Modern Romance Collection: January 2018 Books 1 -4. Dani Collins
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was entitled to take some down time, to savour a coffee, a delicious pastry, browse a little...simply explore where the mood might take her. Sit a while, and watch the people walk by. Enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Not to mention relax away from Alexei’s powerful presence.
Something which earned a studied look from Alexei on learning her intention.
‘Ensure you have your smartphone for contact, should it be necessary.’
It was simple to voice the few necessary words. ‘Of course. Although I might remind you it’s my day off.’
‘But not the evening. The Delandros corporation sponsor an annual invitation-only dinner to commemorate my late father’s love of his birthplace and Greek heritage. My mother insists you join us.’
Now there was the thing...an invitation from Calista Delandros made it difficult to refuse. ‘I don’t think it’s...’
‘Appropriate?’ Alexei prompted.
‘No.’
His smile held a tinge of amusement. ‘Your reason being?’
‘It’s a significant occasion for family and friends. My position as your PA doesn’t fit either category.’
‘Consider it a personal request.’
‘Personal is not on the agenda.’
A musing smile curved his mouth. ‘The lines are becoming a little blurred.’
‘Not,’ Natalya confirmed, ‘from my perspective.’
He wanted to change her mind, and would...soon.
Subtle persuasion was an art form, one he’d mastered at a young age. Only to realise seduction didn’t equate to love, and while some women were content to play a part, he had tired of that game.
He wanted more.
‘My mother will be disappointed if you refuse.’ Manoeuvre and conquer was a skill in itself...one he owned unequivocally, and didn’t hesitate to use to his advantage.
Natalya recognised it, wanted to call him on it, only to concede defeat. ‘I accept, given the invitation came from your mother.’
The faint gleam of amusement momentarily apparent indicated he was one step ahead of her. ‘I’ll book a limousine for seven o’clock.’
‘I’ll ensure I’m on time.’
There was a sense of freedom as she rode the elevator to foyer level, declined the need for a limousine or taxi, and began to walk, choosing one of her favourite department stores in which to browse a while.
Coffee and a sinfully loaded pastry in a small café, followed by a gift for Ivana, a colourful top for Anja, a cute little doggy bow tie for Ben’s pug Alfie.
It had proven to be a relaxing, enjoyable afternoon, and she entered the hotel suite ahead of time to discover it empty, a note in plain sight, which she quickly read before heading into her own suite.
A male could shower, dress and be ready in less time than a woman...
Nevertheless, Natalya was ahead of Alexei by five minutes, poised, attired in a tailored black skirt, matching camisole and a red silk box jacket. Stylish, flawless make-up, matching red lipstick, and diamond studs her only jewellery.
He did evening wear with superb masculine style. Designer stubble added an edgy touch that set him apart, adding to an overall masculinity impossible to ignore.
‘A drink before we leave?’
Natalya shook her head, and he checked his watch, caught up door swipe cards, then ushered her out of their suite.
The evening lay ahead...different from the usual social occasion, together with the pleasure of Calista and her family’s company.
A limousine took them to a private venue in the city’s outskirts where cars lined the streets, and the subdued beat of Greek music resonated in the evening air, softening as the four limousines carrying members of the Delandros family drew to a halt adjacent the main entrance of a large single-storey building.
‘Smile,’ Alexei bade quietly as the driver opened each door and ushered them to join Calista, followed by Cristos and Xena, then Dimitri.
The guests were greeted personally by each family member, which took a while, given a numbered ticket, until everyone was accounted for, seated...and the evening began.
An evening which was a mix of formality, anecdotes relayed in turn by Alexei, Cristos and Dimitri of a much-loved father. Reminiscences of times past, interspersed with the serving of food. Specialties of the region where Calista’s husband was born. And laughter.
Truly a celebration of a life well-lived. Of honour, hard work, and the joy of family.
Later there was music, gentle, like the air drifting over the seas lapping the islands that made up Greece, the fishermen who dragged the nets, and the men, like Calista’s husband, who had built many fine houses and villas on his beloved Santorini.
‘Nothing like you expected?’ Calista queried with a slow sweet smile as Natalya shook her head. ‘We share this each year, and the money raised is gifted to those less fortunate. Soon there will be dancing, the music will become a little loud as the men move to the strains of the bouzouki. Each invitation carries a number for the prize of a ten-day cruise around the Greek Islands, including a three-day stay at a villa on Santorini.’
It was a beautiful sentiment, and Natalya said as much.
‘My husband worked hard to provide our sons with a good education, to appreciate the good things in life, and to always remember where they came from.’
‘Their success is a testament to you both,’ Natalya offered with quiet sincerity.
‘Thank you.’
The music proved enticing, and couples moved onto the dance floor, initially led by Alexei and his mother, followed by Cristos and Xena.
‘Our turn,’ Dimitri indicated, glimpsed her faint hesitation, and smiled. ‘I don’t bite.’
‘Good to know.’
A younger version of Alexei, tall, well-built, easy-going with a sharp legal mind. Evidenced during the most recent meeting the three brothers had held with one of their competitors.
‘Will you object if I pull you in a bit closer?’
She got it...or at least she thought she did. ‘You’re attempting to attract someone’s attention?’
‘Uh-huh.’
Natalya offered him a teasing smile. ‘I doubt you’d fail attracting any young woman you chose to pursue. So you want me to appear as a decoy date,’ Natalya teased. ‘May I ask who has captured your attention? The gorgeous blonde eating you with her eyes? No? Hmm... The auburn-haired angel on the next table to our left, looking to kill you first chance she gets?’ Given there was more than one titian-haired sophisticate in the room, Natalya added, ‘The one wearing a stunning bronze-coloured gown, with a strand of diamonds showcasing a dazzling pendant showcasing her elegant décolletage?’
‘You’re more than just a pretty face,’ Dimitri inclined with a faintly rueful smile, and she offered a light laugh.
‘I’m trained to observe.’
His eyes assumed a musing gleam. ‘Something you obviously do well.’
‘Are you going to tell me who she is?’
‘Curiosity, or genuine interest?’
‘Interest,’ Natalya answered quietly.
‘A corporate lawyer in her father’s firm.’
She smiled a little. ‘Does she have a name?’
‘If I told,’ he