‘If the deal didn’t include marriage, I’d be ecstatic.’
‘Nevertheless, it does.’
‘Unfortunately.’
On some level she got the loyalty thing. Matchmaking suitable partners from two eminently suitable families. A little devious manipulation added to the mix, and voilà … the convenient marriage scenario intended to safeguard the family fortunes and ensure the continuation of a dynasty.
‘Yes or no, Alesha.’ His expression was unreadable, his eyes dark and unwavering as they regarded her.
It had to be yes. There was no way she could countenance Karsouli slipping ignominiously between the cracks to disappear in the belly of iniquity.
‘I have no choice but to agree, subject to certain conditions.’
There was a strength apparent in her demeanour, a determination he could only admire given she’d taken a king-hit about the true state of her father’s corporation.
‘Name them.’ His voice held a silkiness she chose to ignore.
‘I retain my position in Karsouli.’
Loukas inclined his head in agreement. ‘Naturally.’
Now for the cruncher. ‘A separate suite of rooms in whatever home we share.’
His gaze narrowed. ‘Your reason being?’
She kept her eyes steady on his. ‘A personal preference.’
‘Based on?’
‘A need for my own space.’
He regarded her in silence for several timeless seconds. ‘The same bedroom, separate beds.’ He waited a beat. ‘Until you feel comfortable sharing mine.’
As if that were going to happen any time soon. ‘It isn’t fair you get to dictate all the terms.’
‘Be grateful I’ve conceded one of them.’
But not for long. Apprehension rose like a spectre, and for one wild moment she wondered at her sanity in aligning herself with a man such as him.
‘So, on that basis, I should fawn at your feet and express undying gratitude?’
A faint quirk lifted the corner of his mouth. ‘For saving Karsouli?’
‘Of course.’ Her response held a certain dryness that didn’t fool him in the slightest.
Honesty, at a cost. With no attempt to hide it beneath any number of platitudes. Strength and a degree of fragility, he mused, made for an intriguing mix.
Loukas retrieved the in-room dining menu, opened it at the appropriate page and handed it to her. ‘Choose what you’d like, and I’ll order dinner.’
Food? The mere thought of ingesting anything was enough to send her stomach into immediate revolt.
‘I’m not hungry.’ What was more, she wanted out of here. Away from this forceful man who held her fate in his hands.
She caught up her bag and slung the strap over one shoulder. ‘I should leave.’
His eyes seared hers. ‘We’re not done.’
She took the few steps to move past him, only to come to a halt mere inches from where he stood. ‘Yes, we are.’
‘We’ll share a meal, discuss wedding arrangements and relevant details, then I’ll return you to your apartment.’
Alesha tilted her head a little. ‘So … sit down, be quiet, and bow my head in polite servitude?’
She could almost swear she caught a faint gleam of humour on his handsome face, but then it was gone. ‘I doubt the latter two form part of your repertoire.’
‘How perceptive of you.’ Sweet, she could do sweet, although it was impossible he missed the faint edge apparent in her voice.
Loukas offered her the menu. ‘Choose, Alesha. Or I’ll order for you.’
A starter would be all she could manage, and she selected one, then attempted to tune out as he picked up the phone.
A difficult feat, when the fine edge of awareness curled around her nerve-ends and heightened the tension she experienced in his presence.
A sophisticated strategist, he bore the persona of a man well versed in the ways of humankind, with the ability to see through any deliberate orchestration.
Had anyone tested his control … and escaped unscathed?
Stupid question. Why even go there? Loukas Andreou was an entity unto himself … indomitable, inviolate, and utterly ruthless.
But what of the essence of the man … as a friend, lover, husband? Would he be capable of gifting a degree of affection? Caring?
Or would she merely become a trophy wife … soothed by an enviable lifestyle and expensive gifts? Her life a mere facsimile?
The question had to be, was retaining Karsouli worth a marriage she didn’t want to a man who placed financial assets above all else?
Get over yourself, she denounced in silent chastisement. You thought you had love first time round, only to discover to your cost that it was nothing more than a nebulous dream.
At least marriage to Loukas would be unclouded by sentiment. A business arrangement she entered into with her eyes wide open … nothing more, nothing less.
Their meal, when it arrived, was beautifully presented, although Alesha barely tasted a thing as she forked morsels of food with mechanical precision.
‘I have the application for a special licence,’ Loukas informed her as they shared coffee. ‘It requires your signature. I foresee the marriage ceremony going ahead on Friday.’
‘This Friday?’
His eyes seared her own. ‘Is that a problem?’
You’re joking, right?
‘Why the hurry?’ she managed, and quelled the sudden onset of nerves playing havoc with her stomach as he queried reasonably,
‘Why delay?’
Sure, and she was ready for this?
Take a reality check. A week, a month—even a year down the track, and she’d still never be ready to embark on another marriage.
Yet ever present was the instinctive knowledge there would be no second chance with Loukas if she reneged.
‘Give me the application and a pen.’
She attached her signature with a sense of fatalism, then she reached for her shoulder bag, slid the strap over one shoulder and purposely made for the door. ‘I’ll call a taxi.’
Loukas stood, filched his jacket from the back of the chair, then he hooked it over one shoulder and reached the door ahead of her.
Okay, he could accompany her to the lift, except when it had been summoned he accompanied her into the electronic cubicle.
Courtesy was a fine thing, she acknowledged as they reached the ground floor, and she turned towards him prior to moving across the foyer. ‘Goodnight.’
Without a further word she crossed to the concierge desk and made a polite but firm request, which was negated by Loukas’ presence.
‘The lady is with me,’ he informed the concierge, and followed it with a request for his car to be brought up from valet parking.
Alesha opened her mouth to deny it, only for Loukas to direct her a piercing look. ‘Don’t argue.’
‘There’s no need—’
‘Yes, there is.’
It