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seem like the distinguished gentlemen but they had come to
blows more than once as rangy young adults. Usually in some
stupid drunken brawl over something he couldn‘t remember, but
they were as close as brothers and if Luke knew that he was
sharing a bed with his baby sister, he wouldn‘t hesitate to put his
fist through his jaw.
―then why—―
―Go to sleep honey.‖ He interrupted.
Lily noticed that his voice was oddly quiet, not in volume,
but tone almost as if it was hard for him to talk.
CHAPTER FOUR
When Lily awoke the next morning she was alone.
Absently she stretched her arm across the bed and felt for him
then shot up on her arms staring at the empty side of the bed.
What would make her do such a thing? This whole weekend
would be an eye opener on her weaknesses toward that man. She
groaned and got out of bed, disgusted at her actions to fall so
easily under his spell.
After a shower she picked out a pretty pale yellow dress
with a flared skirt and white heels. She took time to do her
makeup and left her hair down because he mentioned that he
liked it that way. White on rice. The words sent a shiver through
her.
Max was sitting on the back patio sharing conversation
and coffee with Nikos. He couldn‘t help but like him. As far as he
could see he was honest and seemed to really care about his
family. Also, he hadn‘t made any movement toward Lily after
Max had spoken to him. It must have been as hard as pulling
teeth because Max was having tremendous difficulty refraining
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from touching her like he wanted to.
Just then another tall man that Max recognized
immediately came out on to the back patio with a long
purposeful stride. Nikos stood to and held out his hand to greet
him along with a smile of pleasant surprise. Max also stood to
shake his hand as Nikos introduced him.
The tabloids went wild when Demetrius Vassiliadas
married Nikos youngest sister Sophia—Sofie? However, contrary
to how the tabloids usually portrayed the rich and famous, they
gave him praise of a fairy tale wedding to his young bride. Maybe
it was because he and Sophie where heavily involved in charity
work and the public adored them. When they wed last year, it
was called the wedding of the decade by the press. He hoped they
were that gentle with Lily when they caught a hold of their
engagement. Yet, the man who stood before him now, didn‘t look
happy. Even as handsome as Demetrius was, he looked worn,
tired and hardened.
―Won‘t you sit?‖ Nikos offered.
―No, my plane leaves in an hour for the U.S.‖ He cast a
glance at Max, ―I‘ll be back the day after with my wife.‖
This made Nikos still, ―Sophie?‖
―yes.‖ He nodded to Max, ―A pleasure to finally meet you.
It is too bad I cannot sit and speak with you, but that is why
Nikos is here. He is like a brother to me and I trust him.‖ He
gave Nikos a look of pride.
Demetrius spoke very good English, but with an accent
that was heavier than Nikos. ―Maybe next time.‖ Max noted the
look they shared as his wife‘s name was mentioned. Maybe his
fatigue had something to do with his young bride because, as far
as he knew, his wealth had increased tremendously this year, so
it wasn‘t that. However, Max wasn‘t one to pry in other people‘s
personal lives, because he didn‘t like his invaded.
He smiled, ―Of course. I‘ll make time in the next few
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months to fly to Chicago and we‘ll finalize things in person.‖
―Bring your wife Demetrius, from what I hear about her,
Lily would love her.‖
―Lily?‖
―My fiancé.‖
Demetrius managed a rare smile, ―Let me offer my
congratulations. I would like very much to take you up on your
offer. I‘ll have Nikos work out the details for the future.‖
Max shook his hand again and watched him leave before
he and Nikos sat down again. Nikos was oddly silent as he
stirred his coffee. When he spoke it wasn‘t what Max expected.
Nikos was a good businessman, there was no doubt. He also
suspected that the man didn‘t speak about family problems often
so when he started to explain, it was surprising.
―My youngest sister has been missing for nine months.‖
He said quietly and took a sip of his coffee not meeting Max‘s
curious eyes. ―Demetrius has been distraught.‖ Nikos continued
finally bringing his eyes to his, ―None of us know why she ran,
not even Demetrius.‖
Max never said anything but it certainly explained the
tycoon‘s condition. He was a nice looking man and could rival
Max in height, but he looked oddly defeated. Another thing that
was obvious was Nikos‘ pain at the mention of his sister. Max