Later that evening, Lily had just finished dressing while thinking on Brittney's accusations. She was letting them bother her when she knew she shouldn't. Obviously the woman wanted the job to be close to Max and who could blame her? Lily knew that she had it good getting that job and it was because she was Luke's sister that gave it to her. Yet, she couldn't tell Brittney that. Why? Maybe part of her wanted the woman to think there was something going on more than she wanted her to know it was because of whom she knew that got her the job. Hopefully Nancy would straighten her out if Brittney said anything. Regardless, she was going to try and enjoy tonight despite the incident today and she certainly wasn't going to mention it to Max or Luke. If she couldn't handle his employees herself, she didn't deserve the position she had. She went selected a faux fur stole and went to the living room to wait for Luke. She tossed the stole on the back of the sofa and walked over to the large patio doors to stare out at the lights of the city thinking that this thing with Brittney probably wasn't over. She'd seen the look in her eyes. She quickly squashed her worries and smiled when Luke came out of his room adjusting his tie.
-Is this straight? he said as he fidgeted with the knot. If she showed him she was the least bit upset, she knew darn well he'd go to Max. She loved her older brother to death but he was insanely protective. It even surprised her that he let her go work for Max this summer because she knew how protective he could be. However, Max was no different after that spiel he gave her about her hair when he picked her up from college. Lily reached up and finished smoothing it out.
-It is now. She'd learned at a young age how to fix Luke's ties. He was a handsome man, but he still couldn't seem to get it perfect. Unlike Max. She'd seen him flawlessly do up his ties without even using a mirror to check them. She sighed inwardly thinking how silly it was of her to even think that was perfect. He grinned down at her,
-You look beautiful Lily. You're going to knock our client's socks off. She smiled shyly,
-thanks. You look pretty good yourself.
-How much did that number cost me? Luke said looking at the emerald satin dress. It wasn't too revealing but showed her figure nicely and had little spaghetti straps over the shoulders. Then again his sister was so beautiful she didn't need anything fancy to enhance her looks. At least he thought so.
-Max bought it.‖ she looked down and fingered the expensive material.
-Isn't it beautiful? One of his brows rose,
-Really? Then an odd look came over his face, but he turned away to pick up and pocketed his cell phone before she could interpret it.
-Why? He shook his head like it was nothing.
-Just glad it didn't take a bite out of my pay check. He teased.
-Company card?
-Of course. I'm a perfect tax write off. She added teasingly while doing a mock pose. He chuckled, I'll remember that. A that moment his cell phone rang and he pulled it out and answered it, while she went and got her handbag. Hanging up, he picked up her sheer silver wrap,
-Come on, Max is downstairs in the car.‖ He draped it over her shoulders.
-Why didn't he come up?
-He hesitated for a moment before he spoke,
-Cybil's with him.
-Oh. She couldn't keep the disappointment out of her voice. Luke let an expression of distaste cross his features but didn't let his sister see it. He'd gone out with Max and Cybil before and the woman was a complete snob. Of course he knew why Max was dating her, and he'd done stupid things like that to, but she was becoming quite possessive and was sure that his friend was going to end the relationship soon.
-She flew in several hours ago to surprise him and obviously insisted on coming. Of course she did.
Obviously Cybil knew Max's reputation and didn't want him being out without her tonight. She didn't forget that phone call when she walked in to Max's office her first day and the possessiveness that Cybil displayed. Lily wasn't fortunate enough to meet the woman over the past week since she was working for Max, but she followed the gossip columns and knew the woman was a walking publicity stunt. There was no doubt that she was beautiful, but she had a string of successful men in her life and as far as Lily was concerned Max was just another boost to the woman's publicity. Well, there was Max's physical attributes. Squashing the hateful feelings of her jealousy she allowed Luke to take her arm and escort her out of the building to the immaculate stretched limo. Oscar got out and held the door open and winked at her causing her to smile. Sliding into her seat with her brother right beside her she set her attention on the other woman and wasn't prepared for how really beautiful the woman was up close. Max cordially introduced them and Lily thought she was polite, unlike Cybil, who gave her a once over with a slight look of dislike. She thought she might have imagined it, but Luke stiffened beside her. Obviously she wasn't the only one that noticed. She wanted to berate the snob, but instead gave her a ravishing smile and told her it was nice to finally meet her.
