“Look. Take my ID and run it through your computer. I don’t have a criminal record. I don’t do drugs of any kind.”
His profession had honed his ability to read human behavior. This last statement of defense made something inside him click. She was telling the truth. In any case, he was in Greece on vacation. He wasn’t equipped with a work computer to check her record. Of course, he could contact the office in Athens, but that was unnecessary.
He inclined his head and caught her gaze. “Okay. I believe you, but you’re still in possession of STX.” He paused. “Do you know anyone who would have reason to put it in your bag? To get you arrested, or use you as transport?”
The anger faded from her eyes and her expression softened. “No…I’m not aware of anyone who would do that.”
“Did you leave your bag unattended at any point during your trip, or before?”
She gave her head a firm shake. “I never leave my things unattended, and back home…”
The catch in her voice was so faint he almost missed it. “What?” he pressed.
She averted her gaze. “Nothing. I live alone.”
He cocked an eyebrow. “No husband… boyfriend?”
Her gaze returned to his, resolute once again. “No. Keep that thing. I’ve had enough of this.”
It pleased him that she was single. Too much. Leandros reached into her bag and opened her wallet to look at her driver’s license. She was innocent, but she wasn’t fully honest with him. He’d let it go for now. His mouth curved into an easy smile. “Vicky. You hiked up the mountain?”
Her gaze assessed him before she replied. “Yes.”
“How far did you get?”
“Refuge A.” Her lips pursed. “I wish I could have gone higher, but…” She shrugged.
Leandros dragged his eyes from the tempting pout of her mouth. “There’s a house on the mountain at about 8000 feet that is accessible by car…well, my car anyway. It’s almost adjacent to the summit.”
She cast him a wary look. “There’s no such thing.”
He let his gaze move over her face and the delicate curve of her bare shoulders. When his eyes lifted to hers, color rode high on her cheeks. “It’s not visible to humans.”
Her brow lifted in an amused arch. “What is it—vacation home to the gods?”
He grinned. “You could say that. Only a select group of us can stay there. Humans are generally not allowed, but the ancients let us make exceptions.”
Apprehension returned to her face. “And why are you telling me this?”
“I was on my way there when I sniffed the STX on you. I plan to stay for at least three days. You’re welcome to come.”
Her mouth formed a sexy O.
Leandros pocketed the vial and gave her the bag. Their fingers touched, sending a sensual current through his veins—and hers.
A low gasp escaped her and her eyes shot to his. Leandros was no stranger to female body language. This woman with hair the color of honey was not immune to him physically. Her innocent sexiness had awakened primitive instincts he couldn’t ignore. It was all he could do to stop himself from hoisting her over his shoulder and carrying her to the car.
She seemed to shake herself out of a daze. “Um, you’re going now?”
He felt the corner of his mouth curl with satisfaction. “Yes, Vicky.” He stretched out his hand. “I’m Leandros.”
She looked at his hand and swallowed visibly. When she slid her small, soft hand in his, heat pulsed in his cock.
“Leandros…that’s Greek.”
He inclined his head. “Every inch of me.”
Her blush flared and he swallowed a chuckle. Still grasping her hand, he said, “So, are you coming, Vicky?”
She exhaled an unsteady breath. “I, um…need to contact my travel guide…get some clothes, some other things too.”
You’ll hardly need those, sweetness. His blood pulsed faster and hotter. “I’ll bring the car round in fifteen minutes.”
Chapter Four
What was I thinking? Vicky snuck another furtive glance at the big, gorgeous man sitting next to her in the large sports utility vehicle. Letting a Greek demigod, who oozed dark and dangerous sexuality, take her to some unearthly lodge…obviously little sensible thought.
When she’d first set eyes on him at the hotel, the shock of his looks made everything around her disappear, even made her lightheaded for a few seconds. Midnight-dark hair, cut long enough for fingers to weave through, eyes the color of the Greek sky, a wickedly full mouth and a rugged jaw. His white shirt and gray slacks outlined a tall, powerful body. Vicky was not as sophisticated in the ways of men as her sister. She’d only had a few long-term relationships, but the primal interest in his eyes was blatant enough to set her nerve-endings on fire.