Читать книгу Ultimate Romance Collection - Rebecca Winters, Amalie Berlin - Страница 102

CHAPTER TEN

Three weeks later

THE DAY BEFORE the wedding, Takis’s close friends flew in from Milan. While the men met together, Gemma, Vincenzo’s wife, and Filippa, Dimi’s fiancée, came to Lys’s hotel room to talk. Lys was delighted to get acquainted with the two women, who were best friends and so important in Takis’s life.

It was clear to her they were all going to become close, especially when Gemma announced that she was pregnant.

“Does Vincenzo know?”

She smiled at Lys. “Oh, yes, and now he’s so excited and worried over my morning sickness, he never leaves me alone. The doctor gave me an antiemetic and now it’s under control, but Vincenzo has been driving me crazy. If he behaves like this until the baby is born, I might lose my mind.”

“No, you won’t,” Filippa quipped. “He won’t allow it.”

Lys couldn’t stop laughing. “Do you think your doctor will let you go on in your position as executive pastry chef?”

“I’ve already talked to my ob about that. He’s monitoring me carefully and will tell me when it’s time to quit. Vincenzo and I have already talked to Cesare, who is in the process of looking for a replacement.”

“I don’t know,” Lys murmured. “Takis says you walk on water.”

“She does,” Dimi’s fiancée concurred.

Gemma grinned. “Stop it, you two. There are plenty of great cooks out there and there’s still plenty of time.” She eyed Lys. “I’m so excited for you and Takis. He’s the most gorgeous, wonderful man. He’ll move mountains for you because it’s the way he’s made.”

“I knew that about him before we even met and was halfway in love with him sight unseen.”

“You really never met him when he was working in New York?” Filippa couldn’t believe it.

“No. I was a sixteen-year-old high school student when he first started working for my father and I was hardly ever at the hotel. A year later my father died and Nassos brought me to Crete.”

“Takis’s story is an incredible one. So is yours,” Gemma murmured. “I’m so glad you’ll be spending some time at the castello after your honeymoon. Takis loves it there.”

Gemma nodded. “We can’t wait to all be together. The men have missed him more than you can imagine, Lys. You have to promise you’ll fly to Milan often or life won’t be the same around the place.”

“It’s true,” Filippa said with a smile. “Dimi looks upon him as a brother. They’re all so close.”

“I think it’s very touching,” Lys murmured.

“In case you didn’t know, that man can’t wait to marry you. Dimi says if he has to wait one more day, he’s not going to make it.”

“I feel the same way.”

“We can tell.” Gemma chuckled. “Since we’ve been given our specific instructions, we’d better hurry out to the limo to meet the men.”

“They’re taking us to lunch,” Filippa informed Lys. “We don’t dare be late or Vincenzo will come charging in here to find out what’s wrong with Gemma.”

Laughter broke out as they made their way down to the lobby. Lys hadn’t known what it was like to have a sibling. Now she felt she’d acquired several for life.

* * *

The next day Lys stood before the black-robed priest dressed in floor-length white silk and lace. She carried a sheaf of purple roses that matched the genuine purple sapphire earrings Takis had given her as a prewedding gift.

During their midmorning wedding ceremony at the flower-decked church in Heraklion, surrounded by their families and a few close friends, Lys was in a complete daze.

The sight of Takis, her tall Cretan prince in his dark blue suit and wedding crown, pushed everything else out of her mind. That picture of him would be engraved in her thudding heart forever. He was now her husband, the most wonderful, gorgeous man in the entire world!

As they were led in the walk around the table three times where they drank from the cup, signifying their journey through life together, she prayed you couldn’t die of happiness. By keeping his vow to her, he’d made this sacred moment meaningful in a way nothing else could have done. But now that she was his wife, she couldn’t wait to show him what he meant to her.

They would be spending time on the yacht Danae had offered them, but where they were headed was a secret. Every time she thought about their wedding night and being alone with him, waves of desire swept through her. Once they left the church, she was scarcely cognizant of their helicopter flight to Kasos for the reception.

