Helen stood in her bedroom staring at Judith, who had just come to her. She was standing just inside the door of the elegant mauve and white room, her face pale but composed, her eyes steady with determination.
'You can't leave me!' cried Helen for the third time in less than a minute. 'You came here to look after Petros-you know I need you-'
'I don't know any such thing,' interrupted Judith patiently. 'You looked after your child when you were in England, so why can't you do it now?'
'Simply because I don't want to!'
It was Judith's turn to stare, for here was an altogether different side of Helen's makeup, one she, Judith, had never realised could exist. Still, she mused reflectively, she really knew very little about the girl, having merely corresponded with her on occasions, not very often, since the parting.
'What has happened to make you like this?' asked Judith at last, and Helen, her dark face set and tense, declared frankly that she was sick of being the subjugated wife. She wanted a life of her own, the life she had missed when she was forced into marriage with Panos. 'But surely you wanted to marry him,' said Judith when at length the older girl paused.
'In Greece, marriages are arranged-'
'Not now, surely-not in these enlightened times, and especially not with people of your status.'
'My marriage was arranged and I obeyed my parents, as every dutiful daughter in Greece is expected to, but I know now that I ought to have had the courage to rebel!' She turned away and moved towards the window, absently putting out a hand to grip the long silken tassel which controlled the drawing of the curtains.
Judith watched her as she let the threads run through her fingers. She said at last, 'Are you and Panos going to get a divorce?'
'We haven't yet made up our minds.'
'There's… someone else?'
Helen nodded her head. 'We met when he was in London on business-with Panos. He's Greek; lives in Langadia.'
'That's not far from Delphi.' Judith spoke mechanically, almost to herself. She was shocked by the idea that Helen, mother of a young child, could have found someone else. But she kept her feelings to herself since, after all, it was none of her business. 'So that is why you want a nanny for Petros-so that you'll be free to-er-have this affair?'
'Put it how you like!'
'I was merely stating a fact. What you do, Helen, is entirely your own affair, and if you want a nanny for Petros, then obviously you'll have one-but it won't be me.'
Helen swung round. 'What exactly happened? All you've said up till now is that you and Alexis cannot live in the same house.'
'And that's all I intend saying.' Judith's voice was quiet but determined, this after several days of considering.
A sigh of exasperation broke the silence. 'It's a rotten trick, to leave me now,' complained Helen wrathfully. She was far from pretty in her anger, thought Judith as she looked at her. But her hair was still lovely, black, like her brother's, and gleaming, and her skin, clear and unlined, glowed with health. 'Please stay with me, Judith.' Helen's voice had changed; she was now begging Judith to change her mind about leaving. 'I shall see that my brother doesn't make himself objectionable to you-I suppose it is that? He was nasty because of what happened all that time ago?'
If that were all, then she could stay, thought Judith, but grimly she was living through that scene last week when she had come so close to losing all she had held dear, her chastity. She was old-fashioned enough to want to save herself for the man she might one day marry. Yes, old-fashioned and perhaps foolish, since life was for living, and undoubtedly a girl could have a good time if she were willing to forego her ideals.
'I can't stay, Helen-I'm sorry,' she said at last.
'But why?' No answer from Judith, and Helen flounced past her and went running along the hall towards the room which Judith knew was Alexis' study.
'What-!' Judith gave a deep sigh and left the room, to wander in the garden, her mind in chaos from all that was happening in so short a time: the scene with Alexis; the decision to go back to England, instead of staying to be nanny to Petros; the anxiety of getting another job; the knowledge of trouble between Helen and her husband…. It was no wonder her mind was in turmoil, she thought as she wandered away from the house, unconsciously putting some distance between it and her, between the occupants who were at this moment probably quarrelling.
'What shall I do?'
The question staggered Judith; she had made her decision, so the question was not necessary. Yet it repeated itself all the time she was walking. She came to a little arbour, hidden from the villa, and she sat down on the rustic seat, trying to relax. And after a while she succeeded, lazily becoming aware of the peace, the tranquillity. She could see the lovely Temple of Zeus gleaming in the sunshine-not the Temple, she thought sadly, but only what remained of it. Earthquakes, vandalism, and the relentless forces of nature had wrought havoc with the original structure and all that remained were a few stately columns and some scattered bases. But the peace was there, the sacredness of it all. An ache filled her throat, the sort of tight, choking sensation which appears when the tide of ecstasy becomes a deluge that drowns all other emotions and takes the heart and mind to a realm beyond man's understanding. Such was the impression which the Sanctuary gave out, and Judith was profoundly aware of it as she sat there, receptive, and appreciative of all the ancient Greek world had given to mankind.
