RELUCTANT WIFE 14

Alexis’s voice came from the darkened doorway: ‘If it hadn’t been for us learning about your visit to New York, believe me, Carrie and I would be tucked up in bed. As it is. I’ve left her asleep on the yacht.’ He moved further into the room, his commanding, angry figure sending even Christina a few steps back. ‘And while she’s out of earshot maybe you’ll enlighten me about this marriage, and your possible operation, Petros.’ He pushed his fingers through his dark wet hair. The spray from the sea had been heavy, the sailing tougher than he had anticipated.

Petros turned to Christina. ‘Get Alexis a drink. . .’

‘Coffee will be just fine, Christina,’ Alexis cut in.

Christina nodded and left the room quietly.

Alexis turned to Petros. ‘It’s not that I want you dead, my friend, but you told me the doctors had given you five years at the most to live, and there was no suitable operation. Do I take it there is some miracle cure? Quite convenient, wouldn’t you say?’

‘Alexis, please. I am visiti