The Greek Rule (The Greek Series) Read online

  “Better than I ever could have hoped,” she said, elated at the night’s events. After giving her brother all the details, she assured him she’d try to fly to London and have dinner with him the next night, and then she rang off.

  Placing the phone on one of the cocktail tables, she walked the length of the balcony, enjoying the clear sky and cool spring breeze of the night.

  A deep masculine voice sounded behind her, shattering her solitude. “You’re an extraordinarily talented and beautiful woman, Athena. Did I mention you look like a true Greek goddess tonight?”

  Heat burned her cheeks and she turned to face Alexandros. She’d avoided looking into his sultry eyes all evening, only to find herself on a moonlit terrace, the single recipient of his searing attention.

  Dropping her gaze to his strong Grecian nose, then to the sure line of his lips and the defined jaw that met his proud chin, she could not deny he was a very good-looking man. He radiated strength and confidence in every step.

  Taking a deep breath, she reminded herself that not only was he standing between her and her future, but men such as Alexandros were emotionally off limits to her. No matter how tempting, she had vowed not to become involved with his type. She would never risk the humiliation of a broken heart again.

  “Mr. Strintzaris, I hope you’re enjoying the ball.” She pressed her hands to her stomach. “I would like to thank you personally for your very generous contribution.”

  Whom was she trying to fool, speaking to him in this cool manner?

  He removed his jacket and gently wrapped it around her shoulders. “It’s a little chilly. You’re shivering.”

  Was he that dense to believe the sweet night air had made her shiver, or was he looking for an excuse to come near her? Either way, accepting the jacket put him in very close proximity. The jacket retained his body heat and his scent. Athena settled into it.

  She gasped when he leaned forward and brushed back a tendril of hair that blew across her face. The chemistry between them was exceptional, something she had never experienced before. Still, she took a step back. Intimidated by her own delight in his closeness, she wasn’t sure how to respond.

  “Athena, why have you been avoiding me?”

  Overwhelmed by his ardor, she inched further away. “Excuse me, Mr. Strintzaris?”

  “Alexandros. Call me Alexandros. You know our relationship is more than calling me Mr. Strintzaris. We are practically related. Yet, you do not contact me about a donation, and you do not approach me tonight. You have been avoiding me.” His dark eyes said more than his controlled words.

  “You’re a friend of Mr. Giardetti. There was no need for me to approach you.”

  “I’m your best friend’s future brother-in-law.” He stepped closer to her, but didn’t touch her. “Or have you forgotten that Heather is engaged to a certain Costa Strintzaris, who just happens to be my brother?”

  Allowing a few inches between them in the balcony’s shadows, his gaze settled on hers, but he didn’t wait for her to respond. “In less than a month, we will jointly witness Costa and Heather’s marriage. We’ll be their koumbaroi. I’m the best man, and you’re the maid of honor. I think I deserve to be on a first name basis with you, koukla mou,” he finished with a term of possessive endearment in his native tongue.

  “It’s best to keep tonight on a professional level.” She pulled his jacket closed. This meeting was doing things to her body she’d rather keep concealed.

  “No, it’s not best. Professional is not enough.”

  “Costa and Heather send their regards,” Athena relayed mechanically after a long pause.

  “I’m sure the message wasn’t so unfeeling and cold. In Greek, we say love and kisses.” He lowered his intense gaze to her lips, adding with a husky undertone, “And you are a Greek. You know better.”

  She struggled to maintain her composure as he stared at her mouth.

  “If you want me to go, just say so,” he breathed against her lips.

  Her mouth betrayed her protesting mind as it opened, and leaning forward, she touched her lips to his. Alexandros sealed their kiss, and their bodies came into intimate contact, setting fires deep inside her.

  Automatically, she snaked her arms around his neck and invited him to taste. He pressed harder, exploring her warmth with experienced vigor in the art of pleasuring. Drawing her hips tighter against him, he fueled the flames.

