Virgin's Dirty Boss

by Nicole Elliot

  “Why do you hate my family?” asked Scarlett, letting her confusion show.

  With a great deal of surprise, Athena raised her brows. “You do not know?” Scarlett shook her head, waiting for an explanation that didn’t come. “Carter will tell you when the time is right I’m sure,” said Athena, looking uncomfortable as she opened the door. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask. Dinner will be at nine, and it’s your decision if you want to dress up. I recommend cool and casual in this heat,” she added with a smile as she left.

  Sighing, Scarlett unpacked her things, wondering at the angry reception from his family. What was the missing piece in this mystery? They obviously all knew something she did not, and she figured it must be connected with her father. She had to find out what was going on.

  10

  Carter

  Carter was settling into the room his family kept prepared for him when his mother knocked. “Mama.” He hugged her, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “It’s good to see you again.”

  “I’m happy to see you too, but you have some explaining to do.”

  “It’s not your concern.” Of course she would want to meddle. She practically couldn’t help herself.

  “Do not use that misogynistic nonsense with me,” Athena said in a strong voice. “Your father used it much too often to hide his failures, and I won’t be lied to or kept in the dark any longer.”

  Carter nodded. “I finally have Terini where I want him. He offered me one of his daughters in exchange for a six-month extension before I take his home. He’s desperately scrambling to come up with close to two million as we speak,” he said with ferocious satisfaction.

  “Why would you agree to such a ridiculous bargain?” Athena demanded. “Are you in love with the girl?”

  “Of course not.” Carter let out a cold laugh. “I would never allow myself to love a Terini. It is simply another way to toy with Rocco.”

  “And that innocent girl is caught in the middle,” Athena summed up, her disapproval evident.

  “She’s a Terini, so therefore she is not innocent,” said Carter with firm conviction.

  “Just because she bears her father’s name does not mean she shares his character,” said his mother.

  Eyes narrowed, Carter said in a low voice, “Blood tells. She is like her father. Manipulative and unfeeling.”

  “It was not indifference I saw in her eyes when we responded so coldly to her arrival,” said Athena. “She was hurt and confused by our rejection.”

  “I know her better than you, and I know she is like her father, dammit,” Carter insisted.

  “You bear the name Braxton, but you are not like your father.”

  “Pop was a good man,” Carter said defensively, suddenly feeling fifteen again. “How can you say that he was anything like Terini?”

  “I’m not.” Athena patted his arm. “I’m merely pointing out that you have little in common with your father. You are responsible and hardworking. Does your father’s inability to support his family make you a bad provider?”

  “Mama, I respectfully demand you mind your own business,” said Carter in a firm voice.

  Athena shrugged. “As you wish, but be advised that such dealings have a way of backfiring on you.” She walked out of the room, closing the door firmly behind her.

  His mother was feisty, but he couldn’t admit she may be right, that he was wrong about Scarlett. And that he might be falling for her.

  11

  Scarlett

  Heeding Athena’s advice, Scarlett wore a light skirt and blouse down to dinner. If she’d known how chilly his sisters’ reception would be, she might have worn a sweater. Lydia sniffed when she entered the room, and Thea turned her back. A boy of perhaps eleven sat on the couch, wearing shorts and a button-down shirt, and he glared at her as well. With his black hair and dark eyes, there could be no mistaking his relation to the Braxton family.

  Not bothering to speak, knowing she would receive no answer, Scarlett went to the far corner of the room and stared out the window. She was still able to make out the sea, a small dock, and a medium-sized yacht anchored to it. A smaller speedboat drifted beside the yacht, and Scarlett assumed that was their primary transportation to Mykanos and Naxos.

  She looked around just as Athena and Carter entered the room, followed by Darren. Athena was dressed casually, as were her daughters, so Scarlett stopped worrying about her choice of clothing.

  Not that the right outfit would make them accept her, she acknowledged. There was nothing she could do to win over these women, and it didn’t matter. She didn’t have to be liked by Carter’s family. It was not required that they get along. After two weeks, she would never see them again, so if they didn’t want to be polite, she could live with an uncomfortable twelve days.

