The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Part 7

Opening her eyes once more she had let her hand rise to softly stroke his cheek surprise lighting his wonderful features.

"Thank you" she whispered raising her head to place a small kiss on his mouth before she had slid from him moving to the bathroom.

Alexos had watched her go, confusion filling him. What had she thanked him for, for carrying her to bed, for making love to her? With a small frown he had sought to understand why he even cared.

In the shower Grace had closed her eyes allowing the water to flow over her, allowing it to wash away his aroma, the feel of his body on hers. She wanted to be angry with him, to lash out and tell him to go to h.e.l.l, never to touch her, a loud sigh leaving her lips. Six years ago she had used him. She had led him on and then 'ditched' him, and while her reasons had been at the time justifiable, she had not considered him, Grace realising that her interest in him over those years had been a manifestation of the guilt she felt towards him.

What he was doing was wrong, but she had behaved no better. Frowning softly she had wondered if his reasoning was really any worse than hers had been. She had been motivated not to lead the life her father had painted, wife, mother and as he had on many occasions hinted, expected to turn a blind eye to any and all of her future husband's indiscretions, just as her mother had done. Closing her eyes she had allowed the truth of this to finally sink in. Her whole life she had been aware that her father had been less than faithful to her mother, his behaviour no doubt one of the main reasons that she had not wanted such a life for herself. Alexos was blackmailing her, but his motives were out of love, love for his father, something softening towards the man still in the bedroom. Would it be so bad to spend the month with him? She could manage the extra workload, and maybe in some small way make up for what had happened six years previously, a small smile flitting over her serene features.

Pulling the towel around her she had heard the sound of him moving into the bathroom, looking confused as she had given him a smile full of genuine warmth. Alexos had groaned softly at the way it would transform her beautiful face into one which shone with such an internal glow. Quickly entering the shower he had given a small laugh.

"Forgot to say...good morning" Surprised to hear her return laugh and 'good morning' back.

Brus.h.i.+ng her teeth, he had showered before pulling one of the large fluffy towels around his waist, his broad shoulders and toned stomach still bare, surprised to see the flash of hunger in her eyes as she had looked at him before dropping her lids and turning away.

"So what are your plans?" he had asked conversationally, as she had given a small curl of her lips "Lots and lots and lots of work" Alexos giving a small nod "You can't put in the same hours as you did last night" his tone had been gentle Grace biting back the comment that it was his fault she was having to "Well...we will just have to see...I might get faster"

Considering her thoughtfully he had looked as though he was about to say something before turning and picking up his toothbrush. Moving from the bathroom, she had pulled on clean shorts and a s.h.i.+rt Alexos quickly joining her.

Together the two had moved to the dining room for breakfast, Alexos surprised at the calmness of her. Gone was the anger of his blackmail, instead an almost resigned acceptance of her situation along with what appeared almost to be relief. He could not understand this woman, the realisation hitting him that he never could. This was a woman who swam towards sharks, the memory sending a smile to his features.

"What is so funny?" she had asked gently, he looking at her in surprise his dark eyes glinting playfully.

"I was just remembering you swimming towards the shark...I thought I was going to have to drag a fainted woman back to the s.h.i.+p...and instead you wanted to get closer"

She had laughed nodding, the memory returning of the wonderful dive they had taken that day, her eyes suddenly more serious "I had a great time that day"

The two had continued eating in silence, a comfortable one before he had lifted his head "I have to go to the mainland later on...will you be OK?"

Surprised at his concern she had nodded her head, a small lift of the ends of her mouth as she had given a rueful smile "I will be busy...do not worry about me"

Soon the two had gone their separate ways, both moving to their relative offices, Grace surprised to find that all the equipment promised the previous day had already been installed in her office, smiling widely at the top of the range equipment.

For the rest of the day she had lost herself deep in thought sorting out the workload and continuing from the previous day. When he had moved into the room she had been engrossed in work barely noticing as he had said goodbye, managing only a weak smile, Alexos frowning at the sandwich that had remained untouched from the lunch he had sent into her.

By eight that evening she was exhausted and had closed down the computer, scowling at her schedule with the realisation that she had not covered as much as she had expected to that day.

Moving into the dining room, she had given a thankful smile as the housekeeper had insisted on preparing some dinner for her, Grace feeling ravenous as she had demolished a large plate of the delicious pasta.

Satisfied and feeling better, she had anguished over returning back to work, groaning knowing that she had to keep on top of the workload. The door opening and the sound of loud voices laughing and joking had caused her to frown softly, curiosity making her move out to the entrance to see who had arrived.

Stopping, Grace had stared in shock, not believing what she was seeing as the four faces had all turned to look at her.

"Professor Dionis " as one they had all cried, Grace looking at Alexos in dumbfound amazement, quickly smiling as the others had ran to hug her, she laughing back happily.