  Gently cupping her face in his hands, his thumb stroked her trembling lower lip, and he looked deep into her eyes. Athena held his gaze as she smoothed her gown against her and then removed his hands from her face in a slow deliberate move.

  “Alexandros, I’m working here. Please.”

  “Tomorrow then, once your work here is done,” he said, replacing the jacket that had slipped during their kiss back around her shoulders.

  Typical, arrogant man! What made him believe she’d spend her free time with him? He hadn’t even bothered to ask. Rather he’d told her how things were going to be.

  She did not argue, she simply allowed him to guide her into the ballroom. “We can’t mention this again.” She reluctantly removed his jacket and handed it to him. “The kiss, the conversation...it was inappropriate.”

  He grinned, placed a friendship style kiss on her cheek, and dropped his hand from the small of her back. She flashed him a courteous smile and returned to the guests.

  Chapter Three

  Athena returned to the confines of her suite, thrilled that the ball had been a fantastic success. Exhausted, she fell onto the couch with a sigh, imagining what Alexandros was doing at the exact moment. Was he thinking about her? If he was, his thoughts were probably focused on how easily her meek defenses had crumbled.

  She’d been powerless to resist him. All common sense fled the moment his lips touched hers, leaving her vulnerable to his seductive assault. What was happening to her? Where was the iron will she lived by when she needed it?

  He was so far out of her romantic circle. Experienced, nonchalant, and extremely confident in his appeal to others. What made him think she would welcome his advances?

  That was the problem with Greek playboys. They were so smooth, so attractive. Possessing the ability to make you the center of the universe, even if it only lasted for a short time. Playboys were dangerous. They were sure to tire of you and move on to the next woman. Athena could not trust a Greek. They enjoyed the chase more than the results, and she’d never let herself become romantically involved with one.

  Watching other women make fools of themselves was not her only deterrent. She had witnessed only two weddings that were the result of these relationships, but she had seen many more end as nothing but a mere fling.

  Sharing her first kiss with a Greek boy had proved to be devastating, and contributed the most weight to her mistrust. It wasn’t the kiss, but the fact that he had humiliated her in front of her family. She’d fallen apart and her brother had designated himself to settle the incident. Losing control of the situation was the harm.

  Okay, enough about Greeks; enough about Alexandros. Enough romance for the night. Just think that he is ready to snatch the resort from your hands. The resort you’ve worked so hard for, the resort you’ve promised the next three years of your life to.

  No, nothing would come between her and her goal. Not even the powerful and mighty Alexandros Strintzaris, no matter how debonair or tempting he may be.

  Despite her resolve, she went to bed thinking of him and it kept her awake. Turning continuously in the large bed, she kept fluffing her pillows to get comfortable. The down comforter tangled around her legs and she kicked it off.

  He had tasted so good, so addictive. She could still feel his arms holding her possessively, still feel the warmth of his jacket and smell the scent of his cologne. She let out a longing sigh, and then tossed her pillow across the room.

  She needed to stop the Alexandros thoughts!

  Soon he would be Heather’s brother-in-law. She would be spending a l
ot of time with him in Santorini before the wedding, and she didn’t need to complicate things with romantic feelings. His brother was her close friend and his brother’s fiancé was the best friend she’d ever had. She would not jeopardize her relationship with either of them for a fling with Alexandros.

  Knowing his family history, his business genius, and now his physical potency, didn’t help. Rather, it terrified her.

  Overwhelmed by the memory of his body pressed against hers, she realized he was her ultimate nightmare: a Greek playboy she may not be able to resist. She needed to distance herself, and put things into the proper perspective.

  The phone rang at the perfect moment. Grateful for the distraction, she smiled as she reached for the receiver and heard her oldest brother’s voice.

  “Demo, how are you?”

  “I’m good. Listen, Strintzaris just upped the bid half a million. Are you sure you want to continue with Luca’s deal?” Her brother’s voice was impatient. Obviously, he didn’t think it necessary for the negotiations to take such a turn.

