by Teri Gilbert
Eleni swallowed a gasp. The animation showed the sea levels rising as the ice caps melted. The next shot showed water slamming over the coastline, heading inward for hundreds of miles.
With the pointer, Mallaki drew a new curved line from the middle of New York State down to the edge of Louisiana. “This, my friends, will be the new coastline.”
Mallaki’s gaze swept the crowd. Heart pounding wildly, Eleni retreated back into the shadows before his perusal reached mid-room. She didn’t have to worry about the audience members. They seemed rooted to their seats, mesmerized by the man in front of them.
“You may be wondering why this matters, since the polar ice caps won’t melt overnight.” Mallaki paused again, making sure people were hanging onto his every word.
“What would you say if I told you we can speed up the process? That we’ve been practicing, manipulating the weather for years now?”
Eleni spared a glance as a graph appeared on screen, then listened as people responded in hushed whispers. “This is what will happen naturally, if nothing is done. The change will happen about a hundred years from now.
“But, with our combined powers, we can affect the weather and climate and accelerate this process.” The murmurs grew louder and more excited.
Mallaki must have gone to another slide. She could picture him standing with his hands on his hips, surveying the reaction to his statement.
“The plan is to purchase the land that will become the new coastline at low prices, then, when the land becomes prime real estate, you own the whole damn thing.” His voice rose in a crescendo. “We’ll become richer than the gods ever imagined. The money we make will let us finance our missions for centuries to come.”
The applause was deafening, echoing off the marble room like a clap of white thunder.
“The new world will be ours for the taking.”
Eleni pressed a trembling hand to her mouth. How many people would die so Mallaki and his followers would get rich? He intended to destroy so much.
Several people spoke at the same time, and Eleni couldn’t understand what was being said. But she’d gotten the information she’d needed. She had to get out of there. Now. She waited until Mallaki was looking the other way before she exited and walked rapidly in the other direction, cringing at the slap of her sandals on the marble floor.
A hand snaked out of nowhere, cupped her mouth, dragging her into a windowed alcove. No. She wouldn’t be accosted again. Struggling wildly, she struck out, feeling the side of her arm come into contact with her assailant’s nose.
“Eleni, stop. It’s me, Alec.”
It wasn’t the words that stilled her as much as the voice. He released his grip, and she turned slowly to face him, unable to believe her ears. But it was true. Alec stood before her, hair mussed, and nose red where she’d caught him with her arm. She smiled and ran her hands down his cheeks. “You’re really here.”
“Yes.” For the first time since Eleni had vanished from his sight, the fist that had taken hold of his heart eased. She was all right. No cuts, no bruises, nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, she looked fantastic. Her hair swept up onto the top of her head, while soft, blond curls cascaded down either side of her face.
“Stephanos?” Hope lit her eyes.
“Is alive.”
Relief washed over her delicate features. “Any other survivors?”
“No. But come on, let’s go before that meeting gets out.” He took her hand and led her back into the hall. Too late. People started pouring from the room.
“Alec, go.”
“No you don’t. I’m not leaving without you.”
“Mallaki lured you here on purpose. It’s a trap.”
“Do I look like I’m in danger?”
Her expression grew frantic. “What if someone sees me here? Talking to you?”
“I know how we can provide a distraction of our own.” He pressed his body against hers, nudged her toward a shadowed corner, and lowered his mouth.
Eleni savored the brush of Alec’s lips against hers. Spice, heat, and something delicious weakened her knees and curled her toes.
Clasping the front of his shirt, she dragged him closer, away from the main hall. His lips seared hers, sending a spiral of desire to her very core.
He deepened the kiss, sliding his tongue against hers in a smooth, sensual motion. Liquid heat pooled between her legs and the heady, out-of-control feeling made her stumble slightly as her knees threatened to give way. His arms slid to her hips, cradling her against him.
