Athens, Greece
It was a great party. Striking women were milling around wearing beautiful dresses; men were looking suave in their tuxes. It was small, only 200 people, but even that was too much. ‘Smile and walk’ she thought to herself.
“Me estas doliendo, querida

. Let go. No one’s going to hurt you.” She looked over at her brother. He was handsome, with soft brown eyes, chiseled features and dark brown hair. Whenever he smiled, as he was doing now, anyone could see the dimples that framed his mouth. He was a great catch for any of the women at the function there, and he laughed when she told him so.
“I’m not looking for love tonight. Besides we’re supposed to be donating money to a good cause here.”
“Yeah that works if you actually have money to donate to a ‘good cause’. Most of the people come just to brag about their money.” She stifled a giggle at his raised eyebrow at the oncoming rant he knew she was going to make. But she stopped and said something else instead. “So, just what is the good cause?”
“No. if I told you, you would go on another tirade, and this time, I won’t be able to stop you from railing at these poor guests.” He shook his head laughing silently when she stuck her tongue out at him like a child.
Fine, be that way. Come then, I’m starving, and it doesn’t look like anyone else is going to eat.”
¥
“Every person at this function looks fake. No one’s even eating anything.”
“Relax, it’s not like you’re going to marry any of these people” Angelo was concerned for his friend. He had been tense and restless all morning. He thought bringing him to the function would loosen him up. Evidently he was wrong.
Andreos had been his friend since they were ten and fighting dragons in his backyard. And when they were in his room, just talking. They were always in his house because Angelo’s house was run down and old. But their monetary differences hadn’t mattered to them back then. Or now. Andreos had gained millions as he’d grown up, but he hadn’t forgotten about Angelo. He’d given him a job, and then helped him invest and create his own company, soon matching Andreos’s millions. He loved Andreos like a brother and it bothered him to see him this stressed.
“Excuse Me.” The feminine voice brought Angelo out of his stupor. He moved automatically then saw her face.
She was beautiful. Dark, ebony hair framed a heart-shaped face, flawless and fair with a tinge of pink around her cheeks. He let his eyes trail over the rest of her and they almost fell out. The deep red dress was accented to her every curve, showing off the swells of her breasts, curvy waist and narrow hips. The dress pooled around her legs, hiding the length.
He steeled his resolve to talk to her, when he noticed Andreos. His eyes were turning darker, and they slid over her as if he were already imagining her in his arms. Finally. He was actually noticing a member of the different sex after two years.
“Look there’s Alicia. I need to talk to her. I’ll see you later.” He walked away, shaking his head and smiling. Andreos hadn’t even noticed him. She would be good for him.
¥
He had left her. She’d turned around to give him a piece of fruit, and he was gone. She searched the courtyard with her eyes, panicking. She was by herself. And people were starting to stare. Two women across the table were giving her quick glances and whispering. Turning to go, her face hit a rock-hard wall. She gasped when she felt two arms grasp her arms, steadying her. Her eyes traveled up and up until they collided with a pair of grey ones. They looked like a turbulent sea after the storm.
“Are you okay? “ God help her, his voice was like honey with a foreign accent that didn’t sound like the rest of the natives in Greece. It sounded romantic with an almost lyrical quality to it. His voice brought attention to his mouth. It was a full stunning mouth that promised a woman paradise if they were ever blessed with kissing it. And they looked even better when he smiled, which his lips were doing right now. And she was staring at him like a blind person seeing the sun for the first time.
The thought went over like a bucket of cold water.
She straightened her spine and lifted her head high
“Yes I’m fine. I didn’t see you. I-I’m sorry.” Her courage had deserted her when she had looked at him. Really looked. He was the stuff made of Greek Gods, which was appropriate given they were in Greece. Blushing profusely, she tried to turn away, but he caught her chin in his fingers, forcing her face back up.
“Don’t worry. It was my fault.” He gestured to the food with his thumb. “You were going to eat? I suggest the pastry with the grey topping. It’s delicious.”
“Um, Okay.” She reached across the table and popped the small pastry in her mouth. The flavor burst on her tongue, making her sensitive to the texture and consistency of it. It was scrumptious and she was aware of the gentleman watching her, gauging her reaction. Keeping her expression under control, she swallowed the delicious delicacy. “It’s good.”
“Just Good? Not mouth-wateringly, perfectly perfect, lip-smackingly tasty?” His face was sober, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that gave him away.
“Yes. Only good.” She smiled. He was very charming and amusing.
