by Annie West
For the first time in weeks she felt out of her comfort zone. What was she doing in a place like this?
Amazing how swiftly she’d acclimatised to Strato’s superyacht. Not just the yacht, but him. It felt natural to wake in his arms then spend all day and night with him.
A shiver skated down her spine despite the sunshine. She resented coming into Greece’s capital, because it meant less time solely with Strato.
When had he become so important that the prospect of being surrounded by others, not having him to herself, bothered her?
She told herself it was the stupendous sex, a revelation to a woman who hadn’t realised how deep her own carnal appetites ran. Strato awakened a sexually confident woman she’d initially found hard to recognise.
Yet Cora felt more than physical desire. She liked the man, and had developed an intimacy with him plus a level of trust she’d never known before.
Maybe it was as well they were in Athens. Time alone with Strato messed with her mind.
‘There you are, Coritsa.’ Warm arms wrapped around her and she felt his hard frame at her back. She inhaled Strato’s spicy scent and something in her eased. She let her head drop back against his shoulder. ‘Ready to go ashore?’
She nodded, telling herself Athens would be a nice change. A shame she didn’t believe that.
‘Excellent. I’ve got business to attend to but you’ll find lots to keep you amused. Then tonight we’re invited to a private dinner.’
Cora froze. They weren’t spending the day together? She’d imagined...
That Strato would spend the day visiting crowded tourist sites with her? Or sit in a simple taverna with her when his onboard chef produced the most amazing meals every day?
Of course he had people to see, a reason for coming here. If she’d been thinking she’d have organised to catch up with old colleagues. It might still be possible, even at short notice.
Yet bitter disappointment lingered on her tongue. She turned. ‘A private dinner? Where?’
‘A business contact. Damen Nicolaides. He and his wife, Stephanie, are having a dinner at their Athens home.’
‘Damen Nicolaides, the shipping magnate?’
‘You’ve heard of him?’
Heard of him? He was more famous than the prime minister. Like Strato, his name was synonymous with wealth.
‘I know of him.’
Cora breathed deep. Dinner with a couple of world-famous billionaires instead of just one. Strange how daunting that seemed.
Suddenly she realised how little she’d really seen of Strato’s life. There was another side to his world about which she knew nothing. What a novelty she must be to him. A change from the usual sophisticated socialites.
‘Are you okay?’ His rough voice scraped her skin.
Cora swallowed, shoving aside the idea that that was really why Strato wanted her. Because she was a change from the usual. But it was true. She’d let herself forget she and Strato came from separate worlds.
‘Of course. What are our plans?’
For a moment longer he stared deep into her eyes but Cora was prepared now, drawing on the protective reserve she hadn’t needed in weeks.
‘We’ll go to the Nicolaides home first as that’s where my meeting is. That way you can meet them before dinner tonight. I know dinner with complete strangers can be daunting.’ He stroked his hand down her cheek in a gesture that made her heart squeeze. That, and his intent gaze, made it feel as if he was genuinely concerned about her. ‘We’ll meet on board around five. There’ll be time to...relax before we leave for dinner.’ His mouth curled in a familiar smile that spoke of sex and Cora’s blood heated to flashpoint.
Just like that!
Even knowing she was only with Strato as a temporary diversion.
You can’t complain. You’re revelling in it. You’re using Strato for your own pleasure as much as he’s using you.
Yet the thought of their month ending and them going their separate ways loomed like a dark cloud on the horizon. A disaster she didn’t want to think about.
‘Sounds good. I have plenty to keep me busy.’
Like buying something to wear tonight. In a fit of pique at being manoeuvred aboard Strato’s yacht, she’d packed only casual clothes, mainly shorts and T-shirts. Nothing for dinner with a bunch of billionaires. Pride dictated she find something better than the olive-green capri pants and cream top she wore now, even though she knew she couldn’t compete with the other guests’ designer clothes.
‘That reminds me. I have something for you.’
Strato fished out a credit card.
