The Art of Loving a Greek Billionaire (Book 3)By Marian Tee

Copyright 2014 by Streak Digital Publishing

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any mannerwhatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations

in a book review. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is

purely coincidental.

Once upon a time, there was an ordinary girl who grew up listening to bedtime stories where there wereno knights in shining armor or Prince Charming. Instead, it had Greek billionaires and this little girldreamt shed one day have Her Own Greek Billionaire to live happily ever after with. When this little girl grew up, she found what she was looking for. He loved her too, but the whole worlddid not approve. This is my story. I mean your story. I mean, Mairi Tanner's story.

Prologue

The whirring sound of a helicopter landing a short distance away reached the security team stationedoutside the Panathenaic Stadium like the faintest echo, but it was enough to get everyone moving, all ofthem assigned to ensure just one thing: that no media outlet would ever know why Athens most famousand historic stadium was privately rented at this hour.

These men have too much money, one of them muttered in a low voice to his companion as hepeered through his binoculars and saw the door of the helicopter open. It only had one passenger, and toanyone born in Greece, his face would be instantly recognizable. His name was Stavros Manolis, abillionaire whose reclusive workaholic ways made every young Greek lady wish that she would be theone to open his eyes to the charms of marriage.

He continued grumpily, Renting the entire stadium for a secret meeting at three in the morning? Nosane man does that!

His younger companion said hesitantly, Maybe theyre scouting the place for a corporate eventThe older man cut him off, Ill give you some advice, Chucky doll. If you want to stay employed by

the boss, you better start following Perez Hilton.Chucky, whose real name was Christophos but everyone in the team called Chucky as part of his

initiation, was confused. Who is Perez Hilton?His superior sighed. Google it. If you want to keep your job, thats the first thing you should do

tonight. As one of Mr. Leventis bodyguards, we do not have to worry about dodging bullets.This came as a surprise to Chucky, who had thought it was his short but excellent stint with the US

Air Force the reason he had been hired by the billionaire. Hes a billionaire. Theres surely always athreat to his life

The medias the only threat to his life. He likes his privacy because he has a bat-crazy mother whodoesnt know how to mind her own business. He doesnt allow any intrusions in his private life, and inthe years Ive been leading this team Ive managed to keep his name out of any major scandal, the olderman said proudly. But unfortunately, what happened in Ms. Dianas school

What happened then? Since he had only been hired two days ago, Chucky found himself even moreand more confused.

It was hell. He broke his engagement to the Kokinos girl and then he proposed to his mistress rightafter. The media went crazy with that and when the footage was aired, the reporters started wonderingwhat Mr. Manolis was doing there.

What was he doing there?The idiots think Stavros is Ms. Leventis lover. His loud snort was enough to express his opinion.

Theyre sniffing in the wrong direction, and thats exactly how Mr. Leventis wants it.Chucky could no longer keep up. Mr. Artini, Im more confused now could you tell it to me

straight? Why are these two billionaires having a secret meeting in the middle of the night?Mr. Artini looked at him in exasperation. Why else, Chucky doll? Throughout history, why do two

men, friends or foes, have a need to settle their differences? What can two men never compromise on?He jerked his head towards the stadium, which from where they were standing, appeared like a goldenarena for gladiators, its lights blazing brightly amidst the nights darkness.

They want the same woman and neither of them wants to give up.****

Damen Leventis waited wordlessly for Stavros to climb the last few flights of stairs leading to thetopmost row of seats in the stadium. Made entirely of white marble, the stadium was the only one of itskind. It was also historic for being the place where individuals battled for personal glory and honor in theworlds first modern Olympics.

That fact appeared uppermost in Stavros mind when, upon reaching Damens side, he remarkedblandly, Should I have brought my fencing sword, Damen?

A mirthless smile slashed Damens lips. If that is your roundabout way of asking if I am giving upMairi to you, then yes, you should have. But a fistfight would also do anytime.

Both mens faces were impassive as they considered each others words.I respect your claim to her, Stavros said finally, but I need to speak to her. Surely that is not

asking much?An ironic laugh almost escaped Damen. Not much? It was obvious Stavros had never been in love.

Perhaps he thought he had been with Mairi a fact that bothered him immensely but no, it had not beenlove. If it had been, then Stavros should know that anything that involved his woman and another man wastoo much.

If Stavros had been in love with Mairi, then surely he would know and understand the driving needinside him to keep Mairi under lock and key and prevent any other man from seeing her. She was the mostbeautiful girl to him. In his mind, it was always only a matter of time before a man in her company wouldfall in love with her.

Mairi Tanner, with her hopelessly optimistic ways, had made him Damen Leventis, the man whosupposedly did not feel believe in love. What more the men who already knew the joy of giving onesheart to another?

She is still stressed by what happened. It was a lie, of course. Stress didnt seem to be a word thatexisted in Mairis vocabulary. Many times, Damen marveled at how happy she seemed, just because shewas with him. It was a humbling thought, and one that made him even more possessive of her.

Stavros nodded curtly. I understand. But I do intend to speak to her soon. I have searched for her fora very long time, Damen. I treasure our friendship, but I will not let it stand in my way.

Damen inclined his head in acknowledgment of his friends words. Just know, he said softly, thatI feel the same way. You have been a good friend to me all these years as well, Stavros. But it is Mairiwho is most important to me.

They did not speak after, simply nodding at each other in understanding. To anyone else, they wouldhave appeared almost like twins, both of them bearing a strong resemblance to the gods their ancestorsworshipped. Whereas most men used fancy clothes and expensive haircuts to emphasize their superiority,both men were dressed in conservative dark suits, the kind that the expert eye would recognize as hand-sewn creations that cost more than an average persons annual wages.

Power clung to their hard strong bodies like second skin, and for those who knew the story unfoldingbetween the two Greek billionaires, the realization that both men out of the millions of women whowould do anything to have their attention wanted the same girl and a rather ordinary one at that, well itwas the stuff that dreams were made of.

****It was six in the morning when Damen got back to his home and he went straight to his bedroom, whereMairi slept peacefully, dressed only in his shirt and panties. It made his heart ache. She had once told himthat she had a hard time sleeping when he wasnt around and to comfort herself, she would wear his shirtjust to have his scent close to her.

Seeing her legs bare was enough to have Damen hard. It used to surprise him, the way his body wasso quickly aroused by almost anything that had to do with Mairi. He had never felt like this with anywoman and he had bedded so many. But then, he had never fallen in love with any of them.

Only Mairi had captured his heart. It was thus no longer so strange that she owned his body, too.Damen spread thick blankets over her, and Mairi immediately huddled under it like a child. The

unconscious action had Damen smiling. All the women he had dated had been calculating, always wantingto have their wares on display, even in their sleep.

Kissing her on the forehead, Damen quietly left their bedroom and went to his study, wanting to checkhis emails before joining Mairi in bed.

He worked through his emails steadily and only one of them made him pause. It was a report from theprivate investigator he had hired, succinctly written and pointing to one clear fact: Ioniko Vlahos stillwasnt seen dating any other woman.

Considering the fact that Ioniko was one of Greeces most notorious playboys, the report wasultimately displeasing.

First Stavros, and then now Ioniko appeared to still be in the picture.Sometimes, he could not help but consider how life would be a lot simpler if he had fallen for a gold

digger. At least with gold diggers, he could be sure that his wealth alone, should it surpass Manolis andVlahos fortunes, would keep a woman loyal. But with Mairi?

Damen was just not at all sure his love would be enough to prevent her from realizing that shedeserved a far better man than him.

Chapter One A week later For a moment, she stood arrested behind the sliding glass doors, her heart hopelessly entranced by theman who worked behind the desk. Dark-haired and olive skinned, his stunning Mediterranean featureswere made more prominent by the whiteness of his shirt, its unbuttoned state revealing the wide muscularexpanse of his chest.

The frown on his face made her own chest twinge. Even without him saying a word, she knew whatwas going on behind closed doors. There wasnt one article printed about the struggles that DamenLeventis now faced but she knew those problems existed, and it hurt that he was suffering for choosing tolove her.

He had turned his back on the Kokinos family, who owned one of the most powerful and largestshipping empires in the world. And he had made an enemy out of them when he broke his engagement tothe Kokinos heiress the same night he had declared his love for an American schoolteacher, a nobodywho

The gorgeous Greek billionaire seated behind the impressive looking mahogany desk looked up, hisdark eyes unerringly finding her.

The nobody who loved him with all her heart.If there was one thing in the world she could ask God for, Mairi thought wistfully, then it would be

that Damen would always know she loved him more than anything else in the world. It was the silliestwish, but she wished it with all her heart.

He waved for her to come in, a small gesture that was commanding all the same because it came froma man who was completely used to being in power.

She quickly stepped forward within the range of the motion sensors and the glass doors slid open. Bythe time she had crossed the room, Mairi had already slipped into the role that was expected of her or atleast a role that she expected of herself.

