“Where is he now?”
“He flew back to Anti Paxos. I heard him mutter something about being afraid you were leaving Greece forever.”
She took a deep breath. “I am. I have to be at the airport in three hours to make my plane.”
“Then it’s true.” Vasso’s voice sounded a little different than his brother’s, but he spoke English in the same endearing way.
“He said goodbye to me earlier when he dropped me off at Chloe’s. I took it as final.”
After a brief silence he said, “This is my fault for telling him about you. I did it because I wanted him to stop worrying about you. I don’t know what has gone on between you two, but I have serious doubts he’ll be able to handle it if you leave.”
“He told me what you did, but that’s not what is wrong. It’s a long story. He took me to eat dinner at the taverna Elpis owns. When she asked me if I loved him, I said I wanted to be his fiancée.”
“You what?”
Raina didn’t blame him for being totally shocked. “Don’t worry. He shut me down. I think it’s because he got mumps and because of his sterility can’t give me or any woman a child. He wants to do the honorable thing and give me a chance to marry a man who can.”
“I don’t believe that’s the reason,” he bit out, sounding like Akis just then.
“If it isn’t, then I don’t know what it could be.”
“Look, Raina. I don’t mean to interfere, but you can’t leave yet.”
“There’s no point in staying. I fought him all day long trying to break him down so he’d really listen to me. That hurts a woman’s pride, you know?” Tears crept into her voice.
“His pride is much worse. Do you love him?”
She got to her feet. “I love him to the depth of my soul.”
Raina heard a sharp intake of breath. “Then go after him to that place inside of him and wear him down until you get the answer you’re looking for.”
She bit her lip. “He’s given me his answer.”
“No. It’s a smoke screen for what is really bothering him. Trust me. If you love him like you say you do, don’t give up.”
“That’s asking a lot.”
“I’ll send a helicopter for you first thing in the morning.”
Her nails bit into her palm. “I’m afraid.”
“Your fear couldn’t be as great as his. He’s not as secure as he lets on.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I’ve known him longer. And I’m afraid of what will happen if you disappear from his life. I’ll have the helicopter there at six whether you decide to take it or not.”
He clicked off and left her pacing the floor for what was left of the night. It would mean telling Chloe’s parents that she would going to Anti Paxos before she flew back to the States.
For the next two hours she went back and forth deciding what to do. At five o’clock she called to cancel her flight and the limo. When she left the bedroom with her bag, she went straight out to the patio to tell Chloe’s parents her plans had changed. Only Nora was up, pouring coffee.
“There you are. I’m still having a hard time letting you go.”
“Nora—my plans have changed.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ve cancelled everything and am going to fly to Anti Paxos to talk to Akis. We had a problem yesterday. In good conscience I can’t fly home until we’ve talked again. Forgive me for making you get up early.”
“I was awake.” She smiled and gave her a hug. “The path to love is filled with obstacles.”
Raina eyed her hesitantly. “Am I that transparent?”
She laughed. “Come on and sit down. As my husband remarked the day Akis came barging out here looking for the woman with the sprained ankle, the second you saw each other, no one else existed but the two of you. It was fascinating really because we’d noticed Akis running from Althea at the reception.”
“I know. I felt so sorry for her.”
“To our knowledge, Akis has never chased after a woman in his life. Yet the minute he saw you at the table, everything changed in an instant. I wondered when it was going to happen to him. Those two devilishly handsome brothers have been free agents for so long, it’s had us worried.
“Their distaste for publicity has caused them to retreat from all the lovely women who’d love to have a relationship with them. But you’ve been surrounded by publicity, too, so you understand how stifling it can be.”
Raina nodded. “I was afraid some member of the press would recognize me at Chloe’s wedding and ruin her wedding day. That’s why I chose to wait until the reception to make an appearance.”
Nora patted her hand. “Chloe told us everything. She’s always said you’re the sweetest, kindest person she’s ever known. Socus and I found that out years ago.”
If Nora didn’t stop, Raina would be in tears again. “So are all of you.”
While she forced herself to eat breakfast for Nora’s sake, she heard rotors in the distance. Her heart turned over. Vasso was as good as his word. Maybe he knew something she didn’t. At this point she was running on faith and nothing else. He knew Akis better than anyone in the world and he was urging her to go to him.
Socus joined them for breakfast. Nora filled him in before the three of them walked out to the pad with her suitcase. After several hugs, she climbed on board and waved to them before the helicopter whisked her away.
Athens passed beneath her, the Athens she’d seen through the telescope from his penthouse. Tears ran down her cheeks unchecked. She loved him so terribly. What if Vasso was wrong and Akis wanted nothing more to do with her? But Raina couldn’t think about it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
AKIS DIDN’T KNOW where to go with his pain. Vasso hadn’t been able to help him. For once in their lives the brother he relied on had no answer for him. This was a crisis he had to figure out on his own. Vasso had helped him get to the helicopter at the complex and told the pilot to fly him to Anti Paxos.
