Quick greetings were exchanged between Dylan and the staff while Ella admired the beauty before her. It was almost like Villa Vergara but with a touch of gold. Ornate paintings hung beautifully on the walls. The roof above was thoughtfully crafted with high ceilings. The floors were a sparkling set of marbles. By the left towards the end of the front door was a spiral staircase that led the way up.
‘’Idad, show her upstairs.’’ Dylan said in a bored tone.‘’I want my own room.’’ Ella demanded in a whisper loud enough to be heard by him alone.‘’No.’’ he stated and walked away before she could protest.‘’So much for asking.’’ She muttered under her breath.‘’Come along now dear.’’ Idad held her hand as they made for the stairs.Ella saw two gangly maids whispering to each other while making calf-eyes at Dylan’s retreating figure. She rolled her eyes and snorted, he must have such a devastating effect on every red-blooded female–including you a voice in her head pointWherever that source of comfort and warmth went she followed, snuggling closer and sighing in content at the tantalising scent that accompanied it. She hadn’t slept so soundly in a long time and she just wanted to stay that way for the rest of the day, but when a strong and muscular pair of arms draped around her, pulling her into what seemed like a chest and a good guess was, that was where the warmth was coming from.Confusion washed over her for a nano second before everything came flashing back but she couldn’t remember what happened last night. A low gasp escaped her lips as her eyes flew open almost immediately and she sat up, the abrupt action caused a painful pound in her head. She groaned quietly, and cradled her head before she took in the figure laying on his side beside her.Ella scooted away from him like he was some kind of plague and fell unceremoniously on her butt against the carpeted floor. She carried herself up with a mumbled c
‘’Are you alright, you look disturbed.’’ The question was the first indication she got that he was no longer on the phone and Ella couldn’t help but notice the genuine concern in his eyes.‘’I’m fine.’’ She dropped flatly, but the strain in her voice threatened to give her away.‘’No you’re not. Talk to me sweet heart.’’‘’Since when do you care about how I feel?’’ she retorted, her tone laced with venom.‘’You’re wrong, I do care…a lot actually.’’‘’Says the man who blackmailed me and threatened my family.’’ She gritted.Dylan scowled, he hated it whenever she brought that up. How could he win her over when she doesn’t trust him?‘’I’m not that bad, please don’t hate me.’’‘’I don’t want to talk ab
When the call ended, she stared at the phone nervously, contemplating her next call. She wondered if he would talk to her or whether it was the right time to call, he might be in the middle of an important meeting. But she missed his voice for the past three days. Ella what is wrong with you? She groaned out loud you’re starting to act like a clingy wife. Biting her lips nervously, she clutched the phone in a death grip and walked over to the balcony, the sun was already high up in the sky and glaring down at the earth. The frothing waves down below called up to her. She would’ve loved nothing more than to christen one of the bikinis she’d been forced to purchase.The phone started to ring and she jumped frowning at the object. She stared perplexed at it for a moment before punching the receive button. ‘’Hello?’’‘’Ella, so glad it’s you…’’‘’Dylan?&rsq
Ella groaned as the harsh rays of the morning sunlight penetrated her irises. She stretched languidly and realised that the drapes were drawn. It was the longest sleep she’s had in a while and she felt sluggish coupled with a heavy head.She sat up, rested her back against the head board and massaged her throbbing temple. She swung the covers aside and got out of bed then padded towards the bathroom. Feeling a bit refreshed fifteen minutes later, she made for the kitchen.‘’Good morning Idad.’’ She said with a lazy smile and took a stool at the breakfast bar.‘’Good morning dear, I see you’re awake. You don’t look so good.’’ Idad observed, worry instantly replaced her chirpy mood.‘’Yeah, I don’t feel well.’’ She slowly massaged her temple.‘’Here, have a cup of coffee, it might do the trick.’’ Idad placed a steaming mug of fr
Dylan skimmed his jacket off his tensed shoulders; stopping midway as he spied a familiar figure sprawled languidly on the sofa. He walked over, his long legs moving forward in noiseless strides. The T.V was on so he reached forward for the remote and turned it off then he brushed a few strands of her hair away from her face before he retreated and sat across from her studying her delicate features.She looked so beautiful and peaceful that he wished their circumstance was different but he couldn’t change what has happened. He could only hope that now that his business was done, he could win her heart but he wasn’t so sure he could face her with his feelings all over the place. But that should be a good thing right? That way she could see how much he loved her and that he hadn’t meant to hurt her. His mom had done all of it on purpose and he had been mad as hell when he found out. He hadn’t had the time to properly seduce his wife yet
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 them
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 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
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