  After drinks, they adjourned to the dining room. The meal passed in cold silence, with only an occasional remark made by Athena or Carter. The sisters were stubbornly silent, and Noah spent the entire time glaring at her sullenly. Scarlett resisted the urge to demand why he hated her as she forced the food down her dry throat, wishing she was anywhere but here.

  “This is a lovely island,” Scarlett said, trying to break the silence.

  “Yes, it is home,” Athena said.

  “Has your family owned it long?” asked Scarlett.

  “Carter purchased it five years ago,” Lydia said in a frosty tone. “He takes great care of us. He is good to those he loves and ruthless with his enemies.”

  How did she respond to that? “Er—”

  The child suddenly stood up. “I know who you are.”

  “Sit down Noah,” Athena urged.

  “You’re a Terini, and you’re all murderers.”

  “What?” asked Scarlett, aghast.

  Carter spoke up for the first time. “That is enough, Noah.”

  “It’s not enough,” Lydia snapped. “It can never be enough.”

  “Lydia...”

  “I hate her,” Noah said shrilly, pointing to Scarlett. “I wish her family was dead.”

  “Cease,” said Carter, following his command with a burst of Greek.

  Noah proudly raised his head. “I don’t have to listen to you. You aren’t my father.” His burning black eyes turned to Scarlett. “My father is dead.”

  Taking a deep breath, Carter said, “I’m not your father, but do you think he would be proud of this display? Would he admire you for yelling at a woman?”

  Noah dropped his head. He still wore an angry expression, but now it was tempered with guilt. “May I be excused?”

  “That’s very wise,” Carter agreed, and the boy rose from the table. With one last angry glance at Scarlett, he fled the room.

  “That was uncalled for.” Lydia’s eyes sparkled with anger. “How dare you speak to my son that way?”

  “He needs guidance and firm rules,” said Carter. “He needs a man around to act as a role model.”

  “His father would be around if it weren’t for her family,” Lydia said hatefully and left the table.

  “Have you nothing to add to these dramatics?” Carter asked Thea with deceptive blandness.

  “You know my feelings.” She rose from the table. “I hate the Terinis.” Her cold gaze settled on Scarlett. “But I don’t have the same depth of rage as Lydia and Noah. I believe they have reason, don’t you?”

  Scarlett watched her depart, her mouth still hanging open at the accusation.

  “Does that little boy think I killed his father?”

  Carter shook his head. “Not you,” he said before also leaving the table. His mother quickly followed him. Scarlett sat staring at her food unable to eat. What had just happened? Who killed Lydia’s husband?

  “How’s your fish?” Darren asked Scarlett, breaking the tension.

  There was a small balcony attached to Scarlett’s room, and she went outside to breathe in the sea air after changing into shorts and a tshirt and running a brush through her hair. There was a chill
in the air, and it sent delicious shivers down her spine. Propping her elbow on the wrought iron railing, Scarlett rested her chin on her palm and stared up at the stars.

  The night sky was sharp black, with thousands of pinpoint lights shining through. Though she’d never lived in the city, the sky at her home was never this bright and pure. If only she didn’t feel like a pariah, she would love this place.

  She wished she were here on her honeymoon. Just her and the man she loved, she thought hazily as her eyes closed. She would soak up the sun during the day, while gazing at the stars at night. They would take a blanket down to the shore, and Carter would take her in his arms...

  Scarlett gasped, opening her eyes at that unsettling thought. Why did her mind persist in building these fantasies around Carter? Was she one of those girls who only wanted a man who was unattainable?

  Gnawing worriedly at her lip, Scarlett sank down into a wrought iron chair, shivering slightly as the cold metal pressed through her thin tshirt. It was true she’d never had much interest in the boys she’d dated, not that there had been many. She’d never felt the urge to let them get past a clumsy kiss or quick grope. Now she was having these desires for Carter, and the only logical conclusion to be drawn was that she wanted to get hurt.

