The Greek Rule (The Greek Series) (5 page)

“Yes, especially since Luca’s marriage brought about the merger of two power houses within the industry,” Alexandros said. “Their international presence is immense. Giardetti is doing very well, but they’ve slowed their growth in order to revamp some of their existing sites. I’m surprised Luca is interested in Greece and the Cretan property at this time.”

“We are. The property in Crete is a prime location and has the potential to be a true-five star resort.” Athena shifted uncomfortably in her chair, wondering if her boss had told the handsome competition it was really she who wanted the resort. She was the one who had made the decision to outbid Alexandros and was determined to take the property right from his hands.

“True,” he affirmed. “And you seem to have a great deal of influence in this project.”

“Perhaps that is why Costa and Heather complain. I’m trying to learn as much as possible during the time I spend there, and I sometimes forget the simple pleasures. Like enjoying an afternoon with my friends.”

The older woman tsked her disapproval. “
Ohi, kori mou
. You can’t live to work. You must enjoy your life and ...how is it the Americans say? Work to live?”

Alexandros’s gaze narrowed as he sat back in his seat, flipping his blue and silver
komboloi
between his fingers.

Athena wondered what stress the worry beads were supposed to relieve.

Leaning his elbows on his knees, he flipped the
komboloi
again and spoke to her in a low voice. “Are you aware of the situation allowing Giardetti to be such a giant in the luxury hotel industry? Has Luca discussed it with you?”

“Yes, he has. Obviously, you know, too, or you would not have asked about it. However, that is his personal matter. I don’t think we should discuss it any further.”

Alexandros nodded and sat back in his seat. “I agree. I simply wanted to be sure you know the facts and are not misled in anyway.”

His protective tone surprised Athena. Letting her guard down for a moment, she thanked him for his concern. She was well aware that Luca’s marriage was only on paper. Her boss had married his dying best friend’s sister in order to protect the young woman’s assets from unsavory characters until she was old enough to run the empire she had inherited.

The conversation changed to the wedding festivities, and after snacking on the fresh fruit and cheese, Athena found herself checking the time. A small yawn escaped her lips.

Mama Strintzaris chuckled and said, “I’m sure the long flight was tiring,
kori mou
. Why don’t I show you to your room so you can rest? It’s almost ten, and you’ll probably sleep through the night.”

“That sounds lovely, but Costa and Heather haven’t arrived. Should we be worried?”

“They’ve arrived.” Anna took the younger woman by the hand and led her to the railing. “Look at the home on the left.”

Athena’s heart skipped at the sight of the beautiful illuminated villa. “It’s extraordinary. It shares
Kalithea’s
view, which is such a fitting name, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better view in my life.”

“It sure does. That is
Villa Cardia Mou
, and fitting with that name, it is Heather’s wedding present from Costa. She has captured
his heart
. If you look carefully, you can see them on the second story terrace.”

Athena smiled as she made out the two figures on the balcony.

“Now off you go. You need to sleep. Alexandros will bring your things in a bit. It’s the first room up the stairs, on your right. Have a good rest.”

After thanking her hosts, she climbed the stairs to her room. The heavy wooden door swung open, and Athena immediately noted that it was larger than her New York apartment. A king size mahogany bed dressed in crisp white linen sheets and a white hand made crocheted blanket with doves invited a weary traveler to rest. Matching crochet curtains adorned each of the windows and the closed door at the far right. The masculine mahogany desk belonged in a decorator’s showroom and emanated strength and vitality. She walked into the luxurious en suite bath with its marble tub and the sink positioned below a window overlooking the volcano.

Like a little girl, or a princess in a fairytale, she pirouetted out of the bathroom and into the solid muscle of Alexandros’ chest. An electric current streamed through her body as she came to rest against him.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said in an accent that drawled sensually on each vowel. “The door was open and I called out to you, but you did not answer.”

His hands remained on her hips where they had gripped to steady her. His eyes devoured her, his scent wafted throughout the room, and he filled the large space, making it feel small.

“I take it you are happy with your accommodations? Let me show you the best part.”

Thankfully, he released her hips and placed a leading palm on her elbow.

She nodded, feeling him consume all the oxygen in the room. His touch set her arm on fire as he guided her past the little kitchenette and the table for two. They passed the sitting area, where Athena could lose herself in a book for hours, and he pulled back the white curtains. Opening the French doors, he stepped out into a veranda where a free shaped infinity pool melted into the sea.

“From here you can hear the volcano hissing its song. It inspires and refreshes me when I need to think.”

“I can see how. It is breathtaking.”

“You are breathtaking,” he said, as his gaze slowly moved across her. “You belong here. A true beauty, free and strong. Just like this place.”

He came closer, and the heat between them tantalized her senses. He took her chin in his fingers raising her face to his. “For such a strong and determined woman, you’re suddenly very quiet.”

“Determined women aren’t necessarily chatter boxes.” She shifted her weight to her heels, arching her body a few inches back from him.

“True, and you could never be accused being such a thing. You barely talk to me. Why?” Alexandros inched forward and paused for a moment.

His close proximity engulfed her, and she wanted to immerse herself in him. Flames flared in her core, and she could feel her face grow warm.

“It was very unfortunate we were not able to get to know each other better in Naples,” Alexandros said in a low voice.