This man had sacrificed so much for her.The least she could do was be everything a woman in love should be.Damen watched his lover gracefully walk towards him, carrying a tray that bore a cup of his favorite

kind of coffee and a plate of Greek delicacies that he knew she had personally prepared for him as well. She carefully placed the tray down on the coffee table, asking lightly, Still busy?Damen closed the folder of the files he had been studying, all of them reflecting the downward trend

of his companys stocks. Im never too busy for you, he said, beckoning for her to come close with onearm. When she was close enough, he pulled her swiftly towards him and captured her lips with a kiss.

Her arms went around his neck. His tension communicated itself to her, and wanting to relieveDamen of his stress, she pulled away, tiptoed, and whispered in his ear, I have a request then. She wasalready red-faced by the time she finished speaking, the thought of what she was about to ask making herfeel faint.

Sensing her embarrassment, he gazed down at her in puzzlement. Whatever you want, I will give itto you. As he spoke the words, an insidious thought made its way to his mind, something so vile that hequickly pushed it away.

Mairi was squirming in his arms, and he welcomed the added distraction. Raising a brow, he asked,Is it that hard to say?

She wanted to tell him. She was sure he would be shocked, but she was sure he would be pleased,too. After all, he always loved it when she went wild for him.

Mairi opened her mouth.Nothing came out.

She swallowed and tried again.Nothing came out still.In frustration, she grabbed his mobile phone and, clicking the browser open, typed a URL that had

Damens brow shooting up again. There were porn sites and then there were porn sites. The one Mairihad typed was something even he was not familiar with, and he was a man.

Naughty, naughty girl, he murmured.Shut up, she mumbled without looking up, knowing shed lose her nerve if she did. She clickedDamen choked. You are serious?Mairi gulped. Yes.He made her look at him. Why are you asking this of me? She said honestly, Ive always wanted to try it. What she wouldnt tell him was why she was

asking him of it now, and she knew she wouldnt ever tell him the reason.He said slowly, You are sure?If she said no, Mairi knew he would accept it. But the heat in his eyes told her that doing so would

cost Damen. He might not admit it now, but he was definitely enamored by her idea.Mairi said faintly, Just please be gentle?Her words made him shudder. When you say that, Im more inclined to be rough with you, matakia

mou.It was her turn to tremble, and she whispered, When you say something like that, I kind of want you

to be rough with me, too.Damen groaned. Words. They were just fucking words and yet he was instantly hard as a rock, every

cell in his body urging him to sink his cock into her lush heat. Raking a hand through his hair, he grittedout, One last time, Mairi. Are you sure?

YesThere was no time to speak, Damen taking her lips once more the same time he scooped her up in his

arms like she weighed no more than a feather. She closed her eyes, leaning her head against his chest ashis lips released hers and moved down her neck. His hand was caressing her breast, teasing her nipple tolife.

When she opened her eyes, they were already in their bedroom and Damen was lowering her onto thebed. He followed her right after, dealing swiftly with both of their clothes. This time, his gaze hadbecome dangerously hot, making Mairi wonder nervously if she had perhaps bitten off more than shecould chew.

DamenNo backing out now, he growled. He flipped her around and then arranged her limbs so that she

found herself on all fours.Oh, daaaaaamn.Had she really asked Damen Leventis to take her ass?She must have been crazy.Damen. His name came out as a whimper, but she wasnt sure if it was because she was terrified

or excited.Ssssh He settled over her, his chest pressing against her back, and the heavy weight of him made Mairi

breathless. Was this it? Was she ready? She tensed when he started to move, knowing it would hurt but unable to say anything to prevent it.

She whimpered again when she felt Damen palming the cheeks of her ass, lovingly, possessively. Onehand settled on the small of her back and pushed.

Mairi obeyed, lowering herself until she was practically flat on the bed while her ass was up in the

air. He moved away from her and she started to breathe, only to feel his hands back on her ass. Her breathcaught in her throat as Mairi felt Damens fingers slowly prying the cheeks apart.

OooooooohRelax, he whispered, just before using one finger to caress that tiny sensitive hole.Mairi shuddered. She felt him moving back towards her and she tensed even more. Anytime now,

anytime nowOh.Damens finger left her sensitive hole and instead found her clitoris from behind. She was already

wet with anticipation, but with his fingers playing with her nub she became even more so. Damen. Shecouldnt stop moaning his name, couldnt stop moving in response to the rhythm that his fingers set.

More? he asked in a purring voice.She nodded, no longer able to stay coherent, not with his fingers sliding inside her, three of them at

the same time. It was heaven and hell, the way those fingers of his could move so beautifully but neverable to be as satisfying as the length and thickness of his cock.

Those tiny little gasps Mairi made had him aching all the way to his balls, but he controlled himself,knowing that if he did not he would only end up hurting her. He took his fingers out and used her ownwetness to lubricate her other hole.

She moaned at his touch, and this time he knew she was more aroused than scared. Again, he leanedtowards her, his chest against her back, close enough for Damen to reach one breast. Cupping her tenderflesh, he squeezed her breast and teased her nipple the same time he slid one finger inside her other hole.

Damen! It hurt, the pain blazing, enough to have her feel like she was about to lose consciousness.Pinching her nipple to have her gasp, he used the distraction to move his hand back down once more

and teased her clitoris anew while keeping his finger inside her other hole.Pain and pleasure battled inside her. It was impossible to forget the rawness of his penetration, but it

was just as impossible to ignore the aching bliss of his fingers on her clit. She whimpered, she moaned,she cried, not knowing what she was begging Damen for. All she knew was that she couldnt takeanymore

Damen! His finger had started moving inside her other hole.It will be even better soon, darling. He spoke the words between clenched teeth, the sexy sounds

Mairi was making enough to test his control. He fucked her with his fingers from the other side, knowingthat the sensation of being doubly penetrated would soon make her forget the pain.

In, out. In, out. Oh God, would it ever end? Would she want it to end? Please, please She didnt know when it happened or how. All Mairi knew was that her body craved his possession

in a way it had never before.And he knew it.He pulled his finger out, and without giving her time to draw another breath, he pried her cheeks open

and slid the head of his cock in. Her moan blended with his groan, the pleasure taking them both bysurprise.

She was tight, extremely so, more than he could have ever imagined. He wanted to move, wanted tosink deeper into her ass but he did his best to control his desires. Mairi was not just any girl. She was thewoman he loved. He would rather slit his throat than have her hurt the tiniest bit once more.

The urge to move became stronger, and he dug his nails into the sides of her hips. He drew a breath

And that was when he felt it.Mairi, moving slightly back to bump against him, causing the entire head of his cock to slide inside

her.She moaned, but this time he couldnt detect even the slightest thread of pain in it.

Or at least he didnt think he had. Dio, let it not be his imagination giving him an alibi to move.Mairi, he said hoarsely. Perspiration covered his body, a result of his extreme efforts. How do youfeel now?

Unable to make her throat work, Mairi could only push herself against him harder.Fuck.He did not imagine that.Damen tried to keep his touch gentle as he pushed her down, silently commanding Mairi to flatten

herself against the bed. She did so with a whimper, her hands clutching a part of the bedsheets betweenher fingers.

She was right to be scared.Damens hands returned to clasp her hips in a chain-like grip. No matter how much shed wriggle or

try to break free, Mairi knew it would be impossible now. No matter how much she begged, she knewDamen wouldnt let go of her now. And oh dear, but how that thrilled her

Im going to ride you hard now, matakia mou.Oh, oh, oh did he really have to tell her that? Did he really want her to be even more nervous and

tense as she waited for him totoHe withdrew, creating a popping sound as the immense head of his long and hard cock came out of

her ass.Mairi gripped the bedsheets harder, her breaths coming in deep fast gulpsWithout warning, Damen pushed his cock back in, fast, strong, and hard in a totally unexpected and

absolutely possessive move.Pain and pleasure ripped through Mairi, making her scream, but there was nowhere to go now.

Damen had her in his possession, and he kept ramming into her, over and over, harder and faster, strongerthan he had ever taken her.

His cock, its every movement and possession, soon became her world. Her eyelids drifted closedand her fingers tightened on the bedsheets as each thrust caused her breasts to jiggle and squish against thebed.

He was so rough, so dominant, this Greek billionaire of hers, but she wouldnt want him any otherway.

She gasped when he suddenly pressed close, her back against his chest. One hand went down, largefingers clasping hers on the bed while his other arm went around her waist, moving down to play with herclit.

Her eyes widened and her gasps became strangled, the way his fingers moved deftly over her clitcausing Mairis pleasure to spiral out of control.

Oh, God, I cantIm taking you every way, matakia mou. The fierce tone of his voice caused her to twist her head so she could look at him.And that was it.He claimed her lips, his touch claimed her pussy, and his cock claimed her ass. Tongue thrusting, fingers thrusting, and his cock ramming into her.HARD. HARD. OH, OH, OH, SOOOO HARD.She screamed and sobbed her release against his mouth, her entire body shuddering against his as

Damen proved true to his words.She was his, in every way, and he was making sure she would never forget it.

****When Mairi resurfaced, she was alone in their bed, Damen watching her idly as he stood next to the opendoors of their bedrooms balcony, a dark silhouette against the bright sunlight.