"W...where...how?" all four chuckling as they had looked over at Alexos, his face breaking out into a large smile seeing the wonder in her eyes.

"I felt bad about all the extra work I had put on you...so I called Carol who told me the names of your research a.s.sistants...and they told me that you had originally asked for four...so..."

One of the girls, Pippa had continued, her young face alive with wonder at what had happened "Mr Manetas phoned and asked if we would be prepared to come over, all expenses paid and do the research work with you...and he is going to provide us with a two week paid holiday on the mainland when we are finished"

Grace had smiled seeing the way the four had hopped excitedly around. It was not often that students were given such an offer, her lips twitching as she had grinned, her eyes full of fun as she had flicked a thankful look at Alexos.

"Well in that case...be prepared to be worked like dogs". The others nodding happily "Anything you say professor"

Alexos had called his housekeeper to show the new guests their rooms before moving back into the dining room with her.

"Why did you do that?" she had asked softly, her face full of questions as sitting down he had poured himself a coffee "I wanted you fresh, not so tired each night I had to carry you to bed. So I figured that if I had given you three times the workload...then having four a.s.sistants would mean that you were finished faster and would be able to spend more quality time exploring and with me and my father"

He had been surprised to see the tears gathering in her eyes as she had coughed, turning around to hide them from him "Yes...well, I guess that was kind of you" Alexos feeling warmth filling him at her reaction.

More food had quickly appeared in the dining room as the others had rejoined them, all in awe at their surroundings, Grace's mouth falling as she had discovered that he had sent his own personal plane to collect the group, all excited to have flown in such luxury.

Soon the conversation had moved to the work to be done, Alexos impressed with how organised she was and also with the reverence with which the students had treated her. She was one of the youngest visiting professors that had ever taught in the university, but he could tell that she was well respected and liked by the reaction of the group. Watching her he had once more admired Grace Leotta. Six years ago she had told him that her dream was to become a marine biologist, and she had followed her dream and succeeded, now doing work of such value.

An hour later the students had retired to their beds, all having been up early to get ready for the trip. Wis.h.i.+ng them a good rest she had accepted Alexos' offer of a night cap smiling up at him as she had chuckled "Sure...looks like I may have some free time after all"

Sitting on one of the couches he had poured them both a red wine, Grace allowing him to pull her in against him as they had sipped the expensive drink, soft music playing in the background as he had allowed the flames from the fire to be the only light in the room.

"Why did you never consummate your marriage?" His soft question had caught Grace by surprise as she had stiffened.

"I...I would rather not talk about it Alexos" looking pleadingly up at him. She did not want to get into the whole need for her to escape, bringing up her deception with him yet again. For once she had felt as though things between them seemed so right, knowing that bringing up her elopement would only ruin the mood between them.

Sitting she had turned to look at him, a note of concern on her face. He however, had not dropped the subject "Given the way that you reacted to me...I do not think that the problem is on your side..." Grace lifting her finger to his mouth before leaning forward and kissing him softly.

"Please Alexos...let's not ruin things"

His eyes had held hers for several moments before he sighed softly, nodding "OK" plucking the wine from her fingers and depositing it on a nearby table before pulling her in harder against him "I will settle for an early night instead" his deep throaty laugh sending small s.h.i.+vers through her. Rising he had held out his hand for her, Grace taking it and standing with him. Frowning, she had paused. He had looked at her questioningly as she had pushed her long hair from her face.

"Alexos...you know that..." her voice full of embarra.s.sment "You know that I never slept with anybody else" a smile filling his face as he had pulled her into the crook of his arms, dropping his head to kiss the curve of her throat "Mmmmmm.....yes I figured that", Grace groaning softly as once more the fires had stoked so deep within her.

"Protection" the word had fallen from her lips as she had felt her head becoming fuzzy with the need for him. Sensing his body stiffening she had pushed away from him, her hands primly straightening her s.h.i.+rt.

"W...we haven't been using protection...and I am not on the pill" stopping to look up at him "I don't want to find myself stupidly pregnant like some teenager because we didn't use protection"

Alexos had turned from her, his back rigid as he had once more lifted his nearly full gla.s.s of wine, taking a drink before once more turning to her "Would that be so bad Grace?"

She had stared at him in stunned shock "Are you seriously asking me that?" her voice higher than she had expected her eyes staring at him in shock "I don't have the kind of lifestyle for a child...dragging it around the world...what kind of life would that be?"

His eyes had dropped to his drink, a thoughtful frown on his forehead as he had mulled over her words, before once more lifting them and smiling.

"I'm just messing with you. Protection not a problem, I'm sure I have some"

Grace giving a nervous tremulous return smile as he had once more reached for her hand leading her to the stairs to their room, pausing as he had looked down at her thoughtfully. "Although...considering we haven't used any yet...have you thought about what might happen if you already were?"