Cora stiffened. She flashed a killing look into those enigmatic green eyes. ‘I don’t need your money.’ Her tastes were simple and she had no intention of spending a fortune.
His dark brows rose. ‘I know women, Cora. You’ll feel out of place tonight unless you wear something sophisticated like the others. I don’t want you feeling uncomfortable. You’re only attending to keep me company, so I’ll buy the new outfit.’
She was torn between indignation at his I know women, as if she were the same as all his other lovers, and something far softer at his consideration. He knew he put her in a difficult position and tried to make things easier.
Then don’t force me to go somewhere I’m not comfortable!
But she couldn’t say that. He had a right to meet friends and associates. She was a competent woman, able to hold her own amongst strangers, even ones born with silver spoons in their mouths.
‘Thanks for the thought, but I’ll manage. I don’t want your money.’ It felt like being bought.
Which might have made sense if she hadn’t accepted his deal to fill her father’s hotel with paying guests. Was that why she felt so outraged? Was she trying, belatedly, to salvage self-respect?
Strato stared down at her. ‘Don’t let pride stop common sense. Buy something for tonight.’
‘Absolutely not.’
‘Damn it, Cora. I’m not trying to buy your soul, just make tonight easier!’
Before she could stop him he shoved the card in the tiny pocket of her top and took her arm, turning her towards the gangplank.
One glance showed his jaw set like granite. But his tension didn’t ameliorate hers. She wanted to rip out his credit card and toss it in the harbour. Except that would be childish. She’d simply use her own money and return the card, untouched, at the end of the day.
Yet her temper simmered all the way to the Nicolaides’ estate. Possibly because Strato remained tight-lipped too. Gone were the charming smiles and the camaraderie, much less intimacy.
Was he so used to getting his own way that he got in a temper when crossed?
She wrapped her arms around herself. Clearly she didn’t know him as well as she’d thought. All she knew was the side he let her see. The carefree, sexy man who was surprisingly thoughtful and great company. But he maintained definite barriers. He erected one whenever his family was mentioned. He’d shoved up another now, when she refused to do as he ordered.
Her mood worsened as she watched the city go by while Strato devoted himself to his phone as if she didn’t exist.
It was a long time since she’d thought of Strato as like Adrian. Now she wondered if she was mistaken and Strato was just as egocentric. He hadn’t seemed so before, but she’d been in such a haze of well-being...
When they arrived at a gated property with lush gardens and a winding drive that led, finally, to a breath-stealing mansion, Cora’s heart dived. She could just about face this with Strato’s support. Right now, though, his expression was cool.
Great! She breathed deep and moved towards the huge bronze front door that swung open at their approach.
Now she felt Strato’s hand at her elbow and some of her nerves eased.
He was still miffed. She felt the tension in
his tall body. But he was perfectly polite to the housekeeper who showed them into a stunning sitting room of ivory and gold with black accent pieces.
‘Mr Nicolaides will be with you shortly. Please make yourself comfortable here or on the terrace.’ Then, with a promise of refreshments, the woman bustled out.
Strato’s hand dropped and with it Cora’s heart.
Was she so dependent on his approval? The idea shocked her. She’d never been dependent on a man. It worried her.
Instinctively Cora moved towards the wide terrace with its spectacular view over the city to the sea.
‘Wait, Cora! We need to talk.’ She turned and Strato’s expression made her pulse leap. He didn’t look angry now. She thought she saw her own longing reflected there.
Then his phone rang. He pulled it out and glared at the screen, swearing under his breath.
‘It’s okay. Take the call.’ She’d gathered from his calls in the car that today’s business was important.
‘But then we talk. It’s important.’
Cora wasn’t sure if it was an order or a promise but she nodded. She was unsettled by the way their harmony had fractured, but it seemed Strato wanted to put that behind them too.
She strolled along the paved area, towards a magnificent azure pool fringed with brightly blooming shrubs. A taller shade tree beckoned and she approached it, admiring the setting.