-But of course. Cybil said as if it was a privilege to know her. Then she turned to Max and started speaking in fluent French which he responded in a familiar tone that Lily recognized and made her feel a little better. He was polite but there was an edge of annoyance present. Then he flicked a glance in her direction and smiled subtly before continuing.
-English Cybil. He said softly. The woman cast a glance at the other occupants of the car, and then smiled sweetly,
-Of course love. She cooed while slipping her arm possessively through his and unknown to her, Max glazed his eyes over Lily from the top of her head to the tip of her toes and gave her a sensual smile of approval. If she moved any closer, she'd be on Max's lap, Lily thought, missing Max's look entirely. She looked up at her brother who shot her an amused smirk and shook his head slightly. Like Luke, Max knew that Lily spoke French and understood every rude thing the woman said about her. He should know. He tutored her when she was in high school. The first thing out of the woman's mouth was an insult over her gown, the same gown that Max had asked her to buy. Wouldn't it ruffle the woman's feathers if she knew that it was her boyfriend that suggested the style? She got a sense of smug satisfaction knowing that Cybil just insulted Max's taste not Lily's. It may have not been the three thousand dollar Christian Dior that the model was wearing but she did think it was just as nice. Dinner started out well. The Greek clients happened to be a billionaire and his son who was about Max's and her brother's age. It was then that Lily realized that Greek men were ruthless at pursuing women and confident in their abilities just as much as Max was. Nikos, the son, consistently flattered her throughout the evening regardless of the fact that she came with Luke, but no one had let on that she was his sister. Several times she began to tell them when either Max or her brother interrupted her. Finally she caught Luke's look which basically told her not to say anything and it wasn't until later that she found out why.
-I have a daughter your age. Said Nikos father Hektor, in broken English as he gave Lily a look of approval. Then a look of sadness seemed to fill his eyes.
-She's nineteen.
-Then we're close. Offered Lily pleasantly,
-I'm twenty as of last month. She said ignoring Cybil's indignant huff. Lily decided right then and there that she didn't like her. She'd been extremely condescending and no matter what she was talking about Cybil made some childish noise, even if it was a simple statement like now. How Max could be interested in someone like that went beyond her. After all, he was such a deeply intelligent man.
-She is very beautiful, like you. Nikos added and smiled seeing her rising blush.
-Greece refers to her as their sweetheart. Even though she's nineteen, she does an enormous amount of charity work. Wow, thought lily, what a compliment.
The evening continued on and Cybil had long since given up trying to gain his attention and was now sulking despite having the most gorgeous man there sitting next to her she obviously wanted all of the attention. Lily noticed that Max didn't even take notice of her mood and clearly ignored it. She knew him well enough to know that he didn't put up with the pettiness that women were capable of. Lily on the other hand was raised with a brother, no sisters, so she didn't understand the cattiness that women showed each other. Because of that most of her friends were male acquaintances, not female and she was closer to her brother than anyone. Then when Nikos asked her out to dinner the next night, she suddenly felt Max's hand on her upper thigh squeezing a warning. Trying not to jump out of her chair at the unexpected touch and ignore the heat of his large hand she flicked him a puzzled glance and he subtly shook his head. Gritting her teeth she politely turned him down. Although he didn't come close to Max, the man was still tall dark and gorgeous and Max took it upon himself to tell her she couldn't go out on a date with him. She sent a pleading look to her brother who frowned at her expression. Strike two, she fumed. She wasn't a baby anymore, yet both of the men in her life basically told her she wasn't old enough to make a decision on who she could date. On the ride home she remained silent and looked out the tinted window at the lit boulevards whit her arms folded under her breasts in anger while Cybil talked a mile a minute in French again. She was still angry at the both of them. Neither one seemed to trust her enough to make her own decisions and consistently interfered. No wonder she was still a virgin for crying out loud. All of her friends lost theirs years ago. Also, it didn't help her mood that she could understand everything Cybil was saying; no matter how hard she tried to ignore her. This is ridiculous, thought Lily as she listened in. She may have been rich and beautiful, but the woman had absolutely no manners. Finally when Cybil mentioned something along the lines of her throwing herself at Nikos she swung her head abruptly in her direction ready to blast her, but Max beat her to it. He answered her in French, but Lily understood every word.
