The Power of the Legendary Greek(15)

'Who wouldn't?' On impulse, Isobel reached out and touched the other  girl's hand. 'I'm so glad you came today. It would have been hell with  Eleni and Spiro too upset to speak English. If you feel like popping in  at the cottage once I'm back there, please do.'

Alyssa grinned mischievously. 'I have instructions to "pop in" every day.'

Isobel sat back, startled. 'Who from?'

'Luke, of course. I'm to report to him if you need anything. Luke and I  are old friends. We were in school together when we were young.'

Isobel eyed her narrowly. 'Were you and Luke ever more than friends?'

'No.' Alyssa shook her head. 'He was always too busy either studying or  earning money any way he could to have time for girls at that stage. He  looked me up in London when he was doing his MBA, but my boyfriend at  the time took one look at my gorgeous old school pal and created hell.  So Luke kept away.'

'But you're the type he goes for.'

'How do you know that?'

'He told me. Blondes leave him cold.'

'Until he met you, obviously.' Alyssa threw out a hand. 'I think he must  be pretty hot for you, Isobel. Otherwise, why would he order his team  to take such care of you?'

'Team?'

'Team Lukas, which means Eleni, Spiro, Milos and me, not to mention Dr  Riga. We all have our instructions to take care of you. Talking of  which,' said Alyssa, suddenly very serious, 'would you like me to come  back this evening in case there's any news?'

Isobel could have kissed her. 'Oh, would you? Have dinner with me-but won't you be missed at the taverna?'

'Papa won't mind in the circumstances. He's very fond of Luke. And I  won't be seeing Dimitri until the weekend.' Alyssa looked at her watch.  'I'll go back and talk to my parents, then give them a hand for a couple  of hours and come back here about eight.'

'Thanks a lot. I'll tell Eleni.'

'I'll send her to you on my way out. And don't worry. It would take a  lot more than a few cuts and grazes to put Luke out of action!'

Once her vivacious visitor had rushed away, Eleni hurried out to Isobel.

'You all right?' she said huskily.

'I'm fine. How are you?'

'Better now. Is good for you Alyssa comes back. I make nice dinner.'

'All your dinners are nice-more than nice, they're fabulous.' Isobel  reached out her hand and Eleni took it. 'Don't worry. Luke will be  fine.'

The woman nodded. 'Spiro said. But I always worry.' She smiled shyly.  'Spiro and I never have children, but we helped kyria Olympia with her  baby.'

'So he's like the son you never had,' said Isobel softly.

Eleni nodded and brushed a tear from her eye. 'I go now and cook. If any news on TV Spiro will say.'



The light had changed so much Isobel decided against any more work on  the watercolour until next day. With an early start in the morning she  could easily finish the painting before she left. She saw to her  brushes, then sat staring out at the garden, deeply shaken by the  thought that Luke could have been killed. Which was worrying. It would  be madness to let her emotions get involved when she would never see him  again once she left Chyros. But when her phone rang, relief flooded her  in a joyous wave at the sound of Luke's voice.

'Isobel?'

'Luke! Are you all right? I saw the news. How badly are you hurt? Are you still in the hospital-?'                       
       
           



       

'Let me speak and I will tell you! Did Eleni tell you what happened?'

'No, she was in such a state she couldn't speak English. Spiro, too. But  luckily Alyssa had come to see me, so the four of us watched the TV in  your study, with Alyssa translating the newscast. Good God, Luke, you  could have been killed!'

'Would you have mourned for me, Isobel?'

'Of course I would,' she said crossly. 'How long will you be in hospital?'

'I am not in hospital. I left straight after treatment. The man did less  damage than he intended. I was too quick for him,' he added with  arrogance, which made her smile.

'Stitches?'

'No, just dressings. And injections to counter possible infection from the blade.'

'Do you know the man?'

'No-' He cursed under his breath. 'Forgive me, Isobel, Andres wants me. I must go.'

No longer tired, Isobel sat at the desk and, desperate for something  other than Luke to occupy her mind, began writing postcards. Picturing  the effect on Jo if she gave a truthful account of her adventures on  Chyros, she wrote the expected things about the beautiful island and the  wonderful weather, then exchanged pen for walking stick and went off to  smarten herself up before the stunning Miss Nicolaides came back.