  She looked up as the door on the balcony next to hers slid open and Carter stepped out. He was clad only in a brief toweling robe, and her heart skittered crazily. Damn he looked good, even as most of his body was hidden in the shadows. “Hi,” she said nervously, resisting the urge to run.

  He nodded at her, remaining silent as he watched her. “What?” she burst out, unable to tolerate the lengthy silence.

  “I’m trying to figure you out,” he admitted.

  “What are you trying to figure out?” Scarlett asked in a husky whisper.

  “How much you are like your father?” He didn’t break eye contact.

  “Why do you care?” Scarlett watched him warily as he came closer, leaning against the railing. If she walked over to the side of her balcony, they would only be a few feet apart. She would be able to reach over and touch his rippling muscles if she so desired. Scarlett tried to block out that disturbing thought.

  Carter shrugged. “It’s not important. Would you like to go into Mykanos tomorrow? We could make a day of it if you wish.”

  “That would be nice.” As long as his sisters weren’t coming, she added silently. She rose to her feet, anxious to escape his presence and the resultant thoughts he inspired. “Goodnight, Carter.”

  “Goodnight,” he said softly as she went inside.

  12

  Scarlett

  Scarlett rose early and dressed sensibly for their day of sightseeing, tucking a towel and other paraphernalia in a beach bag. She was surprised to find only Carter waiting for her downstairs. “Where’s Darren?”

  “He’s going to spend the day riding horses and relaxing. Darren doesn’t like boat rides,” he said with a twinkle in his eye.

  She couldn’t imagine Darren being afraid of anything and found his fear of boats rather endearing. After a quick breakfast of strong, black coffee and sweet buns, they left the house. He led her down the hill, through the olive grove, until they came to the small dock. “Go ahead and get in the speedboat,” said Carter.

  Scarlett settled herself in the boat as Carter slipped off the rope that kept them tethered. He started the engine and guided them out.

  “I’ve never been to Mykanos.”

  “You’ll love it,” Carter said. “It’s the largest island in the Cyclades chain, and it has a lively nightlife. In Hora, the capital, there are three museums you’ll probably want to see, and if there’s time, we’ll stop by a bouzokia.”

  “What’s a bouzokia?” Scarlett asked loudly as the boat hit the open water and wind whipped around them. Her hair was blowing freely, and she secured it with her left hand as best she could.

  “A nightclub,” he said in a near-shout. “Conversation is difficult out here, but it’s only a short trip.”

  “How long does it take your mitera to get to Greece by boat?” asked Scarlett.

  “My mother?” he asked in confusion.

  “When she does her charity work,” Scarlett elaborated. They hit a wave, and the boat jumped a few feet in the air, making her stomach churn. She could now understand Darren’s dislike for this boat, and she scrambled to put on a life vest.

  “Oh, she doesn’t go by boat,” said Carter. “She takes the helicopter.”

  “Helicopter?” Scarlett asked stupidly.

  Carter leaned closer, and Scarlett caught a whiff of his cologne, a musky, sandalwood scent. “You didn’t see the chopper?” he asked, raising his voice to be heard. Scarlett shook her head. “It’s parked at the airstrip where we landed.”

  A vague memory flashed through Scarlett’s mind and she nodded, remembering the chopper now. Carter laughed, showing perfect white teeth. “It would take much too long for Mama to get to Athens by boat.”

  Scarlett nodded, but didn’t respond verbally. The wind was too high for him to hear her, or vice versa. Instead, she settled comfortably in the small seat and watched the miles pass as they skimmed over the Aegean Sea.

  When Mykanos came into sight, Scarlett caught her breath in delight. The crystal blue waters of the sea washed onto a rocky shore. For a moment, the water reminded her of Carter’s eyes. White buildings lined the shore, nestled against the mountains that rose behind them.

  A friendly man at the dock took the rope Carter threw him and anchored them to the post. Carter brought the boat close to the dock and hopped out, offering her a hand. It was the first time they touched since the kiss and she felt her cheeks fill with blush.

  “Are you ready to do some walking?” asked Carter, and Scarlett nodded with enthusiasm.

