The Power of the Legendary Greek - By Catherine George Page 0,30
a state she couldn’t speak English. Spiro, too. But luckily Alyssa had come to see me, so the four of us watched the TV in your study, with Alyssa translating the newscast. Good God, Luke, you could have been killed!’
‘Would you have mourned for me, Isobel?’
‘Of course I would,’ she said crossly. ‘How long will you be in hospital?’
‘I am not in hospital. I left straight after treatment. The man did less damage than he intended. I was too quick for him,’ he added with arrogance, which made her smile.
‘Stitches?’
‘No, just dressings. And injections to counter possible infection from the blade.’
‘Do you know the man?’
‘No—’ He cursed under his breath. ‘Forgive me, Isobel, Andres wants me. I must go.’
No longer tired, Isobel sat at the desk and, desperate for something other than Luke to occupy her mind, began writing postcards. Picturing the effect on Jo if she gave a truthful account of her adventures on Chyros, she wrote the expected things about the beautiful island and the wonderful weather, then exchanged pen for walking stick and went off to smarten herself up before the stunning Miss Nicolaides came back.
Isobel heaved a sigh as she made for the bathroom. There was such an electric sparkle about Alyssa it was hard to believe that she and Luke had never been more than friends. Though Luke probably knew a lot of women like Alyssa—vivid, voluptuous Greek beauties far more to his taste than skinny blonde Brits. Isobel laughed at her reflection when she caught herself pouting. Just like Jo’s little sister Kitty when she couldn’t get her own way. She did her best with her face, pleased that a touch of foundation made the bruise barely noticeable, and her newly washed hair shone, with lighter streaks here and there from the hours she’d spent baking on Luke’s beach. Not too bad. How she’d envied Jo’s thick straight bob when they were teenagers. And Jo had laughed her to scorn, full of envy for her friend’s blonde curls. Barbie doll fixation, she’d teased, then dodged when ‘Barbie’ started throwing things. Ready at last in a raspberry-pink shift, Isobel went back to the terrace to help Eleni lay the table.
The woman smiled in approval. ‘You look very pretty, Isobel!’
‘Why, thank you, Eleni. I heard from Luke,’ she added as she put out the silver, and the woman nodded happily.
‘He ring Spiro. Is bad he not stay long in hospital.’
Isobel smiled. ‘He doesn’t like hospitals!’
Eleni shot her a knowing look. ‘You like him, ne?’
Isobel coloured slightly. ‘Of course. He’s been very kind to me.’
‘He likes you. He never bring woman here before.’
‘He didn’t bring me, Eleni. He was forced into helping me because I hurt myself.’
‘He likes you,’ the woman repeated firmly, then hurried away at the sound of a car.
In white palazzo trousers and a sea-green silk shirt which displayed enviable honey-toned cleavage, Isobel’s visitor looked even more stunning than before.
‘You look a lot better—nice dress.’ Alyssa pulled up a chair. ‘Recovered from the shock, Isobel?’
‘More or less. Luke rang me. He left the hospital as soon as he’d been treated.’
‘So I heard.’
Isobel shivered. ‘Any news about the man who did it?’
Alyssa shook her head. ‘The police are questioning him.’
‘Will there be anything on the news right now?’
‘The main newscast is on later, after our meal. I’ll play interpreter much better once I’ve eaten.’ Alyssa cast an eye over Isobel. ‘Are you slim like that because you work at it?’
‘No. Metabolism.’
‘Lucky you. I have to watch my weight like a hawk.’
‘What for?’ Isobel eyed her blankly. ‘You’re gorgeous.’
‘Thank you, glykia mou! But to stay that way I do have to work at it.’
‘To please Dimitri?’
Alyssa smiled like a cat with the cream. ‘No, he loves the curves. But I want to fit into my wedding dress. I brought a box of pastries with honey and nuts for dessert, by the way, but I’ll limit myself to one only.’
‘Sounds wonderful.’
‘I brought a bottle of wine, too—a gift from my father. He says a glass of wine is good medicine in times of stress.’ Alyssa put out a hand to touch Isobel’s. ‘Don’t worry. Luke is a supremely fit man. He’ll be fine.’
Isobel flushed. ‘I’m concerned, Alyssa, that’s all. Luke came to my rescue and I’m grateful to him, and I hate to see him hurt. But there’s nothing going on between us. We’ve only just met.’
‘An hour—a minute—is all it takes to fall in love—or lust, Isobel. But I won’t tease any more. Here comes dinner.’
Entertained