“Da-arn. Looks like my readers will be disappointed with that bland description.” Yes, definitely amusing. She could tell by the way it sounded he was going to say damn instead of darn. It was oddly endearing to her. Along with everything else about him. Especially his mouth. He had a perfect cupid’s bow that was in total contrast to the rest of his sharp features. And once again he was disturbing her thoughts by simply standing there. She tried to recall what he had barely said.
“Your readers?” That comment unnerved her. Of course there would reporters here, but she didn’t expect them to openly announce themselves. Feeling edgy she noticed that they were alone. Everyone was clear on the other side; the closest person was ten meters away. She started feeling panicky, but kept her cool, determined to make it through at least a few more moments before allowing her fear to control her.
“Well not mine directly. My company owns them. It’s their people, but I get the profits.”
The relief she felt almost floored her, but she controlled her expression. He didn’t actually take the pictures and write the stories. She was so grateful, she missed the last part of his question. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I asked if you wanted to dance.” His question surprised her. She was so caught up in him, she completely forgot they were in public. It was just them in their own little bubble. She recognized it as a waltz; it was a song she had learned later in life and recalled it involved a lot of contact, something her body wanted, but her mind knew wasn’t possible. She needed to make her mind now though because he was already pulling her toward the dance floor. Refusing to be seen as submissive, she walked alongside him.
So lost in the mixed feelings the song evoked, she was startled when he abruptly pulled her to him. She thrust out her arm to keep from tripping and it landed on his shoulder. He caught the other in his hand and began to move. Her feet came into the steps easily and soon they were waltzing around the dance floor alone. Soon she was beginning to notice things besides the other people. Things like his warm hand across the naked skin of her back, his legs brushing along hers, and his breath across her cheek.
They were so close now, every part of her was pressed against him. His masculine scent assaulted her sense of smell, but it was such a pleasing aroma, she couldn’t bear to part from it. She could feel every ridge and point of his body and felt that it was all firmly toned. The muscle under her hand proved it all the more. As pressed up to him as she was she could also feel he was just as pleased to be there.
Her cheeks started to flame as she realized it was his erection pressing against her hip. This was too intimate an embrace for her, but it felt so good to be held, she didn’t want it to stop. Brazenly, she tilted her hips mid-step so that her pelvis brushed his closely. She heard his intake of breath and smiled in satisfaction. I’m actually doing this flitted through her mind, but all thoughts scattered when he pulled her chest straight up against his.
¥
Andreos was quickly turning to fire by the little minx he held in his arms. She was turning him on almost to the point of no return. His shaft was so thick now it almost hurt to keep up the dancing charade. And she was deliberately tempting him. Even now he could feel the slide of her thigh against his and it sent shivers all over him. He couldn’t wait for the moment when he could be done with this.
¥
I’m playing with fire she chastised herself. But so was he. He moved like water over and throughout her senses, making her hyperaware of how much more feminine she was than him. There was no one else around for her. All she could see, and all she wanted to see, was his eyes. Those turbulent sea-gray eyes. She was so lost, she didn’t hear the song end.
He stopped their waltzing slowly, as if he didn’t want to leave her. Soon though they stopped, standing beside each other in front of a crowd. Sound came roaring back painfully once she wasn’t under the spell of his eyes. The people were applauding loudly. Only now did she remember the way they were dancing so intimately, and how it must have looked to the others. Heat scalded her cheeks again as she walked in between the crowd to a table.
“Well. That was quite a dance.” She looked up to see his smile, looking pleased with himself. Well he should be she thought, recalling her blatant display of her affections. Mortified, she tried to say goodbye, but he held steadfast to her wrist. “Come. You must at least stay for the champagne. Here, I’ll get us some.” He was already walking away before she could respond. He is so egotistical she thought. Then she realized she was all alone again.
Her palms started to sweat. She felt hot and cold at the same time, and her legs felt like jelly. She was about to turn, when she saw Jake. Joy flooded her system. He walked over to her, obviously seeing her alone. Once again she felt grateful that he knew her so well.
“Hey, having fun?” He took her hand to warm it with his.
“Yeah. Jake, when can we leave?”
“Is it starting?”One look from her confirmed it. “Well I’m not needed anymore, but there are people I really should say goodbye to. Wait here.”
He walked off into the crowd, but for once nothing happened. Was it finally over? Turning around to tell him, she soon found out why nothing was happening. He was right behind her, holding two glasses of champagne. Opening her mouth to explain her leaving, she caught his expression, and promptly closed it. He looked mad. More than mad, he looked furious.
