Free The Andreou Marriage Arrangement by Helen Bianchin

he glimpsed the fine hold she had on her emotions, and how unaware she was that he could so easily read them.
    Just what was it about her brief marriage that had changed her from a delightful young woman possessed of an engaging personality into someone who rarely laughed and shied away from men?
    Abuse? Physical, mental…or both?
    The extent of his anger at the possibility surprised him, and he banked it down as he turned his attention to the next drawer. ‘Let’s get this done.’
    Methodical placement of clothes being her thing made for easy transference from wardrobe to packing boxes, and she focused on the chore at hand while attempting to ignore Loukas’ presence.
    Difficult, she acknowledged, when he was there , a physical entity that filled her with an edgy awareness and made her supremely conscious of every breath she took.
    Tonight…she really didn’t want to think about the evening, or how much it would cost her to play an expected part at Loukas’ side. To smile, converse and pretend .
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    You’ll be fine , Alesha silently assured herself as she slid the zip fastener home on an exquisite gown in deep emerald green whose off-the-shoulder design hugged her slender curves. She opted to leave her hair loose, and employed the skilful use of make-up to highlight her eyes and accent her generously moulded mouth.
    Six-thirty for seven meant leaving the house at six, and she attached diamond studs to her ears, added a matching pendant on a slim gold chain, only to have the clasp prove difficult.
    â€˜Problems?’ Loukas crossed to stand behind her, and she held her breath as his fingers brushed her own as he slid the clip into place.
    The exclusive tones of his cologne teased her senses, and she stood still, unable in those long seconds to do anything but breathe.
    He seemed to surround her, a magnetic force that caused her body to pulse, irrespective of the dictates of her brain.
    For one wild moment she wondered if he knew.
    Dear heaven, she hoped not.
    â€˜Ready?’
    She stepped away from him and collected her evening clutch. ‘Yes.’
    As ready as she’d ever be , she vowed silently as the Aston Martin swept through streets slick from an early evening shower.
    She’d done this before, many times. Attending various functions in the company of her parents, and partnering Dimitri after her mother’s death.
    So what was the big deal?
    You can do this, Alesha assured herself again as Loukas slid the car to a halt adjacent the main entry of one of Sydney’s prestigious hotels.
    With smooth efficiency the concierge arranged valet parking, and she entered the hotel foyer at Loukas’ side.
    A magnificent wide staircase curved to a mezzanine level where guests were gathered in the spacious lounge adjacent the grand ballroom.
    Uniformed waiters and waitresses offered canapés, champagne and orange juice.
    Smile. Do the meet-and-greet thing, comment on the attendance, assure Karsouli’s continued support to members of the charity committee…and refer any awkward questions to Loukas.
    Simple. At least it should have been.
    Except she neglected to factor in Loukas’ constant company, the touch of his hand at the back of her waist, the effect his warm smile had on her equilibrium. Dammit, their projected togetherness.
    It was inevitable the wide diamond-encrusted wedding ring on her left hand would eventually capture attention. Coupled as it was with the plain gold band Loukas now wore, conclusions were reached and the more emboldened requested confirmation.
    The news spread, with almost comical circumspection if one was inclined towards cynical amusement.
    â€˜Darling, how wonderful happiness should evolve from such recent sadness.’ Words expressed by the charity committee member were genuine, and Alesha accepted the air-kiss, the obligatory hug as others followed.
    Men, captains of industry, who took the opportunity to shake Loukas’