She was no longer alone. The solid wall of Alec’s chest, the boldness of his erection pressing against her center convinced her beyond a doubt that he was there.
Alec stepped back, eyes smoldering. “Where’s your room?” His raw need heightened her own desire.
“I, we, can’t.” She hoped he understood how much she wanted him, how every part of her ached for his touch. Her lips tingled, her breasts swelled, pressing tightly against the confines of her bra, and that tiny part of her that needed more throbbed unrelentingly, demanding release. “Mallaki has someone watching me.”
“Then we’ll use my room.”
“It’s too risky.”
“I want you.” His voice was hoarse.
“I want that, too, but...”
He raked a hand through his hair. “Then we’ll have to figure it out. And soon.” He glanced at his watch. “Dammit. Half an hour until dinner. Mallaki’s expecting me there.”
“Me, too.” How could so much time have gone by? At least they’d gone unnoticed. Hopefully. Fear fluttered in her heart. By now, Zander would suspect something.
“Alec, be careful. Mallaki...we can’t let him know about us. I have to go.” She started past Alec.
He caught her arm gently and swung her toward him. “Just so you don’t forget.” He lowered his head, and she leaned upward into the kiss, boldly darting her tongue into his mouth, needing to show Alec she felt the same way. He rocked against her, making her realize just how difficult it had to be for him to walk away in such an aroused condition. But was it any different for her? Parts of her throbbed and ached for more.
Abruptly, almost angrily, Alec broke off the kiss and strode down the hall away from her.
Wavering slightly, Eleni made her way toward her room. She thought of the dinner ahead. Hopefully Mallaki couldn’t read her mind, or he’d be in for one x-rated venture.
Chapter 18
Alec watched Eleni seat herself opposite Mallaki at the head of the marble dining room table, leaving him to sit between them at the side. She looked as stunning in the shimmering white evening gown as she had a few nights ago at the Clark House. His heart pounded against his chest in slow, heavy thumps, and it was suddenly difficult to take a breath.
She stared straight ahead, as if enamored of the man across from her. She hadn’t looked at him, not once. She’d given him the warning about not letting Mallaki see how they felt about each other. Wasn’t she taking her advice a little too far?
“I trust you found your accommodations acceptable?” Mallaki’s question forced Alec to tear his gaze from Eleni. “They’re fine, if you’re into over-the-top decorating.”
Eleni’s eyes widened, and she shot him a warning look, but Mallaki didn’t appear phased. In fact, if anything, he seemed to appreciate the challenging remark. “I agree the furnishings are a bit ostentatious. They’re more for my guests than for me. If you were to see my quarters, they’re much more down to earth.”
Mallaki clapped his hands twice. Three young, muscle-bound men wearing short white shorts and simple gold tunics entered from three separate hallways. Each carried a tray with a carafe of red wine and a single wine glass.
The ripped young man closest to Mallaki stepped forward and poured a modicum of wine into the crystal glass. Mallaki swirled the liquid, lifted it to his nose, took a sip, then nodded.
The waiter closest to Alec stepped forward to fill his glass, and the third did the same for E
leni. Alec had to hide his contempt. Wasn’t a waiter for each of them a little too much? But maybe the rich always pampered guests like this.
Mallaki leaned forward. “I don’t think we’re all that different, Mr. Androulakis. I hear you’re up for the chief meteorologist’s position at CNN. Why would you make the move from where you are unless it’s for the money?”
“That assignment will allow me to further my studies on global warming.”
“You couldn’t do that in the position you have now?” His gaze narrowed. “Isn’t it true that you’re afraid someone might come in the night and take everything away?”
Alec felt a flash of heat, but schooled his expression, well aware that both Eleni and Mallaki were studying his reaction.
