The Greek Rule (The Greek Series) Read Free Page B

feelings. His brother was her close friend and his brother’s fiancé was the best friend she’d ever had. She would not jeopardize her relationship with either of them for a fling with Alexandros.
    Knowing his family history, his business genius, and now his physical potency, didn’t help. Rather, it terrified her.
    Overwhelmed by the memory of his body pressed against hers, she realized he was her ultimate nightmare: a Greek playboy she may not be able to resist. She needed to distance herself, and put things into the proper perspective.
    The phone rang at the perfect moment. Grateful for the distraction, she smiled as she reached for the receiver and heard her oldest brother’s voice.
    “Demo, how are you?”
    “I’m good. Listen, Strintzaris just upped the bid half a million. Are you sure you want to continue with Luca’s deal?” Her brother’s voice was impatient. Obviously, he didn’t think it necessary for the negotiations to take such a turn.
    Athena calculated the new terms. They would make things more difficult, but they were within her grasp. “If they only went up half a million, they’re preparing to stop. Round up to the next level and we’ll be done. Point out the fact that the beach is public and won’t belong to the resort. The county could cut off the resort’s access at any time. They did that in Platania with the new luxury place next to Thea’s. Didn’t we hear a rumor about the same happening here?”
    Demo sighed into the phone. “Athena, let me fund the buy. The property is worth much more than we’re at now, and–”
    “No! I won’t let you do for me. I’m perfectly capable of completing this deal on my own. The time of the big, strong Greek man taking care of the little woman has passed. I don’t need Daddy, Tony, or you to pave the road for a good husband to do the same.”
    “That’s not what I think, or what I meant. And you know that. It makes a–”
    “I said no. Go up a full million, and they’ll stop. If they really wanted the property, it would be out of my reach by now. Aren’t you the one that said it’s worth ten more?”
    “Yes. However, I’ve never known Strintzaris to back away from something he wants.”
    She pictured Alexandros in the boardroom. Tough, determined, refusing to yield. “I could see that.” She sighed. “I met him tonight. He’s impressive and very persuasive.”
    “Strintzaris is in Naples?”
    “Uh-huh. He and Luca are good friends. Alexandros came to support the children’s charity.”
    Demo’s tone changed from legal advisor to big brother. “Don’t forget who he is. Don’t look at him as Costa’s brother. Alexandros Strintzaris is your competition and nothing less than a shark.”
    “DDGC! I know.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Athena smiled and felt a tingle run through her. Drop Dead Gorgeous Competition . “Nothing. Don’t worry about me. I’m not fickle. Negotiate the deal, Demo. Get me that resort.”
    “Good girl. I love you, sis.”
    “I love you. Kalinihta , Demo.”
    ****
    At nine the next morning, Alexandros rang the front desk and asked to be connected to Athena’s suite. However, he was politely told that Miss Lakis was not available. She had an early flight and had left for the airport at six. The desk attendant said Miss Lakis had requested room service for him before leaving, and it would be brought to his suite.
    Moments later, he opened the door to accept a tray containing a demitasse cup of Greek coffee, a plate of feta cheese with olives and some bread. He looked at the breakfast and smiled. Yes, he was correct about this woman. Not only was she thoughtful, she was also complex, alluring, smart, beautiful, and most of all, perfect for him.
    Athena may have steered clear of him this morning, but she had unknowingly, intuitively, left her door open to him. By acknowledging who he was, and providing what he liked, she’d made an effort not to offend him. Even while she avoided being alone with