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At the airstrip, the driver opened the door, and they hurried to the helicopter, bending low to avoid some of the strong wind whipped up by the propellers. Scarlett had never ridden in a helicopter, and she tried to focus on the lavish interior as the door was closed by the chauffeur, and the helicopter began to rise. She was unable to bite back an involuntary scream, and the others giggled.
“It’s perfectly safe,” said Vanna. “Leondris is the most experienced pilot you’re likely to find in all of Greece, and this is a top-of-the-line machine.”
“Right,” Scarlett said in a wobbly tone as she peaked out her window. They were hovering above the Aegean, and she swayed sickly. She shut her eyes tightly and leaned back against the seat, not relinquishing her death-grip on the creamy leather.
“If we crashed, the seats are flotation devices,” Ekaterini said, clearly trying to be helpful.
“I feel so much better now,” said Scarlett with a hint of sarcasm, making them giggle again.
As the chopper continued on course, Scarlett gradually relaxed. She didn’t think she would ever love flying in a helicopter, but she was no longer afraid of plunging into the sea. Leondris seemed to be a very capable pilot, and her fear was forgotten as she got caught up in the conversation.
“I love Greece.” Ekaterini looked down on the patches of land they passed. “Such a romantic place to live. I often miss our island.”
“Rome is very romantic too,” Vanna defended staunchly. “There is the Fountain of Trevi, and all the men are so handsome.”
“Greek men are very handsome too,” Scarlett said without thinking. All eyes turned to her, and she was helpless to fight back a blush. “The few I’ve seen,” she added hastily. “I’ve been to Mykanos.”
“Ah, Mykanos,” Ekaterini nodded, giggling.
“With Carter,” Thea informed her sisters. “Overnight.”
“We attended a wedding and couldn’t come back to the island in the dark,” Scarlett added hastily, knowing the blush creeping across her cheeks and down her neck was not helping her convince them.
“Of course,” Vanna said in a neutral tone while winking at Thea and Ekaterini. “It is impossible to return to the island at night. It is very unsafe, and I’m sure there weren’t any phones nearby that would have allowed Carter to call for the helicopter.”
Scarlett’s mouth fell open in surprise at Vanna’s revelation. Calling for the chopper had never occurred to her, but surely Carter, a man used to being conveyed by the machine, would have thought of that? Her brow furrowed as she considered the implications. Had Carter deliberately maneuvered her into staying the night on the island, planning to seduce her? Why go to all that trouble if she were only a pawn to him? She realized the others were watching her and laughing outright now. “It was more convenient to stay at the inn,” she said lamely.
Thea nodded. “Of course.” Her deadpan expression sent them off into another round of laughter.
“He’s very taken with you,” said Ekaterini. “His eyes follow you everywhere, especially when he thinks you aren’t looking.”
“It’s amazing they aren’t always staring at each other, the way their eyes watch the other,” Vanna commented with a gentle smile.
“That’s not true,” Scarlett denied hotly, but she knew they were right. Her eyes seemed to follow Carter’s movements of their own volition. “Why would he watch me?” she demanded. “I’m a means to an end for Carter, and nothing more.”
Thea blushed delicately, dropping her eyes. “Did you hear our conversation?” she whispered.
“No, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Scarlett averted her eyes.
“We drove him to say that,” said Thea, sounding miserable. “He got tired of us harping at him, and he just said those things so we would shut up.”
Scarlett shook her head, unaware of the sadness in her eyes. “I doubt that, Thea. Carter has made no secret of his impatience with me. He doesn’t like me, and he doesn’t trust me. You don’t have to worry about him falling in love with me.”
“That wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Ekaterini said. “Though he hates your father, he doesn’t necessarily hate you.”
Scarlett’s skepticism was evident, and she subsided into silence. The trip into Athens was a wonderful success, and they returned after several hours, laden with bags of purchases. Their stomachs were full from the excellent seafood they’d consumed, and their eyes were half-closed from the heavy wine.
She was considerably more relaxed than she’d been when they had left. Scarlett felt accepted by the sisters
and dared to hope that it was a good omen. Surely Carter would tell her how he felt so their future could be settled. Scarlett hoped his sisters were right about his feelings for her.
They returned to find the house in an chaos. Athena drew Ekaterini slightly apart from the group, grasping her hands. “Don’t be alarmed.” Scarlett remained within easshot.
“What’s wrong?” Ekaterini demanded, clearly assuming the worst.
“Cat has wandered off.”
“No,” Ekaterini wailed. “We have to find her.”
