The Billionaire’s Runaway Bride(2)

“Finally, you are good for something” his cruel words reminding her of how worthless she was in his eyes. “Alexos would be a good husband for you. He is looking for a wife. You will be it”

Her head had whipped up at his words, shock on her lovely features “But…I don’t want to be his wife” She had retorted, her father’s expression becoming black with rage.

“You will do as you are told. If this man deems you fit to marry then you will thank your lucky stars that such a man would look twice at the likes of you”

Normally his disdainful look would have reduced her to silence, her bullying father’s violent outbursts terrifying to see, however, she had other plans, important plans.

“But papa…I want to go to university”

His derisory laugh had made her flinch “You are heiress to my Company” the words spat out in disgust.

Grace was used to this, knowing that her father had never forgiven her for not being the son he had longed for.

“As such you are only good for one thing. That is marriage…and a good marriage, and hopefully producing sons” his cold eyes had looked over briefly at her mother “Hopefully you will do better than your mother did” Grace having had to watch as her mother had flinched. “You will marry one who will strengthen this company…it is your sole job in life…so forget university. I will hear no more of this”.

Moving smoothly through the water, her strokes perfect hardly making a splash she had given a small humourless smile. Initially the idea of being called to some remote island with her mother as chaperone had terrified Grace, but her best friend Daryle had laughed as she had explained the situation.

“Oh my God Grace, he has those parties every month, and every time there are at least five women, all summoned to see if they meet the great Alexos’ standards”

Daryle was Grace’s best friend. He was four years older than she, and a workaholic accountant who had excelled in his chosen profession. The two had become firm friends in the year she had volunteered at the animal shelter, Grace only allowed to work there as it looked good for the company that she was involved with the local community.

Frowning at him she had been surprised “Why?” Her voice questioning as he had grinned back

“Well…his dad is desperate for him to settle down and produce grandkids…so he makes him. Not one woman has met his requirements yet”

His eyes had twinkled mischievously “Although if the stories are to be believed many of them have tried REAL hard if you know what I mean”; Grace had chuckled at the way his eyebrows had wriggled with innuendo.

“So…I really shouldn’t be worried then?” she had mused, as Daryle had shaken his head

“Nope…not that you’re not hot as hell…but you’re not exactly the rich bitch type”

Turning onto her back she had felt the small laugh leave her lips reminded of his choice of phrase, knowing that the other four women all fawning and batting their overly made up eyes were exactly the ‘rich bitch’ types, sighing as she had wished them all well in their quest.

Feeling the water splash, she had looked around in surprise to see which of her ‘opposition’ had dared to upset their perfectly set hair or wet the smallest of bikinis she had ever seen. Feeling the flush once more rise she had watched as Alexos himself had moved with an almost animal grace towards her.

“I applaud your decision Miss Leotta” he had smiled over at her.

As he had stopped feet from her, Grace had seen him up close for the first time, having managed the previous evening to stay in the background as the other women had swamped him before they had been shown to their rooms. He was stunning. Thick jet-black hair now plastered to his head, as she imagined hers was too, with strong sculpted features smiling down at her. His wide mouth so sensual, with eyes darker than sin and every bit as tempting had held hers almost hypnotically. Grace would not have thought it possible to blush in the coolness of the water, but the heat spreading over her cheeks proved otherwise as she had given him a nervous half smile back.#p#分页标题#e#

“Y…your pool was very tempting”

She had felt the blush deepen as his eyes had unashamedly moved down her taking in her small yet perfect figure, slim hips, nipped waist and large breasts for her build, all hidden within the prim black one piece costume, his smile growing wider.

“Yes. It became more tempting to me also”

Giving a shaky attempt at a laugh she nodded, ignoring the obvious innuendo in his tone “Best not to get overheated…and I enjoy swimming”