On sudden impulse she rose and walked the distance to the sacred site and there sat on a fallen column, the sun in her hair, its warmth penetrating the chill that had crept into her heart. She looked up as a shadow fell before her, and somehow was not as surprised as she ought to have been at seeing Alexis standing there, his having come quietly, as if, like Judith, he were afraid of disturbing the slumbering gods or, more likely, their spirits.
'Has Helen been talking to you?' She just had to speak and she did it in haste. Alexis nodded as he sat down opposite her, his hands clasped in front of him. So distinguished! Even in the open-necked shirt and the denim trews.
'She tells me you are leaving, even before you've taken up your duties.'
'Is there any need to explain?' she countered, challenging him with the bright sparkle in her eyes.
'You take life far too seriously-always did,' he began when she interrupted him.
'Because I'm not modern?'
The dark eyes roved over her and he smiled faintly, mockingly. 'Because you are not realistic.'
'You'd still like me for your pillow-friend, wouldn't you?'
'Of course. I thought that would have been made clear to you a short while ago, when we almost made I--'
'Helen was right when she told you I was leaving,' cut in Judith hastily. 'I've made up my mind and nothing will alter it.'
'Stubborn wench.' The accent in his voice seemed rather more pronounced than usual, and she felt he was smothering anger. 'I want you to stay,' he added matter-of-factly, and Judith gave a gasp of disbelief.
'You think it is as easy as that?' she exclaimed. 'I said you were pompous and-'
'Let us keep the conversation civil,' he admonished. 'There is no need for abuse or criticism. I have said, I want you to stay.'
'The reason?' Judith looked interestedly at him, waiting for him to answer her.
'Petros.' The brevity of his reply caused a puzzled frown to crease her brow.
'Petros?' she echoed. 'And…?'
'His need for someone like you. He's about to face an upheaval in his young life that could have disastrous results. You could prevent his being hurt too much.'
'He's a mere baby; he'll not know anything about it.'
'He's three and a half and highly intelligent. He loves both his parents, needs both his parents. Even now, he will be missing his father. And if his mother is absent from his life, as well-' Alexis spread his hands. 'I believe that someone like you, sympathetic and understanding, will help him to remain on his present even keel-'
'But you've just said he's already missing his father.'
'Not keenly, because it's early days. His father has been away before, but never for any length of time. Petros is soon going to ask where his daddy is.'
'I can't be a substitute, can I?'
'You can be tender with him; he'll soon be relying on you, gaining affection for you. Children are like that; they respond to kindness. Petros is not going to be hurt, Judith, and that is why I am asking you to stay.'
She shook her head, but weakly. 'I can't-'
'I'll not molest you,' he promised. And, a smile curving the fine, well-sculptured lips, 'You know, my child, you also enjoyed our little interlude-No, don't you dare deny it! I'm not a fool-'
'Because you've had plenty of experience!' she could not help breaking in to say.
'Precisely.'
She coloured. 'Why must men brag of their conquests?' she snapped.
'I wasn't bragging of mine. I was merely agreeing with an assumption you had made.'
'A correct one, obviously,' she returned tartly.
He drew a breath of asperity. 'Can we get back to the business of your post as nanny?'
'I have relinquished the post.'
'You can't do that. You have to give at least a month's notice.'
She bit her lip. She had thought of that, but assumed she would be allowed to leave at once. 'I can't stay a month,' she began.
'You can and you will-and longer.' So determined was the tone, and imperious.
Judith's eyes flamed. 'You can't make me-Oh, yes, the month! I suppose you can keep me to that, but not a moment longer will I stay!'
He remained silent. Watching him closely, Judith gained the annoying impression that he was congratulating himself on having gained a victory over her. Well, just let him wait! She meant what she said when she told him she would not stay a day longer than the month.
