Читать книгу Secret Heirs: Baby Scandal - Кейт Хьюит - Страница 14
ОглавлениеNIKOS’S MOOD WAS dark as he called a halt to his meeting. It had been intense, and there had been moments when his usual ruthless and determined manner had been nudged sideways by thoughts of the redhead he’d left sleeping peacefully in his apartment.
Yesterday his life had been normal. Uninvolved and normal. Now, with Serena’s return, it had been turned completely inside out.
Impatience to end the meeting and return home had made him even more aggressive in his approach to the final stages of the takeover than he would usually be. Abruptly he’d put his deal on the table, insisting further negotiations were off the agenda. He wanted the company badly, but right now he had far more pressing things to worry about.
The most important deal he had to strike was keeping his child in his life—and to do that he had to ensure Serena became his wife. The cruise company could wait.
As he arrived at his apartment several photographers rushed forward and he cursed what he’d told that one opportune photographer last night, when he’d been asked who Serena was. Not for the first time when he was around her, he hadn’t thought of the consequences of his actions. He had known his playboy reputation and current business dealings would make him tabloid fodder.
‘Where is your fiancée?’
They hassled him, their Greek words fast and furious, their cameras clicking.
‘Did you get the deal as well as the girl?’ Another asked as he reached the front doors of his apartment block, with the traffic rushing by almost drowning out the bombardment of questions.
‘I do not have answers to your questions yet, gentlemen, but soon.’
He used the charm he was renowned for, keeping a cool exterior. Inside, emotions he was unfamiliar with mixed with irritation.
He pushed open the door, making sure it was firmly shut behind him as he walked into the cool quietness of the lobby. Several flashes bounced off the white walls as he waited for the lift, his back to the doors and reporters, so as not to give them the photo they wanted.
Since Serena’s text had come through nothing had gone to plan. The business deal he had previously been sure of clinching now hung in the balance, due to his earlier hardened dealings, and he had no idea if Serena would still be there. He’d left her alone purposely, to think through the offer he’d put to her and also give her ample opportunity to leave and get a flight home. Had that been what the reporters meant when they’d asked where she was? Had they witnessed her leave? Seen her get a taxi to the airport?
The thought of being denied his child sent a storm-surge of anger charging through him. Even if she chose to run she was never going to be able to keep him from his child.
The lift swiftly moved upwards. A small part of him wished it would stop, and along with it the whole world, so that he didn’t have to witness and acknowledge that the only woman who’d made him want more had walked away from him. Just as his mother had.
Outside the door of his apartment he paused. Why did this feel so raw? Why was it like standing on the beach as a six-year-old boy waiting, hoping, for his mother to return? For a long time he hadn’t believed his mother had meant it when she’d told him she didn’t love him and that he’d be better off without her, but her continued absence had backed up her cold claim.
Enough. The word snapped in his head like an arrow from a bow. Now was not the time to dwell on the past. He couldn’t influence that any more, but he could control the present.
With renewed determination he unlocked the door and walked in.
The balcony doors were open and sounds from the street drifted up and into the apartment. He strode towards the balcony, feeling as if his heart was in his throat. He wasn’t quick enough to smother a sigh of relief at the sight of Serena, sitting in the shade, typing away on her laptop.
So she was preparing her story, was she? What headline would she use?
‘Working?’ He threw the word at her gruffly, accusation bound tightly up within it.
She physically jumped, her head turning towards him so fast her silky red hair splayed out like a fan around her before falling neatly to her shoulders in a way that snared his attention, reminding him of the times he’d seen it spread across a pillow.
She smiled at him, her green eyes sparkling and alert after a night’s sleep. ‘I wasn’t expecting you back for hours yet—a busy man like you. What with your shipping company to run and the glamorous social life you lead.’
The sarcasm in her voice was not lost on him and he moved closer, lured by something he didn’t yet understand—something he didn’t want to understand.
She returned her attention to her laptop, saving her work before closing it down, and then stood up. His eyes were drawn to her figure and the way her pale green dress hugged her breasts and skimmed her waist. He would never have known she carried his child if she hadn’t told him.
‘It sounds like you’ve been doing some research.’ He should feel irritated that she’d been here in his home, researching him on the internet, but instead he was shocked to find the thought amused him. ‘You could just ask me about my life. After all, you can’t believe everything the papers say.’
‘You weren’t honest with me when we first met, so why should I believe anything else you tell me?’
The light tone of her voice was in complete contrast to the stern look on her face and he fought the urge to pull her to him, feel her body against his and kiss her. He shouldn’t desire her, but he did.
‘You probably know all there is to know now.’