Danae had outdone herself to make Takis’s family and friends comfortable. She’d arranged for every one of them to stay overnight where they could swim and eat and enjoy this wedding holiday.

What delighted Lys most were the three children who adored their uncle Takis and hung around the two of them. The girls touched her dress and veil and asked dozens of questions.

Deep inside Lys hoped she’d get pregnant soon. When she saw how happy he was teasing them, playing with them, that day couldn’t come soon enough. The second bedroom upstairs would make the perfect nursery when the time came and she knew the color she wanted.

In the midst of the excitement, Takis’s father stood to make a toast. “I’m the proudest of men to see my last remarkable child married to a lovely woman who I hope will do her Cretan duty and provide us with more grandchildren.” He’d read Lys’s mind.

Takis gripped her hand and clung to it.

After Nikanor’s toast, Dimi stood up. “I couldn’t love Takis more if he were my own brother. I’m thrilled he married a woman I already love. Lys has accomplished something no one else could ever do by putting the light in his eyes that was missing.”

“It’s true,” Takis whispered against her ear.

Lukios followed with a toast. “Guess what, Dimi? I am blood and couldn’t be prouder of my remarkable brother, whose greatest achievement is sitting next to him. Welcome to the family, Lys.”

She teared up while other toasts followed. Eventually Cesare raised his glass of champagne. “Here’s to the groom, a man who kept his head even while he lost his heart. I was there at the castello the day he lost it and witnessed the earthshaking event with my own eyes.”

Everyone roared, especially Takis, whose laughter told Lys it was a private joke between the two of them. She’d have to ask him about it later.

Then Vincenzo gave the final toast and lifted his glass. “Here’s to the newest Manolis couple on Crete. Like my beloved wife and me, may they remain lovers for all of life and the hereafter.”

“You can plan on it!” Takis declared without shame, causing everyone to laugh and clap. Then he pressed a kiss to her cheek. “It’s time for you to change. We’re taking a helicopter ride to the yacht. Hurry. I can’t wait to get you alone.”

Those words said in his deep voice charged her body and she left for her bedroom to put on the stylish new cream-colored suit she and Danae had picked for her. She pinned a purple rose corsage to the shoulder. It was heaven to be out of mourning at last. The sorrow of the past was gone. With Takis waiting for her, there was nothing but joy ahead.

Twenty minutes later everyone followed them outside to the helicopter. Twilight had crept over them. Lys hugged Danae, both of them shedding happy tears. “I have no doubt your parents and Nassos were looking on today.”

A sob caught in her throat. “I think so too. I love you. Thank you for everything and for making his family and friends so welcome. We’ll be back soon.”

“You’ve married a very exciting man, Lys. I envy you for what’s in store.”

Lys watched Takis hug his family before he helped her climb on board and told the pilot they were ready. Earlier in the day their luggage had already been flown out.

Lys was thankful they didn’t have to fly a long distance. She’d anticipated this moment too long to wait any longer. Before she knew it, they’d put down on the landing pad of the yacht. She practically leaped out of her seat, anxious to be alone with Takis who helped her out.

“Am I dreaming, darling?”

He stopped to kiss her thoroughly. “If you are, I’m in it with you. Forever.”

Their wedding night was about to begin. Now if her heart would stop running away with her, she might be able to breathe.

When they reached the outer doors of the master cabin, he swept her in his arms and carried her over the threshold. “At last,” came his fierce whisper.

“Takis—”

* * *

His friends had prepared the suite to his specifications. The flower-laden room was lighted solely with candles. Bless Danae for confiding in him about Lys’s fascination with the prince in the fresco. Not only had she told him there was a strong resemblance to Takis, but Lys had once said that in a fairy-tale world, she would love to be married to the prince.