Biting her lip she had fallen back on science "Statistically it is not probable" she had murmured, unease filling her that she was not a statistic.

For the next two weeks the group had all fallen into a routine working only half days at Alexos' insistence. For the rest of the day he would take them diving or for tours around the island. Some days they had spent on the beach enjoying the antics of the monk seals, Grace surprised at the knowledge he had acquired about the animals.

At night the pa.s.sion between the two had burned as bright as ever showing no signs of diminis.h.i.+ng, only growing more intense as the two had learnt how to read the other, Alexos finding Grace a keen and eager pupil in bed, not shy or reserved when it came to trying new things. The weeks slipping by in a content blur.

All too soon the work had been completed and hugging the four students with promises to get back in touch when she returned, the two had bade farewell to them, Alexos again thrilling them as he had organised for a speedboat to take them all to the five star hotel he had paid for ,for their holiday. Smiling and shaking her head Grace had chuckled as they had disappeared out of sight "Where were you when I was a student...could have used holidays like that" closing her eyes and biting her tongue as the memories had flooded back fidgeting nervously "I...I'm sorry...I didn't mean..."

Alexos waving away the comment, but not before she had seen the strange look that had fleetingly crossed his handsome face, almost mournful. "Forget it"

Regarding her for a second he had taken her softly into his arms "My father arrives tomorrow. We have been invited over for a couple of nights when he arrives and there is an expectation of a more formal dress code...and he had informed me that he is organising for a party to celebrate our engagement"

Groaning at the thought of a party, not enjoying the prospect of having the deception become so public she had frowned. Over the past two weeks things had gone so well between them that she had forgot about the arrangement that he had made her agree to, Grace nervously staring out to sea as her brows had knitted together.

"I...I don't really have the right clothes....and ...well I feel so strange lying to your father like this" an anxious look filling her face "Your father must have hated me after what happened...is this really such a good idea Alexos?"

Taking her hand he had given a small smile "My father will love you. He hates women who are vain and ...how did you once put it....airheads" his mouth twitching as she had laughed back remembering insulting the other four women during the weekend.

"Oh my G.o.d...I cannot believe you remember that!"

Stopping, he had pulled her back around, his eyes blazing into hers "I remember everything about that weekend...and the one we spent alone" something in his eyes holding her there as he had bent down to kiss her so gently, before the moment was gone and he had once more taken her hand to move towards the jetty. With a small frown she had watched him pick up an overnight bag, her eyes widening with surprise.

"Are you going somewhere?" Alexos smiling "No...WE... are going somewhere"

You need clothes and a ring...so I figured we could make a night of it. Have dinner...catch a show...relax in a good hotel".

The mention of the ring had seen the smile drop from her face, Alexos quickly pulling her back into his arms. "This is for my father Grace. I am asking you to do this for him"

Silently she had nodded against his chest feeling as he had dropped a small kiss on her head. The fact that he had not chosen to once more remind her that he held her parents to ransom had caused a small swelling of happiness to fill her, Grace so unsure why that was.

"Why didn't we join the kids on the speedboat?" she had finally asked in surprise as he had grinned.

"Well because I thought we would take a quicker route" she looking confused as the sound of whirring blades had filled the air, Grace laughing happily "A helicopter!!" her s.h.i.+ning eyes making him grin "Oh yes...you go in style with me Cara"

She had enjoyed the short flight, landing on top of the magnificent hotel which came complete with a helipad on its roof for its many VIP visitors. As they had flown in, Alexos had pointed out his father's estate, she staring wide-eyed at the size of it and the magnificent building which sat in its centre.

From the hotel where they had checked in, Grace shaking her head, a small light of fun filling her eyes as they had walked around the large opulent suite. Once more wondered she had wondered if this man had ever slummed it in his entire life. It had turned out that the suite was owned by the family, a closet full of his clothes confirming this, Grace rolling her eyes at him as they had been met by a limousine which had transported them to the designer section of the city.

Despite her insistence that she had little interest in shopping, Grace had enjoyed trying on the designer outfits, ones which she could never have afforded. Alexos had sat patiently admiring or scrunching up his nose as she had come out of the changing room, he laughing as she would play the fool often making model imitations as she had draped herself sensually over door frames or chairs. All of the clothes, bar a suit which he had asked her to keep on had been sent to the hotel. He too had purchased a more business-like suit which he had worn, Grace holding down the rush of desire at seeing him so formally dressed, Alexos looking as comfortable in a suit as he did in jeans or shorts.

After three hours, when she was flagging, he had taken her for food before leading her to an exclusive jeweller where they had been the only customers, the two offered drinks and snacks as tray upon tray of rings were produced. Grace had known that the ring meant nothing, that it was merely the ultimate accessory in his deception; however, she had found herself taking her time, trying on the many wonderful and exquisite pieces of jewellery.