When he reached his house, he headed straight for the truck. He didn’t care it was dark out. He needed work. It had been his salvation for years. He’d clean the cabin cruiser until he dropped.
Midmorning he grew so tired he staggered down the steps to the cabin. One of Raina’s crutches resting against the wall had fallen across the floor, causing him to trip. He collapsed onto the bed so exhausted and emotionally drained he stayed right where he’d fallen. The next thing he knew it was late afternoon. He could tell by the position of the sun through the window slat.
Groaning, he turned on his back. Not since the serious case of mumps that almost killed him had he felt this ill. But it was a different kind of sickness that started in the very core of his being. By now Raina would be flying somewhere over the US to her home of three hundred and sixty-five rooms. He’d gotten rid of her all right. He’d done everything to make certain she’d never come near again.
His stomach growled because it was empty, but he wasn’t hungry. He hadn’t eaten since their meal at the café yesterday when Raina had told Elpis she wanted to be his fiancée. To be that open and honest in front of the older woman had knocked him sideways. He still hadn’t recovered.
When she’d told him she’d be his lover if that’s what he wanted, he’d felt shame that he’d been so cruel to her. He’d seen her heart in those fabulous violet eyes. They haunted him now. He looked around the cabin. All he saw was emptiness.
Life without Raina wasn’t life.
He couldn’t comprehend how he’d gotten through it this far without her. Life would have no meaning if he didn’t go after her and beg her forgiveness. Grovel if necessary. It terrified him that she might refuse to see him. She would have every right.
The first thing to do was make arrangements for t
heir company jet to fly to Corfu. He’d leave for the States from there. He pulled out his cell phone and made the call, then he headed to the bathroom for a shower and shave, but he only made it as far as the hallway when he smelled coffee and ham of all things.
Akis had been in a traumatic state last night. His brother must have come to check up on him. Calling out his name he went to the kitchen and came close to having a cardiac arrest.
“Raina—”
She stood at the counter whipping up eggs. Her blond head swerved in his direction. “You look terrible. By the time you’ve taken a shower, dinner will be ready. I’m fixing you an American breakfast. Did you know breakfast is my favorite meal? I could eat it morning, noon and night.”
He rubbed the back of his neck in disbelief that she was really here. “You’re supposed to be on your way home.”
“Well as you can see, I haven’t left Greece yet. Vasso phoned and asked me to peek in on you before I go. He seemed to think you needed help.”
Akis couldn’t believe it. “Vasso actually phoned you?”
She nodded. “From the look of you, I can see why. Hurry. We’re having omelets and they only taste good right out of the skillet. Cooking is another one of my accomplishments.”
Raina had so many accomplishments, it staggered him. Still in shock that she was here on the cruiser instead of a jet liner, he showered and shaved in record time. He kept casual clothes on board in the drawer. After dressing in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, he hurried back to the kitchen, afraid he’d been dreaming and she wouldn’t be there.
“You look a little better. Sit down and I’ll feed you.” She slid the omelets onto two plates with ham and placed them on the table.
“How did you get here?”
“When I saw that the truck was gone, I walked to the harbor and there it was. I climbed on board and found you passed out on the bed. I thought maybe you’d had too much to drink.”
“I rarely drink.”
“So I went back on deck and walked around the village to buy a few groceries and a pan. You were still asleep when I returned. To pass the time I got busy and made some brownies.”
“What are they?”
“A chocolate dessert.”
“Now that I think about it, I can smell it. This omelet with the ham is divine, by the way.”
“That’s because you’re hungry. I’ll report back to Vasso that your appetite has returned.” He watched her get up and put some chocolate squares on a plate before she brought it to the table. “If you’re still starving, you can fill up on these.”
One bite and he was hooked on them. In no time at all he’d eaten all five.
“They’re good, aren’t they? The convenience stores carry them. They sell like hotcakes.”
“Like hotcakes?”
“Or pancakes. Same thing. Americans love them, but you can never stop with just one. If you sold them in one of your Alpha/Omega 24 stores, you’d be shocked how fast they’d disappear.”
“Raina—” He couldn’t take anymore. “We need to talk.”
“I think we’ve said it all. Now that some food has brought you back to life, I can leave in good conscience.”
“Where do you think you’re going?” He got to his feet to bar the way.
“Now that I’ve made my pit stop for your brother, I’m walking back to the house. Vasso’s helicopter is waiting to fly me to Corfu. I’ll let him know his worry over you is unfounded and I’ll take the plane home from there.”
“First you’re going to come to the bedroom with me where we’ll be more comfortable.”
“Oh. Now you’ve decided I can be your lover? Sorry. I’m taking that offer back.”
A grimace broke out on his face. “There’s only one reason why I haven’t asked you to marry me.”
“Because you can’t give me a baby. I know.”
“That’s not it.” He picked her up around the hips and set her on the counter. “This is better. Now you’re on eye level with me.” Akis could feel her trembling. “Look at me, Raina.”
