Free The Innocent's Surrender by Sara Craven Page B

eyes narrowing dangerously.
    ?Lost for words, agapi mou? ? he gibed. ?Perhaps you should have some tea, after all.?
    ?My God,? she said. ?You?re unbelievable, do you know that? You?re destroying my life, and here you are, chatting about my choice of beverage.?
    He shrugged. ?I gather it is good for shock.?
    ?I?m not shocked.? She kept her denial cool and crisp, in spite of her inner turmoil. ?How could I be? The events of last night showed me what a worthless individual you are, Kyrios Mandrakis. So I suppose I was a fool to imagine you might feel any belated remorse for your disgusting behaviour, or attempt some kind of amend, however inadequate.?
    ?But I have every intention of making amends to you, agapi mou,? he said, silkily. ?But in my own time, and in my own way.?
    Her throat tightened. ?Then maybe I should make it clear right now that I shall not be meekly submitting to any more of the degradation you?ve subjected me to.?
    ?I hope not,? he returned coolly. ?Meekness has no appeal for me. I want you warm and eager in my arms, Natasha mou, not submissive.?
    ?Then you?re going to be seriously disappointed.? Her voice thickened. ?I may not have kicked and screamed last night?although my chief regret is that I didn?t leave you permanently damaged?but that doesn?t mean I accept the situation you forced on me, or that I ever will do.
    ?After all,? she went on, ?even you can?t keep me locked up forever, or trailed by your gorilla. At some point today my signature will be genuinely needed in order for you to take over the Papadimos assets.
    ?And you can hardly deliver me to the designated meeting place bound, gagged or chained to your wrist.?
    She paused. ?So, this is where it ends, Kyrios Mandrakis. Be content with your new shipping lines, because I don?t go with them. This is our first breakfast and it?s also our last. Once the papers are signed, I?m out of here, and there?s nothing you can do to stop me.?
    ?No?? He leaned back in his chair. ?I would not be so sure of that.?
    ?Then think again,? she advised curtly. ?You seem to have overlooked the fact that there?ll be lawyers present at the completion of this deal, kyrie . Papadimos attorneys, as well as yours. And I shall make it perfectly clear?swear an affidavit if I have to?that you tricked me at the airport into coming here, then forced me to go to bed with you.
    ?I shall also get Stavros and Andonis to admit that they were the authors of that foul letter, and I knew nothing about it. So I think any abduction charges against you may stick after all?don?t you? And believe me, that will only be the beginning.?
    He said pleasantly, ?I should have told them to serve you honey this morning, Natasha mou. It might have sweetened your temper?and your tongue.?
    He paused to refill his cup. ?So, where do you plan to go?? he asked. ?After this dramatic exit? To the Villa Demeter to live once more as one happy family??
    ?No way,? she said. ?I?m going to England. Back to the life there you?ve tried and failed to ruin.?
    His mouth curled. ?And to the lover who does not exist??
    ?No,? Natasha said. ?Far from it. I run a business, kyrie. Small, and meaningless in your scheme of things, of course, but useful?and successful too, and I?m proud of it. I have people relying on me, and I can?t?I won?t abandon all that on some vindictive whim of yours.?
    ?Ah, yes.? He gave her a meditative look. ?You call it Helping Out, do you not??
    She swallowed. ?How did you know that??
    ?I had enquiries made.? He shrugged. ?But your absence will not be a problem. I can arrange for a temporary replacement to be found for you, until you are able to return.?
    ?Just like that?? Her voice shook with anger.
    ?Why not?? His brows rose.
    She said defiantly, ?Because I?m not letting some stranger take my place, just so that I can be kept around to?service you. As I thought I?d just explained.?
    She lifted her chin. ?I shan?t ever forgive you for last night, Kyrios Mandrakis, but, given time, I shall forget. And