In her room Mina had paced back and forth her hands wringing as she had groaned softly, moaning and trying hard to calm herself. Finally able to stop, she had flopped down onto the bed her head falling into her hands. “No, no, no” she had groaned to herself, the words torn from her as she had willed herself calm.
What had happened? Why had he kissed her? Why had she kissed him back? With another tortured groan she had remembered Claire. His breakup with her must have left him feeling vulnerable, Mina giving a half laugh at that idea, the thought that Nikos Dupris could feel vulnerable over any woman seeming ridiculous. He was a man used to being very much in control, Mina knowing that this would include his relationships, justifying that it must have been a combination of his breakup and the fact that he had drank quite a bit after Claire had left. Biting her lip she had groaned again. She had not moved away from him, she had encouraged him, welcomed him feeling the heat fill her at her own actions. What must he think of her? Mina at a loss to understand herself.
That night she had slept fitfully, the face of her mother and of Nikos filling her nightmare tinged dreams.
The next morning, Mina had slipped out of the villa early, deciding not to go into the kitchen and risk meeting Nikos. Choosing instead to take a walk she had hoped that on her return his car, still in the driveway would be gone. Pausing she had looked around, frowning softly as to where to go, the sound of the sea luring her towards the cliff-side. Making towards the large tree clinging precariously to the side of the hill she had leant against its strong bark, eyes closed, sighing gently as the sunlight had caressed her tired body.
“My mother always liked that spot”.
Nikos’ voice close by had made her jump, her large eyes flying open as her hands had grabbed her heart, Mina crying out in surprise.
He had sat on a small clump of grass about 10 feet from her, the self same tree that supported her hiding him.
“I…I’m sorry I didn’t realise” she had stuttered feeling the way her cheeks had warmed both at his comment and his presence, the memory of the previous evening filling her mind once more”.
Making to move away, he had stood stepping in front of her.
“Please…stay. I didn’t mean to drive you away”.
Mina had gulped, once more smelling the scent of him, having to fight the strange desire to close her eyes and breath him in deeper. Looking at the ground she had tried to smile.
“It’s OK…I should probably go and get some breakfast anyway”.
His small chuckle had caused her to look up, seeing the smile on his handsome face.
“Were you avoiding me Mina?” he had spoken softly, as feeling her cheeks burn even hotter she had shaken her head.
“Of course not, what on earth would give you that idea?” her eyes flashing more defiantly at him.
“Because“he had replied softly “I was avoiding you”.
Looking at him incredulously, she had felt the laugh rise within her, her hands lifting to cover her mouth, Nikos starting to laugh also.
“YOU…you were avoiding me?” she had said the disbelief obvious on her voice, as he had nodded his head.
“Yeah…last night was not one of my crowning moments…especially not from the way you looked at me. I am honestly not in the habit of seducing houseguests”.
With another small chuckle she had looked warmly back at him.
“It was…unexpected” seeing the way he had playfully winced, his hand dramatically moving to cover his brow “Oh God not …unexpected” Mina laughing loudly, the air between them relaxing instantly, as he had moved closer to her.
“Perhaps if I promise not to repeat my behaviour Miss Lane, then we can start again?” his handsome smile filling his face, as with a small nod she had agreed.#p#分页标题#e#
“I think that that would be most acceptable Mr Dupris” she had returned, the two giving each other knowing smiles as together they had made their way back to the kitchen for breakfast, suddenly so comfortable with the other.
Chapter Four
For the next week things had fallen into a routine. Nikos and Mina having breakfast together before he would go to work, not returning again till late, this time often all that she had seen him. She had found that Dina had very quickly attached herself to her, Theresa initially trying to pull the girl away, telling her not to disturb Mina.
“She starts school in two weeks” she had laughed rolling her eyes. “Until then …”
Mina had quickly declared that she was happy to spend time with the small girl, freeing Theresa and Yanis to get on with their morning routine without the extra work of looking after the little girl. Both so thankful to the sweet woman who had genuinely seemed to be enjoying her company, Dina loving all the small art projects Mina would give her. In the afternoon she would then visit her mother, happy to see the peaceful expression on her face, her eyes full of all of her memories. Memories spent with the man she had loved, Mina finding her mother telling her more and more about her father, many of the stories completely new to her.