The Greek s Convenient Mistress Page 16

  A large hand grabbed her elbow and Costas swung her around so abruptly she almost fell. But he was so close, his other hand already supporting her, that she merely stumbled. The inevitable tremor spread from his touch along her arms, reminding her of those hours not long ago when his caress had been searingly tender, heartbreakingly gentle.

  And she hated her weakness in remembering.

  His eyes fired with unholy anger as he thrust his belligerent face towards hers. Every plane, every angle was harsh and unforgiving.

  ‘Answer me!’

  Fear scudded through her, now she was up close to such potent rage. She could feel his fury in his hands, clamped so hard on her arms that she had pins and needles from the restricted blood flow. She could smell it in his blood-hot masculine scent, taste it in the heat of his breath on her face.

  But she refused to be cowed. His anger fuelled her courage. How dare he talk to her like that?

  ‘And which part of that scenario would bother you most, Kyrie Palamidis? The abortion itself or me asking you to foot the bill?’

  ‘Christos!’ He shook her once, twice, as a flurry of fierce Greek split the air.

  Sophie’s head swam as she stared up into his dark face. She didn’t recognise the man she saw. He looked as savage, as dangerous as a predator, moving in for the kill.

  ‘You will not dispose of any child of mine as if it were some inconvenience,’ he snarled.

  ‘And you will stop making insulting assumptions about me,’ she gasped between strangled breaths. Fruitlessly she tried to wrest herself from his punishing hold. Now, before the emotion clogging her throat welled into shameful tears.

  She’d done nothing wrong. She didn’t deserve his contempt!

  ‘I am not pregnant with your precious baby,’ she spat at him. ‘And even if I were, I wouldn’t consider a termination.’ She stopped to drag down air into a chest so tight she couldn’t seem to fill it with oxygen. ‘More than that, you’re the last person I’d ever accept money from.’

  Her hair swirled round her face as she struggled to break his grip. She was so frantic to escape she didn’t notice the way he shifted his weight, crowding closer.

  ‘Enough! You will hurt yourself if you don’t calm down.’

  Inexorably he drew her arms back so he could shackle both her wrists in his hands. She was no match for his strength. She couldn’t prevent him from bowing her back over his other arm.

  She was helpless against his power. And against the savage determination she read in his eyes.

  ‘Let me go—’ Her protest ended in muffled outrage as his mouth blocked hers.

  Savagely he kissed her, like some rapacious thief, plundering so thoroughly that she could barely breathe. He bruised her lips, invaded her mouth with a blatant, masculine possessiveness that stamped his domination on her.

  Shock held her in its grasp and she almost choked on a sob. There was no tenderness here. No shred of the magic that had enthralled her last night. This time the hard length of his body was a weapon, crushing her into absolute submission.

  After her hopes and tender dreams last night, she felt defiled. The pain of her disillusionment was so raw she thought her heart would bleed.

  ‘Sophie.’ The unrelenting pressure abated a fraction and his words feathered across her swollen lips. ‘You make me wild. I can’t believe…’

  Hot kisses trawled down her chin, her neck, to her collar-bone. He pressed his mouth to the tender flesh there, sucking gently till she shuddered in unwilling response. He knew every erogenous zone on her body—he’d spent the night learning each one.

  To Sophie’s horror she felt the familiar electric charge of excitement skitter through her. She was trembling, but not solely with outrage.

  He took her mouth again, but gently, so tenderly that she might have been some fragile, breakable treasure. He slid his lips along hers as if seeking permission to enter. His tongue flicked out, drawing her opposition from her.

  His hand came up to hold her breast, squeeze it, sending another heated, frantic response through her nerve-endings. Dimly she registered the hollow feeling between her legs. The wanting. His caress slowed as he circled her nipple, just as his tongue stroked her mouth.

  She moaned and felt the caress of his arm at her back, cradling her against him.

  Suddenly desire was a swirling, dazzling force within her, loosening every taut muscle, leaving her body defenceless, willing, even when she knew she had to resist. Feebly she fought the onslaught against her senses.

