Free The Highest Stakes of All by Sara Craven Page A

soon she would have to endure Vassos Gordanis’ touch, and worse.
    And seeing him without his clothes on a daily or nightly basis was probably the least of it. She’d avoided it this time, but it was something she’d have to deal with—when she had to, and not before.
    Or if she had to …
    Because she wasn’t beaten yet, she thought with sudden determination as she pulled herself upright and began to walk slowly forward. Not by a long chalk.
    Because she wasn’t about to have her life ruined over some imagined wrong by a man with too much power for his own good.
    She hadn’t yet reached his yacht, or his wretched private island. She was still in a large hotel with a foyer which, even at this time of night, would not be deserted. Quite apart from the staff, there would be people there who could hardly ignore the sight and sound of a screaming girl being dragged kicking and struggling off the premises, and would surely feel bound to intervene.
    And the reception staff could hardly stay aloof either, not if she was claiming at the top of her voice that she was being kidnapped. They’d do anything to avoid that kind of scandal, she told herself.
    Which meant that Stavros, still doggedly at her heels, would have to let her go. He’d have no choice. And, once free, she would immediately demand that the police be called, and insist on being reunited with her father. After which, it would be that emergency call to Uncle Martin and a speedy departure.
    And let Vassos Gordanis see where his bet stood then.
    She might not have to wait to reach the foyer, she thought hopefully. Not if she could outrun the man behind her and get to the lift first. She’d find a refuge somewhere. Even if she couldn’t immediately locate Denys, she knew that Chris and Julie would help her without hesitation. And no one would look for her there at their secluded bungalow.
    It wouldn’t be easy in these ridiculous high-heeled boots, but it was worth a try, she thought, taking a deep breath as they approached the door to the corridor, bracing herself for the attempt.
    Only to find the man she’d last seen taking her father away stepping forward as she emerged, and placing a firm hand on her arm.
    ‘Let go of me.’ She tried to pull away, but he was unyielding.
    He looked past her. He said with cold civility. ‘I have my instructions, thespinis.’
    Then it would have to be her original plan after all, Joanna thought as she was marched briskly to the lift. The hysterical scene in the foyer. And wondered how loudly it was possible to scream if she really put her mind to it. I’ll give it my best shot, she promised herself, tension twisting in the pit of her stomach. Because the alternative is unthinkable. Unbearable.
    She stood quietly, staring into space, as the lift descended. She needed to make them think that she’d accepted the fate imposed on her. That she’d been stunned into submission.
    Well, they would soon think again. And so would their revolting bastard of a boss who, with any luck, would be attending his meeting with a bruised face.
    She cast a swift glance at the indicator panel, noting with satisfaction that they were nearing the ground floor, and waiting for the lift to slow down. Except that it wasn’t doing anything of the kind, she realised, her heart skipping an alarmed beat. Instead, it was continuing downwards to the hotel basement.
    She said huskily, ‘What’s happening? Where are we going?’
    ‘To the entrance used by the staff.’ It was Stavros who answered, his smile grim. ‘Kyrios Gordanis decided it would offer more privacy.’
    ‘No.’ Panicking as her plan began to come apart at the seams, Joanna began to struggle. ‘No, I won’t leave like this. I won’t. I have to go to Reception—speak to someone. Let them know I’m going.’
    ‘All the necessary arrangements have already been made. The car is waiting to take us to the airport.’
    ‘I won’t go.’ She kicked the man who was holding her. He