The silence continued, and after a few moments she was content to sit here, enjoying the warm sunshine, the peace, and to her surprise she was even glad of the company of the distinguished man opposite her, even though there was scant friendliness between them.
He looked at her without expression; she glanced away, profoundly conscious of her surroundings: the wild and lonely aspect, for there were no tourists within her view, the absence of any living thing besides themselves-but for a flitting bird-wing flashing colour and then gone, and now the scuffle of a wary lizard in the bracken at her feet.
'It's so remote from man….' She spoke aloud to herself, her eyes wide and limpid and filled with the appreciation of what was spread out before them-the Temple and the Treasuries, the massive Theatre rising to the sky, the towering peaks of Mount Parnassas, the Gorge of the Pleistos opening dramatically onto the Sacred Plain of Amphissa, a veritable sea of ten thousand ancient olive trees, their foliage silver in the glowing light of the sun. A pack-donkey ambled along at the base of the foothills, his black-clad owner trudging with weary persistence beside him. Judith's eyes wandered again to the distant scene, to the blue Gulf of Corinth, a dazzling expanse of water caressed by the rain of gold which was the sunlight.
'It's time I was getting back.' Alexis' calm voice severed the train of Judith's thoughts, which had been on the ancient past, when suppliants came from near and far to worship at the shrine of the sun-god and to seek advice from the Oracle. 'I have work to do.' Alexis rose as he spoke, his eyes never leaving her face. 'So it's settled,' he said as he straightened up to an incredible height above her. 'You're staying to take care of Petros.'
'For a month, yes,' she agreed, though reluctantly. Far better to leave now before added danger came her way.
'We shall see about that,' tersely as he began to walk away. She sat there for a few minutes, to allow him to get away. Then she rose and was about to move when a coin rolled along a flagstone and came to rest by her foot.
'Sorry!' An insouciant grin accompanied the brief apology as the young man stooped to retrieve his ten-drachma piece.
Judith smiled weakly and was walking away when the voice said, 'Are you on holiday? You look lonely. Want company for lunch?'
She turned, taking the man's measure, absorbing the fact that he was very young, not more than twenty-three, that he had fair wavy hair, clear skin, and blue eyes that laughed at her as they went from her face right over her body to her feet.
'No, thank you,' she answered without much expression.
'No? Are you on holiday?' he asked again.
'I have a job here.' Her instinct had been to ignore him, but she felt that would be churlish because he was obviously quite harmless.
'A job? Lucky you! You're English, though-from the south.'
'I'm English,' she returned.
'Do have lunch with me-I ought not to have come alone. I knew I'd hate it, but when my mate was rushed off to have his appendix out I didn't feel like cancelling the holiday. However, it was a mistake.' He paused and looked so forlorn that she felt sorry for him and said she would have lunch with him, but she had to go back to the villa first.
'I haven't really started work yet,' she confessed. 'The little boy I'm nanny to went off a couple of hours ago to see his aunt-one of his young cousins came for him. So I'm free. However, I feel I ought to go back and tell my employer what I am doing for the next hour or so.'
He walked with her; they exchanged a little information and she learnt that his name was Leslie Brockhurst and he came from Birmingham. He worked in a solicitor's office, worked from nine to five and hated every moment of it.
'I wish I could get a job like you,' he ended with a sigh.
'What-as a nanny?'
He laughed but went on to say, 'Why not? This business of Women's Lib and all that. I daresay that little boy would be very happy to have me mind him all day.'
'Perhaps,' was all Judith replied to that, and a short while later she was telling Helen that she would stay for a month.
'Alexis made you?'
A glint entered Judith's grey eyes. 'Nobody makes me do anything I don't want to do,' she said shortly.
'I'm sorry. What I meant was that my brother has influenced you.'
'He reminded me that I must give a month's notice.' Judith's tone was still crisp. 'I could go, of course, but as it isn't the correct thing to do, I shall stay and work out my notice.'
'You haven't given me notice.'
'Then I give it now!'
'Perhaps you'll reconsider eventually.'
'No chance.'
'I must look for someone else, then?'
It would be wise, if you haven't any intention of looking after Petros yourself.' A pause, and then: 'Seeing that he isn't here, I have accepted an offer to have my lunch out.'
