Alexis snorted angrily. He jumped up from the bed with a Greek oath, and delivered a message that chilled her soul. ‘I will make you eat those words one day my wicked Irish fireball. No one insults a Stephanides!’‘I just have.’ She always pushed him to the limit.He stood there, all muscle and tanned bare flesh but for the briefs. He was magnificent in his anger, and he was very, very angry with her, she had no doubt. For the second time in her life Carrie thought she had pushed him too far.His expression frightened her as his fingers clasped into fists at his side. Instead of reaching for his prey, he had thankfully reached for the telephone, crisply ordering a car to take Carrie home.Alexis turned on her, whispering dangerously soft words. ‘I want you out of my room by the time I finish my shower, or by heaven, girl. I’ll teach you a lesson you’ll never forget!’ He strode into the bathroom, closing the door behind him with a definite click.Within minutes a shaking, confused Carr

Carrie was spared the need to reply when Christos came out to greet them. ‘Carrie, my lovely, lovely girl.’ He kissed her soundly on both cheeks and then turned to Alexis. ‘My friend, I’m so pleased you could grace my taverna.’Alexis bowed his head slightly and smiled. ‘The pleasure is all mine. However I must apologize that Petros cannot be with us this evening. He is feeling a little under the weather.’Pleasantries were exchanged and eventually they were seated near tlie balcony overlooking the beach. Carrie could hear the splashing of the tide, feel the evening breeze around her shoulders and shuddered involuntarily as she looked up at the full yellow moon.‘A penny for your thoughts,’ Alexis asked inquisitively as he poured her a glass of wine.‘Oh, I was just wondering when you’re going to turn into a vampire. You’re the ideal candidate.’ She raised the glass to her lips.‘I am?’‘Yes, of course!’‘And pray tell me why?’ he tatmted silkily.Carrie went on, surveying him openly.

It was now 7 a.m. Would a cold shower dampen the fire in his loins? Up to now no thin g had dampened his imagination. Yes, it was definitely time for a shower, then straight to the office. Relaxing wasn’t on the menu today; not when Carrie had his deadline looming over her. Petros was convinced she would say yes to his ludicrous suggestion but Alexis had his doubts. What they were doing between them was tantamoimt to blackmail, and Alexis had agreed to it!Petros had pooh-poohed Alexis’s idea about him courting her. Time was of the essence, he’d said. Time was something he didn’t have, which was why Alexis had agreed. He’d been emotionally blackmailed too by the man who’d to all intents and purposes been more of a father to him than his own. His own father had often left his family to their own devices, and when Spiros had been killed Petros had been a rock to all the family.He went upstairs to his ‘en suite’ bedroom. No one really knew about this building, it was his secret, his hid

He’d love to trace his tongue over the edges of her low-cut bra and nibble his way to her nipples, each in turn. He was no fool; he knew the sparks of lust had only to be ignited and he’d known that for a long time. Even in her teenage years she’d flirted withhim, her stunning eyes and body telling him one thing, her imruly mouth biting out another.He’d wanted her for a long time too, much too long, he laughed bitterly to himself. Instead of courting her in the proper way, he’d left it all too late. Time was running out. Now he was making all kinds of demands he knew he shouldn’t have to make. Yes, a child was needed, their child, but was forcing her hand like this the only way he could have her and a baby?She stretched her legs in sleep, then dropped her knee crookedly over the edge of the couch. Her position as she lay there, legs apart, made his blood boil. He was like a youngster wanting to rip her clothes off and let his passion awaken her.Alexis tore his gaze away, then pull

It was cooler now with the evening breeze co min g in from the sea stronger. She threw Alexis a shy look from beneath her lashes, a smile appearing on her full pink lips.‘Why the smile? Are you happy?’Her smile broadened. She was throbbing, her whole body was throbbing, she needed to take part in the act of love once more.‘I didn’t think your performance was entirely up to scratch. I could be happier.’ She heard Alexis’s indrawn breath as she dared herself to raise her cheeky face to his. For there was no mistake what message it would relay to the man at her side.He sat up on the rug, his strong forearms resting on his knees, his chin on his hands. He met that look. ‘Cheeky baggage, the doctor said you should rest.’ His eyes connecting with hers, he whispered, ‘You’re jesting, right?’‘Hell no.’ Carrie held her breath, hoping wildly that he would take the hidden challenge.He frowned, drew his breath slowly in again. Expanding his powerful chest he imfolded his arms, then dropped