He was, she noticed drowsily, dressed in a shirt and board shorts, and with sunglasses pushed up onhis head. Too gorgeous to be true, she thought helplessly as butterflies fluttered in her stomach.

Are you going out? she asked.He nodded. Would you like to come with me? He paused. If youre not too busy trying to find

work?She forced a laugh. I can put it off, Mairi said airily. She would never ever tell him about the

countless rejection letters she had received via her email, all of it proof that the Kokinos and EstherLeventis threats about blacklisting her in Greece had not been just words.

Something that felt like distaste soured his tongue, but Damen ignored it, telling himself that there wasnothing wrong about Mairi living the life of an idle billionaires wife. For that was what she could be asthe woman he loved.

Mairi asked awkwardly, What about you? Dont you have work to do today? There were so manyquestions she wanted to ask. What did his board have to say about the impact of his broken engagement onthe planned merger between the two shipping empires? What measures had he taken to address the slidingprices of his companys stocks? Had he met with his publicist already and strategized about reputationmanagement?

She wanted to ask so many more, but Mairi managed to hold her tongue. Damen Leventis was a proudman and she did not want him to think she was doubting his ability to solve his problems.

Was that all she was going to ask? Did she really care about him? And why were all these doubtssurfacing now, when he had already made his bed and the whole world expected him to lie on it with hisAmerican schoolteacher?

Damen forced a smile. Youre marrying a billionaire, matakia mou. Have you forgotten that fact?Was it just her imagination or did his words seemloaded? She shook the thought away. My bad,

she answered lightly. I did forget that the great and mighty Damen Leventis is indeed one of the worldsrichest men.

Her exaggerated tone made him laugh.Rolling her eyes at him, she asked, But really, where are you going? Can I come with you?

Chapter Two One moment, Mairi was staring white-faced at their guides as they let her and Damen loose, the strongwinds speeding up their ascent, her feet barely touching the floor of the speedboat. It felt like a giantinvisible hand was pulling the parachute strapped to their backs. The next moment, they were flying

Aaaaaaah!Her Greek billionaire, gorgeous, sexy jerk that he was, simply laughed in the face of her fear.Ignoring Damen, Mairi slowly opened her eyes, looking down to see how high off the ground they

were. Too high.She closed her eyes again. What she had gotten herself into? And why, oh why had she been silly

enough to think she could do parasailingMatakia mou, a sweetly dark voice murmured. Open your eyes.Ah, yes, now she remembered. It was because Damen Leventis had wanted to do this with her, and Mairi could not resist anything he

asked.One strong hand cupped her cheek, stroking the soft skin gently. Come on, Mairi.Strong winds continued to whip them from behind, making her feel like they were going to be blown

away anytime. Her feet dangled in the air, and after what she had seen, Mairi did not like to think abouthow much air there was between them and the ocean.

And yetThat voice.It was the most beautiful sound on earth.She opened her eyes and stared straight into his. I. Hate. You.Damen laughed again. Ah, dear Lord, would she never tire of hearing that sound?Damen Leventis was not the man who laughed easily or often. But that he did so with her even if it

was usually Damen laughing at her never failed to makeHis eyes moved down briefly before returning to her face. Your toes are curling, he remarked, a

sly smile that was also irritatingly sexy forming on his thin beautiful lips.Its because I hate you.His knuckles brushed her cheek once more in response. Do you really?He was blatantly seducing her.And she was, darn it, happy to be seduced.I Her words were cut off by a sudden loud creaking sound from one of the metal chains that kept

them connected to their parachutes.Damen saw Mairis face turn white. Knowing she was seriously scared now, he asked tautly, Mairi, look at me.She raised fear-darkened eyes to him.Ah, shit. Why had he thought to take her parasailing when she was clearly scared out of her mind?

What an asshole he was. This vacation on Crete was supposed to be an unforgettable memory for them,not a fucking nightmare for her.

Youre safe with me. He spoke in a quiet and firm voice, an unconscious reminder that he was herrock and he would do anything to protect her.

She nodded, the movement slight.Im going to wave to the guides now, he told her. Ill get them to reel us downMairi quickly shook her head. No, Im okay. Just She smiled weakly. Talk to me while were

here?Talkto you?It could be anything. I feel Color stained her cheeks as she mumbled, I wont be so scared if I

hear you talking.Ah, fuck.How quickly she could disarm him, her words something that not even the most professional gold

digger could ever say convincingly. When she said things like that to him, when she looked like that athim, Damens cynicism disappeared like it had never existed.

When she was this fucking sweet, the past would come back to him but they were not memories thathaunted Damens mind. Instead, they worked like fucking sunlight, making him remember that the personin front of him was no ordinary girl.

This was Mairi. The girl who had never stopped loving him, not even when the whole world believed he loved

another woman.Sometimes, matakia mou, I hate you, too.Mairis eyes widened, her face paling even more.I hate that with so few words, you have me twisted in knots. I hate that just by looking at you, I feel

scared like I have never been scared before. Im fucking terrified that one day you will wake up Anironic smile flitted over his hard, handsome face. and wise up to the fact that youve fallen in lovewith a bastard.

As he paused, there was no other sound apart from the gentle whistling tune of the dying winds.Around them were blue skies, dotted by fluffs of white clouds and emerald peaks of mountains that roseproudly from the islands powdery white sands and turquoise waters.

Surrounded by such breathtaking beauty, the ugly memories of the past faded. Here, there were nosleazy reporters hounding them, no contemptuous gazes accusing them of infidelity no one to tell themthat they were not meant for each other.

Damen wiped the single tear that trailed down Mairis cheek. Are you crying because I hate you somuch?

She nodded.And if I ask you to marry me, he asked unevenly, because I want to keep hating you for the rest of

our livesMairis lips parted in shock, disbelief written all over her face.Uncertainty and fierce need turned his voice rough. Will you marry me, Mairi?She stared at him. Mairi?Her lips tightened.Mairi? he growled again even as he started to feel sick to his stomach. She would answer yes, of

course. She loved him, didnt she? And if she said no, it might just be because she was acrophobic andwas not thinking too clearly.

Below them, the guides were waving at Damen and Mairi, indicating that their fifteen minutes wereup and they would be reeled back down to the speedboat slowly.

Mairi was still staring at him.What ifwhat if she was just staring at him because she couldnt find the words to tell him he was

asking too soon? He tensed at the thought. Was it too soon?He swallowed thickly. Mairi, if you If you say no, I dont think theres any point in living?

Too fucking sappy even if it was true.Their feet grazed the surface of the water.

Everyone could see them now. If she said no now, everyone would know, too.He took a deep breathWhoa! the guide exclaimed as he and his companions pulled on the ropes to make sure Damen and

Mairi didnt crash into the roofed area of the speedboat. They worked fast afterwards, untying andunlocking to release them from the parachute.

And then they were free.Mairi threw herself into his arms, surprising Damen so much that he found himself falling and landing

on his back, Mairi on top of him.In a rush, she told him, I couldnt answer earlier because I was airsick and I was in serious danger

of throwing up on you if I opened my mouth and if that happened, that would be so gross since just earlierI ate an entire bottle of fresh olives and oh my God what if I threw up all those olives on you

His head reeled, but before he could make sense of her rambling answer she was already kissing him.Yes, Damen, she whispered, her eyes shining so brightly it made Damen swallow. Yes, yes, yes.

Chapter Three

It was a rainy day when they flew back home, with the many calls coming from Damens headquarters inAthens forcing them to cut their vacation short. And yet, although their flight had not been planned at all,the paparazzi was in full force when Damens private jet landed.

Her phone beeped as the crew opened the jets main door and she and Damen stood in front of it,waiting for the ground staff to roll the mobile staircase towards them. Checking her phone, Mairi saw thatit was from Aunt Norah. You look good on TV.

She automatically forced a smile on her lips, knowing that the message was a subtle reminder fromher aunt to stay strong, or at least look strong in public.

We hope you had a pleasant flight, Mr. Leventis, Ms. Tanner.Mairi nodded her thanks, her stomach queasy at the thought of once again coming in close contact

with the press. Damen squeezed her hand. Just stick close to me. Do not look at them, do not talk to them,and it will be fine.

She nodded. It was all she could manage.They came down, Damen moving steadily and confidently and Mairi doing her best to keep a calm

appearance. Alina Kokinos would have done so much better than Mairi if she was the one in thisposition, Mairi thought miserably.

The flash coming from the press huge camera bulbs was so blindingly bright Mairi had to shield hergaze against them, forgetting the fact that the hand she was using to protect her eyes was

Seeing what his fiance had just done, Damen smirked and pulled Mairi close to him. Youve doneit, he told her.

Done what?The shit hit the fan.As Mairi and Damen got off the last step of the jets staircase, everyone started trying to outshout

each other with their questions.WHEN DID YOU GET ENGAGED?WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE MS. TANNER OVER THE KOKINOS HEIRESS?IS SHE THAT GOOD IN BED?WHAT DOES IONIKO VLAHOS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT YOUR ENGAGEMENT?Mairi stumbled at Ionikos name and the reporters tried to press forward like hounds sensing a kill,

wanting to capture any kind of look on Mairis face. But Damen had schooled her well, and she kept herface down, not looking at any of them.