-I'm finding these petty jealousies annoying Cybil. I told you before Lily is the sister of my best friend. Although his voice was calm and cool it was obvious for people who knew him as well as Luke and Lily did, that he was annoyed.
-She didn't even acknowledge her date Max, she was practically swimming all over that man. It was embarrassing. Lily gaped at him. Max obviously didn't tell her that Luke was her brother either, so she thought he was her date. Now it made sense why she kept glaring at her all through the meal. Secondly, she certainly wasn't swimming all over him! She sat in between her brother and Max who acted like two sentinels guarding a Vestal Virgin while Nikos and his father sat across from them.
-Lily was very polite and did not indicate she was even interested in the man and that is why he went out of his way to get her attention. Nikos likes a challenge and her reservations toward him were appealing. Not only that, he knows a beautiful woman when he sees one. After a sharp look at him, she snorted in disbelief,
-It sounds like he wasn't the only one. What did that mean? Lily could tell Max was irritated, but his voice never indicated even a hint of it. He was as smooth and calm as if he was talking to a small child. Several times his eyes darted past Cybil to her.
-Your presumptions are unwarranted. Cybil crossed her arms under her breasts,
-there's no use even talking to you. You are going to take her side no matter what. I flew halfway around the world to be with you tonight and this is how I'm treated.
-Of course I am. I've known her practically her whole life. She's my best friend's sister. I've only known you for several months and you are bringing this on yourself. He replied calmly.
-I told you, that you invited someone else to go, so naturally I had to intervene. She inclined her head toward Lily without looking at her,
-Of course she found a replacement equally as quick. Not only that I thought Luke was your best friend.
-He is. Said Max with a raised brow. So much for her intelligence, thought Lily. She couldn't even figure out that Luke was her brother after all of those clues. Then at the same time something else occurred to her. Obviously, he never told Cybil that she was Luke's sister. So that's it. He had told Cybil that he was going out with her. No wonder why the woman was angry. Because of that she was being talked about like she didn't exist and obviously she was so mad that she hadn't heard Max basically say that she was Luke's sister. In fact she continued ranting as if she hadn't heard him.
-This is just an indication of her reputation. Cybil continued visibly angry, that she has no problem running around with another man when you were no longer available. That was it! One thing Lily wasn't was a tramp. Lily saw Max's gaze narrow finally showing a sign of anger, but she beat him to it,
-Of all the things to slander my reputation, you…you… Luke fell his face in one of his hands as Lily launched into a string of insults in French. Lily barely noticed the woman's mouth fall open and pale at the words she used because she was too angry and clearly on a roll as the car pulled up to the curb outside their apartment. Luke grabbed her hand and pulled her out the door before the driver reached it, but not before she called the woman fat. He quickly slammed the door shut and continued to drag her along with him. Neither one of them noticed Max trying to suppress a smile.
-Not good sis.‖ He shot over his shoulder as he led her into his building but Lily was still trying to release his vice like grip so she could go back and continue. Her face burned she was so mad.
-You don't know what she said! You don't speak French. She defended as the car pulled away from the curb with a squeal. She dropped her shoulders and stopped fighting her brother's firm grip on her arm,
-I wasn't finished. He saw her posture and had to turn away so she couldn't see him trying not to laugh. His sister had fire when provoked. He had to give her that. He led her to the elevator.
-I didn't need to speak French to know what she was saying Lily. Anyway, it doesn't matter, Max was handling it. He wouldn't allow the woman to insult you. You should know that. You mean more to him than a woman like that. Once inside the elevator, he turned to her,
-He's more protective of you than himself. There was no need to tear that woman apart.
-Luke, he didn't even tell her that you were my brother, she thought I was your date and was throwing myself at Nikos. She said with exasperation,
-Me! Throwing myself? How ridiculous! Surprisingly he grinned,
-Lily, haven't you ever had to deal with jealousy before. Taken back, she calmed down,
-Jealousy? That woman was stunning. She's a model for crying out loud!
