Free The Andreou Marriage Arrangement by Helen Bianchin Page A

hand and offer congratulations. And women, some of whom expressed their affection a little more enthusiastically to Loukas than the occasion demanded.
    Two in particular, known for their flirting skills and love of high-living.
    Alesha assured herself she didn’t care when the exquisite blonde melded her body close and wound her arms round Loukas’ neck.
    To his credit, he moved his head so the intended kiss brushed the edge of his jaw, and he summoned a faint smile as he disentangled the blonde’s arms.
    A sparkling laugh, the hint of a moue, then the blonde turned towards Alesha. ‘Darling, he’s delicious. If you hadn’t snared him first…’ The words trailed to a halt, with no doubt of the implication.
    Darling , Alesha was sorely tempted to redress, you’d have been most welcome. Instead she offered a sweet smile, and barely managed to contain her surprise as Loukas lifted her hand and brushed his lips to her sensitive palm.
    For a brief moment the room and everyone in it faded as her eyes locked with his, and the air between them seemed filled with electric tension.
    Then he smiled, and curled her hand within his own. ‘Fortunately, she did.’
    Oh, my… what was that ?
    Playing the part, a tiny imp taunted. And he does it so well.
    â€˜Pity,’ the blonde voiced with seeming regret. ‘We could have had fun.’ With a pretty wave of her hand the blonde turned and melted into the crowd.
    â€˜You can let go now,’ Alesha managed quietly, attempting to pull free without success, for he merely threaded his fingers through her own. She kept her voice light and a smile in place. ‘Must you?’
    â€˜Yes.’
    He glimpsed sudden pain darken her eyes, then it was gone.
    It was perhaps as well the ballroom doors opened and the assembled guests converged towards the three main entry points.
    Their table held prominent position, and the usual speeches included gratitude for previous funding together with a plea for the guests’ continuing generosity.
    The drinks flowed, entertainment was provided between each of the three dinner courses, and it wasn’t until coffee was served that there was the opportunity for any lengthy conversation.
    A DJ set discs spinning at one end of the ballroom and provided a mix of music. A time of the evening when someof the older guests began to leave, and the younger set filled the adjoining floor-space.
    â€˜Shall we?’
    Dance? With him?
    She had, on a few occasions in the past. Way past, when her life had been uncomplicated and she’d viewed the future as a journey of discovery.
    Following her separation from Seth, the only male she’d chosen to dance with had been her father…occasions when she’d felt protected, safe .
    Loukas and safe didn’t equate.
    In the name of heaven, get a grip . She was in a room filled with people, and she was being too ridiculous for words.
    â€˜Sure, why not?’ she managed simply.
    Except being held by him was far from simple. Even in killer heels she was conscious of his height, his restrained strength and his sexual energy.
    One hand lingered at the base of her spine, and she barely controlled a faint shivery sensation as his thumb brushed a gentle pattern over the delicate bones.
    If he sought to soothe, the caress had the opposite effect, and she dug her lacquered nails into his hand in a silent plea to desist.
    A fruitless exercise as he drew her close, splaying the hand at her spine to hold her there.
    Worse, the DJ selected a slow, seductive number and the lights dimmed low, providing a level of intimacy that made her want to pull away from him.
    She tried, without success, and everything within her coalesced and became one highly sensitized ache. It made her want something she’d thought she once held in her grasp…only to be cheated as her emotional dreams were smashed into a thousand pieces.
    Please , she silently begged. I can’t do