‘Damen, you should have asked me first.’ From above came a woman’s voice. ‘I’m happy to invite Strato to dinner. But to have to entertain one of his bimbos today! How could you? I had other plans for this afternoon.’
Cora froze as she realised the woman was talking about her. One of Strato’s bimbos.
Ice crackled along her veins and into her bones. Her stomach hollowed.
She saw someone move on a balcony above and swiftly turned away, plunging deeper into the garden.
Stupid to feel hurt. Yet the words caught her on the raw, like pressure on a bruise, after what had happened this morning. She was Strato’s woman, but only temporarily. That didn’t make her a bimbo, but she didn’t like to think what it did make her.
She wasn’t wanted here. She felt her skin crawl, knowing she was an unwanted guest. She’d leave as soon as she could. But first she had to face her reluctant hosts.
Eventually she forced herself to return to the house.
Cora found a couple talking to Strato, a handsome man who smiled and introduced himself as Damen and his petite wife, Stephanie, who looked at her gravely and offered a fleeting smile, her hand on her baby bump.
For ten minutes they chatted. Then Damen invited Strato to his study to discuss business.
Yet Strato lingered, surveying Cora as if he sensed her distress. Instead of following Damen he moved towards her and she had the horrible feeling he’d ask if she was okay. Which she wasn’t. Her emotions were too close to the surface. From his frown she guessed he thought it was because of their spat earlier.
Cora pinned on a smile that felt too tight. ‘Enjoy your discussions. I’ll think of you stuck inside while I’m out in the sunshine.’
Strato stopped before her, his gaze searching. Then he pulled her up into his arms and kissed her soundly on the mouth. Her knees softened as she clutched him needily.
‘I’m sorry about earlier,’ he murmured against her ear. ‘I acted like a fool. Forgive me?’
Stunned, she pulled back and nodded. The apology was unexpected. She’d assumed he was too used to getting his way to see her side.
‘We will talk later.’ He paused. ‘Are you okay?’
‘I am.’ Now her smile was real. ‘Go and do your business.’
Strato kissed her again. Then with a lingering, molten look that singed several vital organs, he followed their host.
Wiping her hands down her capri pants, Cora swallowed. She turned to her hostess. Damen had invited her to spend the afternoon with Stephanie, saying his wife was looking forward to the company, but Cora wouldn’t stay where she wasn’t wanted. ‘Thanks for the invitation to stay, but I—’
‘No! Please!’ The other woman looked horrified. ‘Not before—’
‘It’s okay, really. I need to—’
‘Please!’ Stephanie shot to her feet and actually wrung her hands. ‘Not before I apologise.’ She breathed deep and colour washed her cheeks. ‘I was dreadfully rude. What I said on the balcony... I felt about an inch tall when I realised you’d heard me.’
Cora bit her lip, feeling incredibly uncomfortable. ‘You weren’t to know I was there.’
‘It was ungenerous of me. For what it’s worth, I see that I was wrong. You’re not what I expected.’ She shook her head. ‘I was upset and the thought of being stuck all afternoon trying to make conversation with a...’
‘Bimbo?’
Her face turned grave again and Cora realised it wasn’t disapproval making her look that way but embarrassment.
‘I’m so sorry. That will teach me to control my temper.’ Her mouth wobbled and suddenly Cora felt sorry for her.
‘Maybe you should sit down, Stephanie.’
‘Steph, please.’ She sighed and subsided onto a lounge. ‘Please, take a seat.’ She waited till Cora did before speaking again, smiling ruefully. ‘You sound like Damen. He’s always telling me to put my feet up.’
‘It’s nice that he’s concerned for your health.’
‘It is, but he’s smothering me! He keeps finding reasons to stay at home with me.’ Her eyes glowed and her smile grew. ‘There are definite benefits to having Damen being attentive. But he tries to stop me going out alone. Says I do too much and I should be resting when I’m perfectly healthy and full of energy.’
Cora tried to imagine what it would be like having a loving partner hovering, looking after you that way.