  Athena calculated the new terms. They would make things more difficult, but they were within her grasp. “If they only went up half a million, they’re preparing to stop. Round up to the next level and we’ll be done. Point out the fact that the beach is public and won’t belong to the resort. The county could cut off the resort’s access at any time. They did that in Platania with the new luxury place next to Thea’s. Didn’t we hear a rumor about the same happening here?”

  Demo sighed into the phone. “Athena, let me fund the buy. The property is worth much more than we’re at now, and–”

  “No! I won’t let you do for me. I’m perfectly capable of completing this deal on my own. The time of the big, strong Greek man taking care of the little woman has passed. I don’t need Daddy, Tony, or you to pave the road for a good husband to do the same.”

  “That’s not what I think, or what I meant. And you know that. It makes a–”

  “I said no. Go up a full million, and they’ll stop. If they really wanted the property, it would be out of my reach by now. Aren’t you the one that said it’s worth ten more?”

  “Yes. However, I’ve never known Strintzaris to back away from something he wants.”

  She pictured Alexandros in the boardroom. Tough, determined, refusing to yield. “I could see that.” She sighed. “I met him tonight. He’s impressive and very persuasive.”

  “Strintzaris is in Naples?”

  “Uh-huh. He and Luca are good friends. Alexandros came to support the children’s charity.”

  Demo’s tone changed from legal advisor to big brother. “Don’t forget who he is. Don’t look at him as Costa’s brother. Alexandros Strintzaris is your competition and nothing less than a shark.”

  “DDGC! I know.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Athena smiled and felt a tingle run through her. Drop Dead Gorgeous Competition. “Nothing. Don’t worry about me. I’m not fickle. Negotiate the deal, Demo. Get me that resort.”

  “Good girl. I love you, sis.”

  “I love you. Kalinihta, Demo.”

  ****

  At nine the next morning, Alexandros rang the front desk and asked to be connected to Athena’s suite. However, he was politely told that Miss Lakis was not available. She had an early flight and had left for the airport at six. The desk attendant said Miss Lakis had requested room service for him before leaving, and it would be brought to his suite.

  Moments later, he opened the door to accept a tray containing a demitasse cup of Greek coffee, a plate of feta cheese with olives and some bread. He looked at the breakfast and smiled. Yes, he was correct about this woman. Not only was she thoughtful, she was also complex, alluring, smart, beautiful, and most of all, perfect for him.

  Athena may have steered clear of him this morning, but she had unknowingly, intuitively, left her door open to him. By acknowledging who he was, and providing what he liked, she’d made an effort not to offend him. Even while she avoided being alone with him.

  He knew she sensed the intensity of what they’d shared, her body had told him. He remembered her arms around his neck and the brush of her fingers as they’d caressed the hair above his collar. Her dazzling eyes had searched for strength to pull away from him. Aware of the waver in her step as they re-entered the ballroom, he too had hesitated to let go of her and break the physical connection. But she’d been correct; she was working.

  He knew better than to pursue her in a business setting. She was too much of a professional to allow it. However, if he had not placed immediate distance between them, he would have given in to his desires and found some way to take her to his bed.

  Forget it. You can’t approach this woman that way. Gain her trust through friendship, and possibly establish a professional relationship. You could hire her for real. The idea held vast appeal. She’d be near, but he would not need to promise anything that he couldn’t deliver.

  Alexandros picked up the small cream-colored envelope propped against the flower vase. He flipped it between his fingers and wondered what she would write, instead of telling him in person. He peeled the gold seal and pulled out the card with the pretty handwriting scrolled across it like a poem.

  Alexandros,

  Sorry I missed you

  —had an early flight.

  It was a pleasure meeting you.

  Looking forward to the wedding.

  See you in Santorini.

  In friendship,

  Athena

  “In friendship? You can think that for now,” he said. Grinning, he read the card again. Realizing the irony of her actions, he knew she was fooling only herself.

