Playing by the Greek's Rules (Puffin Island 0.50)

‘Worth waking up for?’ His voice was husky and she turned her head, met his sleepy, sexy gaze and felt her tummy tumble.

‘Yes. Of course, it would be easier to wake up if you’d let me sleep at night.’

He lowered his forehead to hers. ‘Do you want to sleep, erota mou?’ He curved his hand behind her head and kissed her with lingering purpose. ‘I could take you back to bed right now if that is what you want.’

Her heart was pounding. She had to keep telling herself that this was about sex and nothing else. ‘What’s the alternative?’

‘There are Minoan remains west of here if you want to extend the trip.’

‘There are Minoan remains all over Crete,’ she said weakly, telling herself that she could spend the rest of her life digging around in Minoan remains, but after this trip was over she’d never again get the chance to spend time with Nik Zervakis. ‘Bed sounds good to me.’

CHAPTER NINE

THE CREAM OF Europe’s great and good turned up to witness the wedding of Kostas Zervakis and Diandra.

‘It’s busier than Paris in fashion week,’ Lily observed as they gathered for the actual wedding.

Nik was looking supremely handsome in a dark suit and whatever reservations he had about witnessing yet another marriage of his parent he managed to hide behind layers of sophisticated charm.

‘You’re doing well,’ Lily murmured, reaching down to rescue the small posy of flowers that Chloe had managed to drop twice already. ‘I’m proud of you. No frowning. All you have to do is keep it up for another few hours and you’re done.’

He curved his arm round her waist. ‘What’s my reward for not frowning?’

‘Angry sex.’

There was laughter in his eyes. ‘Angry sex?’

‘Yes. I like that sort. It’s good to see you out of control.’

‘I’m never out of control.’

‘You were totally out of control, Mr Zervakis, and you hate that.’ She hooked her finger into the front of his shirt and saw his eyes darken. ‘You are used to being in control of everything. The people around you, your work environment, your emotions—angry sex is the only time I’ve ever seen you lose it. It felt good knowing I was the one responsible for breaking down that iron self-control of yours. Now, stop talking and focus. This is Diandra’s moment.’

The wedding went perfectly, Chloe managed to hold onto the posy and after witnessing the ceremony Lily was left in no doubt that the love between Kostas and Diandra was genuine.

‘She’s his favourite person,’ she whispered in a choked voice and Nik turned to her, wry humour in his eyes.

‘Of course she is. She cooks for him, takes care of his child and generally makes his life run smoothly.’

‘That isn’t what makes this special. He could pay someone to do that.’

‘He is paying her.’

‘Don’t start.’ She refused to let him spoil the moment. ‘Have you seen the way he looks at her? He doesn’t see anyone else, Nik. The rest of us could all disappear.’

‘That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time. Let’s do it.’

‘No. I don’t go to many weddings and this one is perfect.’ Teasing him, she leaned closer. ‘One day that is going to be you.’

He gave her a warning look. ‘Lily—’

‘I know, I know.’ She shrugged. ‘It’s a wedding. Everyone dreams at weddings. Today, I want everyone to be happy.’

‘Good. Let’s sneak away and make each other happy.’ His eyes dropped to her mouth. ‘Wait here. There’s one thing I have to do before we leave.’ Leaving Lily standing in the shade, he walked across to his new stepmother and took her hands in his.

Lily watched, a lump in her throat, as he drew her to one side.

She couldn’t hear what was said but she saw Diandra visibly relax as they talked and laughed together. And then they were joined by Kostas, who evidently didn’t want to be parted from his new bride.