He glanced out at the Acropolis, busy with people visiting in the sunshine. The thought that they should go there wandered idly through his mind.
‘Hmm,’ she said, and walked towards him, testing his restraint too much. ‘It’s a shame I prefer the fisherman I first met to the businessman I now see. But he wasn’t real—was he, Nikos?’
He moved closer, clenching his hands against the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her. Inside, the need to show her he was the same man grew stronger by the second. His guard slipped like a sail unfurled just before the wind filled it. He wanted to tell her he was the same man inside, that he desired her as much as he had when they’d first met, but that would be showing his hand—something he couldn’t ever do.
Then, as if the sail had been filled with the ocean wind, his guard was back, rising higher than ever.
‘Right now I’m not just a businessman. I’m also a fiancé who needs to take his intended bride shopping for a ring.’ He growled the words as his control was tested far more than he’d ever thought possible. What was it about her that made him like this?
‘Out of necessity!’ She tossed the words lightly at him as she walked back into the apartment.
Of course she was right. She was carrying his child, his heir, and he had every intention of doing the right thing. No matter the cost, emotionally or financially, his child would be born within marriage.
Marriage.
The word bounced around inside his head like a shout echoing in a cave, taunting him. Marriage was something he’d never aspired to. There had been no need. He’d never wanted to be a father. But one spontaneous and out of control night had changed all that.
‘We cannot be married without first being engaged.’ His voice was rough and hard as he pushed back emotions from the past that he couldn’t deal with now. He’d always looked forward—looking back only caused pain.
‘Perhaps you’d better look at the headlines today.’ She smiled sweetly and made her way to the kitchen.
He watched her as she poured iced water into two glasses and handed him one.
‘The reporters last night have taken you at your word, judging by their photos.’
His comment last night might have been made without the thought he usually gave dealing with the press, but it had certainly sparked a furore of media interest. He just wished he’d seen it first.
‘Is that a problem?’
‘Of course it is. You’ve made certain I have no option but to accept your absurd deal. But I hate you for it Nikos—with all my heart.’
* * *
Serena saw the colour drain from Nikos’s face. Last night she hadn’t realised there had been calculated planning behind making such an admission to the press, but now she did. It had been made to remove that tiny window of escape, to force her to accept his deal.
She hadn’t arrived looking for marriage—just the opportunity to do the right thing and tell him face-to-face. After her talk with Sally last night she knew deep down she wanted to be with Nikos, to raise his child. But he must never know that—not when he could use her so cruelly after all they’d shared.
It was perfectly clear he didn’t want commitment, and if their last night together hadn’t resulted in pregnancy she would never have seen him again. Somewhere deep inside she’d known that all along, but now he was forcing her into a marriage neither wanted. A marriage just the same as her parents had had, until their divorce a few years ago. One for the sake of their child—and she’d been the one who’d paid the price.
She inhaled deeply. Her child might not have been planned, but she’d never let her child think he or she was a mistake, never make it feel guilty for forcing its parents to be together. The idea of marriage to Nikos had been a far-fetched dream, but now it was a harsh reality that would enable her sister’s dreams to come true. A high price, but one she would willingly pay if it meant Sally becoming a mother.
‘I have a charity party to attend this evening. I need to talk with some business acquaintances. You will come too.’
He’d recovered his composure quickly. The ruthless businessman was well and truly back in control and today he looked even more so than he’d ever done. The fisherman she’d met wasn’t evident at all. The tailored suit that hugged his body with agonising perfection and the crisp white of his shirt shouted professionalism, but the expensive watch on his wrist and gold signet ring screamed success.
Before seeing him this morning she’d already decided she had no choice but to stay, to give marriage to him a chance not just for her child but for Sally. It was Sally’s advice that had taken the sting out of Nikos’s deal, warning her she mustn’t base her life on her parents’ marriage. She had to find her own happiness and she owed it to her child at least to try.
Despite that, she couldn’t keep a cutting remark from leaving her lips. ‘In what capacity? Your fiancée—as you told those reporters last night?
His blue eyes darkened. Glittering sparks shot from them and he set his lips in that all too familiar line that she was fast becoming accustomed to. It was something she’d never seen the fisherman she’d fallen in love with do.
‘Of course. We are to be married—that is why you are still here, is it not?’
‘I’m still here because it helps my sister.’ She threw her retort back at him, infuriated by his arrogance.
‘I will buy you a ring so big there will not be any questions as to my intentions towards you.’
His acerbic tone cut deep, but she didn’t let it show. Instead she took a sip of water. The ice clinking in the glass as her hands shook almost gave away how much his words had hurt.
