Australia: Gorgeous Grooms. Trish Morey

fresh figs, Greek-style yoghurt, and currant bread with honey.

      Alesha chose the figs and yoghurt, washed them down with coffee before taking a walk in the grounds.

      The day was warm, the air stirred by a slight breeze, and she admired the meticulously kept garden borders framing beds filled with floral blooms.

      Loukas’ mansion nestled against a hillside and offered a stunning panoramic view of the city reaching to the port of Piraeus.

      The place of her parents’ birth, where they had grown up and married before choosing to relocate in Sydney.

      There was a sense of timelessness, of an ancient age, often violent, as rulers fought for power and glory.

      She moved away, and heard the insistent ring of her cellphone as she paused to admire the swimming pool with its blue mosaic tiles, ornamental cupids at placed intervals spouting plumes of water.

      The sound of Loukas’ deep, slightly accented voice sent her pulse into a quickened beat.

      ‘A quick call to say I’ll be caught up all day and not in until around seven,’ he enlightened her. ‘We’re due at my parents’ home at eight.’

      ‘I’ll ensure I’m ready.’ She waited a beat. ‘Tough day?’

      ‘Nothing I can’t handle.’ He paused to speak to someone. ‘I’ll see you tonight.’

      An event Alesha prepared for with care, electing to wear classic black, killer heels, and subtle make-up with emphasis on her eyes. Hair—upswept or loose?

      ‘Loose,’ Loukas declared as he entered the bedroom and shrugged out of his suit jacket, then pulled his tie free.

      ‘You think?’

      He crossed to where she stood and framed her face, then kissed her. ‘Shame you’re already dressed. You could have shared my shower.’

      ‘Not enough time.’

      His eyes gleamed. ‘I could always ring ahead and say we’ll be delayed.’

      ‘But you won’t.’ A wicked smile curved the edges of her mouth. ‘Besides, I prefer a lover with a slow hand.’

      He trailed light fingers down her cheek. ‘You’ll keep.’

      Constantine and Angelina resided in the southern suburb of Voula, in a luxurious home located at the top of Panorama.

      Cristos deposited them at precisely eight, and no sooner did the limousine draw to a halt than the front door opened to reveal Loukas’ parents, who moved quickly down the wide steps to offer an affectionate greeting before ushering them into a spacious foyer where a vision in black stood poised at the base of an elegant staircase.

      Lexi, Loukas’ young sister, all grownup in her early twenties, tall, dark-haired, impeccably dressed … the antithesis of the defiant teenager Alesha remembered from five years ago.

      ‘Hi.’ Lexi hugged him. ‘You’ve given me the best gift of all … a sister.’ She turned towards Alesha. ‘Welcome.’

      ‘Thank you.’

      Lexi offered quietly, ‘Thia Daria is waiting in the lounge to offer a formal greeting.’

      Constantine’s sister … a dour spinster, Alesha recalled, with an acerbic tongue, and wondered if perchance she’d mellowed a little since the last time they’d met.

      Not a smidgen, if the woman’s severe expression was any indication.

      ‘So,’ Daria began imperiously. ‘You are the pawn Dimitri offered to save his wretched soul.’

      Oh, my, this had all the portents of being a fun night.

      ‘Hardly his soul.’ She met the older woman’s steely gaze and held it. ‘He took that with him.’

      ‘I speak the truth.’

      ‘A truth I’m very aware of,’ Alesha offered calmly. ‘Did you imagine otherwise?’

      ‘Loukas is my godson. As the only male Andreou of his generation, I consider it is of vital importance he has taken a wife worthy of bearing his name.’

      ‘While I consider the importance lies with Loukas’ ability to share equal partnership in Karsouli.’

      Lexi clapped her hands lightly. ‘Well fielded.’

      Constantine indicated a collection of comfortable sofas. ‘Please, be seated. I’ll open the champagne.’

      ‘I prefer ouzo.’

      Naturally, Alesha conceded, Daria would take pleasure in being contrary. Was it a game? Maybe two could play …

      Over dinner, perhaps.

      A delicious meal prepared especially by Angelina, comprising several courses … tasty samples of various seafood dishes, followed by mouth-watering sweet honey and nut pastries and fresh fruit.

      It was during dessert that Daria made an announcement in the form of a statement … no one could possibly term it a suggestion, Alesha decided a trifle ruefully.

      ‘You have denied your family the pleasure of participating in your wedding. A ceremony will be repeated here in Athens. Tomorrow,’ she determined firmly, ‘we will shop.’

      ‘A reaffirmation of your marriage vows,’ Angelina declared with enthusiasm. ‘All that is required will be the documented proof the marriage has already taken place.’ Her eyes sparkled. ‘There will be guests … a party.’ She paused for a few seconds. ‘Afterwards you will take Alesha to the island for a few days,’ she concluded.

      Oh, my. The light touch of Loukas’ hand on her thigh caused her to look at him askance.

      ‘A charming idea.’ His eyes speared her own. ‘Alesha?’

      That was right … throw the ball into her court! Like she was going to refuse? ‘Charming,’ she agreed. In a moment of inspiration she turned towards Lexi. ‘I’d love it for you to be my attendant.’

      ‘Done,’ Loukas’ sister concurred with delight. ‘Which means I get to join in the shopping expedition.’

      ‘It will be my pleasure. My gift to you both.’ Constantine beamed as he sank back in his chair. ‘And now we shall adjourn to the lounge and Angelina will bring the coffee.’

      It was almost midnight when Loukas summoned Cristos and they took their leave.

      Alesha settled into the rear seat of the limousine as Loukas joined her, and she sat in reflective silence as Cristos traversed the driveway.

      Loukas reached for her hand and brought it to his lips. ‘You managed very well.’

      His features appeared as shadowed angles in the evening’s darkness, illuminated by passing street-lighting and the beam of oncoming traffic.

      ‘Your aunt is a lioness.’

      ‘Yet beneath the surface lies the heart of a pussycat.’

      ‘You’re kidding me?’

      ‘You’re now part of the Andreou family. One Daria guards with her life. You will discover she is generous to a fault,’ he relayed quietly. ‘And very caring towards those who earn her trust.’

      ‘You could have warned me what to expect.’

      ‘Perhaps,’ Loukas conceded. ‘But would it have made any difference?’

      No. For how could she have disappointed his parents, Lexi … Daria, even, if she’d indicated a reaffirmation of her wedding vows was too much to ask?

      ‘So we get to do it … when?’

      ‘I imagine my mother and Daria already have the details in hand.’

      Alesha didn’t doubt it for a moment.

      Sleep