Read Online The Enigmatic Greek by Catherine George - Free Book Online Page B

that you would speak to me at all, let alone agree to an interview.’
    ‘You can thank my mother for that. She asked me to give you the reward you asked for, and because we are both indebted to you I will do so. But,’ he stated with emphasis, ‘I will personally check every word of the article when it’s finished. And if and when I’m satisfied it must go off before you leave.’
    ‘By all means. You can stand over me while I press Send!’
    Alex raised a cynical eyebrow. ‘And how do I know youreditor will print it exactly as it stands? He could apply his own spin and make something completely different out of it.’
    ‘I’ll give you his email address so you can hit him with the threats you made to me. Believe me; Ross McLean will do whatever you want to get his exclusive.’ Eleanor took their plates to the trolley and returned with the hot
entrée
dishes. She set them on the table and handed Alex a pair of large serving spoons. ‘There you go.’
    ‘Ah! I obviously took your help for granted earlier.’
    ‘Not a problem.’ Eleanor smiled demurely. ‘I’m grateful to you for the food I’m eating, whoever serves it.’
    Alex shook his head in sorrow as he filled their plates. ‘A beautiful woman is sharing a meal with me and feels only gratitude?’
    ‘Not at all.’ And wasn’t that the truth. ‘As I said before, I feel the unlikeliness of it too.’
    He laughed. ‘Nevertheless here we are, sharing a meal as men and women do everywhere. But in return for this supper you’re so grateful for,
kyria
journalist, you must sing for it. Tell me more about Eleanor Markham.’
    She eyed him challengingly. ‘I will if you return the compliment.’
    ‘I have promised to do so!’
    ‘But that will be an interview with Alexei Drakos, the public figure, with every word I write subject to your approval.’ She smiled persuasively. ‘I’d like to know more about the private man. Strictly off the record, of course.’
    He gave her a hard look. ‘No notebook or camera?’
    She shook her head. ‘Just my sworn oath to tell no one. Ever.’
    Alex concentrated on slow-cooked pork of melting tenderness for a moment or two. ‘I’m not in the habit of discussing my personal life with anyone, least of all a journalist.’
    ‘Forget I’m a journalist. Just think of me as a woman,’ Eleanor said promptly.
    His eyes moved over her in deliberation which sent her pulse up a gear. ‘Impossible to do otherwise,’ he assured her. ‘Very well, Eleanor Markham. You give me your life story and I’ll respond with some of mine.’
    ‘Some?’
    ‘That’s the deal.’
    ‘Done.’ She got up, serving spoons in hand. ‘In that case, I’ll help you to more of this delicious meal.’
    When he threw back his head and laughed Eleanor’s heart did a quick forward roll against her sore ribs. ‘You’re happy to wait on me now.’
    ‘Absolutely.’
    ‘Then I accept. And now you talk.’ He filled their glasses and looked at her expectantly.
    Eleanor topped up his plate and resumed her chair. ‘There’s not much to tell,’ she began, wishing there were. ‘My career began with a Saturday job on a local newspaper when I was a schoolgirl. I was offered a full-time job there later, but went to university instead. I graduated with a respectable English degree, worked hard to add qualifications in journalism and photography to go with it and gained experience with various newspapers before my present job.’ She looked up to meet the intent dark eyes. ‘That’s it, really.’
    ‘For a writer, there’s very little human interest in your story, Eleanor. Where are the tales of wild student parties and the men in your life?’ he demanded.
    She sighed. ‘In my past, regretfully.’
    Alex eyed her thoughtfully as he drained his glass. ‘All of them?’
    ‘The ones from the wild student days, yes.’
    ‘How about in the present?’
    ‘As I told your mother, my job is hard on personal relationships.But I have good friends so