‘After those newspaper headlines that will save a lot of awkward questions.’
Buying an engagement ring with a man in such a harsh mood wasn’t at all what she’d hoped for. Even though theirs wasn’t going to be a marriage made out of love, she’d hoped the desire and passion they’d once shared would count for something.
‘I had no idea the story would get out. It won’t help my current negotiations if I’m seen to be going back on my word to the woman I’ve proposed to. Are you ready to go right now?’
‘I’m ready,’ she said—though she wondered if she was ever going to be ready to enter into a loveless marriage. It was her parents all over again. Their unhappiness had been her fault, and now she was going to lay that guilt on her own child—but with Sally’s happiness at stake she had little choice...for now at least.
Half an hour later, having been driven through the rush of Athens traffic, she was in an exclusive and very expensive jewellers with an attentive Nikos at her side. His acting skills were incredible, and he lovingly laid his arm around her shoulders as she tried the biggest diamond ring she’d ever seen on her finger.
The assistant gushed, but her Greek words were totally lost on Serena. It was an amazing ring—a big show of wealth—but it wasn’t at all what she wanted.
‘No,’ she said decisively, and the assistant’s smile slipped. ‘This is too big...too expensive.’
‘Expense doesn’t come into it.’
His sexy voice was deep, almost a whisper, sending shivers of awareness down her spine. She reminded herself that it was all for show. She mustn’t for one moment think he cared. He didn’t.
‘Very well—it’s too big.’ She looked at him, unable to keep the confrontation from her eyes. ‘This is much more to my taste.’
She picked up a small but beautiful emerald ring, and was about to try it on when Nikos took it from her, held her hand and slid it on to her finger.
She looked at him and her breath caught in her throat. The intensity in his eyes warmed her from the inside out. Her heartbeat raced and her stomach fluttered. His gaze, darkening to resemble the sea at night, held hers, and she might have been back on the beach, just before they’d made love. His eyes had swirled with the same ardent passion then too.
‘This is the ring.’
His voice was husky, his accent heavy, making her heart pound harder.
‘Serena, will you marry me?’
She swallowed hard, aware that her breathing had deepened and each breath was harder to come by. Would he think she was acting the part too? She certainly hoped so, because he must never find out how much she loved him.
‘Yes.’
She responded with the answer she knew he wanted for the sake of acting the part. Would she have given the same answer if he’d asked her last night, instead of blackmailing her with something as cruel as her sister’s happiness?
His lips brushed hers so briefly she wondered if it had happened. Her sigh of pleasure couldn’t break the connection that arced between her and Nikos at that moment. Serena couldn’t breathe as he continued to hold her hand, his fingers warm against hers. It felt so real, so passionate, so loving.
It’s just pretence, she reminded herself sternly.
* * *
Nikos’s heart beat faster than he’d ever known. What was the matter with him? He was getting carried away with the moment. He looked into her eyes again and lifted her fingers to his lips. The green of her eyes was flashing brighter than the emerald on her finger and he wanted her with a force that stunned him.
‘The gemstone of the goddess Venus. A symbol of hope,’ the assistant said in stilted English, her words breaking the spell.
Serena pulled away from him, her eyes downcast and her long lashes sweeping down, locking him out.
‘Then it is a perfect choice,’ he said softly, and lifted her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes once more.
‘It brings lovers closer if the giver’s motive is pure love.’ The assistant continued with her sales talk.
What did it mean if his motive was convenience coupled with lust? He looked into Serena’s face. Her porcelain-like skin was faintly flushed, but her gaze held his boldly. Was she wondering the same?
Before he had time to think, to rationalise his actions, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. A startled gasp of shock broke against his lips, lighting the fire that only she had ever truly ignited. He wanted to pull her close, to kiss her harder. He wanted so much more but propriety surfaced. Now was not the time or the place.
‘Nikos...’ she whispered quickly, and pressed her palms against his chest, pushing him away, her thoughts obviously echoing his.
He smiled down at her, took her hand in his and then turned to the assistant to pay for the ring. All the time he held her hand, keeping her at his side. He could feel the warmth of her body invading his and wished they were anywhere else but here. The passion that had exploded between them when they had first met was still burning—and it was becoming stronger and harder to resist.
The deal they’d struck had just become very interesting.
‘We have more shopping to do yet,’ he said as they emerged into the sunshine of the afternoon.
She pulled him to a stop, but he didn’t let go of her hand. Instead he pulled her closer as the desire he’d suppressed in the shop simmered through him.
‘We don’t need to buy anything else. A ring is enough for anyone to believe we’re getting married. Nobody has to believe it’s because we’re in love.’
