―But there are quite a few buildings Nikos,‖ she said
suspiciously.
―I asked the registrar‘s office which classes you had and
where.‖
‗How--?‖
He shrugged and gave her an arrogant smile, ―She was a
woman.‖
―Oh for heaven‘s sake!‖ she said laughing, ―You men are
all alike!‖
―Drink your wine Bella, you could use a little time to
loosen up. You look stressed.‖ He said eyeing her expression
carefully.
―Isn‘t that the truth.‖ She mumbled taking a drink.
―How
are
your
classes?‖
―I enjoy them enough I think.‖ What she didn‘t say was
that she missed Max horribly and found it difficult to concentrate
on anything but him. ―How is your sister?‖ She said trying to
change the subject. The smile that lit his face told her that he
loved his sister very much. It was probably as much as Luke
loved her.
―She is pregnant and expecting Demetrius first child.‖
Lily lit up, ―Oh how wonderful!‖ she paused wondering
how much she should let on that Max had told her about them
but Nikos seemed to know.
―it was a misunderstanding Lily. Sophie is in as much
love with Demetrius as before, but they need to work out some
trust issues toward one another. I have faith because he
worships the ground she walks on.‖
―What a wonderful way to put it.‖ She said softly.
―It is true.‖ He said raising his brows, ―You should see
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Lietha Wards
how he looks at her.‖ He paused thinking carefully before
continuing, ―Much like Maximilian King looks at you.‖ Instantly
she shook her head causing him to chuckle, ―You don‘t see it Lily,
but as a man, I do.‖
―Nikos, there‘s something you should know—about our
engagement.‖
―That it was a ruse to protect Luke‘s precious innocent
sister from a womanizer like me.‖ He finished with a knowing
grin, ―I already knew that.‖
―But then why did you –?‖
―I told you why. Max loves you.‖ He said easily, ―I have
faith in you two also. Love like that doesn‘t fade. It only grows.‖
He was so wrong, but Lily didn‘t want to correct him. It
just showed her what a good actor Max really was.
―Now, I would like to help.‖
―Help?‖
―Certainly.‖ He gave her another gorgeous grin. ―My
sister would love to meet you. Why don‘t you come back to
Greece for a few weeks. You look as though you could use
another vacation. She‘s currently on Aquinas, Demetrius‘ island
while he works out of Athens. She‘s terribly lonely—―
―Oh—I don‘t know—―
―Nonsense.‖ He interrupted, reaching into his pocket and
taking out a card, ―Just say the word and I‘ll send the jet for
you.‖ He gave her the card, ―That‘s my private number. Call me
anytime.‖ Then he held up his hands, ―as friends, like I said.
Consider it a favour to me to spend time with my sister.‖
―I don‘t even know her.‖
―She would grow fond of you as much as my father and I
have.‖ He countered. Then leaned forward, ―If you need me for
anything, just know you can call, okay?‖
―I appreciate that Nikos.‖ She said shyly. In truth she was
surprised of how much he proclaimed to trust her the way he did
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The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
in thinking that his sister would like her. For all he knew she
could be like Cybil.
No, she doubted that. He probably did know women well
enough, just like Max said. It actually made her feel pretty good
to think that he put as much faith in her as he said he did. She
just might take him up on his offer during spring break and told
him that.
Two hours later Lily did feel better. Nikos was a complete
rake but could probably charm an angry cobra with that
charisma he possessed. Yet it seemed lost on her. He seemed to
know it.
―It is too bad Lily, that your heart belongs to Max, or I
would have swept you off your feet.‖ He said retrieving his credit
card from the server and getting to his feet to help her up.
―I‘m an open book.‖ She answered not denying it.
―I find that very appealing.‖ He said guiding her out of the
restaurant, ―It is a shame that your Max can‘t see that.‖
That was the last phrase he got out before he stopped
suddenly, ―Uh-oh‖.
Lily looked up at him but he wasn‘t looking at her. His
attention was diverted elsewhere. She followed his gaze to the
familiar grey limo parked behind his just as Oscar was opening
the door and out stepped Max looking furious.
―What on earth—― Lily started to say when Max launched
into a string of terse phrases directed solely at Nikos in Greek so
she didn‘t understand a word. He didn‘t look at her once