If only, she thought wistfully, she could be as cool as Damen. How did he do it, walking like it wasnormal to wear dark glasses on a rainy day? It didnt make sense but he made it look like it was thefashionable thing to do.

As they neared the limousine, one of the reporters shouted, Do you think your sister approves ofyour wedding?

Mairi paled at the question.What about your potential brother-in-law, Stavros ManolisMairis head snapped towards the press at the last question.Click.Damen hauled her back to his side. Ignore them, he said harshly as he tried to keep pace with

Mairi, doing his best not to cause her to run towards the limousine waiting for them at the end of thetarmac. Would he cause another scandal if he simply swept her up in his arms? Probably, Damen thought,but right now he was close to not caring.

When they were inside the limousine, Damen and Mairi sat apart on the same side. He waited for her

to say something.She didnt.Stavros Manolis. Mairi was in a daze. Could it be the same man? She turned to Damen, seeking

answers to the jumbled questions in her mind, her instincts telling her that if there was something shecould not solve, Damen could and would help her with it.

The look of entreaty on Mairis face made Damen want to curse. She was silently asking questions hedid not want her to ask, but when she looked at him like he was her fucking knight even after everything Damen knew he would do whatever she damn asked, even if it meant having his heart on a platter.

Stavros Manolis was there at the school when I broke my engagement to Alina.For once, the name of the girl who once had the right to stand next to Damen did not make her wince,

Mairis attention completely focused on the name that she hadnt ever expected to hear again inconnection with her.

Gazing unseeingly down at her lap, she said slowly, I knew of a Stavros Manolis onceHe is the same Stavros that you know of.Her head jerked up. How could you know?He shrugged, lying, I saw him at the school. There was something on his face that told me he knew

you.He waited for her to continue from there, to let him know about her past with Manolis, but she didnt.

Finally he asked, What are your plans for today? The guilty look that darted towards him madeDamens fists clench. She had been so lost in her thoughts of another man she had fucking forgotten he,Damen Leventis, was here with her.

Mairi mumbled, Im going to, umm, work out. Exercise had become therapeutic, the way things thatused to be confusing became suddenly clear by the time she had run herself to the ground. And this time,she was more confused than ever but Damen probably wouldnt like knowing that.

She was trying to hide her thoughts from him. Damen knew her too well for it to work, but it was afact Mairi would not likely believe because of their short and pain-filled past.

He heard himself saying, Ill work out with you.Her surprised gaze flew to him. Y-you will?Damen answered with a careless shrug, I dont see why not. I do not have anything scheduled for the

day.She blurted out, But you hate working out with me.Color stained his hard high-boned cheeks. I did not exactly say thatYou practically did then, she said, still bemused at Damens unexpected announcement. The last

time we jogged, you told me I was slower than a turtle.I meant it like an endearmentAnd the last time we went to the gym and I was on the treadmill, you told me that I didnt know how

to run properlyYour breasts shook too muchMairi threw her hands up. How can I stop them from shaking?Knowing full well he had been and was still being unreasonable about the topic concerning her

breasts which really shook too much, making the sight exceptionally arousing for any man Damen saidflatly instead, Just tell me if you do not care for my company.

At the words, Mairi snapped her mouth shut with a sigh. He was so sly. You know I always want to be with you, Mairi mumbled.And again, he was disarmed.She was so sly.

Wordlessly, Damen closed the distance between them and his hand clasped her nape. When sheturned towards him, his lips took hers in a kiss that soothed whatever had to be soothed. For once,passion didnt flare up, the kiss remaining sweet and tender between them.

Even so, when Damen lifted his head, her eyes were wide with wonder and she said dreamily, Hi.He laughed.She really was so sly, the way she got under his skin all the time, but he was not complaining.Hi, he said huskily. Were okay now, matakia mou?She nodded, a dreamy expression still on her face. Good. Well work out as you planned. She nodded in the same obedient manner, making him laugh.

It will not be a problem to appreciate this submissive part of you.Anything you want, she told him.His gaze became hooded, Damen being ruthless enough not to let that promise slip by. Anything?She nodded dutifully.Good. Then you will tell me about Stavros, wont you?

Chapter Four

So we were in high school Her voice bounced off the walls of the vast basement gym, its dcor andrange of state-of-the-art exercise equipment at par with the worlds most popular fitness centers.

The words caused a rather inelegant snort to come out from Damen Leventis, a Greek billionaire whoused to be famous for his irreproachable manners.

Seated on the floor, knees pulled up, Mairi shook her head in exasperation at the sound, her ponytailbouncing as she did. I havent even said anything about him!

Damens broad shoulders moved in an arrogant shrug. Crouching down on one knee, he said with agrunt, Just get on with the story. Positioning himself to assist Mairi with her sit-ups, he placed his handson her feet, applying a small amount of pressure.

This close, she couldnt help but gape. He wore nothing but jersey shorts and trainers, making him amouthwateringly sexy sight that even now kept Mairis throat dry. All those rippling muscles and goldenskin

Did he really think she would be able to work out properly when he looked like that?When Mairi didnt respond, Damen glanced up and caught her staring.She blushed, immediately averting her gaze, but it was too late. Damen said wickedly, Maybe youre in the mood for another kind of exercise?She shook her head.Youre sure? He caressed her knees. The simple move had her jerking. Damen! I really need to work out! She had gained a few pounds

after vacationing with him for only a week. With a reluctant sigh, he released her sensitive knees and went back to holding her feet down. Mairi

had a tendency to cheat when doing sit-ups, with her feet lifting off the floor to take away some of thepressure on her abs.

Start working out then and, he added gruffly, while youre at it, tell me about the man from yourpast. Damen knew he needed to fucking hear her story about Manolis like a hole in the head, but he alsoknew that he would never be at peace until he heard it straight from Mairi.

She protested, Hes not what you make him sound. Why did he insist on making it sound like shehad this wild teenage affair with her old classmate?

Damen pushed her back on the floor, a hard look on his beautiful face. Get on with it.With a frustrated sigh, Mairi clenched her abs and started her sit-ups. So, Stavros was a Greek

billionaire like you...As he watched her move gracefully up and down, her breasts once again shaking like a damn

invitation for fucking, he heard himself say, And so you fell in love with him because of that?Mairi paused midway, hands clasped behind her head. Damen!He moved forward and surprised her with a hot open-mouthed kiss, which was over all too soon,

leaving her blinking. The kiss calmed him somewhat, working like a reminder that no matter what happened in the past, it

was his ring that the beautiful Mairi Tanner wore and she was by his side where she belonged.I wont interrupt you anymore, he said magnanimously.She snorted.Damen raised a brow, a silent remark at how uncouth she was with the sound she was making. It was

as if he hadnt made the same sound himself, the jerk! She shook her head. Too bad she was in love withhim, even with him being a jerk.

With a sigh, she continued, Anyway, Stavros and I became friends because we bonded over, well,Greek mythology lessons.

Howsweet. She tried not to laugh. Never had she heard the words spoken with such disdain, like sweet was

synonymous to days-old shit. Sowe were really just friends but unfortunately, there was this girl in my class who didnt believe

it. She got really jealous and spread nasty rumors about me that caused my expulsion.And Manolis did not keep you from being expelled?It happened too fast and everything was decided in a day.But if he was the reasonHe was not the reason why I was expelled, Damen. Mairis voice was gentle but firm. It was the

other girl who chose to misinterpret things, her blindness and jealousy that made her see somethingbetween us that didnt exist. She looked at him straight in the eye. I dont blame him for what happened.Its not his fault.

Howforgiving. This time she couldnt help but laugh, the way Damens lip curled at the last word, making it sound

like she had just announced her intention to attend church wearing an outfit Lady Gaga would be proud of.Biting her lip, she said, So earlier, when those reportersDeciding that a distraction was called for, Damen crouched down on both knees and whipped her

shirt off after.She forgot what she was about to say. Damen!But he wasnt done, quickly whipping her sports bra over her head and tossing it aside as well.Mairi immediately crossed her arms over her chest. What do you think youre doing?He looked at her innocently. Its a new way to exercise.She choked. Exercise with my top off?Yes. He gently pushed her back on the floor, making sure that her hands were clasped behind her

head once more. This left her breasts completely bared to his appreciative gaze. He took his time studyingit, and soon her pretty rosy nipples hardened in response.

Stop staring, she begged him.Never. This time he pried her legs apart so he could kneel between them. Bending down, he took

one nipple in, sucking hard and loud, not stopping until he heard her moan. At the sound, he released her nipple and bent back. Now do your sit-ups, darling.Her eyes whitened. Like this?Damen purred, Let my kiss be your incentive.Oh my God.It was an incentive she could neverresist.She forced herself up, Damen obediently sucking her nipple passionately every time her nipple came

close to his mouth. Up, suck, down. Up, suck, down. Up, suck, down. She was so wet by the time she had finished one set. Dimly, she heard a rustling sound. Her eyes

fluttered open.Damen was naked. Oh my GodIn a move that was so fast she was left blinking, he dispensed with the rest of her gym attire, leaving

her as naked as he was.Oh my GodHe said thickly, Again, sweetheart.When she forced herself up once more, he moved her hips down and his cock slid into her pussy,

which welcomed his thickness wetly, snugly.

