The Billionaire's Runaway Bride (2 page)

“Oh Grace…you look so beautiful” she had mumbled, quickly pulling out a camera to take a snap of her, Grace giving an embarrassed smile back.

“You grew up so fast” the woman had said pensively, her eyes soft with the memories of her only child. Moving forward Grace had pulled her in for a hug.

“You are the best mum in the world” she had said with feeling.

Her whole life, her mother had been the only one to show her kindness, her father often chastising her for being so soft on the child, preferring instead to reign with an iron fist, terrorising his daughter. However, when she would hide in her room, tears falling down her small face, her mother would always find her, hold her close and tell her that she was loved.

Together the two had made their way downstairs to join the other girls and their mothers, all laughing and exchanging stories of their husbands’ wealth while the girls noisily admired each others’ dresses, at the same time talking about each other behind their backs. Grace felt out of place as she had been given derisory looks by the other girls; she was shocked by the amount of flesh their dresses showed, leaving very little to the imagination.

As they had stood others had joined them, Grace glad that the small gathering had turned into more of a crowd, knowing from much experience that it was always easier to disappear into a crowd. The sound of the dinner bell had seen the throng of about twenty, many single men move as one to the dining room.

Grace had found herself seated beside a pleasant man in his early 20’s, Grace herself only nineteen, the two chatting amicably as she had discovered that he was a vet, this interesting her very much. He in turn had enjoyed the intelligent questions and real interest of the young woman, not missing how beautiful she looked as he had looked shyly back at her.

Alexos had been the last to arrive, taking his place at the head of the table a hush falling on the crowd as he had welcomed all, before the buzz of conversation had increased as the servers had moved in to lay down the starters.

The food was delicious, Grace knowing that no expense had been spared on the sumptuous meal, enjoying it very much. Looking at the other four women, she had stifled a smile seeing how little they ate, shaking her head knowing that their figures were of more interest to them than the food before them. Raising her head she had flicked a look at the man at the head of the table, feeling once more the blush rise to her cheek as their eyes had met, Grace quickly dropping hers as she had nervously turned to her companion to answer his questions.

After the meal, the group had moved to the huge living room, part of which had been cleared to allow dancing. Grace had been surprised to see the small band which had immediately started to play, her lips quirking knowing that this was an often repeated event, her mind returning to Daryle’s words, that the weekends happened every month, as she had found herself relaxing.

For the rest of the evening, she had danced often with the man who seemed to have taken a liking to her, Grace finding herself liking him very much also as the two had talked about the different marine life on the island she listening so attentively as he had spoke.

From a distance Alexos had frowned, tired of the attention of the four women who seemed to constantly be appearing before him. Looking over he had once more admired the fifth, Grace Leotta, her face smiling with real warmth at the man who normally so quiet was talking animatedly to her, his hands holding her as they had danced together. The feeling of jealousy had been unexpected. Alexos so used to overshadowing any man in a room, able to take his pick of women at any event. Lifting his glass he had frowned, watching as the two had broken apart and made towards their table. Placing his drink down with a decided motion he had stepped before them, a smile on his handsome features

“A dance Grace?” his sensual voice sending strange tremors down her spine, as nervously she had extended her hand for him to lead her back to the dance area.

He towered above her, her head neatly fitting under his chin as his hands had spread open over the small of her back. Grace found the warmth of them disturbing, not understanding why. One arm had draped between them to rest gently on his shoulder as the other had been enveloped by his hand, Grace aware of how firm that hand was. Leaning against him, she had closed her eyes with pleasure as the scent of his aftershave had filled her, her nostrils flaring with the pleasure of his scent.

“You look beautiful” his silky voice had brought her around from the mesmerising effect of being in his arms.

“S…so do you” she had replied, closing her eyes with embarrassment as she had stuttered

“Well…not beautiful…I mean you look…..nice” mortification filling her as the rumble of his throaty laugh had reached her ears

“I think I know what you mean……and thank you” his voice full of mockery, as she had bitten her lip wishing that the ground would swallow her up whole.

