Read Online In Petrakis's Power by Maggie Cox - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Maggie Cox
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relief, because suddenly he knew she was giving the offer serious consideration.
CHAPTER FIVE
W AS SHE CRAZY to consider Ludo’s incredible suggestion that she go with him to Greece and assume the identity of his fiancée? It would fulfil her longed-for desire to visit Greece again, but the most important aspect of the deal he was proposing was that he’d promised to increase what he had paid to her father for his business.
Half the amount again would allow her dad to keep his flat and not be forced to sell it. The fact that he could keep his home would go a long way, Natalie believed, to helping him make a new start. Not only that, it might give his health a real boost too. This deal Ludo was proposing was too important to dismiss, she realised. How could she live with herself if she didn’t take it and her dad’s health and self-esteem sank even lower because he’d lost all hope in making things better for himself?
But now, as she let her gaze roam over the strikingly handsome man silently observing her, with his chiselled good looks and piercing blue eyes, a nervous cartwheel flipped in the pit of her stomach. Could she really contemplate playing the part of his fiancée? Would she be strong enough to pull it off without letting her feelings get involved? Being in close proximity with Ludo inGreece and pretending to be his fiancée would surely mean holding hands, kissing and touching, perhaps
intimately …
Natalie didn’t allow her thoughts to venture any further, because they had already induced a powerful wave of heat that made her body feel as if it were near to bursting into flames. Lifting the heavy swathe of long hair off the back of her neck in a bid to help cool her temperature, she noticed that Ludo’s previously confident expression had altered. Now his glance was more contemplative, as if he wasn’t entirely sure that her response would be the one he hoped for. If that were true, Natalie wondered how such an amazingly successful and attractive man could ever be plagued by doubt of any kind. It didn’t make sense.
‘Well?’
He was levelling his gaze upon her a little more intently, and she got the impression his patience was wearing thin.
‘Are you going to give me an answer to what I have proposed? Is it to be yes or no, Natalie?’
Sucking in a breath, she pushed to her feet. ‘You make it sound so simple … to just say yes or no.’
‘Are you saying it’s more complicated?’
‘Where emotions are involved no situation is ever going to be straightforward.’
‘Why should emotions be involved?’ Frowning in puzzlement, Ludo dug his hand into his trouser pocket. ‘Are you worrying about your father and his reaction when he learns you’re going to come to Greece withme? I shouldn’t imagine it will be a problem, considering I have offered to increase the amount I paid him.’
Her heartbeat accelerating, Natalie felt herself redden. ‘Actually, it’s not my father I was worrying about. I don’t have any doubt he’ll be more than pleased with your new offer for the business, and as for me going to Greece with you—he’ll accept it if he knows it’s what I want, too. I was just wondering how, if I should go with you, I’m going to cope with playing your fiancée when we’ve only just met and I hardly know you? Aren’t engaged couples supposed to behave as though they’re crazy about each other?’
Ludo’s amused smile emphasised his even white teeth and sexy, sun-kissed tan. She caught her breath.
‘Do you think you will find it difficult to pretend that you’re crazy about me,
paidi mou
? Most women I know tell me I am quite a catch. Some have even called me “irresistible”… Shall we put the theory to the test?’
Before Natalie realised his intention he walked right up to her and encircled her waist. Being up close and personal with his body as he pulled her towards him, smelling the alluring musky aftershave he wore, made her knees come very close to
CHAPTER FIVE
W AS SHE CRAZY to consider Ludo’s incredible suggestion that she go with him to Greece and assume the identity of his fiancée? It would fulfil her longed-for desire to visit Greece again, but the most important aspect of the deal he was proposing was that he’d promised to increase what he had paid to her father for his business.
Half the amount again would allow her dad to keep his flat and not be forced to sell it. The fact that he could keep his home would go a long way, Natalie believed, to helping him make a new start. Not only that, it might give his health a real boost too. This deal Ludo was proposing was too important to dismiss, she realised. How could she live with herself if she didn’t take it and her dad’s health and self-esteem sank even lower because he’d lost all hope in making things better for himself?
But now, as she let her gaze roam over the strikingly handsome man silently observing her, with his chiselled good looks and piercing blue eyes, a nervous cartwheel flipped in the pit of her stomach. Could she really contemplate playing the part of his fiancée? Would she be strong enough to pull it off without letting her feelings get involved? Being in close proximity with Ludo inGreece and pretending to be his fiancée would surely mean holding hands, kissing and touching, perhaps
intimately …
Natalie didn’t allow her thoughts to venture any further, because they had already induced a powerful wave of heat that made her body feel as if it were near to bursting into flames. Lifting the heavy swathe of long hair off the back of her neck in a bid to help cool her temperature, she noticed that Ludo’s previously confident expression had altered. Now his glance was more contemplative, as if he wasn’t entirely sure that her response would be the one he hoped for. If that were true, Natalie wondered how such an amazingly successful and attractive man could ever be plagued by doubt of any kind. It didn’t make sense.
‘Well?’
He was levelling his gaze upon her a little more intently, and she got the impression his patience was wearing thin.
‘Are you going to give me an answer to what I have proposed? Is it to be yes or no, Natalie?’
Sucking in a breath, she pushed to her feet. ‘You make it sound so simple … to just say yes or no.’
‘Are you saying it’s more complicated?’
‘Where emotions are involved no situation is ever going to be straightforward.’
‘Why should emotions be involved?’ Frowning in puzzlement, Ludo dug his hand into his trouser pocket. ‘Are you worrying about your father and his reaction when he learns you’re going to come to Greece withme? I shouldn’t imagine it will be a problem, considering I have offered to increase the amount I paid him.’
Her heartbeat accelerating, Natalie felt herself redden. ‘Actually, it’s not my father I was worrying about. I don’t have any doubt he’ll be more than pleased with your new offer for the business, and as for me going to Greece with you—he’ll accept it if he knows it’s what I want, too. I was just wondering how, if I should go with you, I’m going to cope with playing your fiancée when we’ve only just met and I hardly know you? Aren’t engaged couples supposed to behave as though they’re crazy about each other?’
Ludo’s amused smile emphasised his even white teeth and sexy, sun-kissed tan. She caught her breath.
‘Do you think you will find it difficult to pretend that you’re crazy about me,
paidi mou
? Most women I know tell me I am quite a catch. Some have even called me “irresistible”… Shall we put the theory to the test?’
Before Natalie realised his intention he walked right up to her and encircled her waist. Being up close and personal with his body as he pulled her towards him, smelling the alluring musky aftershave he wore, made her knees come very close to
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