-Also spoiled, selfish and quite a few years older than you. No match for my young sweet sister. Nikos was hooked, that's why Max invited you. Your innocence is very refreshing for a man like that.
-But Cybil…
-Never even caught Nikos eyes…but I can guarantee we'll have a multi-million dollar contract by tomorrow morning because of you.
-Me? She stammered, taken back.
-Welcome to the world of business. He put his hand on her shoulder and unlocked the door to their penthouse, gently guiding her inside,
-Max isn't successful just because he's a ruthless businessman, he knows people. He's a professional manipulator.
-He used me? Is that why he didn't let on that she was Luke's sister? Luke laughed,
-In a way, but he mostly was just feeling you out, seeing how you could handle yourself. You did well until you cut loose on his girlfriend.
-but she… He held up his hand,
-Said nothing that meant a damn thing to either Max or me. We know you. There's no need to get offended at some woman's petty snits. When he put it that way she felt foolish.
-She's not right for him anyway. She said with chagrin.
-Uh-huh. He said absently as if he was thinking of other things. Luke was loosening his tie and staring at his sister intently,
-You'd better get some sleep. Next week won't be easy.
-Why?
-Max won't be seeing that woman anymore after her behavior tonight, and he's going to get cranky. You're his PA and the path of least resistance.
-Cranky? Luke turned around and stared at her,
-Lily surely you understand that a man has needs. I mean you're not a little girl anymore. She blushed,
-Max works eighty hours a week, and women like Cybil race to his bed without hesitation. For a man, sex is a biggest stress release. Now he'll have to spend time looking for another mistress, and that irritates him enough. Although he didn't let on, that last bit made him uncomfortable. Discussing sex with his sister was never an option with him. He knew for a fact that she was still a virgin. Unfortunately he'd seen to it, but she could never find out. After that display of temper, he knew she wouldn't take it well. He was definitely overprotective of her, but she was too innocent and would easily fall for someone who turned on charm and flattered her like Nikos did because she was kind and trustful.
-Oh God. I am an idiot. She thought the previous week was hard enough. Then she felt sick in the pit of her stomach. She just chased Max from one woman to another. Luke chuckled,
-Just be prepared. With that he went to his room to change True to Luke's word Max was a bear. His coffee wasn't strong enough, she couldn't arrange his schedule fast enough, respond to his question with lightening capabilities, or even wear anything remotely acceptable.
-But these are clothes from your boutique, by your consultant. She stood exasperated on the other side of his desk facing him. He picked up the phone and started dialing,
-then maybe you should seek a second opinion, he said offhandedly.
-Your skirt is too short…he shot her a look,
-And that blouse is cut too low. Fuming, she itched to wing the notepad at him. It was Nancy's job to take dictation, but he insisted that she do it. Then she had to sit there for a half an hour why he spoke on the phone in a language that sounded like German before he hung up and continued. How many languages did he speak anyway? Just when she thought he couldn't get any worse, flowers started pouring in for her from Nikos with cards loaded with endearments.
-Damn it Lily! He bellowed when another two dozen lilies arrived interrupting her telling him his appointments for the rest of the week. She let out a rush of air, thanked the delivery man who cast a wary glance at Max. He watched as she quickly set them on a side table with another two dozen.
-This is getting ridiculous. She swung around at him,
-Well, if you didn't use me to procure a contract, I wouldn't be in this fix. She accused,
-You knew how he would react and before you deny it, Luke confessed. He didn't even look surprised at her confession.
-Yes. I didn't think you'd be this potent. He sliced a hand toward the lilies,
-It's like a God damn flower shop in here.
-Well he seemed nice… She said looking at all the flowers,
-And the lilies are a nice touch. Max was irritated over that statement. He didn't want her liking any other man at all.
-Nice hell! The man's reputation is well known. Don't even think about going out with him. I mean it. Her mouth fell open,
-You're one to talk. Your mistress dragged me through the mud! He stood erect, and shoved his hands in his pants pockets,
-had her under control until you called her an over the hills debutante. He said calmly remembering how damn sexy she was when she lost control of her temper.
