Marriage Of Convenience: The Andreou Marriage Arrangement / The Replacement Wife. HELEN BIANCHIN

was a parting shot, a last-ditch attempt for independence that failed miserably as he swung open one of the two solid-panelled doors and indicated the four-wheel drive parked in the driveway.

      ‘Let’s go.’

      She threw him a fulminating look that had no visible effect whatsoever, and they rode the distance to Double Bay in silence.

      The apartment was exactly as she’d left it, and she became extremely conscious of Loukas’ presence as he overrode every objection she made.

      Okay, so she’d transfer all her clothes, shoes and personal possessions. Any decision about the furniture and the apartment itself could wait. The practical side voted she maintain it as was. Logically, she should lease it out.

      Except it bore her personal stamp, with everything carefully chosen to create a perfect blend of muted colours, a kitchen to die for, beautifully elegant furniture and furnishings.

      Hers alone…a sanctuary representing a personal triumph through darkness to light, the re-emergence of strength and resolve.

      ‘I’ll clear the tallboy and dresser drawers while you take the wardrobe.’

      She looked at him askance.

      He intended to gather together her personal stuff? Lingerie, briefs, bras?

      ‘I’ll take care of those.’

      Except he was already there, opening a drawer and scooping up pastel silk thongs, satin briefs, lacy bras and transferring them into a packing box.

      ‘Must you?’ she flung with exasperation, barely quelling the urge to hit him.

      His husky chuckle incensed her, and she reacted without thought, aiming the shoe she held in her hand with accuracy, only to watch in stunned disbelief as he fielded it and placed it down with care.

      His smile was still in place, but the expression in his dark eyes sent chills scudding the length of her spine.

      ‘You want to play?’

      Not the sort of game he had in mind, and she silently damned her foolish action. ‘I don’t do sex in the middle of the day.’

      One eyebrow lifted in cynical humour. ‘You prefer furtive foreplay beneath the cover of darkness?’

      As Seth had? Ensuring any strike came without warning, and the advantage became his?

      In the animal kingdom, she qualified, Seth was akin to a reptile—while Loukas came from an entirely different species…primitive, highly sensual, and infinitely dangerous. A very sexual man, whose reputation with women was legend.

      And now he was hers.

      Or more accurately…she was his.

      Something moved in her eyes, then was quickly gone.

      Loukas’ gaze narrowed as he glimpsed the fine hold she had on her emotions, and how unaware she was that he could so easily read them.

      Just what was it about her brief marriage that had changed her from a delightful young woman possessed of an engaging personality into someone who rarely laughed and shied away from men?

      Abuse? Physical, mental…or both?

      The extent of his anger at the possibility surprised him, and he banked it down as he turned his attention to the next drawer. ‘Let’s get this done.’

      Methodical placement of clothes being her thing made for easy transference from wardrobe to packing boxes, and she focused on the chore at hand while attempting to ignore Loukas’ presence.

      Difficult, she acknowledged, when he was there, a physical entity that filled her with an edgy awareness and made her supremely conscious of every breath she took.

      Tonight…she really didn’t want to think about the evening, or how much it would cost her to play an expected part at Loukas’ side. To smile, converse and pretend.

      You’ll be fine, Alesha silently assured herself as she slid the zip fastener home on an exquisite gown in deep emerald green whose off-the-shoulder design hugged her slender curves. She opted to leave her hair loose, and employed the skilful use of make-up to highlight her eyes and accent her generously moulded mouth.

      Six-thirty for seven meant leaving the house at six, and she attached diamond studs to her ears, added a matching pendant on a slim gold chain, only to have the clasp prove difficult.

      ‘Problems?’ Loukas crossed to stand behind her, and she held her breath as his fingers brushed her own as he slid the clip into place.

      The exclusive tones of his cologne teased her senses, and she stood still, unable in those long seconds to do anything but breathe.

      He seemed to surround her, a magnetic force that caused her body to pulse, irrespective of the dictates of her brain.

      For one wild moment she wondered if he knew.

      Dear heaven, she hoped not.

      ‘Ready?’

      She stepped away from him and collected her evening clutch. ‘Yes.’

      As ready as she’d ever be, she vowed silently as the Aston Martin swept through streets slick from an early evening shower.

      She’d done this before, many times. Attending various functions in the company of her parents, and partnering Dimitri after her mother’s death.

      So what was the big deal?

      You can do this, Alesha assured herself again as Loukas slid the car to a halt adjacent the main entry of one of Sydney’s prestigious hotels.

      With smooth efficiency the concierge arranged valet parking, and she entered the hotel foyer at Loukas’ side.

      A magnificent wide staircase curved to a mezzanine level where guests were gathered in the spacious lounge adjacent the grand ballroom.

      Uniformed waiters and waitresses offered canapés, champagne and orange juice.

      Smile. Do the meet-and-greet thing, comment on the attendance, assure Karsouli’s continued support to members of the charity committee…and refer any awkward questions to Loukas.

      Simple. At least it should have been.

      Except she neglected to factor in Loukas’ constant company, the touch of his hand at the back of her waist, the effect his warm smile had on her equilibrium. Dammit, their projected togetherness.

      It was inevitable the wide diamond-encrusted wedding ring on her left hand would eventually capture attention. Coupled as it was with the plain gold band Loukas now wore, conclusions were reached and the more emboldened requested confirmation.

      The news spread, with almost comical circumspection if one was inclined towards cynical amusement.

      ‘Darling, how wonderful happiness should evolve from such recent sadness.’ Words expressed by the charity committee member were genuine, and Alesha accepted the air-kiss, the obligatory hug as others followed.

      Men, captains of industry, who took the opportunity to shake Loukas’ hand and offer congratulations. And women, some of whom expressed their affection a little more enthusiastically to Loukas than the occasion demanded.

      Two in particular, known for their flirting skills and love of high-living.

      Alesha assured herself she didn’t care when the exquisite blonde melded her body close and wound her arms round Loukas’ neck.

      To his credit, he moved his head so the intended kiss brushed the edge of his jaw, and he summoned a faint smile as he disentangled the blonde’s arms.

      A sparkling laugh, the hint of a moue, then the blonde turned towards Alesha. ‘Darling, he’s delicious. If you hadn’t snared him first…’ The words trailed to a halt, with no doubt of the implication.

      Darling, Alesha