Dylan wanted them both to rest after the long flight and tour the city the next day but Ella had insisted on that moment, feeling the adrenaline from her excitement flowing through her veins she couldn't wait to see the city of light and take in all of its splendour. This was an experience she intended to keep alive in her heart. The car was brought and Dylan drove them both around the city occasionally pointing out some areas of attractions.
By mid-day they had lunch on the Eiffel tower at the exotic Le Jules Verne– where they had a classical gourmet meal. The exquisite restaurant had a spectacular view of the Trocadero fountain and of course the Seine whose magnificent view she saw using a telescope. And while she busied herself with it Dylan made a call, he listened to the person on the other end then he gave an affirmation and hung up.It was late afternoon when Dylan drove them to one of those high end spas whose workers were falling all over themDylan wanted them both to rest after the long flight and tour the city the next day but Ella had insisted on that moment, feeling the adrenaline from her excitement flowing through her veins she couldn't wait to see the city of light and take in all of its splendour. This was an experience she intended to keep alive in her heart. The car was brought and Dylan drove them both around the city occasionally pointing out some areas of attractions.By mid-day they had lunch on the Eiffel tower at the exotic Le Jules Verne– where they had a classical gourmet meal. The exquisite restaurant had a spectacular view of the Trocadero fountain and of course the Seine whose magnificent view she saw using a telescope. And while she busied herself with it Dylan made a call, he listened to the person on the other end then he gave an affirmation and hung up. It was late afternoon when Dylan drove them to one of those high end spas whose workers were falling all over them
Her heart thumped wildly across her chest and a flight of butterflies rallied round in her stomach. Would she be able to trust him with all that she'd gone through because of him? With all that she's feeling because of him, for him? Trust is such a big word and considering the circumstance that brought them both together it was such a daunting step. Ella realised with a jolt that she did want to trust him even though it might likely blow up in her face someday. It was a step she was willing to take and didn’t know why but she wanted to take her chances with him. "I know that this is hard for you especially because of the way I treated you but I want to hear you say you'll think about it." ‘’I want to…trust you.’’ His grin was so broad one would think he’d just won the Grammys.‘’I have something for you.’’ Ella was surprised to find a sapphire encrusted ring nestled in the soft cushions of the jewellery box. She tore her gaze from the box to meet his so
Over the next few days they fell into a comfortable routine of doing things together and falling asleep and always end up in each other’s arms. But Ella wasn’t quite resigned to the fact that she always wakes up in his arms when she was always careful to scoot as far from him as possible maintaining the divide. And whenever he laughs or smiles or does something to surprise her Ella would feel that unfamiliar feeling creep up from the pit of her stomach to her chest tightening in a hard knot she almost find it hard to breathe. She emerged from the bathroom after changing into her pyjamas to find Dylan sprawled on the bed with his arm behind his head watching her curiously.‘’What?’’ She demanded.‘’Nothing.’’Ella got to her side of the bed and began to climb in but paused midway when he suddenly said, ‘’come here,’’‘’What?’’ Ella blinked up a
Every second, every moment spent was not to be forgotten so easily. The Seine was a sight to behold at night and as she stood from the table to stand almost on the edge of the sky lounge she could feel Dylan’s watchful gaze on her and she knew when he started to walk towards her before he came to stand beside her."The view is breath-taking." The look he gave her made Ella sure he wasn't talking about the Seine. ‘’I love this city at night, all the light and fresh air makes for a very romantic evening.’’‘’It does.’’ She turned in the circle of his arms her hands resting on his upper arm. ‘’I know I’ve said this before but thank you for bringing me here, for making one of my many dreams come true.’’ And she meant it with all her heart.Yes, Dylan had blackmailed her into marrying him, had made her cry, he had made her scream in frustration but he had also made her laugh,
Ella's steps faltered and her jaw slacked. This was no Vergara mansion. Well, actually it's a castle and she couldn't believe she was standing in front of a French castle; the walls were magnificent and stood dauntingly underneath the star studded sky. The chateau was illuminated by numerous lights which gave it a fairytale look. Dylan said they were attending an annual charity ball hosted by a friend of his and she had spent a few hours on their way here schooling her composure but right now, seeing the swarm of glitzy cars lined on the perfectly pruned courtyard she was losing every ounce of confidence.Dylan came around suddenly, looping his arm with hers as he steered her towards the grand entrance amidst numerous other guests in flamboyant dresses and suits."All these people..." She started uncertainly."Don't worry you'll do just fine." Dylan assured."But I'm scared though.""The Ella I know would never say that. Come on it wouldn