'You have?' Helen's eyes opened wide. 'You've made a friend already?'
'I have met a young man, yes.'
'Not picked him up, I hope.'
'I think you could call it that,' returned Judith, well aware that she was giving Helen a shock. 'We met on the site by Apollo's Temple-very romantic.' What was she doing? This was not like her. Perhaps, she thought afterwards, she had been hoping that Helen would consider her unfit to care for her son and so let her go at once. No such thing happened, and resignation was strong within her when, half an hour later, she was sitting opposite Leslie in a very charming little cafeneion where the tables were outside, shaded by vines and where two men were sitting apart playing bouzouki music, big smiles on their brown faces, smiles which revealed bright gold fillings. These fillings were one way of saving up, Judith had already learnt. The men had gold fillings, whilst the women usually bought bangles. Judith and Leslie had freshly baked wholemeal bread, the typical Greek mávro psomi baked in an outside oven; they had olives like plums; halloómi-the delightfully smooth cheese made from goats' milk; and tomatoes as large as apples. For the main course Judith had soovlákia, while Leslie chose barbouni, the delicious red mullet freshly caught, then cooked in spices and garnished with crispy fried potatoes and mushrooms. For dessert they had freshly picked figs, and the whole was washed down with áspro krasi, a fruity white wine made locally.
'That was lovely!' enthused Leslie, leaning back and looking rather more than replete. 'I love Greek food, don't you?'
'I like what I've had,' she returned with a smile. 'I've not been here very long, so I haven't sampled much of the food yet.'
'Try the fish, and the kebabs,' he recommended. 'They're mouth watering, I can tell you!'
He seemed so young, yet refreshing after the old fogeys she had been working with in the office. It was nice to have company of her own age, and when he suggested she meet him that evening, she said she'd get away if she could.
'I won't promise, but if I can get away I'll meet you at the Sanctuary.'
'By the Temple?'
She nodded. 'Yes. If I'm not there by half past eight, I won't be coming.'
He frowned; she saw how disappointed he was even at the idea that she might not come.
'How will I get in touch again, if you don't turn up?'
'Can I phone you?'
'I'm staying at the Artemis.'
'I'll give you a ring in the morning. What time will suit you?'
'Any time between eight and half past nine.'
She laughed at his expression. 'Don't look so glum. I might be there this evening. I shall certainly try.'
'This child-surely you won't have to stay by his bedside, for heaven's sake!'
'I think he will sleep, and if so I shall ask if I can leave him. There are several servants in the house, and his uncle. His mother might even be in; I don't know for sure.' Would Helen go out with her man friend? she wondered. Such an assignation would provide gossip, and she did wonder just how Alexis would take it.
'I must be off,' she was saying very soon. 'Petros might be home sooner than I expect.'
***
It was after five when the little boy arrived back, brought by the fourteen-year-old who had come for him. Petros was a tall, lively child, uninhibited, and he spoke excellent English, as well as Greek. Bilingual at three and a half. It made Judith feel lazy, for she had never learnt a foreign language in depth; her knowledge of anything except English was limited to the French she had learnt at school.
'Hello, Petros.' She smiled as she greeted him and his own spontaneous smile came swiftly. 'Have you enjoyed your afternoon?'
'A lot! My Aunt Souphoula lets me sit on her knee and she sings to me!'
'He's spoilt.' This from his cousin, Maria, whose voice was faintly contemptuous. 'You see, he doesn't come often, so everyone fusses over him and he likes it!'
'Everyone doesn't fuss over me!' he objected and stuck his tongue out at her.
'If Uncle Alexis sees you do that, he'll spank you,' warned his cousin. 'And I hope he does see you!' she added as a parting shot.
Judith looked at him sternly. 'That was very rude, Petros.'
'What was rude?' The cool enquiry made Judith spin round, to find herself looking up into the expressionless face of the man to whom she was once engaged.
Maria, who had been about to leave, swung round and said, 'Petros stuck out his tongue at me.'
'Telling tales!' Petros glowered at her. 'I didn't stick my tongue out!'
'And now he's telling fibs.' Maria's command of English amazed Judith, for there was only the merest hint of an alien accent in her voice.