As the sapphires were placed down, her eyes had flown to one in particular, a small gasp of admiration leaving her lovely lips as she had lifted it and placed it onto her finger. The cl.u.s.ter of diamond with the cornflower blue sapphire at its centre had sparkled as it sat so perfectly on her finger, Alexos smiling widely as he too had admired it. Biting her lip with excitement, she had nodded her head he looking at the jeweller and confirming their selection.

While she had waited for him to settle the bill she had talked to the a.s.sistant while having her finger sized, a.s.sured that the ring would be ready for her the next day.

Finally they had moved back to the hotel where he had informed her they were going to a nightclub to enjoy some dancing. With a chuckle she had looked wickedly back at him "Now, will it just be us...or are am I going to have to share you with four other women?"

Alexos had chuckled, pulling her back into his arms his mouth sending small ripples of pleasure through her body "Oh...you have me all to yourself" a return twinkle in his eyes "For now anyway"

His mouth moved up the column of her throat as she had s.h.i.+vered "We have two hours, perhaps you would like a small...nap" innuendo in his voice as with a throaty laugh of her own she had allowed her hands to slide down inside his jacket "I don't know that there is going to be much sleeping done"

His lips now against hers "I do like your att.i.tude Miss Leotta" his mouth taking hers in a deep wonderful kiss, her thought to correct him as to her name instantly lost in the heat of it.

Chapter Five.

The following day Grace had sat nervously beside Alexos as he had wound the large powerful car along the perfectly manicured driveway leading up to the magnificent villa. She nervously fiddled with the ring that had been delivered to their hotel that morning. She had been surprised as Alexos had taken her hand, gently placing the ring on her finger, a strange smile on his handsome face as he had leant down to place such a gentle kiss on her mouth.

"Thank you for this" he had said softly, Grace giving a small return one, not wanting to sully the moment with reminders of his blackmail.

Now however, she had felt sick. When she had called off the engagement nearly six years ago, it had been from a distance, she so far away from any of the fallout that might have affected those around him and his family. Now she was to be made to come face to face with her actions, to have to see the contempt of what she had done in the eyes of a sick man. His hand covering hers had made her jump as he had flashed her a small grin.

"Relax Cara, or you may be the first woman in history to rub down a diamond"

With a wan smile she had given a long sigh, trying to calm herself. She could get through this, she had got through so much worse, the haunting memory of her mother's tears as she had begged her to return all those years ago filling her mind.

As the pair had moved from the car, the large stately door had been opened and a tall handsome elderly man had moved from within. Grace had been struck with how thin he had seemed, walking with the aid of a stick, his whole persona dignified and exuding an air of regal elegance.

Alexos had moved forward, hugging the man, the two talking in Greek before he had moved back to grab her hand and pull her forward.

"Papa, I would like for you to meet Grace Leotta " Grace once more hearing him address her as though she still bore her maiden name. The older man had turned his proud features to regard her solemnly before a smile had lit his still-handsome face.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Leotta" he had said lifting her hand to gently kiss her fingers, a small look of fun lighting his eyes as he had added "Finally"

Grace finding herself blush at the obvious reference, feeling as Alexos had moved in to pull her against him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you too Mr Manetas" she had replied softly, he raising his hand, a large grin filling his face.

"You will call me Nikoli and I shall call you Grace" Grace giving a small nod and smile, feeling relief fill her that the meeting had gone so much smoother than she had ever thought possible, surprised at how forgiving he had been.

Weaving his fingers into hers Alexos had given her a small wink, Grace not aware as her body had relaxed slightly. Leading the way Nikoli had been charming and interested in her work, impressed to find out the scope of the research she was involved with. He had called his housekeeper to show the two to their rooms, Grace noticing how busy the staff seemed to be. As the two had been placed into separate rooms, she had raised an eyebrow, Alexos not commenting as she would have thought he might.

Bending down conspiratorially he had chuckled.

"Looks like I may have to sneak into your room tonight" Grace holding down the small return laugh touched at his willingness to follow expected protocol. Left alone to unpack, she had turned to face him.

"Why are you calling me Leotta?"

Alexos looking down at her thoughtfully for a few seconds before answering "You may have married and obtained a piece of paper that said you were another man's wife Grace, but you never consummated that marriage"

Frowning softly she had looked at him questioningly "I WAS married Alexos" He shaking his head softly.

"No. I still do not understand what you were Grace...but you were not married, and holding on to his name does not change that fact. As far as I am concerned you are still Grace Leotta, the woman who swam towards sharks"

Biting her lip she had given a long sigh. It seemed futile to argue, Grace not exactly sure what she was arguing for as she had allowed him to lead her back down the stairs to the outside terrace where drinks and snacks had been laid out, his father already waiting for them.