With that she had began moving once more, finding the man easily keeping up with her. At an early age she had been a keen swimmer excelling in the sport, her skill rivalling that of any of the men she had met at swim meets. He however, seemed to be able to keep up with her with little effort, the two completing two lengths together before she had stopped, as he stopped with her, not even out of breath she noticed.
“You swim well Mr Manetas” she had said with approval as he had stood, his height raising him out of the water to his waist, Grace trying hard not to stare at the broad shoulders and slim muscular belly.
“As do you” he had chuckled softly “But please let us not stand on formalities. I hope that you will call me Alexos”
Nodding she had given a shy smile.
“Of course and please Grace” rewarded with an approving smile from him. The cry from the group of women had seen him grit his teeth, Grace surprised at the look of irritation which had crossed his features.
“Alexos!” one pouting beauty had cried “Come back…we miss you”
Giving her a rueful smile he had grinned, a sensual wicked curve of his lips “Perhaps you and I should head out to sea…see how far from all these guests we can go”
Giving a small smile, she had not been aware of the softening of her eyes, or the way the amber flecks had shone so much brighter. “Ah…the sea, I do love the sea” her voice wistful as he had given a chuckle
“Well I see my charms are not enough to beat mother-nature” he had drawled softly, Grace once more feeling the colour rise as she had stammered.
“No…no…thank you for …” her voice had trailed off weakly “the swim”
Alexos had paused, his eyes taking in the young woman before him. There was nothing unnatural about this one, no false sense of modesty, no hidden agenda, no vanity. Her blushes and nervousness pointed to an innocence that was unusual in that day and age, Grace Leotta fascinated him.
“Do you dive?”
His question seeing her eyes widen in surprise before she had nodded “Yes…I have since I was a child”
Nodding with approval he had flicked a look at the other four women all trying so hard to lure him back into their circle. “You should explore the reefs off the island. They are well known for their wildlife”
The mention of the reef had seen her face brighten, an excited glow filling her, Alexos held his breath at the change in her. “I would like to do that very much” she had grinned, wondering if such excursions would be possible.
With another wide grin he had nodded “Excellent. Then tomorrow at seven we will explore. I will ensure all the equipment is available”
Spluttering softly the smile had fallen from her small mouth “No…No…I couldn’t put you out”
With one fluid movement he had hauled himself effortlessly out of the pool, “No trouble. I enjoy diving. It will be fun to have someone to accompany me”, his smile knowing as he had once more turned his attention to the gaggle of beauties with open arms begging for his return.
To say her mother was delighted would have been an understatement, her face alive with relief and excitement.
“Your father will be happy” she had grinned, phoning him as soon as they had returned to their rooms to change for dinner, his voice approving for once as he had told her to carry on with the good work.
Sighing, Grace had finished her shower, allowing her hair to fall around her shoulders pulled up at the side with an ornate clasp. When the invitation had arrived, her father had insisted on his assistant shopping with her for the correct clothing to attend such a prestigious event, Grace grimaced once more as she had fidgeted with the sleeve which had fallen over her shoulder revealing the soft creamy curve of her skin. The dress was beautiful, delicate and far more revealing than she was used to. The bodice pulled her in at the front, offering an enticing glimpse of her perfect cleavage. Grace sighed with exasperation wondering how it could do that while still be able to fall so low at the back, showing off the perfect curve of her spine. The skirt had dropped to the floor in gentle folds of chiffon and the delicate designer shoes had peeked out from beneath. Moving into the room, her mother had stopped, her eyes watering as she had looked at her daughter
“Oh Grace…you look so beautiful” she had mumbled, quickly pulling out a camera to take a snap of her, Grace giving an embarrassed smile back.
“You grew up so fast” the woman had said pensively, her eyes soft with the memories of her only child. Moving forward Grace had pulled her in for a hug.