Isobel heaved a sigh as she made for the bathroom. There was such an  electric sparkle about Alyssa it was hard to believe that she and Luke  had never been more than friends. Though Luke probably knew a lot of  women like Alyssa-vivid, voluptuous Greek beauties far more to his taste  than skinny blonde Brits. Isobel laughed at her reflection when she  caught herself pouting. Just like Jo's little sister Kitty when she  couldn't get her own way. She did her best with her face, pleased that a  touch of foundation made the bruise barely noticeable, and her newly  washed hair shone, with lighter streaks here and there from the hours  she'd spent baking on Luke's beach. Not too bad. How she'd envied Jo's  thick straight bob when they were teenagers. And Jo had laughed her to  scorn, full of envy for her friend's blonde curls. Barbie doll fixation,  she'd teased, then dodged when 'Barbie' started throwing things. Ready  at last in a raspberry-pink shift, Isobel went back to the terrace to  help Eleni lay the table.

The woman smiled in approval. 'You look very pretty, Isobel!'

'Why, thank you, Eleni. I heard from Luke,' she added as she put out the silver, and the woman nodded happily.

'He ring Spiro. Is bad he not stay long in hospital.'

Isobel smiled. 'He doesn't like hospitals!'

Eleni shot her a knowing look. 'You like him, ne?'

Isobel coloured slightly. 'Of course. He's been very kind to me.'

'He likes you. He never bring woman here before.'

'He didn't bring me, Eleni. He was forced into helping me because I hurt myself.'

'He likes you,' the woman repeated firmly, then hurried away at the sound of a car.

In white palazzo trousers and a sea-green silk shirt which displayed  enviable honey-toned cleavage, Isobel's visitor looked even more  stunning than before.

'You look a lot better-nice dress.' Alyssa pulled up a chair. 'Recovered from the shock, Isobel?'

'More or less. Luke rang me. He left the hospital as soon as he'd been treated.'

'So I heard.'

Isobel shivered. 'Any news about the man who did it?'

Alyssa shook her head. 'The police are questioning him.'

'Will there be anything on the news right now?'

'The main newscast is on later, after our meal. I'll play interpreter  much better once I've eaten.' Alyssa cast an eye over Isobel. 'Are you  slim like that because you work at it?'

'No. Metabolism.'

'Lucky you. I have to watch my weight like a hawk.'

'What for?' Isobel eyed her blankly. 'You're gorgeous.'

'Thank you, glykia mou! But to stay that way I do have to work at it.'

'To please Dimitri?'

Alyssa smiled like a cat with the cream. 'No, he loves the curves. But I  want to fit into my wedding dress. I brought a box of pastries with  honey and nuts for dessert, by the way, but I'll limit myself to one  only.'                       
       
           



       

'Sounds wonderful.'

'I brought a bottle of wine, too-a gift from my father. He says a glass  of wine is good medicine in times of stress.' Alyssa put out a hand to  touch Isobel's. 'Don't worry. Luke is a supremely fit man. He'll be  fine.'

Isobel flushed. 'I'm concerned, Alyssa, that's all. Luke came to my  rescue and I'm grateful to him, and I hate to see him hurt. But there's  nothing going on between us. We've only just met.'

'An hour-a minute-is all it takes to fall in love-or lust, Isobel. But I won't tease any more. Here comes dinner.'

Entertained by Alyssa's account of her preparations for her wedding,  Isobel ate well enough to satisfy Eleni when she came to clear away, but  by then she could wait no longer. She looked at her guest in appeal.  'Would you check the news for me now, please?'

Alyssa promptly jumped up and handed Isobel her crutch to make for  Luke's study. She brought up the required television programme, then  patted Isobel's hand as a shot of Luke came on the screen.

'He's been discharged from hospital after treatment, and the assailant is in police custody,' reported Alyssa.

'That's it?' said Isobel, as a shot of schoolchildren filled the screen.

Alyssa nodded and turned the set off. 'If I hear anything more I'll let  you know tomorrow. When do you intend leaving the villa?'

But Isobel had taken time to think this over. 'Perhaps I'll wait one  more day after all. At the Kalypso I'll be cut off from any news. At  least here I've got Eleni and Spiro to keep me up to speed.'

Alyssa nodded in warm approval as they returned to the terrace. 'Very  wise. You'd be a bit isolated up there. Take my advice, stay on here  until you're really mobile.'