'So you stuck your tongue out.' Alexis, tall and stern and appearing really threatening, beckoned to his nephew, who came to him so quickly that it was plain he held his uncle in awe. 'You had better tell Maria you are sorry.'
Petros' mouth went tight and it seemed that he would defy his uncle. But caution prevailed and after another small hesitation he turned to her and said, 'I'm sorry, Maria.' But the look he gave her was in no way reflective of contrition.
'And the fib?' asked Alexis sternly.
'I am sorry about that, as well.'
'As well-what?'
'Uncle Alexis.' The boy's face was reddening.
Judith took hold of his hand and said softly, 'Shall we go up to the nursery now, Petros, and have our tea?'
'Yes, I'm very hungry.'
'Is Helen about?' asked Judith. They were in the flower-bedecked hall and one of the maids, Androula, was just finishing watering the plants. She glanced up as if she would speak, then changed her mind.
'I have an idea she's gone out.'
'You're not sure?'
'No, I'm not sure.'
It was then that Androula intervened. 'Kyria Voudouris went out one hour ago and said she would not be back until very late, so I was not to wait up to give her any supper.'
Judith, watching Alexis, saw his mouth tighten. But his voice was low and polite as he said, 'Thank you, Androula.'
'Will it be all right if I go out this evening?' Judith asked a little anxiously. She did not think that Alexis was in the mood for granting favours. He was plainly furious with Helen, even though he had earlier agreed that what she did was her business and no-one else's.
'And leave Petros, you mean?'
'I would like to dine out, with a friend. I needn't go until half past eight. Petros will be asleep by then and one of the maids can attend to him if he should wake and want anything.'
'It is your job to look after Petros,' was his chill reply. 'No, I'm afraid you can't be free this evening. Were Helen in, it would be different.'
Silence, long and profound.
'I would like to know what my working hours are,' she managed at last through the pall of anger swiftly possessing her.
'You want to work set hours?' He shook his head in a way that only added to her fury. 'Nannies have no set hours.'
'They are not on duty twenty-four hours a day!'
'Who is this friend you have made so quickly?' he demanded, and now Judith's chin lifted and there was a militant sparkle in her eyes as she answered him in crisp and fluid tones.
'That, Alexis, is my business. I refuse to discuss my friends with you-or with anyone else, for that matter. I would like to be with him this evening, and I feel it's unfair of you to try to keep me in when you know as well as I that Petros will sleep the moment he goes to bed-and that is at half past seven.' She paused a moment and then went on: 'I am going to insist, Alexis, simply because you are unreasonable-' A snap of his hand halted her and she coloured up with embarrassment.
'It is not unreasonable for me to expect you to do your duty, which is what you are being paid for. I am the one who will insist,' he added imperiously. 'I insist that you stay in in case Petros should wake and require attention.'
Seething, but unable to see how she could argue against such a domineering manner, Judith shot him a glowering look and, holding her young charge firmly by the hand, she went through the hall, along the wide corridor, and entered the nursery. Androula was there already, setting the table with things she had brought in on a tray.
'Will there be anything else, Miss?' she enquired respectfully.
Judith shook her head. 'No, Androula, thank you. We have more than sufficient there.' For herself, she couldn't have eaten if she tried. Anger choked her, blocking her throat, affecting her nerves. The sooner the month was up, the better pleased she would be!
***
It was at a quarter to eight that the phone rang in her bedroom. She picked up the receiver, stiffening as she recognised the voice.
'So you are in-'
'Did you expect me to flout your authority and go out?' she snapped.
'Sarcasm, my child, does not become you. I wondered if you would care to join me for dinner.'
She gasped, moving the receiver to stare into it. 'Dinner?' she repeated weakly.
'Androula mentioned that you hadn't had any tea.'
She hesitated. Undoubtedly she would like to have her dinner, for by now she was hungry. But to have it with Alexis… Yet suddenly the prospect became pleasant, for surely he would at least assume a courteous manner with her. She heard herself say in controlled and steady tones, 'Thank you, Alexis. I will join you for dinner. What time shall I come down?'
A low laugh came over before he said, 'Precisely at a quarter past eight.'
Precisely… So he was being sarcastic now. Judith replaced the receiver and walked over to the mirror to take a long, measuring look at herself. Then, with a glance at her watch, she hurried to the bathroom, where she took a hasty shower.
