“Well I guess I know why you waited. There would have been very little to inherit before I turned this company around” his mouth sneering unpleasantly.
“But you have made a grave mistake Miss Lane thinking that you can move in and demand a share of this company”
“No”
She had cried out, her tone full of frustration, as she had fervently shaken her head.
“I am not after your company Mr Dupris” her words stopping him in his tracks.
“You just said……” he had began, as Mina had jumped to her feet, needing to feel herself move as her fingers had tugged on the purse in her hand, moving to and fro before his desk.
“I said I need money” she had repeated adding miserably
“I need a lot of money” before looking briefly at the handsome man now sitting so still watching her, his expression one of confusion.
“And I promise, that after you will never hear from me again and I will sign anything you want to that effect” finally stopping to face Nikos, unaware of how her green eyes shone so brightly with the desperation in them.
For several seconds there was a heavy silence before he had once more sat back looking at her thoughtfully.
“Why?” he asked softly as Mina had looked down again at her fingers.
“It is personal” she had muttered weakly, once more the frail image filling her mind, her expressive eyes showing the pain she was experiencing.
For the first time since she had entered the room something seemed to drop from Nikos Dupris as he had stood slowly from behind the imposing desk, moving around it to stand before her. Inexplicably she had found her pulse racing, suddenly so aware of the tall, gorgeous Greek, her eyes trying not to stare at his broad shoulders or slim waist as he towered over her. As his hand had moved to gently take her elbow, the electricity jolt which shot through her had been unexpected, causing her to gasp out loud. He however, had only directed her back to the seat she had just leapt from, sitting on the edge of the desk, looking down at her with a curious expression on his face.
“Please Miss Lane” he had spoken gently for the first time, catching her unaware.
“Perhaps I can help?” his words causing Mina to look up at him in shock. She had expected his anger, his disdain and his contempt. She had been prepared to stand her ground and fight all of these, but his gentleness had caught her completely by surprise and she could feel the tears spilling uncontrollably over her lids, falling unchecked down her cheek. As she had looked at him through bleary eyes not able to fully see him she had felt as he had pressed a handkerchief into her fingers, Mina angrily dashing away the tears, trying to regain her composure.
“I …I would rather not say” she had mumbled through lips which quivered softly. She had expected, hoped almost, her refusal to tell him might anger him, giving her back some of the control which she had lost. However, he had only looked down on her silently.
“OK Miss Lane” he had spoken evenly.
“Perhaps then you will tell me how much money you need?”
Mina’s eyes had darted to his, the discomfort so clear on her face as her hand had moved to gently rub her now throbbing temple as she had licked lips which suddenly felt so dry.
“A million pounds” she had whispered, her voice almost inaudible.
“I see” he had breathed softly “As you say, a lot of money”
Suddenly all the fight seemed to drain from Mina, as silently she had nodded, unable to say anything further, not willing to look up and see the contempt in his eyes, waiting for some stinging comment to come from him, but none had.
As he had stood from the desk to once more stand over her, she had finally raised her head, surprised to find him looking back, his eyes holding no malice only thoughtful contemplation.
“Miss Lane” he finally spoke kindly.
“Please give me a couple of days to think about this” a reassuring smile curving his wonderful lips.
As Mina had opened her mouth to speak he had lifted his hand, a soft smile on his mouth and in his dark sensual eyes silencing her
“Please Miss Lane, give me two days. After which I promise I will give you an answer”.
Mina had looked at him, undecided as to what to do next, but aware that somehow things had not gone quite the way she had anticipated. In a weak voice she had managed.
“OK…two days” Nikos Dupris smile widening as he had stood moving once more behind his desk. She too had stood sensing her time was up. However turning to move to the door, his voice had stopped her.
“Please, my car will take you back to your hotel” Mina looking over in surprise.