  ‘Glikia mou,’ he whispered, his voice so deep she felt the words as much as heard them. ‘You make me mindless, Sophie.’ His fingers tightened on her breast and sensation juddered through her. ‘I want you. Now.’

  If he hadn’t spoken he might even have got what he wanted. She was aroused, eager, panting for him.

  After all he’d said and done!

  The realisation shamed her with the knowledge of her appalling weakness. But his words penetrated her numbed brain even as her body responded ecstatically to his caresses. That was when she discovered he’d released her wrists.

  Adrenaline surged through her, stiffening her resolve and her body. She shoved with all her might, bringing her knee up sharply in a vicious thrust that should have crippled him.

  But his assault on her senses had weakened her. Either that or he could read her mind. He side-stepped just as her knee slammed up. She was off balance and would have fallen if it weren’t for his hands pulling her upright.

  ‘Don’t touch me!’ She shrugged out of his hold and stumbled back a few paces. ‘Don’t come near me,’ she gasped, chest heaving for breath. Her heart hammered like a set of pistons.

  ‘Sophie.’ He paced towards her and she flinched.

  ‘Stay away!’

  ‘You don’t mean that.’ His voice was a low, persuasive murmur. It made her skin prickle, eager for the delights he could bestow.

  ‘I mean what I say. I don’t need some arrogant male to tell me what I want.’

  ‘Sophie, I know you’re upset. But it doesn’t have to be like this. You know how good it is between us.’

  She shook her head. He saw her as a convenient lay. Better than a sleeping tablet to get him through the long nights.

  ‘I don’t want you to touch me. Ever.’

  He crossed his arms. His legs were already planted wide apart and he looked impossibly big and powerful. What hope did she have if he refused to listen? She didn’t trust her treacherous body not to respond if he tried to seduce her again.

  There was a knowing glint in his eyes and his mouth twisted up at one side. ‘I know how much you want me, Sophie. How you burn for me.’

  He stalked closer as he spoke, the words rolling off his seductive tongue in a murmur that made her body tighten. ‘I’ve never had such an eager lover.’

  She gritted her teeth. ‘How do I get through to you? One night was enough and now it’s over.’ She stared hard into his glittering eyes and deliberately played her last card. ‘Unless you intend to use force.’

  ‘What are you talking about?’ His brows dipped into a ferocious scowl. ‘You must know I would never use force on a woman.’ He drew himself up to his full looming height and looked down his nose at her. As if she’d dared to insult him!

  ‘Then what do you call this?’ She thrust her arms out in front of her, silent witness to the power he’d unleashed to hold her still. Red marks encircled each wrist. There was no pain. Not now. But there’d be bruises soon.

  His face froze and his golden skin paled. She watched his convulsive swallow as he realised what he’d done.

  ‘I must apologise,’ he said in a stifled voice. ‘It is no excuse to say that I didn’t realise how tightly I held you. But be assured you have nothing to fear. It will never happen again.’

  She let her arms drop to her sides, curiously drained. ‘Let it end,’ she pleaded, feeling the weight of emotional exhaustion descend onto her shoulders. ‘It was…nice, while it lasted. But
I don’t need a relationship any more than you do. Not now. It would be too messy.’

  She turned away, hoping he wouldn’t call her bluff. Not now her eyes had filled with useless tears.

  ‘We’ve both been through a rough time and last night—just happened,’ she said, whispering to conceal the wobble in her voice. ‘But now I need to get on with my own life.’ She wrapped her arms round herself, squeezing as if she could force back the pain welling up inside her.

  If she could just hold on until he left her alone.

  ‘You’re right, of course.’ His words were clipped, precise, his voice a stranger’s. ‘Since neither of us is in a position to want more than physical release from a partner, it’s best if we put last night behind us.’

  Each word bit into her, carving away the last of her defences. She’d been right. Absolutely right. How foolish of her to cling to that final, stubborn hope that Costas would object. That he’d swear it was more than lust between them. That he felt tenderness for her, even love.