Ella watched the water from the Seine flow languidly, shimmering under the glow of the moon. There were not many stars and the sky looked like a giant black blanket; gloomy just like her heart.Jonathan had driven her out here without a word as if sensing her need to be alone, but she knew that by now he would've called Dylan already to inform him, the ever loyal P.A that he was. It felt so good watching the Seine and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower from the Pont des Arts other wise known as the lovers’ bridge, where lovers come from around the world to swear eternal love to each other, a promise that would later be locked in the love locks that were smattered on the bridge, it sounded so appealing but absurd at least to her.I'm so pathetic, she sniffed.She couldn't tell her feelings from the other which seemed to make her life complicated. She used to hate Dylan so much but somehow that special feeling had slowly made a spot for itself
"My dear welcome back!" Ella was engulfed in a bear hug by Idad as soon as the door flew open, it felt so good to be held with such love and affection it was something she really needed and she couldn't be more grateful. Ella didn't realize how much she missed the old woman. "How was your trip? Did you enjoy yourself?" Idad pulled back, her eyes dancing with mirth waiting for Ella's reply.It had never occurred to Ella how hard it would be to try to get Idad off her case and she wondered how long she'd have to pretend to be thrilled until she could get to her room where she would lick her wounds in private. Thinking back, she actually had fun but then that one night ruined everything. After her fitting reply to Dylan's confession, the ride back to the hotel was suffocating. She had stubbornly refused to speak to him even now she just wanted him to disappear.She snapped out of her thoughts as she realised that Idad was waiting patiently for her reply so
"Thank you." Dylan murmured, clutching the handle of the mug Idad had dropped infront of him. He brought the steaming mug up slowly to his lips and took a sip of the black liquid gazing out the window, he couldn't see much because of the torrential rain pouring outside. Idad wouldn't let him be, told him she didn't believe the charade they were putting up, she grilled him of every bit of truth; the reason they got married, his revenge, and all that happened in Paris. Idad listened to him, didn't judge him and she'd shown him so much support he didn't think he deserved it."If all of what you just told me is true and that you really love her then you shouldn't just tell her, you have to show her. You know Dylan; we women want to be wooed not just seduced. You have to make her see it."Dylan looked impervious then but the thought had crossed his mind but he didn't know how to go about it.For the first time in his life Dylan felt afraid, afraid that
CHAPTER FIVEA Year Ago...Claire was two hours earlier than she'd hoped to be but no matter, she'd just wait it out. She adjusted the strap of her shoulder bag just as the lift opened at the second floor."Claire you're late." Charity's tone was reproving but Claire rolled her eyes and ignored her."Please, i'm two hours early." Charity was her friend and room mate."And why are you hanging out here? Shouldn't you be working?"Charity pointedly ignored her but then her eyes lit up suddenly and that meant she's got mischief up her sleeve."No I don't wanna hear it.""Come on, I've got this awesome dress I would like you to try on.""Try it on yourself.""I wish." She sighed wistfully. The thing charity was worried about the most was her size, she fretted over the fact that she couldn't fit into all the cute little dresses and jeans she's always wanted.Claire ran her fingers on the silky-smooth fabric. The dress wa
CHAPTER FOURThat tiny feeling of doubt lingered through the next morning, it suffocated her to the point that she thought she couldn't breathe. As she slipped back into her uniform, work was the last thing on her mind right now. She could feel Dimitri's heated gaze boring into her skin and knew he was awake. "You plan on sneaking away like a coward?" he drawled.Claire wasn't sure she'd wanted to sneak away. God she had no idea what she wants right now, her feelings were all over the place. Must be PMS or something. When she swivelled around, she sucked in a sharp breath as she saw his member proudly jutting up and she felt hot all over. Sex right now would mess up her already messed up mind so she forced her gaze to his face. Right now, she couldn't decipher what he was feeling at the moment. he wore the mask of indifference perfectly."I wasn’t actually...""Don't feed me that Crap about what happened between us last night being a mis
CHAPTER THREEThey were quiet, each lost in his own personal reflection. Claire just wants to lie down somewhere and forget this day but Dimitri won't let her, he's persistent and she couldn't decide whether she like that or not. "Do you remember the first time we met?" How could she forget?"I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the ball room. You took my breath away then, and you take my breath away standing in that cute little uniform." he caught her face in his palms and stared deep into her eyes.Claire couldn't tear her gaze away even if she wanted to. His feelings were so intense it ignited a fire deep within her very soul. "I feel the same way about you as I did when I first met you and there's nothing you can say or do that'll make me feel otherwise." Claire swallowed hard and in one breath said, "even though I was once an escort?"Dimitri shook his head. "No one is perfect darling, your past doesn't define the woman yo