The routine became more complicated, more arousing, guaranteed to drive her insane. She moved up,and he would thrust in the same time his mouth captured her nipple, alternating between both breasts.

Up, thrust, suck, down. Damen. She couldnt take it anymore, her arms curving around his neck as her legs went around his

waist. Take me. She sounded near tears. She was begging him. And she didnt care.Chuckling, he whispered into her ear, Done exercising?She answered with a sob and a nod.Tightening his hold around her, he thrust up and hard into her. Hands clasping her waist, he bounced

her up and down on his cock. Each thrust had her reeling, pushing her further and further towards thatplace of no return.

Taking her mouth in a kiss, he whispered against her lips, Youre mine, arent you, Mairi?She shuddered at the words, and she completely lost it when his fingers slid between their bodies to

tease her pleasure nub and stimulate her into orgasm. She came as she cried out, Yours. Always, always,always yours.

****Always, always, always yours.

The words played in her mind as she found herself drifting closer to sleep, Damen carrying her totheir bed. As Damen temporarily left her, she fumbled for her phone out of habit, checking her messages.

There was one message that had her heart beating madly and she quickly typed, Yes, I understand.10AM sharp.

And then she heard footsteps and quickly deleted the message. Damen asked as he joined her in bed, Someone texted you?Just my aunt, she lied, her heart beating madly again, but for a different reason this time.Always, always, always yours.The words mocked Damen in his mind as he watched his fiance sleep. He reached for her phone and

checked her inbox.The only message on her inbox was indeed from aunt but it was sent hours ago, and something she

had already replied to.He looked back at Mairi, his face drawn.Have you ever been mine, matakia mou?

Chapter Five

Velvet: Stop torturing yourself with these stupid applications.Mairi winced at her friends words, but before she could answer it, another reply came in.Mandy: What she means is that youre going to be Damens wife now. You really dont need to work,

and if you do want to work then you can afford to wait for a job you love.Mairi: You dont understand. I NEED to do this. I dont want anyone to think Im freeloading or

anything.Velvet: If he thinks youre a gold diggerMairi: He doesnt think Im a gold digger, but others do or could think I am. And thats why I need to

find a job ASAP.Mandy: I hate to say this, but I dont think thats possible.Her fingers paused midway while typing as Mandys answer popped up. Mairi hated to think her

practical but tactful friend was right, but Mandy probably was. All fifty-two rejection emails in her inboxwere proof of it.

Esther Leventis and the Kokinos family made a formidable opponent.No employer had stated outright that they were avoiding hiring her as a consequence of Damens

decision to break off his engagement. But anyone who read between the lines would know it was thereason no school or company in Greece was willing to touch her with a ten-foot pole.

Velvet: Mairi?The tiny beep from Skype had Mairi jerking and she looked down at her phones screen blankly.Mandy: Are you okay? Want us to come wherever you are?Her friends question had Mairi hastily typing a reply.Mairi: No, Im good. I was just trying to rehearse my answers for the interview.She paused, thinking, then started typing again.Mairi: I have to go now. Im being called for the interview. Catch up with you two later!She quickly signed out from Skype, knowing that her abruptness might not just confuse her friends but

hurt them, too. Despite knowing that, Mairi knew limiting contact with them was for the best.The tabloids had taken to calling her Greeces Most Famous Mistress, and the fact that she already

had Damens ring on her finger didnt seem to change their opinions about her. If the rumors were to bebelieved, Mairi was a professional con artist from America who had cold-bloodedly used her teachingjob to find a billionaire to target and seduced him with her Mata Hari skills in bed.

Absolutely no way would she ever let her friends be embroiled in her trouble, and they would be ifthe paps caught a picture of them together. If it came to that, her friends might also be dismissed

Ms. Tanner? Realizing belatedly that Dean Frangos had finally arrived in his office, Mairi nervously scrambled to

her feet. In her haste, she wasnt able to prevent her iPhone from sliding off her lap and red-faced, Mairibent down once more.

The position caused her pencil-line skirt to ride up, and the sight of her long bare legs made the deanwet his lips. Cleon Frangos had known that Mairi Tanner had been waiting for him at his office sinceeight. It was near lunchtime now, and yet she was still here.

If she truly was a mistress to Damen Leventis, then she would not have cared to wait for so long forsuch a low-paying job in his faculty.

But that she hadLust had his groin aching, his small fat dick swelling into unimpressive proportions at the thought of

being able to make a young and beautiful girl like Mairi Tanner his to command.When Mairi looked up, pale and even more apprehensive, there was nothing on the deans face to

reveal his thoughts. His secretary Eugenia had a similarly bland look. She, too, suffered from heremployers advances but said nothing about it, knowing that Cleon held a lot of clout. Going against himwould mean losing her job, and that she could not afford.

His tone deliberately brusque, Cleon muttered, Follow me inside, Ms. Tanner. As he turned, hetold his secretary, I do not wish us to be disturbed in any way.

Eugenia nodded even as she suffered a pang of conscience. Those words did not bode well for Ms.Tanner.

The younger woman glanced her way before following the dean into his office, her lips forming a shybut friendly smile that said, Old curmudgeons would always be old curmudgeons.

Shit, but this woman was too nice.Eugenia wanted to speak up, but the thought of her two young kids flashed through her mind. What

would happen to them if she lost her job?Swallowing, Eugenia gave the other girl a curt nod. Mairi Tanners smile faded.Eugenia looked away. When Mairi went inside the office, Eugenia slowly took her seat again. As she

reached for her pen, she realized her hand was shaking. She was not doing the right thing. But...with her kids futures on the line, who would tell her it was

wrong?****

Mairi pressed her clammy hands on her lap, wishing they werent so wet. Dean Frango was her last hope.He was the only one who acquiesced to give her an interview. If she did not get this job, then

She mentally shook the depressing thought away. No. She wouldnt think like that. She just had to bestrong, had to have more hope, and things would be better for her.

Ms. Tanner? He was seated next to her on the couch. It was a strange arrangement for an interview,but she didnt dare say a word about it.

Yes, sir?I will not beat around the bush. The fact that you have been expelled from GAYL and the

circumstances surrounding your dismissal Cleon clucked his tongue. It doesnt paint a good picture ofyou.

I know, sir, she said quietly. But all I can say is that those circumstances were unique and special it wont happen again.

Because you are engaged to Damen Leventis? The news had made todays headlines butunfortunately he had not known about it until he came into his office minutes ago and saw Mairis face onthe newspapers front page.

If she was indeed about to marry Damen Leventis, then this was all for nothing, Cleon thought withbitter disappointment. He had a healthy fear of the Kokinos but even more so of the head of the Leventisempire. He had no problems believing that Damen was the type of man to have him murdered if he somuch as looked at his woman the wrong way.

The press misunderstood, Mairi lied and chose that exact time to tuck her hair behind her ear, away of drawing attention to her ring-less fingers. She did not want this job if it was only being offeredbecause she was about to marry Damen Leventis. She never wanted him to be in a compromising positionbecause of her again.

His dick throbbed at her words. Chuckling, Freon could now afford to joke, So that rock you worethat got photographed by the reporters was more like a parting gift?

She nodded, not wanting to add to her lies.Thats good.Mairi suddenly had a bad feeling. Sir

He licked his lips, his eyes moving slowly down towards her breasts and staying there. His gazealone was enough to make her feel dirty. We can come to an understanding then

Fear caused a temporary paralysis to take hold of her body. No, Im sorry, this is not what I want

He answered with a cruel laugh, Dont worry. I can make you want it. He unbuttoned his pants.Just give it a try

Chapter Six

Welcome home! Mairis voice was bright and perky as she greeted Damen the moment he came throughthe front door. A second later, she was hurtling herself into his arms, her arms tightening around his neck.

The extremely warm welcome pleased him, but it also bemused him, leaving Damen looking down atMairi with a faintly puzzled smile. You make me feel like I have been gone for months, matakia mou.

It did feel like that, Mairi thought painfully. She had showered three times, even used Damenscredit card for the first time to pay for a mind-bogglingly expensive fee for a spa treatment, but she stillfelt unclean.

Sensing Damens curious regard but unable to speak, Mairi just hugged him more tightly. She knewnow was the best time to tell Damen about Dean Frangos degrading proposition to her, but she also knewshe would do everything she could to prevent Damen from learning about it.

Damens lips touched her hair. I missed you, too. He gently pulled her away from him. Now, whathave you been up to while I was at work?

Nothing, Mairi managed to quip. Just enjoying life as a billionaires fiance. She turned awaythen, thus missing the look of disquiet on Damens face. As she headed to the kitchen, which was a gooddistance away considering how palatial his Athens home was, she asked over her shoulder, Would youlike to grab something to eat?

Only if you join me, he said after a beat. He hated how his thoughts were often filled with doubtand suspicion. Following Mairi to the kitchen, he wondered if his money had indeed changed Mairi and ifit had, was it truly for the worse?

