The Savakis Merger by Annie West

thudded as awareness rippled through her.

    ‘I have your word you’ll leave Angela out of this?’

    ‘You have it.’ A gleam in his eyes betrayed his pleasure. No doubt he was planning ways to enjoy her surrender. Callie repressed a shudder at the knowing, intent lick of heat in his gaze.

    Her tongue was clumsy as she capitulated.

    ‘Very well. You can have your revenge. I’ll go with you.’

    ‘I thought we were taking the big ferry.’ Damon heard a thread of what sounded like anxiety in Callie’s voice and shot her a look as a servant took their bags from the four-wheel-drive and went ahead.

    In the shade of the pine grove her face gave nothing away. It was a stiff mask, leaving him to speculate on that tiny betraying quiver at odds with her appearance.

    Yet nothing could dim his satisfaction. Ever since she’d given in to his ultimatum two hours ago, anticipation had sizzled in his blood.

    He intended to enjoy this liaison to the full.

    ‘Do I look the type to travel on crowded ferries?’

    Callie’s shoulders lifted in a tight shrug. ‘It’s either that or a helicopter to the mainland.’

    ‘Why bother when I have my yacht? We can be private aboard Circe.’

    Damon took her in slowly, from her blonde head to the white top, pale yellow trousers that cradled her neat curves and low-heeled sandals. She looked fresh and alluring in a way that had nothing to do with mercenary schemes. She looked…innocent.

    His mouth thinned at the absurdity. She was an expert in playing up to male fantasies. Last night’s charade had proved her anything but innocent.

    She knew how to tease a man’s libido. And his conscience.

    He hadn’t been privy to her conversation with Aristides Manolis this morning, but he’d heard her uncle’s bellowed disapproval. Manolis was chagrined his plan to snare Damon in marriage hadn’t worked. Seeing the barely contained fury in the older man’s eyes later, Damon knew an unexpected admiration for Callie. No little innocent could handle such a bully. Callie was savvy and determined. Quite an operator.

    ‘But…’ She paused and gnawed on her lip. He zeroed in on the movement, heat building in his belly even as his brain filed away that surprising hint of nerves for later consideration. ‘We’d get to Athens faster if we flew.’

    ‘Who said I want to return quickly? I told my assistant to cancel my appointments.’

    Damon’s gaze travelled appreciatively down her slim body. They were near the place where they’d discovered exactly how much pleasure they could give each other. Memories rose hot and close, tugging at his control.

    But he wanted the luxury of his own bed when he had her again.
    Despite his anger at her plot, it was desire not revenge that fired his blood now.

    ‘I’m looking forward to a leisurely trip,’ he murmured.

    She blinked but said nothing.

    He’d swear she’d been about to blurt something. Curiosity stirred. The idea of Callie saying anything unguarded intrigued him. Even in anger she gave little away. Except when she’d argued so passionately that he shouldn’t marry Angela. Then he’d known for sure she was genuine.

    ‘Isn’t Circe up to your standards?’ The yacht, just visible through the trees, was a rare vintage classic.

    He’d spent a fortune refurbishing Circe to the most exacting standards of a man used to the best. Callie probably preferred an ostentatious cruiser over gracious lines and perfect craftsmanship. Her jewellery revealed a flashy taste rather than an appreciation of beauty.

    ‘Circe is glorious. Only a philistine would think otherwise.’ Callie shot him a look that mixed surprise and scorn. ‘It amazes me that a man obsessed with takeovers and revenge recognises quality when he sees it.’
    She turned on her heel and headed away from him.

    Damon surveyed her. The clench and release of her sexy bottom as she walked drew a sigh of appreciation.

    ‘How you stayed married so long with your sharp