CHAPTER TWOSix months ago..."Is my hair okay?""The just-had-sex hair suits you perfectly agapi mou, every man out there will be envious of me." Claire punched his arm playfully."I'm serious Dimitri! I'd die if anyone knew what we just did.""It's not something to hide, we're getting married in a month." he kissed her slow and sweet, pulling her even close until she could feel him against her.She giggled as she pulled back. "We should get to the party before it ends.""You can’t blame me I can't get enough of you."She can't get enough of him too. God how much she loved this man who makes her more happy than she'd ever been in her life. Tonight, Dimitri's going to announce to everyone that they're going to get married.Dimitri took her hand in his as he led them both to the garden at the Stavros mansion in Athens, Greece the guests mingled together while servers went around with snacks and drink. A buffet table stood a
A STAVROS PASSIONTHE STAVROS BOOK 1 MARICRUZ ROSALESA STAVROS PASSIONFirst editionCopyright © 2019 by Maricruz Rosales All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or here after invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. All incidents are pure invention.CHAPTER ONE"Welcome to New York Mr Stavros." the bright-eyed, round-faced chauffeur said cheerily as he
CHAPTER SIX "Why didn't you tell us about it?"Dominic looked away from the window of his water front apartment to his mother, she was holding a brown envelope."I don't want to talk about it. " she was holding the envelope that confirmed his biggest fears, he couldn’t have children of his own.It was a boating accident seven years ago and Dominic was never the same ever since."Your father and I are worried about you. At least come spend some time with us and let us keep you company. " "I'm fine mom, there's nothing to worry about. " She wasn't convinced though. He had bags under his eyes as if he hadn’t been sleeping and there were a couple of empty cans of beer littered on the table. Dominic was stubborn and nothing either of them could do to make him change his mind.These past three weeks were the most miserable weeks of his life. Clara's betrayal had cut deep. There were times in these past three weeks that he'd thought of running to her and
CHAPTER FIVE"You look even more beautiful than I did on my wedding day." Anastasia Magnus gushed as she did the finishing touches on Clara's make up.Clara smiled. "Now you're just buttering me up.""Dominic is doing enough of that already." Anastasia wagged her brows at her friend." I didn't think this day would ever come." "Yeah, well it is here so put that glum look away. You will not get the same drama as my wedding day. " "I know. I'm just being silly. Am glad you're here Ana.""It is time!" Clara's mother ambled into the room with a dazzling smile on her face. "You're glowing my dear.""Thank you mom." her mother allowed herself a good cry before they finally left the room.Clara was being escorted to the limo which will take her to the church where she'll be getting married when a taxi suddenly pulled over in front of the Contas' house and none other than Mark, her ex boyfriend came out of it."You have cheated me Clara.
CHAPTER FOURThe past few days had been hectic, what with all the preparations for the wedding that they didn't have time to see each other. Today was her first ultrasound and Dominic was coming to pick her up himself. She saw his car round the corner which led to his parents' house and stopped in front of her. He got out of the car and came to where she was standing and kissed her full on the mouth. "You look lovely. " "In this?" Clara was wearing one of her mother’s old dresses which she'd mended the other day. It was old and unappealing, how could he possibly think that she looked anything but a homeless person."You look beautiful in anything."He opened the car door for her and she got in before hopped in the driver’s seat. "Make yourself comfortable, the doctor will be with you shortly." the nurse informed them before exiting the room."Do you want a boy or a girl?" Clara asked.Dominic kissed her knuckles as
CHAPTER THREE"Dominic! we were just talking about you" his mother cried as soon they stepped into the room. "Mom, dad, this is Clara Wilson... my wife. " The table went silent and the only sound heard was the clatter of fork slipping from the table to the ground. "Since when?" his dad asked."My dear son, come up stairs will you?" his mother spoke after a long silence. Clara felt so exposed under their scrutiny. "Why don't you make yourself comfortable, i'll be right back." Dominic gave her hand a reassuring squeeze."What is this I hear about you being married to that girl Dominic?"His mother was the first to demand."I hope you know what you’re doing son." his father said."I know that I should've told you all sooner but I couldn't wait.""Marriage is not some game you can play anytime you feel like it." His mother said."There's only one reason why he could possibly want to get married, and so out o