-Oh, I forgot about that. She smiled. Max just stared at her.
-You also mentioned that a plastic surgeon should be able to remove those wrinkles next to her mouth. This time she laughed. Max's lips twitched as he resisted his own smile betraying his annoyance,
-Lily, you shouldn't worry about what my women think, or say about you.
-Plural…how crude. She sighed. One of the reasons why I know what Nikos is like. He finished,
-Now I meant it. Stay away from him. Incredulous, she just stared at him,
-Max, don't even think about dictating who I can and can't see.
-You work for me. I bloody well can dictate what-the hell-ever I like. He said bluntly.
-I'll have you work to the bone to occupy every moment of your time if I even suspect you looked at another man with so much as an inkling of interest. His slip was out before he could stop it. Thankfully she didn't catch it because she was too angry with him at the moment. He'd meant to say that man, not another man. Hmm maybe Freud was right, he thought. Her mouth fell open,
-You wouldn't.
-Try me.‖ He said with a hard look. She fumed,
-You sound like a jealous lover for heaven's sake. Neither you nor Luke is being fair to me. I can't have a life as it is! It's either you or him that dictates every aspect of my existence, now you presume to tell me about my love life. She stomped her foot,
-Well for you information I've never had one! I can't get out from under the iron fists of the Tsar! She wheeled around stormed out of his office.
-I quit! she shouted over her shoulder. Nancy looked up in time to see the door open to Max's office and Lily make a hasty escape down the hall. She stood up and leaned over her desk to see her retreating back, seconds later Max set a purposeful stride after her swearing in three different languages. The older woman smiled, shrugged her shoulders and went back to work. Max caught up with her while she was waiting for the elevator. She had her arms crossed under her breasts and was tapping her foot impatiently.
-Lily, get back in my office. He spoke in a low voice so the rest of his employees around them wouldn't hear. As it was they were already drawing attention. Thankfully it was lunch time and most of the employees were gone for something to eat. She ignored him and pushed the elevator button harshly several more times. Thrusting his hands in his pockets to reduce the temptation to fling her over his shoulder like a caveman, he leaned down so his mouth was inches from her ear,
-I swear to God, if you don't get your ass back in there. I'll make a scene and embarrass the hell out of you. Green eyes defiantly met his grey ones. From that look, he wasn't lying.
-I mean it. I'm filthy rich and couldn't give two hoots about my reputation, but you might. Especially if we start arguing in the hall, people might think there's something going on between us. He raised his brows ever so slightly in a challenge. That brought a look of surprise to her lovely face. She never thought that this might look like a lover's quarrel. Then her eyes darted around them noticing the curious stares of the other people. Quickly recovering, she shook her head twice, ground her teeth and shot him a scorching look before turning on her heel and marching back down the hall and into his office. She certainly didn't want to lend to the rumors already going on about her.
-Hold my calls Nance. He said without taking his eyes off the furious gorgeous woman in front of him. His eyes coasted down to the elegant curve of her backside. How nice it looked in such a rapid pace of anger.
-Of course Mr. King. She said without looking up as if this was an everyday occurrence. Max shut the door, and turned to face her. She had her arms crossed angrily under her breasts again and her head was tilted defiantly making look utterly adorable. Max had trouble stifling the grin he felt would let loose. She may have been little but her temper compensated. She was a firecracker and God help him, utterly irresistible when lit.
-Lily, the only reason Luke and I ride you so hard is because we know what you're capable of.
-Including my love life. She shot.
-Not Nikos. He said abruptly.
-Why? What's wrong with Nikos?
-He's not right for you. I've told you what he is like. The truth was if Nikos had gotten his hands on her, he couldn't protect her like he and Luke normally did with her past suitors. He was a powerful man and had resources of his own, when in the past it was easy to remove the potential admirers from Lily's life. If she knew the things they did, she'd be even more furious.
-You don't think I can say no? Max, I'm not some school girl!
-Actually you are a school girl and I don't approve of him. He said tersely not liking her constant defense of Nikos. Did she actually like him?
