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An unfamiliar maid brought lunch. “It’s Ann’s day off,” Darren said when she asked. They were mostly finished with their meal when Carter came in to join them. “I finished with those calls,” said Darren.
Carter nodded. “I’ve finished the financial statements and prepared the reports. Everything is as done as it can be until the meeting.” He sighed as he dropped into his seat at the head of the table. “How would you like a vacation, Darren?”
“You know I don’t like to leave you without protection,” Darren said quickly. “‘Besides, don’t you think now is a dangerous time for me to go away?” He shot a subtle look at Scarlett. “What with business and such?”
“We’re all going,” said Carter. “I’ve spoken with my mother and she’s expecting us in two days.”
Scarlett frowned. “Your mother?”
“Did you think I sprang fully formed from the head of Athena, as she did from Zeus?” Carter asked in a mocking tone, ignoring Darren’s grin.
“No.” Scarlett shook her head, unsure of what she wanted to say.
“Do you like Greece?” Carter asked. “Your father used to own a villa there.”
“I’ve only been to Greece once. That was the year my mother got sick. As far as I know, my father closed the place up after that.”
“I own an island in the Cyclades chain.” He looked at her as he spoke, gauging her reaction. “It’s situated between Mykanos and Naxos. My mitera and two of my siblings live there year-round, and I like to visit two or three times a year. I’ve arranged for us to stay with Mama for a couple of weeks.”
Scarlett shrugged. “Okay.”
“No objections?”
“Would it matter if I objected?” Scarlett shrugged. “What’s the difference between here and Greece? At least it’s warm there.”
Darren smiled. “Well, it’s not exactly tropical. This time of year, it’s usually in the seventies.”
“It will be nice to get away,” said Scarlett.
“We’ll stop in New York,” Carter said decisively. “You’ll need new clothes I’m sure, as you didn’t bring much with you, and then fly out the day after. Darren, will you see to booking us into the Regency?”
Scarlett didn’t bother to pack anything more than an overnight bag since they would be shopping in New York. She felt odd accepting clothes from Carter, but had little choice in the matter. If she refused, she could picture Carter simply ordering things for her anyway.
Despite her best efforts to be annoyed with everything he did she was growing excited about their trip to Greece, though she wondered what kind of reception Carter’s family would give her. How would he explain her presence? Would he tell his mother about their insane bargain? Of course he wouldn’t, so what would he tell her? That Scarlett was his girlfriend?
Scarlett rolled her eyes at her silly thoughts and forced her attention back to getting dressed. Carter wouldn’t tell his mother they were involved. Knowing him, he probably wouldn’t give any explanations.
Darren and Carter were waiting for her downstairs, and the driver stood in the doorway. He took her bag, and they followed him out to the car. After stowing her case in the trunk, the chauffeur held open the door for them.
To Scarlett’s surprise, they did not drive into San Francisco to make their flight. The driver stopped the town car at a private airfield a few miles from Carter’s home, and they boarded a personal jet. The interior was plush cream leather, and carpeted in thick white carpeting. A flight attendant was on duty, and he brought them all drinks.
Silence filled the cabin, and Scarlett grew uncomfortable. Carter, dressed casually in khakis and a white button up, looked busy. It was the first time he hadn’t worn a suit around her. Was he becoming more comfortable with her since showing his scars? She wasn’t sure. He was busy poring over a thick file of papers, and Darren was behind a thick book. Scarlett wished she’d thought to bring a book or her ebook reader, but finally settled for watching a movie on the small television bolted in front of her. She chose a DVD from the basket brought to her by the attendant and dozed off as the heroine was realizi
ng just how tough it was to make it as an actor in Hollywood.
9
Carter
Carter sat across from Scarlett, beside Darren, and she drew his gaze to her silky hair, secured in a braid that hung over her shoulder. Her unusual purple eyes were obscured by lids naked of any make-up, and her lips bowed in an O. The gentle rise and fall of her breasts as she exhaled mesmerized him.
She was so vulnerable. Scarlett appeared to be sweet and innocent, and for a brief time, Carter could believe she was. How could her father’s corruptness have touched her in twenty short years? She seemed too pure to be his daughter, too unaffected by wealth and social position to be guilty of the crimes of which he’d accused her.
His eyes moved back to her face and settled on the mark on her cheek, left by Rocco Terini. It was an angry pink shade, with tints of brown and purple showing through. Rage sat like a hot ball in his stomach as he looked at the bruise, and Carter’s determination to destroy Rocco grew even more.
The jet was designed for long trips, so they did not touch down to refuel anywhere between San Francisco and New York. They left the plane at another private airstrip and took a taxi to their hotel. Darren had booked Scarlett into a suite on the floor with Carter’s. Carter knew Darren was trying to push them together, but he wouldn’t have it. Regardless of taking Scarlett to meet his mother, this was still a business arrangement. No matter how beautiful and innocent she could be.
Scarlett