At a quarter past eight she was standing just inside the door of the salon. Alexis was by a standard lamp and had not heard her footsteps on the soft-pile carpet. She examined his clear profile against the light, noticing the aristocratic, classical contours, the angular jaw and straight nose, the strong, determined chin. He turned; she came slowly into the room, her face aglow still from the fresh, invigorating winds which had blown down from the mountains whilst she was at the Sanctuary. The bodice of her dress fitted snugly, enhancing her curves, while the ankle-length skirt swayed attractively when she walked. Although full, it was cut so as to provide a tantalising impression of what lay beneath. For a long moment Alexis stood there, subjecting her first to a roving look, and then, as his dark eyes settled on her face, to a piercing scrutiny.
'You look charming,' was his comment at last, but there was scant expression in the words. His smile, too, was perfunctory, and for no reason she could explain, Judith felt her spirits drop.
She said flatly, 'Thank you,' and sat down, watching him as he walked with that air of superiority towards the drinks cabinet.
'What will you have?'
'A dry martini, please.'
'Ice and lemon?'
'Please.'
He gave it to her; their eyes met and held. Quivers, strangely pleasant, feathered along her back and she averted her face because she knew the colour was slowly rising in her cheeks. He stooped, and with a finger beneath her chin he forced her to look at him.
'Why did you come?' he said.
She instantly reminded him that he had already asked that question. 'I have already told you why,' she added finally.
'It was because you were dissatisfied with the work you were doing?'
'Mainly it was that. Alexis,' she said with a hint of impatience, 'can we let that drop? I definitely did not come here in order to contact you again. You could have been married for all I knew!'
'Helen would have mentioned it; you are well aware that she would.'
Judith gritted her teeth. 'All right, I give you that point. But get this! I am not here because I want to pick up any threads. What is past is past, and one should never go back.' She looked at him, dark anger in her eyes. 'In any case, you have a girl friend, and I knew you had, for Helen mentioned her in one of her letters.'
Alexis said nothing, and as she watched his face closely, trying to read what was in his eyes, she suddenly felt that he was not being pompous at all, that his question as to why she was here stemmed from another aspect altogether.
She found herself saying, in a wondering tone of voice, 'I believe you are afraid of-of finding me attractive-' She stopped, appalled at what she had said.
However, he took no objection, but actually finished for her: 'And falling in love with you all over again?' His mouth went tight. 'Yes, I am already finding you attractive, but I have no intention of falling in love with you-'
'I don't want you to!'
'I certainly would like to have an affair with you, though,' he said quietly.
She stood up, a gasp of disbelief escaping her at his audacity. 'I don't think we have anything farther to say to one another. I will bid you good night.'
She moved towards the door but never reached it. With a couple of long strides he was beside her; she protested as he gripped her arm, but the next moment she was imprisoned, forced to recognise his hardness, his need of her. His mouth, brutal in its desire, crushed her lips unmercifully, while his arms about her strengthened until she felt she would never breathe again.
'I want you, Judith.' Thick his voice and insistent. 'Why hold out when your desires are equally as strong as mine?'
'They are not-!'
'My dear,' he broke in softly, 'don't lie to me; it's futile, for I know. You reciprocated beautifully before, letting me know just how much you wanted fullfilment. In Greece we live, Judith, live and enjoy life to the fullest. Why this pretence of coldness? Be my pillow-friend and I will give you so much-'
'Get away from me!' she cried, gasping for breath as she managed to gain her release, not by her own puny efforts, but because he allowed her to escape. She was panting, her breasts heaving, her cheeks' heightened colour betraying the strength of her emotions… not only anger, but passion unslaked. For there was no doubt that Alexis held her defences in the palm of his hand every time he tempted her; it had been like that during their engagement, and it was the same now. He did something to her which no other man ever could; she knew this to be an indisputable fact and admitted it. But to be his mistress-no, that was not for her! She desired him, but she did not think she loved him… or did she? Misery flooded over her at the possibility of yet another period of unhappiness. She had managed to get over it once. Surely she was not going to be so foolish as to fall in love again with the same man!-a man who by his own admission had no interest in marrying her, but a most strong interest in possessing her.