  “Our time will come, koukla mou.”

  Chapter Four

  A symphony of red, orange, and deep purple guided the jet containing Athena and her two best friends, Heather and Costa, in their cloudless decent.

  Athena turned to Heather and squeezed her hand. “Are you ready for your pethera, your mother in-law?” she asked in concern for the other woman’s feelings.

  “No, but I will be. All those horrid interrogation stories about Greek mothers must be greatly exaggerated.”

  “Let me tell you, my Americanaki, you are the envy of the single Greek female population. Costa comes from a family held in very high esteem within the Hellenic business community. Many parents have prepared their daughters dowries and offered them shamelessly with no success. But, and here is the big but, Anna Strintzaris prays both her sons will be as lucky as she was and marry for love, not for future prosperity. You have love on your side, Heather. Stand your ground, be your true self, and I am sure that Mrs. Strintzaris will love you.”

  Athena held onto Heather’s hand to give her strength. It was funny how she had the answers for her friend, but she could never allow herself to trust in love, especially not with a Greek. Costa was an exception, just like her brothers. He was one of her best friends.

  But his brother, Alexandros, was an arrogant, extremely good looking, and dangerous Greek. Her stomach did a flip at the thought of seeing him again.

  Gently leaning her head against the seat, Athena closed her eyes and attempted to clear her mind of him. She looked at her college roommate, her best friend. The two had been inseparable from the first minute they’d met, and Athena wanted this week to be perfect for Heather.

  After graduation, Athena had spent the summer in her parents’ homeland. It was then that she’d met Costa in Mykonos. They had become instant friends, spending many afternoons sharing frappes and long talks by the beach. He’d taken on an older brother role and insisted she needed to wise up to the ways of xeni, foreigners, vacationing in Mykonos.

  “You owe me,” she had said to Heather on their weekly phone call. “I’ve spent my summer vacation finding you the most eligible bachelor in Greece!”

  “So you keep him and stop match making.” Heather had laughed into the phone.

  “He’s perfect for you! I know what I’m talki
ng about,” Athena had insisted. “He’s coming to New York for graduate work and you’ll see for yourself.”

  “You come to New York so that I can see you for myself. The summer is not as fun on the island of Manhattan as it is on the Greek islands. I can’t wait until we sit on MacDougal Street and enjoy our usual shawarma. Just think of all the yummy meat in that toasty pita with tahini sauce, instead of your Greek tzatsiki. Okay, you like your gyro, but I miss you. Hurry back.”

  The friends shared that shawarma the Friday before Labor Day, with the addition of Costa. He claimed the shawarma held nothing to the Greek gyro and told Heather he would bring her to Greece so she could taste test for herself.

  The day had arrived.

  Athena looked out the little window, watching the sun dip behind the horizon. The Santorini sunset was world famous, and now she could see why. The colors painting the sky were mesmerizing. She sighed softly as she sat back in her seat.

  “Hey, I should be the one that’s worried. Do you want to talk about it?” Heather asked.

  “No, I’m fine. I just want this week to be perfect for you.”

  “It will be for me,” Heather leaned closer, whispering in her friend’s ear. “Perhaps it will be for you, too. Alexandros is very hard to resist and it seems you two have a definite attraction. Do me a favor, forget your rule and listen to your heart for once.”

  Athena squeezed her eyes shut again. She prayed that Costa’s family would not see Heather as an outsider, and she prayed for her own sanity. Perhaps business would keep Alexandros at a distance, and away from her.

  The jet touched down and coasted on the runway, then taxied toward a shiny gray Mercedes parked next to a red motorcycle. There were three figures standing beside them.

  The friends descended the plane’s stairs, and Costa stepped forward to engulf the awaiting threesome. His father, Spiro, mother Anna, and brother Alexandros.

  “I’ve brought you the best gift, a kori! The daughter you have always wanted.” Costa urged Heather forward.