the Billionaire’s Secret Desire(43)

―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