Free The Power of the Legendary Greek by Catherine George Page B

display at the gallery. He became a regular fixture in my life, good company for meals and concerts and so on. But nothing more than that. But when we got back from what turned out to be our last evening together he asked to see my latest series of watercolours. They were still in my flat, so for the first time I invited him up there.’ She pushed the hair back from her face. ‘He mistook the invitation for something else entirely. I tried to fight him off, but he’s a big man and things got rough.’
    Luke’s eyes smouldered into hers. ‘He raped you, this friend?’
    Her hands clenched. ‘He had a good try. But I fought him so hard I managed to jab him with a stiletto heel in a place which put a stop to proceedings.’ She shivered. ‘But not before he hurt me badly. Psychologically as well as physically.’
    He swore under his breath. ‘It would have been even worse if he had succeeded. You could have been left with child.’
    Isobel flushed, and shook her head. ‘I have close friends—twin brothers who are both doctors—and, on their advice, I’ve taken the necessary precautions for years against that kind of accident.’ She sighed, depressed. ‘Up to that point I’d really thought Gavin was a true friend like the Carey twins. But it was the same old story. He just wanted to get me into bed. And I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since.’ Sheshrugged. ‘I’ve given up on men since then. Other than the friends I’ve known forever.’
    ‘I rejoice to know it is not something I have done.’ Luke smiled wryly. ‘I was most cast down when you refused to eat with me earlier. My dinner invitations are usually accepted more eagerly.’
    She gave a choked little giggle. ‘I bet they are.’
    His eyes lit up. ‘That is better. You are even more lovely when you smile, Isobel. But, if I say so, you will accuse me of appreciating your beauty more than your intellect.’
    She smiled. ‘Since you’ve been so kind I’ll make an exception in your case, Luke.’
    ‘So we are friends again?’ He smiled slyly. ‘You said you like men who wish to be friends.’
    ‘I do. Not that it matters. I’ll be back in England soon.’
    ‘It is not time for you to go yet. And I shall return here in a few days,’ he went on, surprising her. ‘After the funeral I will work very hard to make sure I get away. By then,’ he added, ‘you will be well again. So take care this week. No climbing down cliff paths even when your ankle is better. If you want to sunbathe on my beach, Spiro will take you over in the Athena . Spiro,’ he repeated significantly, ‘not Milos.’
    She smiled wryly. ‘Actually, I won’t bother either of them, thanks just the same. I’ll be quite happy to sit on my veranda at the cottage, and when I can I’ll stroll down to the taverna to eat.’
    Luke frowned. ‘It would be more sensible to stay here, Isobel.’
    Not if he was coming back. She shook her head. ‘It’s very kind of you, but I really must get back to the cottage. Before I do, have I your permission for a swim in your pool?’
    ‘Wait until I return. I will swim with you,’ he said quickly. ‘Dr Riga is coming to check on you tomorrow, and you must do as he says, ne ?’
    ‘Yes,’ she said, resigned.
    ‘And when you return to the cottage, take both walking stick and crutch.’
    ‘Absolutely.’ Isobel held out her hand, but her smile faded as her eyes met his. There was sudden taut silence between them, then Luke pressed a kiss on the hand. He leaned nearer, his eyes intent on hers. ‘Normally,’ he said softly, ‘I like my women dark and voluptuous. Unlike you, my little English friend.’
    ‘I definitely don’t tick your boxes,’ she said, determinedly prosaic. ‘My hair is fair—’
    ‘Golden,’ he corrected.
    ‘And I’m not in the least voluptuous. Nor,’ she said firmly, ‘am I one of your women.’
    ‘No? But I saved your life,’ he reminded her, his voice deepening. ‘In some cultures that means