Free The Billionaire's Runaway Bride by Marie Kelly Page B

there is nothing more to it”
    As the lights had been extinguished the other woman had given another small ripple of laughter
    “Yeah it looked like there was nothing going on between the two of you…maybe he will be more forthcoming”
    Grace had grit her teeth with determination not to rise to her friend’s words. That night she had slept little, the presence of Alexos Manetas so close, even though there was water between them, was unsettling. With a groan she had wondered how she would survive spending the next night under his roof.
    By four the following day the forecasted storm had kicked in with an intensity that was staggering. Their equipment was safely stowed and placed within the pickup which he had sent down for them. None of the four had come prepared with formal clothing, but each had packed the best clothes they had. When the equipment had been safely locked up in an outhouse the group had been taken into the villa itself. Grace had once more enjoyed the luxurious surroundings, as her team had open-mouthed admired the opulent house.
    “Wow” Carol had whispered in a hushed tone, her reservation leaving her as she had been shown into a large room complete with en-suite bathroom. Gazing dreamily at Grace she had draped herself on the soft plush bed, her eyes full of laughter
    “It is so soft…and cool…and bug free …” Grace rolling her eyes and laughing as she had moved with the rest of the group as each was shown their rooms. Her room was the last, separated from the rest, Grace feeling uncomfortable at this, not sure why she should.
    After showering the group had organised to meet up once more at seven when the bell for dinner would sound, all so looking forward to a meal which did not involve home caught fish. Looking at her watch it had only been five and with a grimace she had lain on the soft bed, feeling so tired.
    Grace had been surprised that she had slept, and it was only the small tap on the door that had woken her from her deep sleep. Gasping, she had leapt quickly up opening the door to be greeted by the same girl she had met so many years earlier. Now older she had grinned warmly.
    “Dinner is in ten minutes Dr Dionis” she had said in a hushed respectful voice” Grace giving her a warm smile back.
    Quickly pulling on jeans and a clean shirt she had brushed her teeth and ran a brush through her long hair, once more pulling it into a controlled knot at the back of her head. With a final look at herself in the mirror, happy that she appeared suitably respectable she had moved from the room.
    As the group had sat around the large dining table, Grace had deliberately chosen a seat furthest from the head of the table where Alexos had sat, so handsome and relaxed. Dressed casually like the rest of the group he had welcomed them all, kissing both Carol and Grace’s hands, she trying hard not to show the tremor that had once more passed through her at the touch of his mouth on her flesh.
    The meal had been delicious, the men enjoying the steak laughing at how they would happily never have to eat another fish again. Grace quirking a small smile as she had reminded them of the two weeks that they would hopefully have to survive once they had returned from their break. Alexos had looked on in interest querying the plans, quickly discovering that after the following day they would be on break, smiling as he had congratulated himself on his timing knowing how close he had come to once more missing her, missing the opportunity to avenge himself.
    As a lull in the conversation had seen the group enjoying the food, he had flicked a look at Grace. She looked rested; the sleep had done her good. When he had gone to her room earlier she had been asleep on the bed, her beautiful face so serene. He had considered waking her, extracting his revenge there and then just as she had stirred, rolling onto her side, her hand tucked so gently under her cheek. He had bent down, lifting a strand of her golden hair,