Upon hearing that, Takis had made up his mind that on their wedding night, he’d treat her like a princess. He couldn’t re-create a Minoan palace, but he would convince her she was the most precious thing in his life. As he lowered her to the floor, adrenaline gushed through his veins in anticipation of what was to come.

Her heart kicked her ribs hard as she looked around, leaving him to freshen up in the bathroom. She’d been on this yacht many times before, but rarely came in this room and had never seen it looking like this. Takis had transformed it into a bridal chamber fit for a queen. The perfume from the flowers was intoxicating. She walked over to smell the ones next to the bed.

“Takis?”

“I’m right here.”

She turned to him and almost fainted. He looked so beautiful in the simple white terry cloth robe, she couldn’t think, let alone talk. His eyes gleamed like green gemstones in the soft light.

He handed her an identical robe. Her knees came close to buckling. With hands that were trembling, she went in the en suite bathroom. After removing her clothes, she put it on.

Lys had known he had a creative side to his nature, but to go to this kind of trouble to please her endeared him to her in a brand new way. With her heart beating out of control, she walked back into the bedroom.

He stood at the side of the massive bed. “Come closer so I can look at the most beautiful bride in all Crete.”

“Takis—”

“You’re not frightened of this surely? Not after all we’ve been through.”

“I—I don’t know what I am,” her voice faltered.

“You’re my desirable wife, the compassionate-hearted woman I’ve wanted from the moment I first laid eyes on you. I don’t deserve you, but I swear an oath that I’ll love you forever. Come here to me, agape mou.”

She flew into his arms. He swung her around before lowering her to the bed. Their mouths met in frantic need and they began to feast on each other. One robe, then the other landed on the floor.

Their bodies came together in an explosion of love and desire. Lys hadn’t known it could be like this. All night long they gave and received unimaginable rapture. “I love you so much, Takis. You just don’t know...”

“Then you have some concept of how I feel. You’re the light of my life, Lys. Love me, darling, and never stop.”

They didn’t stop. It wasn’t till midmorning there was a loud knock on the cabin door.

Lys groaned and held him tighter. “Tell whoever it is to go away.”

“If it wasn’t for the fact that Cesare prepared our breakfast before leaving, I would. But he’s sure to have given explicit instructions to make sure that we ate a perfect Cretan breakfast.”

A chuckle escaped her lips. “And he knows how hungry you are for every meal. I love him for that since I forgot all about feeding you.”

He kissed a certain spot. “You’ve fed me the nectar of the gods, but it’s true I still need mortal food and his creations are out of this world. In truth he should be the new cook for the restaurant after Gemma leaves.”

“Have you told him that? Maybe he’d like to do it for a while.”

“I’ll have to run it by Vincenzo. Do you know Cesare had always said his mother was the best cook who ever lived?”

“That’s a thought. We’ll have to talk some more about it, but right now I know you’re hungry. So am I.” She kissed his hard jaw that needed a shave and let him go long enough to slide out of bed and put on her robe. “Stay there and I’ll get it.”

He lay back on the pillows, looking every inch the prince of her dreams. There wasn’t enough she could do for him. “I love you desperately, Takis, and want to do everything I can to make you happy.”

After kissing him passionately, she flew across the room. A staff member had left the tray with Cesare’s breakfast beside the door. It was laden with every conceivable dish Takis would love. She carried it to their bed, where they could lounge and eat to their hearts’ desire.

After eating as much as she could, she lay back. “You’re right. I’ve never tasted better food in my life.” She eyed her fabulous husband. “Would it hurt his feelings if you actually approached him with the idea of being the chef at the hotel in Milan?”

Takis put the tray on the floor, then pulled her back in his arms. “Of course it wouldn’t,” he murmured against her throat. “After running his own chain of restaurants in New York, he’s been begged by restaurants around the world to be their executive chef. All he has to do is name his price.”

She covered his face with kisses. “But he wants to be with you and Vincenzo and Dimi. You four have an amazing relationship. I’d be jealous if I didn’t understand how it all started, and why.”

