HELEN BIANCHIN - Marriage Of Convenience - The Andreou Marriage Arrangement / The Replacement Wife

One eyebrow lifted in cynical humour. ‘You prefer furtive foreplay beneath the cover of darkness?’

As Seth had? Ensuring any strike came without warning, and the advantage became his?

In the animal kingdom, she qualified, Seth was akin to a reptile—while Loukas came from an entirely different species…primitive, highly sensual, and infinitely dangerous. A very sexual man, whose reputation with women was legend.

And now he was hers.

Or more accurately…she was his .

Something moved in her eyes, then was quickly gone.

Loukas’ gaze narrowed as he glimpsed the fine hold she had on her emotions, and how unaware she was that he could so easily read them.

Just what was it about her brief marriage that had changed her from a delightful young woman possessed of an engaging personality into someone who rarely laughed and shied away from men?

Abuse? Physical, mental…or both?

The extent of his anger at the possibility surprised him, and he banked it down as he turned his attention to the next drawer. ‘Let’s get this done.’

Methodical placement of clothes being her thing made for easy transference from wardrobe to packing boxes, and she focused on the chore at hand while attempting to ignore Loukas’ presence.

Difficult, she acknowledged, when he was there , a physical entity that filled her with an edgy awareness and made her supremely conscious of every breath she took.

Tonight…she really didn’t want to think about the evening, or how much it would cost her to play an expected part at Loukas’ side. To smile, converse and pretend .

You’ll be fine , Alesha silently assured herself as she slid the zip fastener home on an exquisite gown in deep emerald green whose off-the-shoulder design hugged her slender curves. She opted to leave her hair loose, and employed the skilful use of make-up to highlight her eyes and accent her generously moulded mouth.

Six-thirty for seven meant leaving the house at six, and she attached diamond studs to her ears, added a matching pendant on a slim gold chain, only to have the clasp prove difficult.

‘Problems?’ Loukas crossed to stand behind her, and she held her breath as his fingers brushed her own as he slid the clip into place.

The exclusive tones of his cologne teased her senses, and she stood still, unable in those long seconds to do anything but breathe.

He seemed to surround her, a magnetic force that caused her body to pulse, irrespective of the dictates of her brain.

For one wild moment she wondered if he knew.

Dear heaven, she hoped not.

‘Ready?’

She stepped away from him and collected her evening clutch. ‘Yes.’

As ready as she’d ever be , she vowed silently as the Aston Martin swept through streets slick from an early evening shower.

She’d done this before, many times. Attending various functions in the company of her parents, and partnering Dimitri after her mother’s death.

So what was the big deal?

You can do this, Alesha assured herself again as Loukas slid the car to a halt adjacent the main entry of one of Sydney’s prestigious hotels.

With smooth efficiency the concierge arranged valet parking, and she entered the hotel foyer at Loukas’ side.

A magnificent wide staircase curved to a mezzanine level where guests were gathered in the spacious lounge adjacent the grand ballroom.

Uniformed waiters and waitresses offered canapés, champagne and orange juice.

Smile . Do the meet-and-greet thing, comment on the attendance, assure Karsouli’s continued support to members of the charity committee…and refer any awkward questions to Loukas.

Simple. At least it should have been.

Except she neglected to factor in Loukas’ constant company, the touch of his hand at the back of her waist, the effect his warm smile had on her equilibrium. Dammit, their projected togetherness.

It was inevitable the wide diamond-encrusted wedding ring on her left hand would eventually capture attention. Coupled as it was with the plain gold band Loukas now wore, conclusions were reached and the more emboldened requested confirmation.

The news spread, with almost comical circumspection if one was inclined towards cynical amusement.

‘Darling, how wonderful happiness should evolve from such recent sadness.’ Words expressed by the charity committee member were genuine, and Alesha accepted the air-kiss, the obligatory hug as others followed.

Men, captains of industry, who took the opportunity to shake Loukas’ hand and offer congratulations. And women, some of whom expressed their affection a little more enthusiastically to Loukas than the occasion demanded.

Two in particular, known for their flirting skills and love of high-living.

Alesha assured herself she didn’t care when the exquisite blonde melded her body close and wound her arms round Loukas’ neck.

To his credit, he moved his head so the intended kiss brushed the edge of his jaw, and he summoned a faint smile as he disentangled the blonde’s arms.

A sparkling laugh, the hint of a moue, then the blonde turned towards Alesha. ‘Darling, he’s delicious. If you hadn’t snared him first…’ The words trailed to a halt, with no doubt of the implication.

Darling , Alesha was sorely tempted to redress, you’d have been most welcome. Instead she offered a sweet smile, and barely managed to contain her surprise as Loukas lifted her hand and brushed his lips to her sensitive palm.

For a brief moment the room and everyone in it faded as her eyes locked with his, and the air between them seemed filled with electric tension.

Then he smiled, and curled her hand within his own. ‘Fortunately, she did.’

Oh, my… what was that ?

Playing the part, a tiny imp taunted. And he does it so well.

‘Pity,’ the blonde voiced with seeming regret. ‘We could have had fun.’ With a pretty wave of her hand the blonde turned and melted into the crowd.

‘You can let go now,’ Alesha managed quietly, attempting to pull free without success, for he merely threaded his fingers through her own. She kept her voice light and a smile in place. ‘Must you?’

‘Yes.’

He glimpsed sudden pain darken her eyes, then it was gone.

It was perhaps as well the ballroom doors opened and the assembled guests converged towards the three main entry points.

Their table held prominent position, and the usual speeches included gratitude for previous funding together with a plea for the guests’ continuing generosity.

The drinks flowed, entertainment was provided between each of the three dinner courses, and it wasn’t until coffee was served that there was the opportunity for any lengthy conversation.

A DJ set discs spinning at one end of the ballroom and provided a mix of music. A time of the evening when some of the older guests began to leave, and the younger set filled the adjoining floor-space.

‘Shall we?’

Dance? With him?

She had, on a few occasions in the past. Way past, when her life had been uncomplicated and she’d viewed the future as a journey of discovery.

Following her separation from Seth, the only male she’d chosen to dance with had been her father…occasions when she’d felt protected, safe .

Loukas and safe didn’t equate.

In the name of heaven, get a grip . She was in a room filled with people, and she was being too ridiculous for words.

‘Sure, why not?’ she managed simply.

Except being held by him was far from simple. Even in killer heels she was conscious of his height, his restrained strength and his sexual energy.

One hand lingered at the base of her spine, and she barely controlled a faint shivery sensation as his thumb brushed a gentle pattern over the delicate bones.