Australia: Gorgeous Grooms: The Andreou Marriage Arrangement / His Prisoner in Paradise / Wedding Night with a Stranger

Alesha dressed with care, aware the silk chiffon gown with its ruched bodice in deep sapphire hugged her slender curves and highlighted the texture of her skin. The diagonally cut skirt flowed gently to rest at her ankles, and her heeled pumps and evening clutch were a perfect match.

Jewellery was restricted to a diamond pendant, ear-studs and matching bracelet.

She ensured her make-up was understated with emphasis on her eyes, a touch of bronzing powder and a soft neutral lipstick and gloss.

‘Beautiful,’ Loukas complimented as she prepared to precede him from the room, and she threw him a faintly teasing look.

‘Thanks.’

Her eyes sparkled as she subjected him to a sweeping appraisal.

Attired in a black evening suit, fine white linen shirt and black bow tie, he looked far too compelling for any woman’s peace of mind … especially hers.

‘I guess you’ll do.’

His soft laughter curled round her heartstrings and tugged a little. ‘Damned with faint praise.’

Together they descended the staircase and moved to the front entrance where Cristos waited with the limousine.

‘Anything more and you’ll get a swelled head,’ she said solemnly as she slid into the rear passenger seat. Her pulse leapt as he captured her hand and held it for the duration of the drive into the city.

The hotel hosting the event had to be one of the city’s finest, Alesha perceived as she stood at Loukas’ side amongst the mingling guests sipping champagne.

Men of varying ages wore formal evening wear while the women sparkled … literally, in jewellery worth a fortune.

She became aware her presence garnered speculative interest, and she tilted her head a little, kept a smile in place, and maintained an expected pretence.

It was something of a relief when Constantine, Angelina, Daria and Lexi joined them.

‘The rescue team,’ Lexi enlightened her quietly as she leant forward to brush her lips to Alesha’s cheek. ‘You look gorgeous.’

‘Same goes.’ A genuine compliment as Loukas’ sister wore a stunning gown in fire-engine red that showcased her figure with breathtaking style.

Daria looked regal in black, while Angelina had opted for delicate shades of lilac.

‘Would you like a rundown on some of the guests?’ Lexi queried lightly. ‘Or would you prefer to form your own impression?’

‘You think it’ll make a difference?’

‘Not in the slightest,’ Lexi assured her. ‘Although I shall warn you of any impending danger.’

She couldn’t help a faint laugh. ‘Loukas’ ex-girlfriends?’

‘Plural? You’re quick. One in particular.’

‘Do I get a name?’

‘Iliana,’ Lexi informed her with droll humour. ‘Model, filthy rich, and hunting Loukas. Expect a cat-fight when she discovers he’s taken.’

‘As she will?’

‘Darling Alesha. News travels fast.’

So it did, in any city in the world. Why should Athens be any different?

‘Approaching from the right,’ Lexi voiced softly several minutes later. ‘Wearing black and white.’

Stunning, tall, incredibly slender, with exquisitely assembled facial features, luminous dark eyes and a mouth that promised much.

Oh, my. Perfection personified, Alesha conceded as Iliana drew close.

‘Kalispera.’

The greeting included each of them, but the model’s attention rested solely on Loukas.

‘Iliana.’ His voice held a coolness that was ignored.

‘You have a relative join you tonight?’ The assumption held a teasing lightness that wasn’t reflected in her eyes, and Alesha was willing to swear all three Andreou women drew in their collective breaths.

‘My wife, Alesha,’ Loukas relayed in a silky drawl, and merely compounded the situation by taking hold of Alesha’s hand and raising it to his lips.

‘How … adventurous of you, darling,’ Iliana arched, ‘when a legal commitment was never on your agenda.’ She paused to summon a slight, deliberately fake smile. ‘Although there is the duty to produce an Andreou heir.’

The woman was all feline with vicious claws, Alesha perceived, and doubtless ate unsuspecting men for breakfast.

It posed the question as to how deeply involved she’d been with Loukas.

Even the thought of the model’s sinuous body wrapping itself around him made Alesha feel slightly nauseous.

She gave herself a mental shake. Get real. He’s no celibate. It’s a given there have been women … probably scads of them. So what?

ButIliana?

How could she hope to compete?

‘Do you not speak?’ the model posed with the glitter of revenge momentarily apparent in her dark eyes.

‘When I have something to say.’

She sensed Lexi’s faint smile, and mentally braced herself for Iliana’s next verbal parry.

‘It doesn’t bother you that Loukas and I are intimate friends?’

‘Should it?’

‘Enough.’ One word, quietly delivered, but only a fool would ignore the steel beneath Loukas’ silky voice.

Daria offered a comment in her own language … words Alesha had no difficulty in comprehending.