It wouldn’t be a man like Strato, since he didn’t believe in long-term relationships. She repressed a sigh.
‘So I’m afraid when he asked me to stay and keep you company I lashed out. I thought he suggested it to keep me in when I’d planned to go out.’
‘You can still go. I have to do some shopping myself.’
‘You do?’ Steph sat forward. ‘Maybe we could go together.’ She frowned. ‘Although I’ll understand if you don’t want to. After the dreadful thing I said...’
‘Stop it! You’re beating yourself up over nothing.’ It was true. Hearing the other woman’s explanation, Cora knew she’d be foolish to take offence at her earlier words.
Steph’s eyes widened and Cora spread her hands. ‘Sorry. I have a habit of saying what I think.’
There was a gurgle of laughter. ‘So do I. You have no idea how often I have to bite my tongue.’
Cora felt a smile pull her mouth wide. ‘I suspect I have some idea.’
‘Seriously, feel free to do your shopping alone,’ Steph said. ‘But if you’d like company, I know my way around Athens, even if I am a foreigner. If you tell me what you’re looking for I might have suggestions.’
‘Something to wear tonight. I didn’t bring any dresses. Just shorts and trousers.’
Steph’s eyes gleamed. ‘I know a couple of places. I could show you.’
Cora eyed the gorgeous aqua dress the other woman wore. It looked simple but even she knew such simplicity came at a high cost.
‘I’d like that. There’s just one thing.’ She lifted her chin. ‘I’m on a budget.’ At Steph’s steady look she continued. ‘I pay for my own clothes and I’m a currently-out-of-work biologist.’
Steph grinned. ‘You really aren’t what I expected. No wonder Strato is smitten.’ Her words rocked Cora. Strato? Smitten? ‘I think I know the place to find what you’re after.’ She shot to her feet. ‘Shall we go?’
It turned into a lovely day. Steph was funny, friendly and so down-to-earth Cora found herself relaxing. It helped to learn the
vast Nicolaides wealth was new to Steph and that she was still coming to grips with it, though she was overwhelmingly happy with her adoring husband.
They went to a boutique in an upmarket area that looked alarmingly expensive, but Steph said there might be bargains to be had. Typically, there wasn’t much in the store in Cora’s size, but instead of waving them goodbye, the saleswoman asked them to come back in an hour.
They filled in the time lunching and talking non-stop. They were laughing as they returned to find the saleswoman beaming. Two dresses had been procured especially for Cora and she was ushered straight into the change room where she stopped, staring.
‘I’m afraid they’re not quite what I had in mind.’
‘You don’t like them?’ The saleswoman’s eyebrows shot up. ‘The colours are perfect for you.’
Cora shook her head. The bronze silk with its narrow shoulder straps and flirty skirt was so gorgeous she almost feared to touch it. The vibrant red with the plunging neckline and slim fit would turn her into someone sophisticated and sexually confident. Someone who could turn any man’s head.
‘It’s not that. They’re beautiful. But the price...’ There was no price tag on either but they were obviously out of her range.
The saleswoman smiled. ‘Mrs Nicolaides said you need something for her dinner tonight. She’s a very good customer so there is a substantial discount. Plus, if anyone were to ask where you got your dress...’ She shrugged. ‘Word of mouth is better than paid advertising.’
In the end Cora couldn’t resist. Both were amazing. She felt glamorous and confident in a way she never did in her usual little black dress. When the saleswoman produced mid-height strappy sandals to match each dress, Cora had a rush of blood to her head, buying both outfits.
Fortunately, with the hotel making a profit, her father had transferred money into her account in lieu of the wages she hadn’t drawn in months.
From there she and Steph searched for curtain fabric for Steph’s nursery. Then had foot massages and pedicures. After that it was nearly five and the traffic was manic. Steph suggested Cora get ready at her house, instead of trekking to the port and back. It seemed sensible and Cora had time to soak in a scented bath before facing the dinner with a bunch of privileged strangers. Though, if they were like Damen and Steph, it wouldn’t be so bad.