“We’re very close, but you will always come first.”

“Why did you laugh so hard when Cesare made his toast?”

“I was afraid you would ask.” He kissed her again. “After you left my office, he witnessed my meltdown. I couldn’t understand why Nassos had left me half a hotel.

“To make matters more complicated, I’d just met you after seeing you at the funeral. Since then you’d never been out of my thoughts and I knew in my soul you were the woman meant for me. But I didn’t want to be in love. At the height of my frustration, I threw the deed across the room, but it landed on Cesare’s chest.”

She burrowed her face in his neck, chuckling quietly. “Thank you for telling me. You have no idea how much I love you.” Her eyes filled. “It was the perfect wedding, wasn’t it?”

“Almost as perfect as you. Thank God for Danae giving me her blessing. And thank God for Nassos for bringing us together. If I didn’t know better, I could believe he had an inkling that he might not be on this earth long. Every time I think about his letter to you and the deed to me, I get a prickling down my spine.”

“So do I,” she said in a shaken voice. “I—I can’t imagine life without you now.”

“Don’t try. I’m planning to love you all day and night for the rest of our lives, Kyria Manolis.”

She smiled and kissed him with fervor. “That’s right. I am Mrs. Manolis, and I want a baby with you as soon as possible. The next time we go to the paint store to pick out the color for the nursery, I plan to be the one that woman deals with, not you. I want blue.”

“I was thinking pink.”

They kissed again. “For once we disagree.”

“No. We’ll simply build another couple of rooms on the rear of the house. I’d like to call our first daughter Lysette, in honor of Nassos. He brought us together, my love.”

“That’s so sweet.” She covered his face with kisses. “Spoken like my unmatchable husband. I think our first boy should be Nikos Takis Manolis, in honor of your father and you!”

Takis’s low chuckle melted her bones before he rolled her over and began kissing her into oblivion.

Much later they were served another exquisite meal. After they were replete, Takis lay on his side so they could look into each other’s eyes. “I have an idea what we should do with the hotel in Heraklion.”

“So do I. We’ll keep it and run it together.”

“Yes, and whichever one of our children shows an interest in running it, we’ll let them have at it.”

She traced his lips with her finger. “What if one of them wants to change it in unorthodox ways? How will you feel about that?”

He took a deep breath. “One thing is for sure. All of us will talk everything out together so there can be no chance for misinterpretation that can lead to years of uncertainty.”

“Oh, I’m so glad you said that!” she cried. “No woman was ever so lucky. Come here, my husband, and let me love you like you’ve never been loved before. I might not let you out of this room for days.”

“I’m going to hold you to that promise, you beautiful creature.”

* * *

By the first of June the weather was actually hot in Florence, Italy. Lys had felt sick before they’d flown here and had welcomed the cool of Dimi’s villa.

Either her symptoms meant she was coming down with the flu, or... Was it possible she was pregnant this soon? Gemma had confided that she’d had similar symptoms when she realized she was carrying Vincenzo’s baby.

Before leaving for the church the next morning, Lys did a home pregnancy test. To her joy, it showed she was pregnant with Takis’s baby. But she didn’t want to tell him the news until after Dimi’s wedding.

The festivities leading up to the big day and exquisite marriage ceremony had worn her out and after they left for Dimi’s villa following the reception, she noticed the temperature hadn’t cooled down.

For the moment, she longed to lie down in their room until their flight home tomorrow. But once they were in the limo, Takis told the chauffeur to drive them to the airport. She turned to her husband in alarm. “I thought we weren’t leaving until tomorrow.”

He flashed her his mysterious smile. “Don’t worry. I made arrangements for our luggage to be put on the plane. We’re taking a little twenty-four-hour detour to Milan before we go home. After our honeymoon on the yacht several months ago, I wanted us to enjoy another one in Milan, but decided to save this surprise until after Dimi’s wedding.”