“Yes, I know your history.” Mallaki sat back, a smug smile on his arrogant face. “How your father died when you were sixteen, how the debt collectors took everything, the house, the car, forcing your mother and her two sons into a small two bedroom place on the wrong side of town. You took a job at a local retail shop, if I recall...Shall I go on? Now, don’t pretend that you don’t like the nice things in life. All you’ve ever worried about is your career. No wife, no kids.” He picked up a goblet of wine from the table and swirled the ruby liquid, then stared, as if mesmerized by the blood-red trails lining the sides. “We’re not as different as you think. I’d like to offer you a way to have the security you’ve always dreamed of.”
“How?”
Mallaki glanced at Eleni. “We’ll discuss the details later tonight. Let’s just say I admire the singular way you pursue your goals. That, along with your other talents, would make you an asset to our organization. But for now, let’s eat.”
“I thought you had houseguests.”
“They’re in the main dining room. I suspect they’re talking about me at this very moment. But I’d rather focus on my immediate company.” He smiled and lifted his goblet. “To new friends.”
Alec raised his goblet and stared at Eleni, who still refused to meet his gaze. Why? Afraid of the lust she’d see? He took a long draw. The wine was rich and deeply textured, with plum and fig overtones.
“Although,” Mallaki continued, “you two do know each other, don’t you?”
Eleni finally met his gaze. She seemed to be silently begging him for something. But what?
“Miss Katsakis and I have worked together a few months now.” Had it been such a short time since his life had been turned upside-down?
“Oh?”
Alec turned toward Mallaki, who had cocked a brow.
“I got the distinct impression you two have known each other a while.”
No one said anything. Eleni clutched the stem of her wine glass with such pressure that her knuckles turned white. Meanwhile, the uneasy silence grew deeper.
“Well, then it’s just a casual relationship between the two of you. Good.”
Casual? Alec found himself once again drawn to Eleni, despite Mallaki’s keen eyes watching his every move. There was nothing casual about the way he felt about her.
Mallaki made a small gesture, and the three waiters disappeared. He ran his long, tapered fingers over the edge of the table. “This is hand-carved marble. Imported from Greece.”
Alec studied the side of the table where he made out an intricate scene of tiny robed figures. Some of the miniature people were sitting on thrones, while others stood nearby with trays of food and goblets of wine. “The Greek gods?”
Pleasure warmed Mallaki’s face. “You know your mythology?”
“Haven’t given it a second thought since high school English.”
Mallaki’s expression darkened, and a muscle clenched and unclenched in his cheek. “So many humans think ancient history has no place in today’s society. They couldn’t be more mistaken.”
Humans? The word choice had been deliberate. Did Mallaki think he was a god? Before he could figure out a way to pursue that train of thought, the waiters returned, each easily balancing a twelve-inch silver platter on one hand.
With a flourish, they removed the lids, revealing king-size slabs of prime rib. Despite everything, Alec’s mouth watered at the tantalizing aroma as the plate was set in front of him. Meat, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables.
“We don’t stand on ceremony here. There’s no prayer to thank one God.” Mallaki laughed. “Go on. Eat.”
Alec didn’t need further encouragement. Mallaki might be the enemy, but he was hungry and he would have to keep his energy level up if he was going to figure out what to do next.
He took a bite of the prime rib and had to keep himself from making a sound of pleasure. The meat was melt-in-your-mouth tender and rich with flavor.
He felt his host’s eyes on him and found Mallaki nodding approvingly. “I thought you’d like this. At first I’d thought of maybe serving something more traditional, but I settled on serving one of your favorites. As a compromise, I had the chef make baklava for dessert.” Mallaki turned his attention to Eleni. “You haven’t touched your food. Not hungry, my dear?”
Alec’s stomach clenched at Mallaki’s seeming familiarity with Eleni.
The fork in her hand shook slightly as she cut off a tiny slice of beef, then ate the piece in silence. “It’s good.”
“I’m glad. I’d hate to think that you’d lost your appetite because of me.”
The undercurrent of something he didn’t quite understand hung in the air. He continued to eat, though the food had lost some of its earlier flavor and appeal.