¥
Andreos could not believe what he had seen. His woman was with someone else. She was holding someone else’s hand, not his, and cuddling up to him, not Andreos. Well, if she wanted someone to hold, he would gladly provide someone. Smiling to himself, he approached her slowly.
“Here, one for you and one for me. And now a toast.” Handing her one of the glasses, he tapped his with a fork, like in the movies, until he had everyone’s attention. “Hello everyone. My name is Andreos, and I would like say thank you for coming to my charity event for the orphaned. And also thank you to those who donated more than ten thousand to this very special cause. Enjoy the food, prepared especially by my personal chef, and the music. Good night, and merry drinking.” He threw back the glass, watching her over the rim. She looked stricken, and the expression brought satisfaction to him.
So she hadn’t known this thing was for kids. That explained her blatant sexual advances on him. At any rate, they’re over with now, he thought.
At least until he flicked a fleeting glance at her. She was sitting with her hands in her lap, the picture of straight-laced girl. He actually started to believe it for a second, until he noticed her eyes. They were wandering over the room in a leisurely pace, seductively lingering on the men. Some were staring right back at her.
“How was that?” He only said it to get her attention. As if he needed confirmation from her.
“Fine. I need to go now though. Good night.” she stood up walking towards the door and leaving him behind. But he wouldn’t let her go so easily.
“What’s the rush? The party barely started.” He called after her, but she wouldn’t listen, hurrying towards the door. He followed, catching her arm before she passed through the gate. Controlling his features to one pleading, he said, “Please stay. I don’t even know your name.” He went through all their conversations, and saw that it was true; even more, he had never revealed his name either.
“Please, I really must go.” She wasn’t even looking at him anymore, instead looking out toward the crowd. Probably looking for that piece of trash I saw her with earlier. He backpedaled for a second. Was that jealousy? But there was no denying it. Whenever he thought of her with him he saw red.
Of course he’d been plenty jealous before, with many of his past girlfriends. All actresses or models, thinking they’ll have a better hold on him if they showed they were ready to leave him at a moment’s notice. They’d soon learned differently. They were the ones dropped in an instant with no sense of what had happened.
But this was different. He couldn’t bear the thought of any man touching her, let alone holding her in his arms. What was wrong with him?
As if hearing his thoughts, her mystery man appeared. He took one look at their joined hands, and rushed towards her other side.
“Are we leaving?” He was talking to her, but it was obvious the glare that came along with it was meant for him. The deep rumbling that was his voice sounded familiar. It struck a chord somewhere in him, but he was too furious to pay much attention to it.
“Are you going to introduce us?” he answered back, with enough venom to make a rattlesnake happy.
“Ummm… Andreos, this is Dante.” Her voice came out slightly shaky and breathless, and by the look of her face, he could tell she was trying to sound calm. It didn’t matter anyways, he was too caught up in the name she had said.
Dante. The Dante. As in playboy, rich, powerful Dante, with so many billions, they had needed to make up a whole new number.
And she was probably banging him, while trying to get another one on the side. She actually had the nerve to try it? To get two billionaire lovers and neither would find out?
Then again, he had been fooled pretty quickly, he recalled. That was probably why she thought she could get away with it. Well he wasn’t going to be made a fool of, not again. “Good evening Dante. Did you enjoy the evening?”His tone had cooled five degrees from the last time he had spoken.
Dante was taken aback by the change in conversation, but covered it well. “Thank you, yes. We were just leaving, so if you mind…?” He motioned with his hand to the gate.
“Of course. I regret though that we couldn’t dance once again, Cherie. I can still remember the way your hot little hand felt on my …” Andreos fell quiet when he saw the stricken look that crossed her face. It passed quickly, but he still saw it. A spark of guilt came, but it was gone when she started to hold her lover’s hand again.
“Of course I remember… just now when you brought it up. Actually at that time, I was remembering last night. Sorry, you just weren’t doing it for me, and I needed to remember someone else. So I thought of my friend, my best friend I should say.” By this time, she had draped herself over her lover, hooking a hand around his waist and leaning in.
Andreos lost all compassion when he saw her holding his hand, walking out in one of the sultriest, least subtle walks he had ever seen. Knowing that it was a deliberate blow to him didn’t lessen the effect though. His skin had goose bumps, and there was a bulge in his pants that hadn’t been there before.
He walked back in with some difficulty, but also with renewed resolve. He would make her regret her little game.