-My God! There you go again. She said throwing up her arms He held up his hand,
-I speak for Luke too. You don't have the experience to handle a man like Nikos. He'll have you completely seduced before you realize it.
-I'm not a dummy!‖ Part of her wanted to call him up just to defy the two.
-No honey, you're far from it, but I meant it when I said he wasn't right for you. If Nikos so much as touched her, Max was going to tear him to pieces.
She tilted her head,
-Really? Just like Cybil was right for you? The woman was shallow, spoiled and selfish. Yet you tell me…
-It wasn't her attitude I was after. Do I need to spell it out for you? When she didn't 'answer, he continued,
-She was great in bed, and looked good on my arm in public.
-Oh. She blushed feeling like an idiot.
-Now you know. He paused,
-like you said, you aren't a little girl anymore and don't give me that look, Luke's no innocent either. We're both men, we have certain needs. Women like Cybil fill them. Nikos is the same way, that is why Luke and I would prefer if you didn't date him. He'll just want to get you in bed.
-You don't know that. She could feel her blush deepen by the heat in her cheeks. This conversation was getting entirely too intimate for her.
-I do. He said with complete confidence while looking down at her.
-How can you be so sure? She accused
-Because that's the first thing I thought of when you wore that dress the other night.‖ He said bluntly dropping his eyes to her mouth. She stilled and felt her jaw drop.
-What did you just say? As he continued talking, it seemed like her heart beat louder and faster in her chest.
-I'm not supposed to think like that about my best friend's little sister, but I did. Cybil picked up on it, that's why she became so jealous. You outshone the competition in that emerald satin number and Nikos knew it, I knew it, and so did Cybil. If anything you should have felt sorry for her, she was second best. Every man in that place couldn't take their eyes off of you including me. I kept thinking of how well you filled out every inch of that material and how much of a woman you grew into.‖ He held up his hand when she opened her mouth to speak,
-There are women like Cybil that a man fills their urges with, and women like you who they marry. Do not become a statistic to Nikos or any other man for that matter. He waved a hand in the air abruptly and turned away from her. Who could make such a declaration and leave it at that? Obviously Max could, for he sat down behind his desk again and told her to pick up her note pad as if he said nothing so personal to her. Yet, he said it like he admitted things like that often, making it seem less personal. She rubbed her forehead. Her head hurt trying to figure him out. She should just give up.
Slowly she bent down to retrieve it where she tossed it on the floor still reeling from his confession despite the way he made it sound.
-Isn't this Nancy's job?‖ Her voice sounded surprisingly vulnerable.
-Yes, but she doesn't pay attention to me when I yell at her. I'd much rather get in a row with you, it makes me feel better, now write! Well, he was full of confessions wasn't he? She silently churned and began to scribble, trying to keep up with him. It was no wonder Nancy had not even paid attention to her little tantrum, she probably expected it sooner or later remembering how many PAs he'd gone through this year. The rest of the week seemed to rush by. Lily found a routine with Max and began to anticipate his moods and his schedule. At least the long hours of companionship were having an advantage. Not only that, she got to spend a lot of time with him. It was a dream come true for her and she never complained except that time he told her to stay away from Nikos. She also kept to herself around the rest of his staff because of Brittney's accusations the week before. Yet Max's mood had improved during the week and had even taken her to lunch a few times to a fancy restaurant. It must have something to do with the fact that Nikos stopped sending her flowers by mid-week although she did wonder if Max or Luke had mentioned something to him. On Friday something unexpected happened. She walked into his office while her brother and Max were in the middle of what seemed like an argument and hadn't noticed she was present.
-I told you this has to be done on her time, her choice Max. Luke said.
-I know. It has been, but this has moved things up a bit. Max countered.
-You promised me that you would take this slow. Taking Lily to Athens is not slow. Luke tapped the top of Max's desk hard with his fingers in time with the last three words.
-Athens? Both men abruptly stopped talking and turned to her. If she didn't know better, both of them looked embarrassed, like being caught with their hands simultaneously in the cookie jar. Luke cast a quick speaking glance at Max before centering his attention on his sister,
-I was just telling Max that you have been working too much.