Several times during the meal, he attempted to catch Eleni’s eye, only to have her look away. She continued to pick at her food and by the time the waiters removed the plates, she’d hardly eaten anything.
“So, Mr. Androulakis, tell me about this job with CNN.”
The waiters returned and started serving coffee and placing flaky pastries in front of each of them. If they noticed the tension in the room, they didn’t show it.
Eleni, however, was another matter. At Mallaki’s inquiry, she glanced at him, and a shadow of something he couldn’t define swept over her features.
“I’ll be starting at CNN in a couple weeks, but to be let out of my current position, I have to submit a research paper about global warming.” Alec paused, searching for words that could get him the information they needed. “I have it on good authority that you may possess some, uh, unique insight on the subject.”
Mallaki’s laughter echoed off the marble walls. “That’s quite an understatement, don’t you think, my dear?”
She flinched and set down her fork. Where was the self-confident woman he’d come to know? She seemed frightened. Her hand had been trembling. How had Mallaki threatened her?
“Are you going to tell Alec the truth?” Eleni said, her gaze glinting with a hint of challenge.
So Eleni was still there, hidden behind a veil of fear.
Mallaki seemed to find her question humorous. Amusement danced in his black eyes as he broke off a piece of baklava with the side of his fork, then slid the delicate layers into his mouth. “I can tell by the way you say his name you have feelings for him. Would it mean so much to you for me to explain everything?”
“Why don’t you let him go?”
Outrage played across Mallaki’s face. “Why, that implies he’s a prisoner here. Alec, are you here against your will?”
Alec scrutinized Eleni’s profile. “No.”
Eleni pushed to her feet. “I’m tired. I’d like to retire now.”
“You can rest, of course. But don’t forget we have something special planned for this evening. I’ll escort you back to your room.” Mallaki stood, circled the table, and took her hand. “You’re so cold.” He raised his brows at Alec. “I bought her a shawl to go with the outfit, but she refuses to wear it.” He gave a pointed look to the front of Eleni’s dress. “But I must admit, the result is quite impressive.”
Alec followed Mallaki’s gaze to the area where Eleni’s erect nipples pressed against the filmy
fabric.
Color flushed high on Eleni’s cheeks, and tears swam in her eyes. Why? She liked men looking at her, didn’t she? Yet this was different. Mallaki wasn’t being appreciative...he was goading Alec, at Eleni’s expense.
He knew he should do something gallant and defend her honor, but he had to find out what the truth was. If that meant staying on Mallaki’s good side, even for appearance’s sake, he had to, for the time being. But Mallaki would pay for that remark, and his disrespect to Eleni.
Alec met Mallaki’s dark gaze. “I’d like to talk to you tonight about your involvement with global warming, if that would be possible.” He was leaving in the morning, and Eleni was going with him.
“Of course. But we have a special program planned in your honor, a tribute to our ancestor Dionysus. Afterward, we can talk at length.”
Alec watched Eleni leave the room, her back lined with tension. This wasn’t some game she was playing. This went way beyond being careful. She was terrified.
Chapter 19
About an hour after they’d finished dessert, Alec followed Mallaki, who escorted Eleni to a room that could only be described as an indoor arena. About thirty people, maybe as many as forty, all of them dressed in Grecian attire, entered from a separate corridor. Their ensuing laughter and conversations echoed off the marble wall.
Directly in front of them stood a platform that rose above the surroundings. Three ornate, high-backed chairs sat in the middle.
Mallaki gestured Eleni toward the chair to his left. Eleni hesitated, then smoothed her gown and sat. With a tilt of his head, Mallaki indicated Alec to the seat on his right. “I’d like you to sit here.” Both seats flanked the highest one in the center, which Mallaki would no doubt take himself.
Alec hoped his host would disappear into the crowd, giving him and Eleni a chance to talk again, but at the moment he stood in place and greeted his guests, not venturing more than a few feet away from her at any time.