  They began their tour of Hora in the Castro district. Scarlett admired the brilliant white cubic houses with their balconies and white-washed parapets, some with white windmills in the front of the houses. They were very close together, with just a few feet of space between each home. Several homes were three and four stories as the houses were often built one on top of the other.

  Carter led her to the Church of the Panagia Paraportiani, left over from the days of Byzantine rule. Scarlett wanted to go into the arched bell tower and was disappointed to find the only entrance, a door on the side, locked. “It is rarely open these days,” said Carter. “Vandals have done too much damage.”

  There were almost seven hundred churches on Mykanos, and Carter took her to see several more, including the cathedral Panachrantos, St. Kyriaki, and St. Eleni. “Why are there so many churches?” Scarlett asked as the left St. Eleni.

  “In the old days, family members were often buried in the walls of the churches. Some families built a new church each time a family member died.”

  “So there are dead bodies in the walls?” Scarlett asked with horrified fascination. Carter nodded and suggested they go to the museums.

  They went through the Archaeological Museum, where Scarlett admired the Trojan vase from 670 B.C., then on to the Folk Museum, where artifacts of everyday life were displayed. Scarlett’s interest in museums waned with the Nautical Museum, and they stopped for a late lunch.

  They chose a pub with tables lined up in front of the tiny restaurant and ate freshly caught seafood, grilled in olive oil and capers. Scarlett cautiously sipped the ouzo, but found the fresh water from Tria Pagadia more to her liking.

  “Would you like to spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach?” Carter asked after settling the check.

  “Sounds wonderful,” Scarlett agreed. “My feet are killing me, especially my ankle.”

  “We’re close to Psarou, if that’s all right with you,” Carter suggested.

  “As long as I don’t have to walk very far, I’m game.”

  They walked a short distance, until they came to the warm brownish-white sand of the Psarou. There were a few merchant stands and a beach bar that ran year round, despite
the decline in beachgoers during winter.

  It was another warm day, and there was a good turn-out. Carter rented two sand chairs from a merchant, and they staked out a spot. He showed her where to change, and disappeared to change too.

  Scarlett emerged from the cubicle dressed in a modest one-piece. Carter was waiting for her, wearing Bermuda style swim trunks. Finally, she could get a good look at his rippling muscles. But when he turned around, she saw that scars that lined his back, and extended around the side of his body to the arm he had showed her. She quickly averted her eyes, but knew he’d seen her looking. Her heart stirred, and she wondered once more how he’d been exposed to acid.

  “If it was summertime, you could learn to wind surf or water-ski,” Carter offered as they waded into the water.

  “I know how to water ski, but I’ve never been wind surfing. Do you know how?”

  “I’ve done it a few times.”

  She lost herself in swimming for a time before exhaustion won, and she returned to shore, joining Carter.

  She skipped the chair in favor of her towel, spreading it on the warm sand before sitting down. She rummaged in her bag for sunscreen and applied it generously to all the areas she could reach. Biting her lip indecisively, she finally asked Carter, “Would you put sunscreen on my back?”

  He rose from the chair and joined her on the large towel, taking the bottle of lotion from her.

  Scarlett sighed as his hands settled on her back, relaxing as Carter rubbed the lotion in deeply. She tensed a little as his hands went lower, a warmth spreading between her legs, but he stopped at the edge of her swimsuit. His hands remained on her back for a long moment before he drew them away.

  Rolling over, Scarlett gave in to a wicked impulse. “I’d better put some on your back too,” she suggested. “It’s probably been awhile since you were exposed to the sun to this degree.”

  “Good idea,” he said huskily, lying down as she sat up on her knees. When her smooth hands settled on his back, she felt him tense, perhaps waiting for her to comment on the scars or go out of her way to avoid them. Instead she smoothed the lotion over the scarred areas in the same manner she did the untouched flesh—slowly so she could touch him for as long as possible. She felt his strong back muscles as he groaned when hands hit his waist band and she removed them from his body. “Thanks,” he said in a rough voice.