  She squeezed shut her eyes and bit her lip, praying for the strength to see out this scene without giving herself away.

  She had nothing left. Nothing at all but the remnants of her pride.

  The silence was so loud it pulsed between them. But she didn’t dare turn round. She knew her anguish would be obvious in her face.

  And then she heard it—the sound she’d been praying for. And dreading. The sound of his measured pace crossing the room. The quiet, definite click of the door behind him.

  Costas Palamidis had done what she asked and walked out of her life.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  LEAVING THE NEXT DAY was harder than Sophie had expected.

  Not that she’d had to confront Costas again. By mutual consent they’d avoided each other yesterday evening. The house was big enough to accommodate them both in perfect isolation. And she hadn’t sought him out today after she’d packed her suitcase and organised a lift into town.

  She’d wondered if he might try to prevent her leaving, persuade her to stay. Her pulse had raced at the possibility, wondering if she’d have the strength to resist his persuasion if he exerted himself. But he’d already taken an early-morning flight to Athens to deal in person with some urgent business. His housekeeper had been flustered, concerned at her departure while the kyrios was away.

  But to Sophie it was a tremendous relief. She could pretend she was glad not to have to face him again. That it would be easier this way. No embarrassing farewells, no regrets.

  A pity she didn’t really believe that.

  Instead, as the villa disappeared behind her, she felt stretched too thin, as if she’d left some part of herself behind. The part she’d left with Costas.

  And then she had to face the hospital farewells. Her grandfather already knew she was only in Crete for a short time. He said nothing when she explained about the flight today. But she’d seen the disappointment in his eyes. Which only made her feel worse.

  Despite his treatment of her mother, and his antiquated views, he was family. She couldn’t turn her back on him completely. Her eyes prickled as she squeezed his hand and promised to visit again when she’d tidied up her mother’s affairs.

  She’d be back. But under her own steam this time. And she’d make a point of steering well clear of Costas Palamidis. Might even take her grandfather up on his gruff offer to stay with him when he was released from hospital.

  The farewell to Eleni was no easier. Sophie hadn’t realised how close they’d become until she had to say goodbye. And the little girl’s stoic smile, just a little wobbly, was almost Sophie’s undoing.

  But what could she do? It was impossible to stay in Costas’ home any longer. And the thought of seeing him every day, as she would if she continued to visit Eleni, was untenable.

  She’d planned to leave soon anyway. She couldn’t put her life on hold forever, even for such a little sweetie as Eleni. The parting had always been inevitable. But that didn’t make it any easier.

  She wondered if she’d be able to see Eleni again when she returned to Greece, and yet avoid Costas.

  Hell! What a mess this was.

  Yet she had no doubts about what she was doing. For her own sanity she had to leave. Now. She couldn’t afford to torture herself, being so close to the man she loved and couldn’t have.

  She’d done the right thing, pushing him away. Of course she had. She wasn’t cut out for an affair. She wanted a future. The chance of lasting happiness with someone who cared for her as much as she loved him.

  Another night in the Palamidis mansion might just destroy the final tatters of her self-respect. Even now she couldn’t risk the temptation to be alone with Costas. She was so weak-willed when it came to him.

  ‘Thespinis? Are you all right?’

  Sophie blinked back hot tears at the sound of Yiorgos’ words and fumbled in her bag for sunglasses.

  ‘I’m OK, thanks. The sun is so bright, isn’t it?’ She turned her head and watched the outskirts of Heraklion slide by. Soon now she’d be at the airport. But she wouldn’t relax till she was off the island. She had enough money to get to Athens. Then she’d visit the embassy. Find out how she could finance the flight to Sydney. Surely they’d lend her the money? And she could pay it back when she got home.

  Home.

  That empty house didn’t feel like home any more. The sooner she sold it and found a little flat the better. She could organise another trip to see her grandfather and then look around for permanent work. Speech pathologists were always in demand.