'Let me go,' she begged, so close to tears that her vision was misted. 'I'm tired and-'
'Have dinner with me.' His voice staggered her by its change, its gentleness and persuasiveness. 'Let us forget these past few minutes and enjoy our meal.' He touched her eye, checking a tear before it fell, and gently he touched her lips, as well, caressing them moistly, while his hand stroked her hair. 'Better now?' He smiled and she nodded, her big eyes wider than ever as they met his in bewilderment. Strange man to have these opposing facets to his nature! How must she take him?
'Yes, I feel better,' she answered in a rather shaky little voice.
'And are you hungry?' His arm was about her shoulder.
'I must admit I am,' she returned with a small laugh.
'Come, then, the dinner will be served by now.'
It was a meal eaten by candlelight, with soft music to accompany the most delicious food and wine and add to the atmosphere of romance which pervaded the room, helped by the scent of flowers, the fine china, the silver, and gleaming crystal glassware.
'Did you enjoy it?' Alexis was asking when they were back in the salon drinking coffee and cognac.
'Very much.' Her composure regained a long while ago, she was able to look directly at him, a smile on her lips. 'It was a delicious meal.'
He paused a moment before saying, his gaze steady and penetrating, 'This friend you mentioned-you've obviously met him since you arrived… and that isn't very long.'
'I met him on the site,' she said. 'He dropped a coin and it rolled to my feet.'
A quirk of amusement was in evidence, but only fleetingly. His voice was faintly cold as he remarked, 'Very romantic. And so you became friends on sight?'
'Not friends, exactly,' she contradicted. 'He asked me to have lunch with him and I accepted. Then we were to dine out together this evening….' She allowed her voice to trail off, knowing that there was no need for further words.
'He's here on holiday?'
'That's right. He was coming with a friend, but his friend took ill, so Leslie had to come alone.'
'And he wants company… female company?' Terse now the tone and it brought a puzzled frown to his companion's forehead.
What was the reason for all this interest? she wondered. Jealousy? The word came naturally, the result of his saying he found her attractive. But if he were so deeply affected as to be jealous, then surely he must feel something stronger than desire for her.
'You're looking puzzled,' she heard him remark and flicked him a glance from above the rim of her glass.
'It's your attitude, your interest in-in my affairs.'
'I'm not, really-' He lifted a hand to stifle a yawn. 'I suppose I was merely making conversation.'
She coloured, feeling snubbed. He had a way, this man, of making her feel small and inferior, unable to hold her own with him. It was not a pleasant feeling; she resented it but, reluctant to cause dissention after such a happy evening, she remained silent, sipping her brandy and, inexplicably, feeling restless all at once.
As if he sensed this, Alexis said after draining his coffee cup and placing it on the saucer, 'Would you like a stroll in the gardens? This is the best time of the day, when the coolness settles over everything.'
She put down her glass. To walk outside… She knew the atmosphere was romantic…. Refuse! said her common sense. Accept! said her heart. A smile fluttered; Alexis had risen already, as if he had no expectation of a refusal. She took the extended hand without quite realising the intimacy of the action, and within a few minutes they were crossing the carpet-smooth lawn and she knew he was taking her somewhere secluded. She pulled back; he laughed and gave her a little tug of the hand.
'Don't be scared. I'll not molest you. Haven't I promised?'
'Yes, but…'
'You don't trust my word?' He had stopped and she wanted to run.
'You've broken it already,' she reminded him. 'You promised that if I stayed you'd not-er-force your attentions on me. But you did, just a couple of hours ago.'
He looked down at her in the moonlight and gave a quirk of impatience. 'Why pretend, Judith? And why hold out against your own inclinations and desires? You haven't lived if you've never known a man's love-'
'Love?' she was swift to query.
'I didn't mean that quite literally. I meant lovemaking-the whole thing from foreplay to afterplay-'
'Please!'
'It's nature's gift,' he went on, ignoring the interruption. 'The delights of the flesh-primitive and satisfying-'
'You make it sound so clinical,' she interrupted, embarrassment forcing her to say something to put a stop to his words. 'I intend to wait for the very special man who might one day come along.'
A pause. Then, slowly, his eyes never leaving her face, 'You once thought the special man had come along.'