“I don’t want to.”
“I don’t blame you. After the way I’ve treated you, you have every right to despise me. The truth is, I’m not an educated man with diplomas covering my walls. I don’t know all the things you know and have learned.”
“That’s the reason you were willing to let me go? Just because some pseudoacademic can talk to me about the differences in Pointillism between Seurat and Signac means absolutely nothing to me!”
“You see? I don’t know who they are. I don’t know what Pointillism is.”
“You think I want to talk to you about that?”
“If we went to a party at one of your friends, they’d see my deficits in a hurry and you’d wish you’d never brought me.”
“Oh, Akis—if I took you to one of my parties, the women would fall all over themselves just to hear you speak English with your unforgettable Greek accent. The men would take one look at you knowing they couldn’t measure up to you, and they’d be so jealous of your business acumen, they’d croak.”
“Croak?”
“Yes. Like a frog.”
“Don’t tease me, Raina. You’re brilliant. I can’t do math, I can’t speak intelligently about art or literature. I’m not well read and haven’t traveled the globe. Chloe and Theo have most everything in common. They suit each other in so many ways. But you and I are poles apart.
“I couldn’t take it if we married and you grew bored with me. You told me Byron made a wonderful companion. Even though he betrayed you, he had a cultural background that stimulated you in the beginning. I can’t give you that and I’m afraid I’ll lose you.”
She lifted wet eyes to him. “So you decided to push me away before you gave us a chance to find out what our life could be like? Do you know you could teach a class on Greek history and mythology that would blow everyone’s mind? I know your worth, Akis. You know things no one else knows. You can’t let that be the thing that keeps us apart!”
He cupped her face in his hands. “I was afraid at first, but no longer. I want to be all things to you. You’re my heart’s blood. I don’t want to take another breath if I can’t be with you. I love you, Raina. I love you,” he cried against her lips. “I want you for my wife if you’ll have me.”
“If I’ll have you— Oh, Akis...” She launched herself into his arms. He carried her out of the kitchen and down the hall to the bedroom. When he laid her down, she pulled him to her. “I love you, my darling,” she murmured over and over again between kisses. “I wish we were already married.”
“So do I, but I know a man in high places who can arrange a special license for us tomorrow. We can be married at the church on Paxos. I’ll arrange it with the priest.”
“You don’t want a big wedding?”
“Never. Do you?”
“I did all that once before. What I want is to be your wife and hibernate with you for several months before anyone knows except Chloe’s family, and Vasso, of course.”
“I owe him for getting you here. How did he manage it?”
“His call at three in the morning got my attention in a hurry, but he didn’t have to beg me. The thought of leaving you was so terrible, I doubt I would have gotten on the plane.” By this time she’d broken down in tears of joy.
“Don’t you know I love our differences? No woman could love you the way I do, Akis. I’m so in love with you, a lifetime won’t be enough to show you how much. We were meant to be together, my love.”
“I know that,” he admitted. “My psyche knew it at the reception. One look into your eyes and the hairs began prickling on the back of my neck. They’ve never stopped.”
“I knew I was crazy about you when you ran to my table in desperation.” Their joyous laughter turned into mo
ans of need as their mouths met and clung. Time had no meaning as their legs entwined and they tried without success to appease their unquenchable desire for each other. Akis felt as if he’d been born for this moment.
An all-consuming need to prolong this ecstasy caused him to burn out of control. For the next while he found himself drowning rapturously in her overwhelming response. It was so marvelous to feel this alive, to touch her, love her. She was all warmth and beauty.
But Akis knew that to stay in the bedroom any longer would mean they’d never come out. He relinquished her mouth. “We need to go back to the house and make our plans, Raina. I want to be married before I make love to you for the first time. My father told me it was the best way to start out a marriage. I’d like to be a good son and honor his final advice to me.”
“Then we will, but you’re going to have to be the one with the willpower. Mine has deserted me. S’agapo, Akis.”
His breath caught. “You know what it means?”
“When you told me it was the most important word I would ever say in Greek, I figured out what it meant and have been dying to try it out on you. How did I do?”
He drew her off the bed and crushed her in his arms, rocking her back and forth. “You sounded like a native just now.”
“Then there’s hope for me. I plan to learn your difficult language or die in the attempt.”
“Don’t talk about dying on me,” he begged. “Not ever, and not in jest. This is the first day of our new life together. Kiss me one more time before we leave. I need you the way I need our Greek sun to shine. You’re my life force, Raina. Do you hear me?” He shook her gently.
“I think you have that turned around. You swept across the dance floor to my table, and then you swept me out of the hotel, crutches and all.” She looked into his eyes. “My beloved Poseidon, I’ll love you forever. Do you hear me?”
CHAPTER NINE
Six weeks later
RAINA HURRIED INSIDE the villa with all her packages and put them down on the couch in the living room. Before she did anything else, she needed to call Akis and let him know her plans had changed. But she got his voice mail and had to leave a message.
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