The Billionaire's Runaway Bride Read Free

conversation had increased as the servers had moved in to lay down the starters.
    The food was delicious, Grace knowing that no expense had been spared on the sumptuous meal, enjoying it very much. Looking at the other four women, she had stifled a smile seeing how little they ate, shaking her head knowing that their figures were of more interest to them than the food before them. Raising her head she had flicked a look at the man at the head of the table, feeling once more the blush rise to her cheek as their eyes had met, Grace quickly dropping hers as she had nervously turned to her companion to answer his questions.
    After the meal, the group had moved to the huge living room, part of which had been cleared to allow dancing. Grace had been surprised to see the small band which had immediately started to play, her lips quirking knowing that this was an often repeated event, her mind returning to Daryle’s words, that the weekends happened every month, as she had found herself relaxing.
    For the rest of the evening, she had danced often with the man who seemed to have taken a liking to her, Grace finding herself liking him very much also as the two had talked about the different marine life on the island she listening so attentively as he had spoke.
    From a distance Alexos had frowned, tired of the attention of the four women who seemed to constantly be appearing before him. Looking over he had once more admired the fifth, Grace Leotta, her face smiling with real warmth at the man who normally so quiet was talking animatedly to her, his hands holding her as they had danced together. The feeling of jealousy had been unexpected. Alexos so used to overshadowing any man in a room, able to take his pick of women at any event. Lifting his glass he had frowned, watching as the two had broken apart and made towards their table. Placing his drink down with a decided motion he had stepped before them, a smile on his handsome features
    “A dance Grace?” his sensual voice sending strange tremors down her spine, as nervously she had extended her hand for him to lead her back to the dance area.
    He towered above her, her head neatly fitting under his chin as his hands had spread open over the small of her back. Grace found the warmth of them disturbing, not understanding why. One arm had draped between them to rest gently on his shoulder as the other had been enveloped by his hand, Grace aware of how firm that hand was. Leaning against him, she had closed her eyes with pleasure as the scent of his aftershave had filled her, her nostrils flaring with the pleasure of his scent.
    “You look beautiful” his silky voice had brought her around from the mesmerising effect of being in his arms.
    “S…so do you” she had replied, closing her eyes with embarrassment as she had stuttered
    “Well…not beautiful…I mean you look…..nice” mortification filling her as the rumble of his throaty laugh had reached her ears
    “I think I know what you mean……and thank you” his voice full of mockery, as she had bitten her lip wishing that the ground would swallow her up whole.
    “Are you enjoying yourself?” he had asked more softly, Grace nodding gently, a half-smile reaching her love-heart lips.
    “Yes…you have a beautiful home” she had managed gently, as Alexos had looked over at Samuel, the island’s vet.
    “Thank you” his voice like liquid slid down her spine “You and Sam seem to be hitting it off” his voice more matter of fact than accusatory, as she had given him a wider grin, Alexos again fascinated to see how her smile could light up her features.
    “I have a great interest in the marine life around here…and he seems a real authority”
    Nodding he had acknowledged this, mentally making a note to browse the reference book of marine life that night. Frowning, Alexos had chastised himself. Was he trying to impress her? One more of the many women his father had brought to yet another of his ‘find a bride’