ago. But when he started talking about mortgages and urging me to get a proper job it put me off marriage permanently.’
Luke laughed scornfully. ‘The fool wanted to make you into someone else.’
‘Exactly,’ said Isobel, delighted he understood. ‘So we broke up.’ She sighed. ‘But not without a fight on his part. He wanted Isobel the woman, but not Isobel the artist.’
‘I want them both,’ said Luke, and flipped her over on her back to lean over her, his handsome face intent with an expression that made her pulse race. ‘Forget all other men; you are mine now,’ he whispered and kissed her, and Isobel wreathed her arms round his neck and drew him closer. She was his. For now. But now was all they had together. In a few days she would be leaving Chyros to go back to the real world, where there was no place in her life for someone like Lukas Andreadis. But that life seemed very far away and unreal as he made love to her in the hot reality of the present, taking infinite pleasure in the responses he wrung from her. His lips moved over her face and throat, then continued slowly down until she felt those crisp bronze curls against her skin as he kissed her in a place unused to such attention. His lips and tongue caressed her so skilfully they sent her climbing to a different peak of pleasure she experienced alone. And in triumph Luke held her close as she gasped in the throes of it.
CHAPTER TEN
ONCE again Isobel heard the helicopter chop away at first light, and said a swift, fierce prayer for the pilot. She slid down in the bed, intending to lie there for a moment, but when she woke again a glance at her watch catapulted her out of bed in such a hurry to snatch up her nightgown she tripped as she pulled it on and only just managed to stop from falling as Eleni came in.
‘You hurt?’ she demanded, coming to help.
‘No, no, I’m fine. I was just in a hurry for the bathroom,’ said Isobel, embarrassed. ‘I want a shower before breakfast.’
‘Kyrie Luke left early,’ said the little woman glumly. ‘You heard?’
‘Yes.’
‘How you feel today?’
‘Pretty good, Eleni. I’m none the worse for my adventure.’ She smiled. ‘And for once I really fancy some breakfast this morning.’
Isobel raced through her shower, then eyed herself critically in the steamed up mirror, surprised to see she looked much the same as usual. What had she expected? Evidence of sin? But it had been bliss, not sin. The dreamy look in her eyes soon changed to apprehension. She hugged the towel around her, suddenly cold at the thought of Luke acting out his High Noon scenario later.
Determined to stay strong, no matter what happened, Isobel got dressed and did her hair and face, and limped as fast as she could into the bedroom when her phone rang.
‘Kalimera, Isobel. How are you today?’
‘Luke, are you back already? I’m ashamed to say I’ve slept half the morning away. But I feel good. Even my eye is back to normal.’
‘Unlike mine!’
‘Yours is very sexy.’ She chuckled. ‘I really go for the pirate look.’
‘I am so happy to hear that. I would have given much to stay and kiss you awake this morning. But I have news, Isobel. When I arrived at my apartment I found a hand-written note among my mail giving the location of Petros’s island. Like the man who attacked me, your kidnapper was probably threatened in some way, but he has a conscience, it seems, and could not leave you there to perish. Even so, be careful today. Stay close to the house.’
‘Yes, Luke.’
‘I so like to hear you say that. When I come home I shall ask more questions that require the same answer.’
Isobel’s eyebrows rose. What did he mean by that? ‘Luke, I’ll be desperately worried. So ring me tonight after—afterwards.’
‘I will. But do not worry, hriso mou. I will take no chances, I swear. Now, eat.’
Worried or not, hot rolls and butter, followed by cup after cup of coffee, tasted wonderful to Isobel. At the same time yesterday she would have sold her soul for even part of the meal. She was about to ask Eleni for more coffee when she heard a car coming down the drive and, soon afterwards, Alyssa came running from the kitchen, beaming.
‘Kalimera, Isobel. After your ordeal you should be shattered, but you look wonderful.’
‘I feel fine.’ Isobel