Chapter 2


Venice, Italy
Rosa wiped her sweaty brow with her hand. It was the fifth time she had done that in the past hour alone. The café was sweltering this time of year, and the American tourists with their limited Italian didn’t help. Tempers were rising rapidly and Rosa had to run back and forth between the waiters and the tourists. The waiters didn’t know much English and the tourists didn’t know much Italian.
“Hey, lady?” Rosa sighed and went to go help the newest tourist.
“What can I get you, sir?” She looked down at the gentleman and noticed him staring. Only it wasn’t her he was staring at. He was staring at her chest. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. He still hadn’t looked away. If anything he was staring more, enraptured with her uplifted breasts. She walked away, exhaling disgustedly. She felt his hand come down on her bottom, caressing the length of it. Whirling around, she slapped the hand away from her.
He looked perplexed for a second, then angry. Furious. Not good. She took a step back from his inhuman glower. Before she could take another, he hooked his foot around her ankle and swept his leg out tripping her. He caught her before she fell, trapping her back to his front. Rosa was petrified, paralyzed by her fear. What did he want with her?
“Excuse me?” His breath stunk of beer and drugs. How could she have missed it? Now he was going to do something awful to her. And no witnesses.
The café was actually empty now, a first all day. Her coworkers were taking a break and had gone out. Her manager was out back taking inventory and he’d never hear her scream. Sound proof walls were looking really bad right now. She was all alone with a drunken junkie who could do whatever he wanted with her.
The fight reaction within her kicked in. She shoved her elbow straight into his solar plexus, heard his breath come out in a pain-filled grunt. Stepping on his instep, she shoved her head back into his as hard as she could. Hearing his agonized groan was almost as satisfying as when he let her go. Free at last, she ran behind counter and pressed the emergency button hidden there. The man stayed on the floor unconscious, bleeding out of his nose.
Her manager came out of the storage room. “What happened?” he said in Italian.
“Signor, he tried to-“she stopped when he slashed the air in a cut gesture.
“Rosa enough. I can’t have my employees making my customers bleed. This is the fifth guy I’ve found lying on my floor. You said the last one had a gun in his coat. He was a reporter taking pictures.” That one had actually not been an accident. But she would never confess that to him. “I’m sorry, honey, but I’m going to have to let you go.” She felt a small disappointment at his words, but it soon evaporated when he placed an arm around her soldiers. He was slightly shorter than her, but that wasn’t what made her tense.
His hand landed on her other soldier, his hand reaching down her arm. He was rubbing circles with his thumb on her arm. “Unless you promise that it will never happen again.” With every word, his thumb crept lower and closer to her breast. His tone implied something else, another incentive to let her keep the job, and she knew what that was.
Disgusted, Rosa took his arm off her shoulders, gently, but forcibly. “That’s very nice, sir, but I don’t think I’ll be able to accommodate.” Her voice dripped with fake sincerity, and the barely concealed warning.
Before she could see how he took to the threat, she strode out of the small café, stripping off the apron and throwing it on the floor of the Cappa Café.

Dante would kill her if he found out she had gotten quit from this job too. She sighed resignedly.
Well so what if he did? He was a billionaire. He didn’t know how hard it was to keep a job in urban Italy. Hell, he didn’t know the meaning of hard. He thought everything came so easily.
Well maybe it did to people who had money, but for everyone else it was just plain hell.
She shook her head. She was going around in circles with her reasoning. She was still fired and Dante would still yell at her.
Looking up, she noticed the street sign.

Impressum

Tag der Veröffentlichung: 17.01.2011

Alle Rechte vorbehalten