'You're trying to say that, to me, you ought still to be something special?' A hint of contempt edged her voice, but he seemed not to have noticed.
'What I am trying to say-or, rather, to convince you of-is that if I once was special, and taking into consideration the fact that you've never had anyone else-not anyone special, obviously-then you should feel the same about me, sexually, as you did before.'
She looked up into his face. 'You have an odd kind of logic, Alexis,' she observed. 'But unfortunately for you it's at complete variance with mine.'
'Cool and so collected. I shall kiss you into a very different mood-No, my dear Judith, there is no escape!' He brought her protesting body to him, his arms enfolding her, pressing her so close she could scarcely breathe. His mouth, moist and warm and possessive, took hers in spite of her struggles. Her lips were coerced apart and his tongue caressed hers. She still tried to twist herself free, but his hand was low down her back, forcing her body to cease its struggles. She quivered in every cell, every nerve, while her heart raced and her pulses rioted. His other hand slid with fine expertise into her bodice to wrap itself round her breast while his fingers teased until without much effort the nipple was a hard little bud in his hand.
She managed to lift her face, to see that his eyes held the black intensity of passion. She was afraid, trembling, and yet, conversely, her body reacted to the stimulus being exerted upon it by the smooth and easy finesse of the man who seemed to have perfected the art of lovemaking. How could she fight him? If she had strength she could escape, but his arms as they slid right round her again were like bands of waxed rope, hard, inflexible. He was forcing his iron-hard frame against her suppleness, both his hands sliding down to her soft curves, fingers curling round them, masterfully insistent, demanding that she surrender her body in obedience to his. She gave way, yielding to his wishes with a sort of ecstatic languour, and the result was a momentary heady pleasure that was yet nebulous because she had no description for it. All she knew was that this was only a breath away from heaven.
'Don't you want to enjoy the full sweetness, Judith?' he whispered huskily, close to her breast. She could not answer, for an ache had caught her throat, an ache of pleasure-pain that came surging up from the depths of her heart. 'We're wasting time-and what is virginity, anyway?'
'It's something to treasure!' She felt foolish, but she had to say something. 'You shall never take it from me, so you can stop trying!'
Vehemently she spoke, but within her she harboured no illusions as to the weakness of her resistance to his charms, his profound attraction as a man. He was too masculine by far, and too versed in the art, the finesse, of making love. She felt sure he had experienced everything to the fullest, that there were no tricks-no subtle artifices or stratagems-of which he was ignorant. No, being the typical Greek, he knew it all, would have done from an early age, so unquestionably he had had plenty of practise. So what chance had she if he continued to tempt her? The trouble was she felt instantly weak and helpless when he held her, and in any fight that spelt defeat right at the start.
'You seem very sure, my child.' His voice stole into her thoughts softly and she lifted her face, a pale face, strained and frightened. 'But if you were honest, you would admit that you wouldn't stand a chance if I were to make up my mind to possess you.'
She said nothing; he was holding her, but slackly, so she could have moved away from his embrace. But she still knew this lassitude, this drugged sensation, as if her senses were drifting away from reality. Alexis kissed her, passionately, burningly, and she reciprocated, caressing his tongue and murmuring inarticulately from the back of her throat. Pulses were beating fast in her temples, as if in competition with the racing beat of her heart.
'Your body betrays you,' he said softly, 'and you are unable to do anything about it, aren't you?'
She could not deny it, so she refrained from answering him. His mouth was moist against the pulsing hollow in her throat. His hand slid again into her dress, and this time he undid her bra before cupping her breast, kneading it gently then with feather-light fingers, teasing until the nipple again rose to the hardness of desire. He bent; she found herself unable to resist reaching up to wind her arms round his neck. A violent spasm thrilled through her whole body when he took the nipple into his mouth and touched it with his tongue. She was lost! she thought, and excitement rose to conquer the last vestige of mental resistance which she had been endeavouring to hold within her grasp.
'Let's go in,' he said hoarsely. 'I want you, Judith, and I mean to have you… tonight!' He gazed down into her eyes, as if challenging contradiction. She said nothing, but mentally she was aware of salvation. By the time they were in the house she would be in full control of her emotions.