She loved him. That he was completely certain of. Was it wrong that she had so quickly gotten usedto being able to spend his money as well or be used to the comfort and luxury that came with it?

Damen?He looked up, realizing that he had been standing at the doorway all this time with a frown on his

face. He moved forward, summoning a penitent smile. I am sorry. I was thinking about work.She waited for him to speak about it, but he didnt. As he sat on one of the stools surrounding the

breakfast counter, she asked softly, Would you like to talk about it?A shuttered expression fell over his face. It is nothing. He would never let Mairi know how much

his decision to love her was costing him. The entire business world might be laughing at him behind hisback, but Damen knew whatever he lost was worth having Mairi by his side.

His voice was curt and dismissive, and she took the warning to heart. Did he think she was too stupidto understand the way his business worked? Biting her lip, she prayed silently that Damen didnt think hewas engaged to a ninny.

The microwave sounded off behind her, and trying not to sound relieved at the chance to change thesubject, she said cheerfully, The pastas ready.

The smell was delightful, and the taste even more so. After enjoying a forkful of the pasta, he wasimpressed enough to say, Its very good enough for me to wonder if perhaps youd like to start arestaurant?

A restaurant?He said smoothly, It wont mean you have to work every day. Youll simply be in charge of creating

a menu and setting the overall theme.A restaurantOnly Greek billionaires like Damen Leventis would think that opening a restaurant and putting a

schoolteacher in charge of it was an investment worth risking, Mairi thought dazedly. I dont think Imready for that kind of undertaking. If she failed, it would mean causing him to lose thousands of euros or even hundreds of thousands, and she wasnt ready for that kind of failure just yet.

Well, it was just a thought. He paused. In case you become bored with your life.Oh, Ill never be bored. Her lips curved into another smile. Youre with me, Damen. Its all I ask

for.He shook his head. You never fail to surprise me, with how open you are about your feelings.Her smile almost faltered. She wasnt as open as he thought she was. There were so many things she

had yet to tell him, but her love for Damen made her scared to risk it. After dinner, they went straight to the bedroom, Mairi waiting in bed while Damen took a shower.

Her iPhone sounded a beep, indicating a new email.Congratulations! You have successfully passed our test. We will start sending you writing

assignments tomorrow at the rate of $.002 per word or $1 per 500-word article.Hearing the door of the en-suite bathroom open, Mairi quickly deleted the message before looking up

at Damen. Feel more relaxed now?Deciding not to comment on how flustered she seemed, he answered casually, Yes. Joining her in

bed, Damen wordlessly pulled her into his arms and took her lips for a kiss.Her receipt of his kiss was as passionate as before, enough to assuage his doubts. For now.They did not make love that night, but Mairi did not seem to mind, falling asleep in his arms almost

right away. Even in her slumber, she appeareduneasy, an unhappy frown furrowing her forehead.Quietly, Damen reached past Mairi for her iPhone.

He scanned her messages, but again there was nothing new from the past few minutes. His facebecame grim.

What are you hiding from me, matakia mou?

Chapter Seven Late afternoon the next day, Mairi was so excited she pumped her fist in the air, feeling beyond ecstatic. Itwas a cry that rang throughout the entire National Library of Greece, whose vastness was made even moreimpressive by its ornately designed columns, glass ceilings, and shelves that were so high Mairis neckhad gotten a crick when she had first glimpsed it.

The librarian, who was unfortunately stacking books in a nearby shelf, looked at her in disapproval.Quiet, the woman hissed in Greek.

Oh, drat. She had forgotten she was one) in a public library and two) in disguise. Mumbling an apology, Mairi slid further down in her seat, hoping she hadnt stupidly blown her

cover with her not-exactly-subtle cry of triumph. After arranging her bangs to make sure they covered halfof her face, she pushed her large aviator glasses back up. It had been surprisingly difficult typing withdark glasses on, but she had needed to be 100% sure no one would recognize her here.

Mairi glanced back at her screen, and again she couldnt help but grin. Twenty articles for the day.That meant $20! If she kept this up, she could have $200 in ten days enough to buy something really nicefor Damen when they celebrated their first month together.

Mairi?The voice was familiar, and she looked up, her jaw dropping when she saw Ioniko Vlahos standing

before her, a slight smile playing on his lips. He looked as gorgeous and sophisticated as ever, stunninglyfashionable in a way her own extremely conservative Greek billionaire couldnt be and preferred not tobe.

H-hi. She stammered the word out even as she wondered in a panic what he was doing here. Oh myGod, what if people started putting one and one together and realize that

Relax, Ioniko said calmly as he seated himself opposite her. I have my security team on watch. Noone will even be able to open their Twitter accounts without my security team knowing.

Mairi blinked. Is that really possible?He shrugged, saying simply, If you have enough money, yes.And of course he had enough money, being a Greek billionaire himself.But stillHer discomfort communicated itself to Ioniko, and never able to stand seeing Mairi less than happy,

he asked gently, Are you worried about what Damen would think?Its not that She stopped when she saw Ioniko pulling out his phone and dialing a number.Seeing her confused look, he said, Im calling Leventis.She gaped. Whatwhyno!But it was apparently too late as Ioniko spoke. Yes, its me, Ioniko. I am here with your lovely

woman. Im sure you know where she is. Oh, shes safe with me.He paused.Mairi could imagine Damen succinctly cursing him and winced at the image.Ioniko spoke again. And yet, I am the one with her, not you. But by all means, come here and get

your woman. I will keep her company while you are not by her side. He ended the call.Ioniko! She was badly tempted to laugh and cry at the same time, incredulous at the way he had

baited Damen on the phone. But when he winked at her, she couldnt help giggling.Youre evil, Mairi told him. He must be reminded now and then not to take you for granted.She protested right away, He doesnt take me for granted.Ioniko simply shrugged.Looking at him, she had a feeling that this was no chance meeting. Also, she was in a public library.

It was not exactly the kind of venue where Greek billionaires typically hung out.Mairi, you figured out I am here for a reason, yes?She nodded. There was a sick feeling in her stomach, and she wondered why that was so. Ioniko

Vlahos would never hurt her. She was as sure of that as she was sure of her own name. But somehow, shefelt nervous and she started playing with her pen, trying to keep herself calm.

Mairi, I heard some troubling news.Oh? She tried to sound surprised and not terrified, but her voice broke at the end.A handful of my acquaintances informed me that you have been sending applications to every school

in the city He paused, trying to figure out how to say the rest. But there was no way to get around itand with a pained expression on his face, Ioniko continued, and that every application has beenrejected.

She gripped her pen hard, her knuckles turning white. The words were humiliating and she couldntmeet Ionikos gaze as she asked in a low, shamed whisper, Does Damen know?

You know what they say, Mairi. The people concerned are often the last to know, and in this casethat person is Leventis.

Relief had her trembling. Thank God.Ioniko was disbelieving. Then he truly does not know?I dont want him to know, she said fiercely. I read Greek as well as you do, Ioniko. I know what

the papers say. I dont need people laughing at him for another reason. They already think hes crazy forchoosing me over Alina Kokinos, and now theyre going to pity Damen if they find out that no school inthe country wants to hire me. A thought occurred to her, and her horrified gaze flew to Ioniko. If youveheard about this, does it mean that the media will pick up on it soon?

If you continue doing itMairi quickly shook her head, almost giddy as she said, Then Im safe. Giving him a hesitant smile,

she said, Ive already found a job.The words came as a surprise to Ioniko. He did not think there would be a soul in Greece brave

enough to go against the Kokinos and Esther Leventis combined. Of course, he had planned to do just thatby helping Mairi, but then again, he had more power than most people.

Who hired you?Its an online job. Not teaching, Im afraid, but copywriting, which is close enough. As she told him more about her work, Ioniko became enraged, snapping, That is not a job. Its

slavery.Its a good and decent job, and right now its all I care about.He shook his head. For Gods sake, if thats the only job you can get, come work for me instead!She had expected the offer but was still touched by it. Even so, Mairi said softly, You know I cant

accept your offer.He countered aggressively, You can secretly work for me online then.She looked paler and weaker than she should be and yet when she spoke, it was in a quiet voice, not

sounding proud, humble, or self-pitying. Ioniko, thank you for the offer, but you know I cant accept anykind of help from you. It would be disloyal to Damen. She spoke the words like they were a fact likeher love for Damen Leventis was a fact of life, and in that moment she had never seem so beautiful inIonikos eyes.

Is everything worth this, Mairi? His voice became savage. If he truly loves you, shouldnt heknow about how you are suffering now?

When she didnt answer, he wanted to shake her. What the fuck had Damen Leventis done to deserveher? And what the fuck could he do to make Mairi realize Ioniko would be able to take better care of her?

When Ioniko didnt answer, Mairi couldnt help but look at him, fearing that she had angered him in

some way. But instead of disapproval or anger, there was another emotion on his face. It was somethingshe didnt want to label, and it was intense enough to have her blinking back unexpected tears.

Ioniko Her voice wavered.The fragile note in Mairis name caused a wave of helpless rage to wash over him. He was Ioniko

fucking Vlahos, the head of his own billion-dollar empire, and yet fate had rendered him powerless tohelp the one woman who had affected him in a way that no other woman had been able to.