She sealed her gaze to his and lifted her determined chin high in the air. “Yes it was. However, it was unavoidable. You know—business.” It was a lame attempt to avoid further conversation on the eventful evening.

“Athena, you’re very good at what you do. Your
business
doesn’t control you.
You
command
it
. Even if that wasn’t the case, there is a lot more to life than work.” His words were rich with challenge.

“Thank you for the kind words,” she said, refusing to give his undertone any credence. “I’m sure this vacation will revitalize me. I’m looking forward to relaxing and refreshing this week.”

His lips curved into a knowing grin. “You’ve successfully managed to avoid my question. I think your actions clearly answer it instead.”

She searched for the correct words. Her tongue found the roof of her mouth, and traversed the curve inside her teeth. She swallowed to moisten her scratchy throat.

The air crackled and a cool breeze wrapped around her ankles, grounding her feet, making her feel balanced. Her stomach settled, and she unexpectedly breathed with ease. She was surprised to find comfort that words didn’t need to express her emotions. It wasn’t necessary for her to implicate herself.

For the first time in her life, she didn’t mind loosening her grip on control and letting someone else take the lead. It was out of character, but she allowed herself simply to be in the moment of time, not to act or react.

His thumb stroked the line of her jaw, and he spoke softly. “I’m looking forward to having coffee together in the morning. Thankfully, there are no early flights.
Kalinihta.
”

His lips lightly brushed hers, before moving to settle on her cheek. He let her go, and walked inside to the desk. Retrieving his laptop and two files from the second drawer, he strode out of the room.

She watched him close the door and realized there was no chance for rest here. This was his room, his desk, and worst of all, his bed.

Why had he given her his bedroom? The villa had six other bedrooms she could have used.

Heat filled her cheeks at the thought that this was his bachelor pad. The place he seduced his women away from the family. Is that why his favorite part was the side door to the terrace?

There was no reason for her to be jealous, but she was. After all, Alexandros was simply flirting, and here she was becoming possessive. She needed to rest; jet lag was obviously clouding her common sense.

Turning on the water for a bath, she began to empty her suitcase into the wardrobe as the tub filled. When she was done, she submerged herself into the fragrant water and let her stress melt away. The warm bath accentuated how tired her body was, and she longed for the tempting bed that called to her. Athena stepped out and quickly toweled off. After laying a dry towel on the pillow, she climbed between the sheets.

Sleep consumed her immediately.

Athena was here, sitting in his house, on his island. She was not going to get away this time. He had to play his cards very carefully. He had one week to learn what she was hiding from him and to make her trust him.

She would not go back to work closely with his influential friend on a different continent. Luca may be married, but Alexandros knew he was not faithful. Besides, what man could resist the desire to claim a woman like Athena? Luca had the advantage of her trust and loyalty, but nothing past that at the moment. Alexandros would be damned if he allowed the opportunity for anything further to develop.

Most importantly, Alexandros had fate on his side.

Athena had come to him now, regardless of the reasons. She would be more comfortable, more accepting, if she thought she was here on her own terms. She could not, would not, leave as she came.

His brother had said she was very committed to her work and did not have a love interest at the time. Alexandros would see to it that she did not have time for one at all. If only he was able to convince her to work with him, he could control his feelings and his libido. Then he would have time to learn what made Athena tick.

He smiled as he closed the door behind him, but couldn’t help thinking in primitive terms. Perhaps this woman was too much to keep at arms length. He might need to rethink his course of action and help speed the timetable up. His head fell back against the door and he relished the thought.

“You will not sleep alone in my bed for much longer,
koukla mou.”

Chapter Six

Athena awoke, rested and recharged. The sun was going to rise soon, and she loved to watch the first light of day color the sky.

Pulling back the sheets, she got out of the warm bed and strolled into the bathroom to wash the sleep out of her eyes. She grabbed the pink linen robe hanging on the door, needing protection from the crisp morning air, and tied it around her waist as she walked onto the veranda.

Taking a few steps out, she stopped, seeing Alexandros sitting at a little round, blue table under one of her windows. It was stacked high with newspapers and his coffee sat on the edge.

He looked up from the newspaper he was reading and gave her a lazy smile. “
Kalimera,
you’re an early riser.”

“Good morning to you.”

Playing with his
komboloi
, he motioned for her to join him. “Hope you slept well.”

She would not admit to sleeping well, with him visiting her dreams all night long. She had enjoyed the dreams and had hesitated to put an end to them. But he did not need to know that.

“I haven't slept a full eight hours in years. It was nice for a change.”

“Good.” His eyes shone with approval of her tousled morning look. “This is the best reading spot in the house. Have a seat, and I’ll get you some coffee.”

“I was hoping to see the sunrise,” she replied, remaining in the doorway and not taking a single step toward him.

“Not at this angle, this is where it sets.” He neatly folded the paper and placed the blue and silver-chained beads on it. “Come,” he said, rising from his chair.

He led her around the house to the east. “The sun rose a few minutes ago, but it will be coming over that mountain momentarily.”

They stood waiting quietly, and the sun made its appearance over the mountain Alexandros had pointed out. The warm, colorful rays spread across the gray sky, shedding light on the valley between the two mountains.

Donkeys called loudly to each other, a rooster sang his song, and birds left the trees to spread their wings in acrobatic feats. The island was coming awake, and the animals were playing their part. The trees took on their green moist hues and the bougainvilleas radiated a rich red color.