-I'm fine Luke. If this is what it's like in the real world, I need to become accustomed to it. Besides, I seem to have found a routine. She smiled at Max who's expression remained unreadable. It made her think there was something else going on here. However, it was between them, and none of her business, even if they were discussing her work schedule. Besides it just looked like Luke was being her overprotective brother. She'd never gone out of the country before and quite frankly, it thrilled her to death that Max was thinking of taking her. Her brother's next words confirmed it.
-Max wants to take you to Athens next week. It seems Nikos and his father quite big on family and trusting relationships in their business dealings. They have assured us that the contract is in the bag, but they would like to extend their hospitality to us. Lily pulled out her PDA, automatically checking Max's schedule for next week. ―I don't know if you can do this Max, you have…
-Lily, Max's voice interrupted her,
-That can be cleared just as easily as it was filled. We need you to listen for a moment. She glanced up at the two men whose expressions remained serious,
-What is really going on?
-It wasn't Max's idea that you go. Nikos has specifically asked for you to accompany Max.‖ Luke said.
-It seems you really impressed him.
-So? I'm his PA.
-It's more than that. He has plans for a party, boat tours around the island his brother in law owns.
-…It seems,
-Max added sparing a wary look at Luke,
-That he has his sights set on you. The man won't take no for an answer.
-Max wants to cancel the contract… Luke added. She was appalled,
-What? No you can't…you said yourself that this took almost a year and a half to set up. Big deal, I'll go to Athens with you.
-It's not that simple button, Luke and I were going to spare you this, but Nikos seems to think you come with the deal.
-What? Her mouth fell open.
-It seems you were really potent. He added with a sheepish smile.
-There's got to be a way around this without losing the contract. Talk to his father. She suggested
-Actually, Max started to explain,
-He's doing business for his brother in law, Demetrius Vassiliadas. Demetrius is unavailable for now and sent Nikos in his place so it's Nikos that we'll be dealing with in the future.
-Vassiliadas? Lily had heard of him. The billionaire shipping tycoon. She thought she'd seen him in the tabloids, who dubbed him the Patron Son of Greece. She was sure she had read that he'd taken a very young wife. She glanced at Max, remembering when she read the article that their age difference was not much difference from her and Max's, that's why it stuck in her head. If Nikos was his brother in law, then it was Nikos 'younger sister that Demetrius would have married. The same one Hektor mentioned at dinner. Max wasn't lying when he said family meant a lot to him if Demetrius sent his brother in law to do business for him which was worth millions. Then it dawned on her that this contract had to be worth more than she originally thought. She was sure a tycoon like Demetrius didn't deal in small change,
-How much is this whole thing really worth?
-About a hundred and fifty million. Luke answered. Lily reached out and grabbed the back of a chair,
-Oh my God!
-Lily… Luke started, but he was interrupted.
-I'll go.‖ She quickly answered before she changed her mind.
-No, you won't.‖ said Max seriously,
-I'll cancel the contract. What she didn't realize is that it was a paltry sum in view of what she was worth to him. He was worried that Nikos would get his hands on her, literally, and there was nothing he or Luke could do short of shooting him. However, he had another idea which is what he and Luke were arguing about.
-You can't! She protested,
-That's a lot of money.
-Lily, I'm certainly not starving. Max finally smiled with a hint of arrogance. She knew he was far from it. Luke was filthy rich because of Max and if he could afford to pay her brother such an outrageous salary, he could probably do without the contract, but she didn't want to be responsible for it.
-So what… I flash him a smile here or there.
-He's Greek, Max said,
-The aggressive form of an Alpha male. A smile won't do. He'll manage to get you in a situation where you can't say no.
-You're joking…. and that's not possible. I'll be with you. You'll look out for me.‖ She saw something flash in his eyes, but it vanished just as quickly.
-Max has a solution Lily. Luke added solemnly.
-Although I'm not sure if I like it, but the final word comes from you.
Lily turned back to Max
-All right. Let's hear it. I come down with the flu and stay locked up in my room in Greece? She smiled trying to ease the tension between the two.
-No, not quite. Max came around his desk and approached her. The strange determined look in his eyes caused her to let go of the chair and step back, but he managed to grab both of her hands in his. She flicked a glance at Luke who looked entirely helpless.
