Stopping, Grace had stared in shock, not believing what she was seeing as the four faces had all turned to look at her.
“Professor Dionis “ as one they had all cried, Grace looking at Alexos in dumbfound amazement, quickly smiling as the others had ran to hug her, she laughing back happily.
“W…where…how?” all four chuckling as they had looked over at Alexos, his face breaking out into a large smile seeing the wonder in her eyes.
“I felt bad about all the extra work I had put on you…so I called Carol who told me the names of your research assistants…and they told me that you had originally asked for four…so…”
One of the girls, Pippa had continued, her young face alive with wonder at what had happened
“Mr Manetas phoned and asked if we would be prepared to come over, all expenses paid and do the research work with you…and he is going to provide us with a two week paid holiday on the mainland when we are finished”
Grace had smiled seeing the way the four had hopped excitedly around. It was not often that students were given such an offer, her lips twitching as she had grinned, her eyes full of fun as she had flicked a thankful look at Alexos.
“Well in that case…be prepared to be worked like dogs”. The others nodding happily “Anything you say professor”
Alexos had called his housekeeper to show the new guests their rooms before moving back into the dining room with her.
“Why did you do that?” she had asked softly, her face full of questions as sitting down he had poured himself a coffee
“I wanted you fresh, not so tired each night I had to carry you to bed. So I figured that if I had given you three times the workload…then having four assistants would mean that you were finished faster and would be able to spend more quality time exploring and with me and my father”
He had been surprised to see the tears gathering in her eyes as she had coughed, turning around to hide them from him “Yes…well, I guess that was kind of you” Alexos feeling warmth filling him at her reaction.
More food had quickly appeared in the dining room as the others had rejoined them, all in awe at their surroundings, Grace’s mouth falling as she had discovered that he had sent his own personal plane to collect the group, all excited to have flown in such luxury.
Soon the conversation had moved to the work to be done, Alexos impressed with how organised she was and also with the reverence with which the students had treated her. She was one of the youngest visiting professors that had ever taught in the university, but he could tell that she was well respected and liked by the reaction of the group. Watching her he had once more admired Grace Leotta. Six years ago she had told him that her dream was to become a marine biologist, and she had followed her dream and succeeded, now doing work of such value.
An hour later the students had retired to their beds, all having been up early to get ready for the trip. Wishing them a good rest she had accepted Alexos’ offer of a night cap smiling up at him as she had chuckled “Sure…looks like I may have some free time after all”
Sitting on one of the couches he had poured them both a red wine, Grace allowing him to pull her in against him as they had sipped the expensive drink, soft music playing in the background as he had allowed the flames from the fire to be the only light in the room.
“Why did you never consummate your marriage?” His soft question had caught Grace by surprise as she had stiffened.
“I…I would rather not talk about it Alexos” looking pleadingly up at him. She did not want to get into the whole need for her to escape, bringing up her deception with him yet again. For once she had felt as though things between them seemed so right, knowing that bringing up her elopement would only ruin the mood between them.
Sitting she had turned to look at him, a note of concern on her face. He however, had not dropped the subject
“Given the way that you reacted to me…I do not think that the problem is on your side…” Grace lifting her finger to his mouth before leaning forward and kissing him softly.
“Please Alexos…let’s not ruin things”
His eyes had held hers for several moments before he sighed softly, nodding
“OK” plucking the wine from her fingers and depositing it on a nearby table before pulling her in harder against him
“I will settle for an early night instead” his deep throaty laugh sending small shivers through her. Rising he had held out his hand for her, Grace taking it and standing with him. Frowning, she had paused. He had looked at her questioningly as she had pushed her long hair from her face.