One Night...Nine-Month Scandal

‘An hour?’ Losing her pretence at cool, Kelly sat upright in a flash of panic. ‘I have one hour to get ready to go and meet a load of people I’m supposed to impress? That’s all?’

‘I’m the only person you have to impress,’ he said smoothly. ‘And I assumed you would get ready when we arrive in Athens. I have arranged for some people to help you.’

‘What sort of people?’ Torn between relief and outrage, Kelly frowned at him. ‘A plastic surgeon?’

‘Not a plastic surgeon. I don’t think you’re in need of one of those.’ There was laughter in his eyes. ‘A stylist and a hairdresser.’

‘Stylist? I’m not in need of a plastic surgeon but I am in need of a stylist?’ Her confidence punctured, Kelly pushed her hair behind her ear. ‘Are you saying you don’t like my style?’

He sighed. ‘I love your style. But most women consider that sort of thing a treat.’ His smile faded and his eyes narrowed warily. ‘Did I get it wrong? Because I can cancel.’

‘No,’ Kelly said hurriedly, ‘Don’t cancel. It might be quite—’ she shrugged ‘—fun, I suppose. Maybe they’ll give me one of those seaweed-wrap things that makes you lose a stone in five minutes.’

‘If they do that, then they’ll never work for me again. Why are women always so incredibly conscious about their weight?’

‘Because men are incredibly shallow,’ Kelly said with dignity, swinging her legs off the sun lounger.

‘Where are you going?’

She picked up her sunglasses and her book. ‘I’m going to get ready.’

‘You can get ready when we arrive at Athens.’

‘I’m getting ready to get ready. I can’t face a stylist looking like this.’

Clearly out of his depth, Alekos dug his hand into his hair. ‘I will never understand women.’

‘Stick at it. You’re a bright man; you’ll get there eventually.’

His house was in the smartest district of Athens, tucked away from the other mansions and hidden at the end of a long, winding drive.

Approaching from the air, Kelly felt slightly faint.

It was huge. Beneath her she could see the architecturally beautiful villa with its wide terrace facing over the city of Athens. An ancient vine offered shade, and water cascaded over a series of stones and into an incredible swimming pool. It was a smooth curve, an oasis of clear, turquoise water framed by tumbling bougainvillea and hot-pink oleander.

Kelly thought of her tiny rented cottage in Little Molting. When she stood in her kitchen, she could almost touch all four walls. This was another world.

Feeling overwhelmed and more than a little intimidated, she clutched her seat as the helicopter settled on a circular pad a little distance from the villa.

Four powerfully built men immediately came into view.

Kelly lifted her eyebrows. ‘Who are they?’

‘Part of my security team.’

‘Is there something you’re not telling me?’

‘In Athens I am more careful,’ Alekos said shortly, unclipping her seat belt and urging her towards the door. ‘Wealth makes you a kidnap target. I want to be able to get on with my work without looking over my shoulder.’

Kelly was affronted on his behalf. She knew his ever-expanding business had created literally thousands of jobs, many of which went to Greeks. She knew him to be fiercely patriotic, supporting local charities and numerous good causes. It was one of the things she’d loved about him when they’d first met.

Following him along the path and into the villa, it was impossible not to stare because it was, without doubt, the most impressive home she’d ever seen. When they’d been together before, they’d spent all their time at his villa in Corfu, so she’d never seen his main residence.

Acres of costly marble and glass gave a sleek, contemporary feel to the place. Beautiful artwork added splashes of colour to the white walls; the furnishings were simple and elegant but the overall feel was one of incredible wealth and privilege. All of it a million miles from her own incredibly ordinary background.

‘We don’t have much time.’ Without breaking stride, Alekos led her up a wide staircase and pushed open a door. ‘The staff are all waiting to help you. I will leave you to get ready.’

‘But—’ Kelly had a million questions she wanted to ask, but he was already striding away from her, his mobile in his hand as he fielded yet another phone call.