She hated to tell him she wasn’t feeling well and spoil his plans. “I—I didn’t realize you have work to do at the castello this trip,” her voice faltered. All she wanted was to get back to the villa and go to sleep in a cold room, but he’d been so wonderful to her, she couldn’t dampen his happiness right now. With Dimi’s marriage, he was on a high.

Takis kissed her. “This isn’t for work. Humor me, agape mou.”

She loved him so much she would do it if it killed her.

Two hours later when they pulled up to the front entrance parking, he kissed her awake. “Come on, sleepyhead. We’re here.”

She tried her best to cooperate as they walked up the endless stairs leading to the main entrance. He hurried them inside and down the hall to the rear of the castello, where she had to face a winding stone staircase.

Her head began to swim as they ascended the medieval tower, and positive she wouldn’t make it, she sagged against him.

“Are you all right? We’re almost there.”

“My darling husband—are you sure you don’t hope I’ll expire before we reach the top?”

The whole shadowy medieval stairway echoed with his laughter. “A few more minutes and all your fears will disappear.”

When she reached the fortress-like door, he opened it for her. “We’ve arrived where it will be my joy to wait upon my precious wife.”

Her heart kicked her ribs hard as they walked over the threshold and he led her toward the bedroom. The tower suite was a vision of ducal elegance dating back several centuries. The light through the stained-glass windows covered the room in thousands of different colors and nearly took her breath away.

“Takis?”

“Go ahead and lie down on the bed. I’ll be right back.”

It was heaven to take off her suit and just sink onto the bed. She had no strength at this point. A minute later she heard him call to her and she opened her eyes.

Lys didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t to see the prince of her dreams come to life before her eyes. He looked so magnificent in the white tunic, and in the dimly lit room, Takis’s eyes gleamed from his bronzed face.

In spite of how ill she felt, Lys’s heart began to beat in time with the desire that thrummed through her veins and she tried to sit up, but he sank down on the massive bed next to her.

“Don’t move. I want to look at my beautiful wife.”

“Takis—”

“Since the moment you became my wife, since the moment I met you, I knew that you were the one person I needed, the one person I loved. I swore on our wedding night that I’d love you forever. And I intend to show you just how seriously I take that oath. Come here to me, darling.”

But as he lowered his mouth to kiss her in frantic need, she had to turn away from him.

“Lys—are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” she cried gently. “It’s just that... I’m not feeling too good.”

He smoothed his hand against her cheek. “I had no idea you felt ill. You should have told me.”

“It’s been coming on for a couple of days. I didn’t want to say anything.”

“I’m sending for the doctor.” Anxiety had wiped the glow from his face and eyes. It reminded her of the way Vincenzo had looked at Gemma, who’d suffered serious morning sickness in the beginning of her pregnancy.

“No. It’s all right. I don’t need a doctor. I took a test.”

“A test?” Takis looked at her expectantly.

“We’re pregnant, darling, isn’t it wonderful?”

For the second time in a minute the expression on his handsome face changed. This time to one of shock and joy. His hand slid to her belly. “Our baby...?” His voice of wonder reached the core of her being.

“I’ll go to the doctor as soon as we get back to Tylissos. But as much as I want to make love to you right now, I can’t.”

Suddenly she rolled off the bed and hurried into the bathroom and was sick. He followed her in to help her.

“What can I do for you?”

She rinsed her mouth and face before turning to him with a faint smile. “I think you’ve already done it, big time.” He helped her back to the bed. “But I do have one more favor.”

“What is it? I’d do anything for you.”

“Promise you won’t make too much fuss.”

“I promise I’ll try to take this in my stride.”

“Liar,” she teased.

“I only want to take the best care of you and the baby,” said Takis. “That’s why I took you here.”

“And it was a beautiful surprise to be brought here to the castello by my Cretan prince. I love you, Takis”.

“And I love you too, Lys,” said Takis, “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, my love, my everlasting love.”

* * * * *