“Are you enjoying yourself?” he had asked more softly, Grace nodding gently, a half-smile reaching her love-heart lips.

“Yes…you have a beautiful home” she had managed gently, as Alexos had looked over at Samuel, the island’s vet.

“Thank you” his voice like liquid slid down her spine “You and Sam seem to be hitting it off” his voice more matter of fact than accusatory, as she had given him a wider grin, Alexos again fascinated to see how her smile could light up her features.

“I have a great interest in the marine life around here…and he seems a real authority”

Nodding he had acknowledged this, mentally making a note to browse the reference book of marine life that night. Frowning, Alexos had chastised himself. Was he trying to impress her? One more of the many women his father had brought to yet another of his ‘find a bride’ weekends, he only playing along so as not to upset the fragile man.

“That is unusual…I thought women were only interested in clothes and shopping” his voice full of humour as she had chuckled.

“Only airheads” her features dropping in shock as she had looked over at the other women, all glaring at her from afar, “I..I’m sorry…that was uncalled for” she had managed, her soft voice full of shame, her expressive eyes filled with embarrassment.

Pulling her harder into him, he had laughed once more.

“Not at all…I happen to agree”

As the dance had ended, she had given him another nervous smile before moving back to the table where her mother and Sam waited for her, her mother beaming with pride, Grace giving her a ‘do not say a word look’ as she had winked at her daughter.

The next morning the door had been tapped softly at six, Grace already awake, an early riser opening it to the small plump girl she recognised as one of his staff.

Whispering softly she had told her that “Mr Manetas says that he will meet you at the back terrace for some breakfast before you dive”, Grace nodding softly in acknowledgment as she had quickly moved to the shower. Groaning, she had half hoped that he would have forgotten his offer of the previous day, hoping that he would have been tired from the party which had continued to the early hours, Grace quietly excusing herself at midnight much to her mother’s annoyance, only pacified as she had reminded her of her early appointment with Alexos.

Pulling on a bikini, frowning as she had noticed that her one piece had disappeared, her mother the main suspect she thought with a scowl. Grabbing shorts and a t-shirt she had scraped her hair into another pony tail throwing lotion and a sun hat into a bag before heading down to meet him.

He had sat reading a paper, putting it down quickly as he had checked his watch.

“Wow…I might just have to marry you. A punctual woman - never met one before” his voice had been full of humour, but she had felt her throat drop to her stomach, giving what she hoped would pass as return laugh.

“Well if I had known that I would have taken my time…had a lie in” hearing the appreciative rumble of his laughter.

As she had sat opposite him he had poured a cup of tea, Grace only taking toast not prepared to eat too much. As they had eaten their small breakfast he had gently questioned her to ensure that she actually could dive, surprised at how proficiently she had answered his questions. He had also been impressed with the number of dives she had been on, finding himself enjoying the descriptions of the boat dives she seemed to prefer.

Grace had surprised herself as she had found herself opening up to the Greek, his real interest in the sport she loved making her forget her shyness as she had talked happily with him. As he had smiled and put down his coffee cup she had watched him under her lashes, once more feeling the strange sensations fill her as her stomach had flipped alarmingly.

“OK…better get on the road, the boat leaves at seven and we have fifteen minutes to get there.” She gave him a look full of fun she had thrown her arm dramatically over her forehead.

“Can it be done!”

Alexos laughing loudly as he had grabbed her hand pulling her with him to the door.

“Oh yes…it can”

Grace becoming more sombre at the way he had taken her hand, this action a little too familiar for her.

With an appreciative look she had slid into the passenger seat of the sports car which had been brought to the front of the house. Alexos gunned the engine to life as he had quickly moved out of the estate’s driveway, expertly manoeuvring the expensive vehicle through the small roads of the island. He had glanced over at her, smiling as she had grinned back, enjoying the wind whipping her pony tail over her head, Grace laughing happily, Alexos glad not to have a woman by his side demanding him to slow down.