He still was not sure if he was truly in love with her, but he was close to it and that was enough.If you do not want me to fight for you then you must look strong in front of me, Mairi Tanner, Ioniko

said quietly. You must look strong and happy that you have indeed chosen Damen Leventis over me. Thatyou do not regret loving Damen Leventis. His voice hardened. Because if you continue looking the wayyou look now, you tempt me to go back on my word and try to steal you away.

She wanted to look away. Oh God, she felt blessed and cursed at the same time. She was no one nothing extraordinary about her that could have explained why she had the loyalty of someone like Ioniko.But she did have it, and she owed it to him to not to make things harder.

Lifting her chin, she met his gaze and said with all the conviction she could muster, Ill always loveDamen, Ioniko. The life we share may not always be perfect, but he will always be the reason I breatheand I know She had to stop speaking, needing time to keep her tears in check. I know you are one ofthe reasons why Im by his side and for that Im eternally grateful. Ill always treasure your friendship,Ioniko, and Ill always be humbled by it.

Her words had a bittersweet sound. They were not what he wanted to hear from Mairi, and he knewshe knew it too. She would never be his. He knew that and yet, it did not seem to make any difference tohis heart.

It continued to beat, and one of the reasons it beat was because of her.He started to speak, but stopped. She, too, had been about to speak but stopped as well.Both of them became aware almost simultaneously of a presence that shattered the privacy of their

world. Their heads turned, also in almost-perfect synchrony, towards the librarys entrance.Mairis breath caught.Damen.He appeared like an avenging angel, dressed in black and white, his stride powerful and fierce, and

an almost battle-like expression on his chiseled face. He did not make a single sound and yet there wassomething about his presence now, authority and virility leashed in one dangerously beautiful form,causing everyone around him to look up.

Chairs were scraped back, heads looked up, and jaws dropped. Even the librarian was so flusteredshe had dropped the books she was holding as he came close, apparently too larger-than-life for her tohandle.

Damen stopped, and everyone including Mairi held their breath.He bent down and, in a graceful move, scooped up all the books and placed it on the table nearest to

the librarian. These are too heavy for you. He murmured the words, but the library had become so silentthe air carried his voice throughout the place.

The librarian nodded, a dumbstruck expression on her face. Her gaze as well as everyone elsesfollowed Damens progress as he walked past her.

Mairis heart beat faster and faster as he came nearer and nearer. She loved him so much, and everyday she found herself loving him even more. In her eyes, he became more beautiful and dearer to herevery day, and with each step he took towards her, she felt fainter and fainter.

By the time he stood in front of her, he had become her whole world and all she could see was him. It

didnt matter how much she suffered for him and for their love. She would gladly suffer a thousandlifetimes more as long as it meant she would be able to see his face before she slept, his face the firstthing she would see when she woke up.

Damen. She couldnt help whispering his name.He stiffened, but he did not look at her and was instead gazing at Ioniko. In no uncertain terms, he

said, I am taking my woman now.

Chapter Eight

I need to meet with Alina tomorrow.Mairi did her best not to look gutted at the first words Damen had spoken since he had whisked her

out of the library. Did he really need to meet with his ex-fiance? The uncomfortable silence between them persisted. She badly wanted to get rid of the distance

separating her and Damen even though they were seated on the same row inside his limousine. But shecouldnt, his aloofness a physical barrier that kept her away, making Mairi feel like she was a virus hedidnt want to be infected with.

Damen did not say anything else, forcing Mairi to ask haltingly, Why?A part of him was tempted not to answer, but Damen knew refusing to do so would be an act of a

child. Another part of him still wanted to demand why back. Why had she been with Ioniko Vlahos again?

He was jealous, so fucking jealous he knew he was being unreasonable. But he could not stop himselffrom feeling it. Love was such a strange emotion, and powerful, too, the way it messed with his head. Hehad never been the emotional type, which was unsurprising for someone raised by a cold fish like EstherLeventis. And yet now, he felt like a caged predator whose prey had been stolen from him.

Ever since learning Mairi was indeed at the same place as Vlahos, he had a serious urge to beat theliving hell out of the other man. But honor demanded he not do it without a valid reason, and it was to hiseverlasting regret that Vlahos had not provided him with one.

The man had been nothing but respectful towards Mairi as he bid her goodbye, but it didnt fuckingmatter. Damen had seen the look in Vlahos eyes.

The other man cared for Mairi, and if Damen made one mistake, he was certain that Vlahos would nothesitate to swoop in and spirit his Mairi away.

Damen?He asked stiffly, Does it matter? I would not meet with her if I do not need to. The words were unexpected. They hurt, and Mairi swallowed audibly, telling herself that he surely

hadnt meant to snap at her like that.Hearing the tiny sound Mairi made caused Damen to grit his teeth. He was being unfair to her. He

knew it, but God, he was so fucking tired these days. Never had he been put in a position to defendhimself and his decisions to anyone but because he had chosen to love Mairi, he was now suddenlyanswerable to practically every fucking person who invested a single euro in his corporation.

She cut him off, saying brightly, Its fine.But it was not.They both knew it, and they both knew it had not been fine for some time now.They didnt speak for the rest of the ride and when they reached Damens home, Mairi couldnt help

it anymore. As he helped her out, she caught his hand and squeezed. When he looked down at her, shesaid, I love you.

Please, please, please say I love you back.But he didnt. Instead, he bent down and kissed her lips. Were both tired. His voice was gentle

and yet each word felt like a knife stab. Rest now. Mairi nodded.Inside his house, he watched her climb the stairs alone without saying a word. Her back was stiff,

and he knew it was because she was doing her best not to break down.Use your brain and do not be like other rich fools, letting your cock rule you. Leave that American

slut if you do not want your business to collapse.Everyone thinks she has you wrapped around her gold-digging finger, Leventis. They are laughing

behind your back and they are laughing at us for investing in your company.The Kokinos are still willing to welcome you with open arms. You only need to publicly dump your

mistress to give them their pride back.Damen walked towards his office, knowing he had another sleepless night ahead of him. But he did

not regret it. He did not. He would do everything to keep Mairi at his side and if it meant losing andrebuilding his empire from scratch, then so be it.

He loved her. He did not and would never regret choosing her over everything. He just fuckingwished she was nothe just wished she hadnt changed so much.

Where was the Mairi he knew who had been so happy about teaching? Where was the Mairi who hadbeen so adamant about not depending on him for money? Where had that Mairi gone?

Morning came and Damen still did not possess any answers to the questions that continued to tormenthim. He took a quick shower and when he came out with a small towel wrapped around his body, he sawMairi rubbing her eyes.

You didnt sleep.Her pouty voice had him smiling despite everything. It was a cute sound and arousing, too. It made

him wish he did not have back-to-back meetings scheduled for the entire day. Walking to the bed, he bent down and took her lips for a kiss. She tasted sweet and hot, and it took a

lot of effort for Damen to pull away. Im sorry I did not get to sleep next to you last night.Did you stay up all night working? she asked worriedly.He shrugged.She said hesitantly, You know Im willing to help you, right? Just point me in the right direction and

Id do it.The hesitation in her voice made Damen wonder if she did truly mean her offer. He said smoothly, I

can deal with my work. It is nothing for you to consider.She fell silent, hurt and confused by his constant rebuffs. How had it become like this between them

without her knowing it? She used to be able to speak her mind to him but now, she felt like she had to bevery careful with everything she said.

What are your plans for today?Pasting a smile on her face, she said airily, Just stuff.That explains a lot, he said dryly.She shrugged. Just the usual things a billionaires girlfriend does.Ah.She fluttered her lashes at him. It includes flirting with you during your lunch break.He smirked. Thats already flirting for you?She fluttered her lashes harder.Even Damen was unable to keep himself from laughing after that. It also made him bend down and

kiss her because outrageous and immature it may have been, it did have an effect on his cock, now fullyerect.

You are cruel to tempt me, he growled against her lips before his tongue swept in, not allowing herto talk while he possessed her mouth.

She was sighing when he lifted his head, and the familiar dreamy expression on her face made hislips curve, and they curved even more when she whispered, Hi.

He said with a soft chuckle, Hi.Mairi suddenly felt shy but in a good way this time. Cant you spare a few minutes, so we could just

talk? II miss you.I will do my best to come home early tonight, he compromised.She brightened. That would be nice. How early?

Ten.Th-thats early?I have calls scheduled after midnight with my general managers in Dubai and New York. I will

move them a few hours earlier, but it will still not allow me to go home like a normal nine-to-five man. Oh.The disappointed look on her face made him shake his head and press a tender kiss on her lips. I

will do my best to come home earlier. That is all I can promise you.Feeling guilty at being so selfish, she said, Its okay. Dont mind me. Im just being a brat.But a sexy brat. His hand curved around her breast possessively.She gasped. Squeezing her breast, he murmured wickedly, Remember how this feels throughout the day, hmm? It

will get you in the mood for tonight.She hesitated then slowly, she lifted her hand to grip his cock. When her fingers tightened around him,

Damen gritted his teeth in an effort to control his need to ravage her. Remember this, too, she said. Remember this when you meet with Alina.

