Page 25 of Her Greek Protector

“A problem that is easily rectified.” He reached for her shoulders and pulled her towards him. Lowering his lips, he took her in a kiss.

She froze for a moment and then melted, her lips softening. Alexi took his time kissing her. He continued to pull her towards himself, until she was half lying across his chest. Then he pushed one hand up to the nape of her neck, pulling the tie that secured her hair free.

Her blonde tresses cascaded down over his hand and arm, and he had a momentary image of her hair draped across his naked chest as he made love to her. His other hand roamed across her back, but when he moved to delve beneath her t-shirt, she pushed away from him.

She moved to the far end of the couch, watching him warily. “Why did you do that?” She touched her lips.

Alexi was not used to being thwarted. He struggled not to pull Aimee back and finish what they’d started. “Because I wanted to. It was also an effective way to stop you from arguing with me.”

Aimee shook her head. “You…I can’t believe you just said that.”

Alexi shrugged. “You enjoyed kissing me, so I don’t see what the problem is. As for the photography school, you will go and money will not be a problem. Trust me, the amount the school requires is nothing to my bank account.”

She stiffened. “I can’t accept it.”

Alexi stared at her. “Fine. Consider it payment for services rendered.”

“What? What services?” Aimee asked harshly.

Alexi smirked at her. “Headache relief. If it makes you feel better, I shall most certainly need your expertise again in the coming days. My brother is coming home tomorrow and that is sure to be a stressful situation.”

“You’re not going to pay me for helping you with your headaches.” Aimee looked somewhat relieved.

Alexi hid his smile at the presumption she’d made. He’d never paid for sexual favors and he certainly wasn’t going to start now. He should be insulted that she would even think such a thing, but instead he merely found it amusing. Not that he was going to let her see that. She still looked insulted and angry.

“Then you will be accepting the funds as a gift from me to you. Think of the money however you want, but it will be paid and by myself. Now, while I would love to spend the rest of the day here with you looking at your pictures, Kassi will be home soon. You and Damien have a date in town.”

“How did you know that?” she watched him warily.

He stood, liking the stunned look on her face at his abrupt change of topic. “Kassi herself told me. Have a nice time shopping and I will see you at dinner.” He strolled back out through the open patio door, pulling it shut behind him. He heard the throw pillow hit the wooden frame and chuckled.

Obviously, Aimee didn’t like having anyone help her. While he admired independence in a woman, there were times—like now—when it annoyed him. She needed a small amount of help that he could provide. She would accept his help. She could be annoyed with him all she liked, but Aimee was going to photography school. He would enlist Gemma’s help in persuading her friend of the wisdom of getting professional training and not going into debt to do so. Six thousand dollars was nothing to a man of his means.

He only hoped she would give in graciously. He would much rather have her thanking him with kisses and cuddles than cursing him for trying to take over her life. Alexi felt a surge of lust jolt through him at the thought.Kisses and cuddles are much more to my liking where the beautiful Aimee is concerned.

*****

Aimee was still fuming over Alexi’s offer to pay for her schooling half an hour later. Or was it not his offer, but what had come before? Kissing him had brought her emotions to the ragged edge. It had been everything she’d dreamed about and more—which made it even more important that she keep her distance.

She wasn’t planning to stay in Greece long-term and he was completely above her social class.More importantly, he was rich, used to getting his own way, while I can’t even speak the local language. All the power in this relationship is on his side...Nothing good could ever come from their association.I’m not becoming his plaything simply because I’m convenient.

The fact that she had an enormous crush on the man made things more complicated. She wanted to visit Gemma again without worrying about running into a past romantic entanglement.No matter how nice sleeping with Alexi would undoubtedly be...

She was saved further introspection when her cell phone rang. She glanced at the caller I.D. and smiled. “Gemma? Where are you?”

“We’re getting ready to leave Australia. I tried calling earlier but you didn’t answer. You still need to set up your voicemail,” Gemma reminded her.

“Shoot! I keep forgetting. I’ll do it right after we get off the phone.”

“Good. How is Damien?”

“He’s just finishing his nap.” Aimee wandered into the bedroom, smiling at the little boy who was just beginning to stir. “He’s awake, do you want to talk to him?”

“Oh, yes! Please, put him on speakerphone,” Gemma told her excitedly. “Hey, sweetie! Have you been having a good time with Aunt Aimee?”

Aimee set the phone down on the bed and then lifted Damien into her lap. “Momma’s on the phone, sweet boy. Can you talk to her?”

Damien rubbed his eyes and then looked at the phone. “Momma?”