I do appreciate a woman who is true to her word” he had chuckled, his eyes softening as Mina had given him a small return smile.
He had stood to indicate they should leave, moving towards the door and holding it wide for her. As she had passed he had slid his eyes down her slim figure. While the dress she wore was shapeless he was still able to make out the soft curves of her wonderful figure as the silky material brushed against her hips and breasts. She had moved gracefully on the long legs he had admired by the pool, her delicate feet and slender ankles silky smooth, surprising himself with the sudden urge to run his hand up them to feel their suppleness under his fingers, his mouth tightening at the unwelcome intrusive image, quickly raising his eyes so as not to stare. She was he had to admit very attractive if not beautiful with her large green eyes and full red lips which begged to be kissed. Frowning he had wondered why such thoughts had crossed his mind.
As they had walked to the car park she seemed not to notice the effect she had on men, seeming demure almost shy. However he had been only too aware of the way many of the men had cast their eyes in her direction. With a small scowl he once again reminded himself that she was Alexander’s daughter. With a tightening of his mouth he had enough experience of that man’s ability to lie and deceive, so why would he not expect it in his offspring. No - this woman was just like her father and Nikos’ guard was well and truly up.
Reaching his car, he had opened the door to the sleek convertible sports car, seeing as she had looked at it in wide-eyed wonder before sliding into the soft leather passenger seat. As he had joined her he had looked over in surprise to hear her chuckling.
Mina had looked back, her soft green eyes now full of laughter which gave her already perfect complexion a glow which lit up her features, inexplicably sending his pulse racing.
“I’m sorry” she had giggled.
“It’s just that I have images of Bridget Jones after her ride in one of these kinds of cars, and I’m so glad I put my hair up”
He had grinned back the image making him laugh with her as he had nodded, softening his austere features instantly.
“Yes. I am afraid that many of my dates were not so wise…some were not amused” he had added with another small laugh.
She had pulled her sunglasses back on to hide the way she could not help but look at him. He was the most handsome man she had ever met, but there was more to his appeal than that. He had an aura of authority and power which she had never before felt but which was making her shiver with an awareness for this man she had never before experienced.
Before she had made the trip she had Googled as much about the man as she could, finding many articles of his many mistresses and lifestyle which showed that he was a man of the world used to the finer things in life. To him she must seem like a simpleton compared to the women he was used to, this thought making her raise her small chin defiantly before feeling ashamed as he had been nothing but courteous and considerate to her especially considering the circumstances of their meeting. Well he had the means to have her out of his hair once and for all she had determined flicking another quick look at him his whole body relaxed behind the wheel.
He had driven the powerful car with ease, his movements sure and graceful as he had expertly manoeuvred the vehicle through the busy roads, neither speaking during the short journey till they were clear of the village. Mina had enjoyed the feel of the wind as it whipped over the front of the car and over their heads, his thick black locks blowing around his head, Mina holding back the smile as she had thought that only he could look good with his hair being flicked back and forth by the breeze.
Finally they had reached their destination, not somewhere she was expecting, thinking that he would have chosen something more luxurious and to his social standing than the small off-the-beaten path bar which sat on the sand with the water offering a wonderful and enticing backdrop. With a small smile she realised that he most likely did not want to be seen with somebody like her, the thought hurting more than she was prepared to admit.
Parking, he had quickly moved around to open her door, smiling gently at her as though he had known the thoughts running through her head.
“I thought I would bring you to the island’s best kept secret…also we are guaranteed privacy”.
Mina had nodded her head.
“Of course”.
Her only comment as he had led the way to one of the empty tables, before moving into the small shack-like bar where she could hear him laughing and joking with the owner, not able to understand what was being said but realising that he obviously came there often as he seemed on good terms with the owner, not sure why that thought made her feel better. When he returned he carried two large cups, one full of coffee and the other tea. Sitting down he had given her a small smile.
“I took a guess that being British you would want tea” seeing as she had stifled a smile nodding her head.
“Well sorry to be so stereotypical, but yes, that is definitely the way to go”.
The two had taken a sip of their drinks, Mina not quite sure what to say as his look had become more sombre and businesslike.
“Forgive me for appearing with no warning” In a voice which did not seem sorry at all.
“I had my investigators check out your story”.
Mina had sat silently. Far from being shocked from his investigation of her, she had expected it and had remained motionless and quiet as he had continued.
“My people were able to get the information quicker than I had anticipated corroborating your story”.
At that he had delved into the bag he had carried from the car with him, retrieving a fairly thick folder, and sliding it over to her.
Surprised at how much they had gathered in such a short period of time Mina had moved her hand to lift it, opening the buff folder and seeing the many pictures and reports contained within. One in particular had caught her eyes, showing her mother and Alexander Mentis, her father. Giving a sad half smile she had seen how happy her mother had looked, as she had stared at the handsome man beside her with such adoring eyes.
“That picture was taken about six months after you were born”.
His voice had broken her reverie as she had pulled herself back to the present, dropping the folder and its contents once more onto the table between them.
“So you accept that I am Alexander’s daughter then?” she had said softly, seeing as he had nodded his head.
“Yes, I do
” watching her over his coffee cup before softly placing it back down “Did you know that he registered your birth himself?”
Mina had gasped in surprise.
“N…no…I didn’t” she had stuttered softly.
“He never seemed to have much time for me when I was a child” her voice not full of hurt as he would have expected, but spoken more matter of fact.
“There will need to be DNA tests for legal reasons, but yes I believe that you are truly his daughter”.
She had frowned gently, first at the obvious note of contempt that had crept into his voice but also at the need for tests.
“While I am obviously fully prepared to provide DNA evidence, is their really any need. Wouldn’t it just be better….?”
His voice now very businesslike had cut over hers.
“I considered your proposal Miss Lane, but have decided that I have a better one…one that helps me out of a bit of a situation of my own”
Mina had looked back at him, her face both confused and frustrated.
“But…I have agreed to sign over everything for one million pounds Mr Dupris…we both know that as his daughter I stand to gain far more”.
She had felt the panic rise in her seeing the way he had given another smaller smile.
“That is very true Miss Lane, but you see my investigators also found out for me why you need so much money”.
As the colour had blanched from her lovely face, she had seen him look at her with a more sympathetic expression on his face, his voice becoming softer.
“I am sorry to hear of your mother’s illness Mina”.
She had felt the tears rushing to her eyes, not expecting to hear this from him, images of her frail mother filling her mind as she had angrily dashed them away, trying once more to regain some control of the situation.
“That was none of your business” she had bitten out, suddenly so angry at his violation of her pain, feeling somehow vulnerable by his knowing of her hurt.
For a second he had remained silent allowing her to compose herself, as she had deliberately looked away from him, her eyes falling on the serene view of the sea, before once more able to turn to look at him, her eyes slightly red, her teeth savaging her lovely lips.