Chapter Nine I did not expect you to be so graceful about this but I should have, shouldnt I?

Alina Kokinos, the woman whom European tabloids described as the poor little rich girl for beingdumped by Damen Leventis for an American gold digger, did not reply right away. Her every movementwas dainty, precise, and pretty as she cut herself another slice of her steak. She fed herself a morsel andwhen she was done, she pressed the napkin lightly to her lips.

Damen was used to this. Alina was like him in many ways, raised in accordance with old customsand traditions and expected at all times to be a model of courtesy and propriety. But what he was not usedto at all was Alina apparently speaking her mind for the first time with him when she said quietly, I canafford to be graceful, Damen. I never wanted to marry you.

Before he could say anything, she continued softly, And I have always known that you did not wantto marry me not in the real way.

The restaurant where they dined now had always been where they enjoyed meals together, just as thepeople around them were also the same people they saw when they attended functions as a couple. It washow it should be, but Alina was so very tired of doing what she should do and not what she wanted.

And yet, if she did not do the right thing now, she would once again find herself backed into the samecorner she had been stuck in for years ever since she had been fifteen and too much of a proper daughterto say no to her parents.

When she raised her gaze to her ex-fianc, the incredulity she saw in Damen Leventis gaze made hersmile wryly. Does my honesty surprise you that much?

Not mincing words, he said, Yes.For a moment, the old fears assailed her. Damen was a man, and she had been taught all her life to

bow to a mans wishes. But then her courage reasserted itself, and squaring her shoulders, she told him in a voice that only

quivered the slightest bit, Ive decided to stop pretending Im the usual biddable Greek lass with you,Damen.

His voice was bland when he answered, I never asked you to.Blinking, she said, Isupposenot. But Ive always gotten the feeling that you would have been

displeased if I had ever gotten in your way or went against your wishes.Perhaps. But it is water under the bridge now, do you not think?Oh! He was so cold, so unreadable!And though this side of him had always terrified and frustrated her, now it also made Alina smile.

She said softly, You dont seem to be the same person who dumped an heiress to be with the woman heloves.

Alina was rewarded by the faintest flush coloring Damens cheeks, and she took courage from that.Maybe this could still work. Maybe she had been wrong about him all along. Oh, she hoped so. Shedearly hoped so.

Ever since she had been engaged to him, she had found the Leventis heir to be arrogant, too much likeher overbearing father for her to like. Although he had been nothing but polite and courteous with her, hehad also been forbiddingly formal. The only time he had been open with her was during the time they hadbeen guest speakers at GAYL. His attitude had surprised and confused her, but what followed after hadcleared a lot of things up.

He had wanted the other girl the one he loved to be jealous.And until then, never would she have expected someone like Damen Leventis could care so much for

a woman to want her to be jealous.Hopefully, he still cared for that girl, enough for him to agree to what she was about to propose.

What is this about, Alina?His voice made her hand shake as she reached for her glass. She drank it all, needing the wine to give

her Dutch courage. He waited, patiently. Damen had always been irritating that way, Alina thought, acting like he was too cool to lose his

temper because everyone and everything paled in significance next to him. She couldnt help but ask, Are you like this with her, too?Like what?You act like youre never wrong. Youve always acted like that. She almost laughed at the puzzled

expression on his face.I do not pretend to be wrong if I am right even if it is merely to soothe ruffled feathers.She shook her head. Never mind. She hoped, for Mairi Tanners sake, that the other girl had found

a way to make Damen Leventis less arrogant. He needed a strong dose of humility now and then.Placing her hands on her lap so Damen wouldnt know how badly they were still shaking, she made

herself look at him straight in the eye as she spoke. My father wants me to get you to reconsider ourengagement. Not waiting for him to answer, she said in a rush, I am not in favor of it.

Alina nervously watched Damen lean back on his seat. And then all he said was, I see.She wanted to throw a glass of water on his face for that.If you really love her, this Mairi Tanner, then can I count on you to lie to my father and tell him that I

did my best, but you will never leave her for anyone else?Silence.Why wasnt he saying anything?I will tell your father that youve tried your best but I am not to be persuaded.The words were spoken so formally, it reminded her of the old Damen or at least the Damen she

thought she knew. But he was different his words and actions that day at the school had proven it.And yet And yet it felt right now like the new Damen, the one she thought she might consider a friend, was

nowhere to be found. Alina considered his words. He would help her with her fatherbut he did not want to tell her father

about never leaving Mairi?She asked awkwardly, Is everything all right between you two? He answered in a colder voice, We are fine. Thank you for asking. Alina tried not to wince. She had gotten him mad, and he appeared even more intimidating now.She wondered if she should tell him about Mairis unsuccessful attempts to find work. Alina was no

idiot, and she had her own eyes and ears spying for her. Everyone in the world including her father thought of her merely as the Kokinos heiress, a pawn to be married off for mergers, but what nobody knewwas that she had always yearned to be the head of her familys business, always wished she had beenborn a man rather than a woman so that she would be taken seriously. Certainly, most people in Greeceshigh society would never think that she paid great attention to business rumors, and that from those rumorsshe was able to deduce the reason behind the falling stock prices of Leventis Inc. More importantly, herspies had also told her about Mairi Tanners current plight and how Damen Leventis still did not seem toknow about it.

But he would know about that soon enough, Alina thought uneasily. It was only a matter of time, andwhen the truth came out, there would be many people paying dearly for being stupid enough to allythemselves with Esther Leventis and her own father.

Is there anything else you wish to talk about? Very polite. But with a tinge of impatience this time.

He really was a cold man. If Mairi Tanner was not the gold digger everyone painted her to be andAlina liked to think the other girl wasnt then whatever did she see in Damen?

Alina said finally, and with great sincerity, Thank you. And I really do wish the two of you well. Ithink its great that you made your love for her your first priority. Im sure she loves you just as much.

A self-mocking smile appeared on Damens handsome face, and the sight troubled her, especiallywhen he said, Im sure it is so.

Damen remained at their table a long time after Alina had already left. When his phone rang, heanswered it almost reluctantly and when he heard who was on the other line, Damen wished he hadindeed rejected the call instead.

Is there any change? Stavros Manolis asked. Is she willing to speak to me now or perhaps morewilling to consider it?

She is still hurt by what you did to her years ago, he heard himself saying. You must give hertime.

Chapter Ten To prevent herself from missing Damen too much and making herself sick with worry about what he andAlina Kokinos would talk about when they met for lunch, Mairi decided to accept double her usualnumber of article requests.

After her shower, Mairi had already dressed herself for another day at the library, choosing a prettybut modestly designed off-white dress, before changing her mind about going out.

Yesterdays disguise had been an epic fail thanks to Damens entrance. Her lips quirked at thememory. He had walked towards them like he was Keanu Reeves in The Matrix. Was it a surprise peoplehad gawked at him and realized he was someone even if they didnt know his actual identity?

It was pure luck that no one had sent a photo of the three of them together him, Ioniko, and her tothe press, but she was not going to take her chances again. She didnt need more of the medias attention,and Damen certainly needed it less, considering how sensitive negotiations seemed to be between hiscompany and investment partners.

Mairi had devoured all the news reports she could about Leventis Inc., and all of it painted a grimpicture for Damens business. And it was all because of her. She had turned him into the laughingstock ofGreeces business community, but he never said a word about it.

She would do her best not to add to his problems, Mairi swore to herself. And that meant she wasgoing to work right here even if it also equated to struggling with writers block more often.

Just the thought of having to get past writers block made Mairi sigh. At the library, she wassurrounded by people, and the constant buzz and movement distracted her from dwelling too long and toooften on her thoughts. But here at home, surrounded by Damens scent, she couldnt help but think,couldnt help but miss him, and she couldnt help but worry.

Things had never been perfect between them, but something had changed and it wasnt for the better.With another sigh, Mairi headed for the study. There was no point dwelling on it. She just had to wait

until Damen was ready to talk to her. For now, she was better off concentrating on her work.And work she did, typing until almost every part of her body ached her body, neck, shoulders, and

oh, her poor fingers! They felt so stiff now it was a wonder she could still move them. Her eyes felt tired, and she had to re-read her words several times to make sure she got it right.At one point, she had written The cat became pregnant with coffee when she was supposed to write

about the best way to choose a domain hosting site.Mairi glanced at the wall clock, which was beautiful in its simplicity but gasp-worthy, too, with its

frame made entirely of 24-karat gold.Nine-fifteen.It had her stretching in her seat before getting up. Her stomach growled as she did, reminding her that

she had barely eaten throughout the day and night. Mairi ignored it, already too tired to make herselfanything. She climbed up the stairs to their room, telling herself shed only take a fifteen-minute nap.

But the nap turned out to be more than what it should be. She was so tired she succumbed to a heavysleep, and she didnt even stir when Damen came inside their room and stopped next to the bed.

She was dressed like she had gone outside. Where had she gone and why did she seem so tired? Hecould easily get her bodyguards to answer him, but he resis