  The car slid to a halt at the airport entrance. By the time she fumbled her way free of the seat belt, Yiorgos had collected her bag and held the door open for her.

  ‘Are you sure, thespinis, that you’re all right?’ His handsome features puckered in a concerned frown.

  ‘I’m fine. Thanks.’ She dredged up a smile and held out her hand for her bag.

  ‘No, no!’ He was horrified. He clasped the suitcase close then gestured for her to precede him. It was unthinkable, apparently, for her to be left alone to enter the airport.

  Yiorgos remained with her through the flight check-in and would have stayed longer, she was sure, except for a peremptory summons on his cellphone. The way he snapped to attention convinced her it was Costas on the line. Her heart lurched, realising this was the closest she’d ever come again to the man she loved.

  She pushed back her shoulders and walked away to find a seat while she waited to board the plane.

  The wait went on and on. Too nervous to sit for long, she paced continually, but the time crawled by. Eventually she looked at her watch and realised the flight should have been called. Had she missed it?

  No. It was there on the board. Delayed.

  Sophie bit back a frustrated oath.

  So there was a slight delay. It didn’t matter. It wasn’t as if she had a connecting flight booked. All she had to do was get into Athens and find a cheap pension for the night. Then tomorrow she’d visit the embassy and everything would be settled.

  ‘Miss Paterson?’ There was a discreet cough behind her and she swung round. Two men stood there. One in uniform and the other in a grey suit that strained over his rotund form.

  ‘Yes? I’m Sophie Paterson.’

  ‘Excellent,’ said the man in the suit. She saw a flash of gold as he smiled. ‘Would you mind coming with us, please?’

  ‘What’s wrong? My flight is due—’

  ‘Nothing is wrong,’ he assured her, gesturing for her to accompany them. ‘The flight is delayed but not for much longer. In the meantime,’ he led her across the waiting area towards an unmarked door, ‘there is a message for you.’

  ‘For me?’ She swung round. Who could have left a message for her? She gazed at the plump little man beside her but got only an unctuous smile. And the uniformed guy behind him looked so serious she felt a thrill of fear skitter up her spine.

  ‘Are you sure there’s not a problem?’

  ‘No, no
.’ The man beside her opened the door and gestured for her to precede him. ‘As I said, just a message.’

  He ushered her into what was clearly an interview room. Furnished only with a table and a couple of chairs. Automatically Sophie wondered what was wrong.

  She swung round just as the door closed behind her. The guard hadn’t come in. She assumed he was stationed outside the room. The idea made the hair prickle on the back of her neck.

  ‘If there’s a difficulty with my papers—’

  ‘No, no. Nothing like that.’ Again the stranger smiled, spreading his arms wide. ‘Please, take a seat.’

  ‘I’d rather stand, thank you.’

  He tilted his head to one side. ‘As you wish. I will just be a moment.’ And with that he let himself out of another door. One she assumed led into the airport offices.

  The room must be soundproofed. She couldn’t hear anything. Not the people waiting for their flights nor the hum of engines. The realisation chilled her. She didn’t know why she was here. Or for how long. What if she missed her flight? It was the only one to Athens this afternoon. She didn’t want to stay on Crete another night.

  Sophie bit down on her lower lip. Panicking wouldn’t help her. Whatever the problem she’d sort it out. She hadn’t done anything wrong, after all.

  The door opened and she swung round.

  Her heart leapt into her throat and she would have stumbled if she hadn’t grabbed on to the back of a chair.

  Costas stood framed in the doorway.

  ‘Sophie.’ He paced towards her and the walls of the small room seemed to close in around her. His face was unreadable but the tense set of his shoulders was eloquent.

  ‘What are you doing here?’ Her voice sounded rusty.

  ‘I need you.’

  His dark velvet eyes held hers and the world tilted. He needed her?

  ‘No.’ She shook her head, holding the chair in a death grip.

  But his gaze was so intense she felt as if he delved into the very heart of her, reading the secret she tried so desperately to hide. Her knees trembled as she looked up into his stark face.