-What are you doing?
-You're brother and I. He gave Luke and odd look,
-Thought that maybe we could convince Nikos that we're engaged. Lily tilted her head at him completely puzzled.
-Engaged?
-It's just for cloaking purposes. Said Luke quickly,
-To discourage him. She was speechless.
-If we're convincing, Nikos will leave you alone. That way Luke and I can protect you from him. She looked back and forth at the both of them,
-You're serious.
-The idea has merit Lily. Said Luke.
-You two are that worried about Nikos. Like she said before, she could always say no. He was a man, a really nice looking man, but he still didn't hold a candle to Max and although she was flattered by his attention, she certainly wasn't going to hop into bed with him. Luke nodded,
-Max can protect you. Nikos will not let up his pursuit unless we give him reason.
-Like I told you before Max, I am a big girl. I can say no'. Luke straightened himself to his full height and stared down at her,
-Max will have his hands full trying to keep Nikos away from you if he thinks you're single. Although I'm apprehensive about this, it does make sense. You need to hear him out. That boy that practically had you in his back pocket when Max went to pick you up and he is a long line in a string of men who will use you. Lily swung her accusing eyes to Max,
-You told him about David?
-I did. He's your brother. He should know what kinds of men are interested in you. Before you argue. I checked the man out. He'd been inquiring about your relationship with me weeks before you dated him.
-How could you! She glared at him and snatched her hands back.
-Lily, cut in Luke,
-I'm not always here. In the past year, I've been away eight months. Max can take good care of you.
-I'm not a puppy! She made her way around the front of the chair she was holding on to earlier and sat down,
-I can't believe you two discussed me like a piece of meat. She placed her face in her hands.
It makes me feel so incapable. Max winced,
-Lily. He came around the front of her and crouched down to level his gaze with hers,
-I apologize. You certainly aren't. We think you are very precious. Neither one of us mean to demoralize you in the least. She looked up at him,
-Too late. Max took her hands again and held them in his,
-Listen, have you even looked in the mirror lately. Her puzzled expression made him smile,
-I don't think you realize how appealing you are to men. I've mentioned it before when we went out for dinner and Nikos couldn't take his eyes off of you. He also mentioned that his thoughts turned toward the bedroom too, but she'd since brushed it off, because he said it as if it was nothing special. Although deep down her really wished it was. She wanted him to think of her as desirable like Cybil and all of those other women he was attracted to in that way.
-If we are engaged then Nikos may think twice about coming on to you
-I mean he may, not that he will. He's been raised with privilege and is used to getting what he wishes. Max continued. Lily didn't hear anything beyond we are engaged because it sounded so wonderful, so thrilling, that she wished it was true from the bottom of her heart. Even though she knew better, it was still a nice fantasy. Max would never get married, he was a confirmed bachelor. Plus he had his pick of rich, beautiful and famous women. Lily could never compete with that. Her eyes guided to her brother who stood silent for the last few minutes,
-Aren't you coming? He shook his head and pursed his lips,
-I've got to fly to Tokyo on Friday. He nodded toward Max,
-Do as he says Lily if you don't want him to dump the contract.
-I really don't. she said returning her attention to Max who was still crouched in front of her. He smiled,
-So, he said reaching into his pocket and pulled out a little velvet box. Her gasp was audible as he opened it.
-My Gosh! Max that's beautiful. She said running her fingers along the diamond and emerald engagement ring. He removed it from the box and placed it on her ring finger,
-There, now we're engaged. He said with a smile that didn't reach the seriousness of his pale eyes. She couldn't help the look of amazement that crossed her expression and held it up to admire it.
-Did you actually buy this? It must've cost a fortune and it fits perfectly. Luke watched the display and scrunched his hands into fists in the pockets of his slacks while casting Max a look of disapproval. Max gave him a look of understanding and stood up.
-Now my employees are going to notice this on your finger Lily, so we'll need to keep up the presence. Nikos is very resourceful. Of course. She said still looking at the ring with all sorts of thoughts roaming through her head hardly hearing what he said. For once she wished her fantasy was a reality.