Pulling up at the pier side, she had felt disappointment having enjoyed the ride, Alexos smiling warmly at her as he had opened her door taking her hand as they had moved down to the waiting boat. As the two had made the short walk to the boat, she had felt her heart beating not wanting to bring attention to the fact that he again had taken her small hand in his larger one, Grace suddenly feeling nervous once more.

As they had reached the boat, she had gently pulled her hand from his, Alexos turning his eyes on her, a smile playing on his lips, his eyes holding a look of mockery deep within them but not commenting on the action as he had followed her up the small gangplank.

Seeing the equipment she had ran forward gasping “Oh my God” her eyes flashing brightly. “I have the same stab jacket”

Grinning he had inclined his head. “Nothing but the best for my guests”

To her delight the boat had moved at speed around the island to the location of the reef. Alexos had taken her to the bow, the two of them sitting on a makeshift seat looking out to sea, the salty sea air filling her lungs. She had felt complete exhilaration, her face glowing with happiness, as pulling the band from her hair she had allowed it to fall free, the wind running through it and streaming the long length of it behind her, Alexos holding his breath at seeing the difference in her. The shy gawkily awkward girl of the previous day was alive with an inner light which radiated through her. A large grin filled her lovely face which he could only reflect back as for the first time in his life Alexos was speechless, only able to stare at her as she had closed her eyes breathing in the air, her whole body held like some Grecian goddess embraced by the wind.

Shaking his head with his fanciful notions he had touched her arm, pointing out the buoy ahead, the marker for the reef, the two making their way back to the middle of the boat where the captain’s helper was already checking the oxygen and laying the equipment out for them.

Once the ship was moored the two had prepared for the dive. Removing her t-shirt and shorts, she had felt a moment of unease, not used to showing off so much flesh. With a self deprecating laugh she had told herself to grow up. Alexos Manetas was hardly likely to be interested in the body of a too-skinny teenager when he dated some of the most beautiful supermodels in the world. Even the stunning women still sleeping had not seemed to tempt him if his air of indifference the previous evening had been anything to go by.

The warmth of the water meant that they did not need neoprene suits and pulling on the stab jacket with the tank already mounted she had finished kitting up, both she and Alexos carrying out safety checks as they had checked gauges, ensuring the others’ oxygen was on and checking they had agreed on signals and danger signs.

Finally standing, they had both prepared to enter the water, Alexos jumping in first, one hand on his mask and regulator the other on his tank, his feet splayed for entry. When he had resurfaced and moved she had followed, enjoying the feel of the water as the excitement of entering such an environment had once more filled her.

Beside her Alexos had signalled to ensure she was OK and returning hers the two had slid under the water, as he led her down to the reef below. For several minutes he had kept looking over his shoulder to ensure she was there, before seeming to relax, confident that she was following.

The water clarity was some of the best she had ever seen, her heart skipping happily as she had taken in her surroundings, marvelling at the vast array of wildlife, the reef itself so clear thanks to the crystal waters they swam in. For nearly half an hour he had led her around the reef, both careful not to touch the fragile coral itself with hands or fins.

Grace had been in her element, her eyes full of the wonder of the many fish she knew, laughing as the groupers so big but completely harmless had crowded around them hoping that they had brought tidbits as many tourists did. She had been happy to see that Alexos had not done this, not one to interfere in any ecosystem.

It was Alexos who had seen it first, Grace suddenly so aware as he had moved closer to her, his body pulling her in closer to him as he had reached down to the knife strapped to his leg. Not understanding she had followed where he had indicated, seeing the four foot shark about a hundred feet from them. He had felt as she had stiffened, groaning at the thought of dealing with a panicking woman, but laying a comforting hand on her hoping to get her back to the boat before the shark took much more of an interest in them.