His brows rose in question and the word love all but doused the fire that burned for her. He didn’t worry about people questioning if they were in love—it was his business reputation, his ability to keep his word, that mattered most.
‘We agreed that marriage was best in the circumstances.’
‘Agreed?’ She glared up at him, her eyes flashing with challenge.
‘You came to Athens with me. You obviously agreed with my terms. And as I told the press last night we were engaged you now need to be seen wearing my ring. Do you think my business associates will take me seriously otherwise? Having people believe we are “in love” has nothing to do with it. I want people to see that I honour my word, my promise and most importantly my obligations to the child you carry.’
Irritation surged forward, overriding all his previous emotions. It was for the best, he thought as he looked down into her face, at her eyes shrouded in confusion. If he had to keep playing the role of lover it would lead to temptation and desire, which would only complicate the situation.
‘Do you really think we agreed on marriage? It was more of a case of you deciding it would happen and instigating it with little regard for anyone else.’
Her words were sharp and she stood her ground, and he became aware that they were attracting the attention of passers-by.
‘Come,’ he said, in a growly voice that did little to hide his jumbled emotions. ‘You must get something to wear at the party tonight.’
‘I don’t need anything new.’
Her voice rose a little and her shoulders straightened, warning him of her intention to go against him.
‘As my bride-to-be you will be expected to look amazing. Anything less just isn’t acceptable.’
He looked at her, seeing her confusion become quickly masked by spirit.
‘I can’t compete with the models you’ve dated. Even the most fabulous dress won’t do that.’
‘I do not expect you to compete with anyone,’ he said calmly, and moved closer to her, dominating her with his height. But again she held her ground and looked up at him, her lips set in a pout of annoyance, just begging to be kissed.
It was an offer he couldn’t refuse. Before she had time to move he pulled her close with his free arm, pressing her against him while still holding her hand. His lips burned as they met hers. Their initial resistance melted almost immediately and he felt her body relax and mould against his.
He broke the kiss and pulled back from her. He had to stop kissing her in public. He promised himself that next time it would be in the privacy of his apartment, where he could give in to the carnal hunger she provoked.
He glanced up and down the crowded street and found what he was looking for—an exclusive boutique. ‘This way. Unless you want me to kiss you again.’
To his relief the threat worked, and she fell into step beside him as they made their way up the busy street. As soon as they entered the shop assistants came forward, as keen to help as the one in the jeweller’s. He informed them in Greek of what Serena needed and turned to her, amused by the stunned look on her face.
‘I have calls to make, but they know what I want.’
‘What you want?’ Incredulity rang out from each word and those lovely green eyes widened with shock.
‘Yes, what I want. I will see you in an hour.’
He turned and left the shop...before he kissed the look of astonishment from her beautiful face.
* * *
Serena fumed as he turned and walked away. Just who did he think he was? And how had she ever fallen for his gentle fisherman act? Had she been so blinded by her love for him she hadn’t seen even a hint of his lies? She’d lived her life watching her father lie, hiding his love affairs behind his work. Was she now going to be forced to live with a man who lied to achieve his goals?
Further thoughts were brushed aside as the assistants all but whisked her away. Dress after dress was held up to her, and the rapid exchange of Greek almost made her head spin, but when they finally agreed on a dress she couldn’t help but smile with pleasure.
She tried it on and looked at her reflection. The pale green silk skimmed over her curves and the small swell of her stomach would never be noticed—not even by the most observant. Her eyes looked vibrant and alive, and her hair contrasted beautifully with the dress, lying on bare shoulders. It was perfect. Maybe she could be as glamorous as the women she’d seen Nikos spread all over the internet with that morning.
Apprehension rushed in, knocking the confidence from her. Would Nikos notice her—desire her as he’d once done—like this? The thought ambled around her mind only to be forced out. The ruthless businessman that Nikos truly was wouldn’t notice her, but she hoped the man she’d met—the loving fisherman—would.
Reluctantly she removed the dress and put her sundress on again. The glamorous and bright-looking woman she’d seen reflected in the mirror disappeared. In her place stood a normal and very plain woman—one who would never have turned the head of a Greek billionaire. He’d been amusing himself at her expense, letting her fall in love with him whilst she was researching her article, safe in the knowledge that she would go home and never return.
But she had returned.
She’d returned carrying his child and he’d been forced to admit who he really was. He’d dragged her into his world of luxury and wealth and tonight she would play him at his own game. She would be someone she wasn’t. She would make him want her. And then, like in a fairy tale, she would revert to her usual self by dawn.
