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Derek flushed. “It’s not something I court deliberately.” There was the slightest defensive tone to his voice.
Leandro smirked. “Your problem as always is that you’re too friendly and charming, like a damn prince.”
“I am what I am, and Jaike knows I only want her.” Derek tapped the ring on his finger pointedly.
The engagement ring had Leandro shaking his head. Although his cousin was older than him by several years, Derek was still too young in his opinion to get engaged. He had already met Derek’s fiancée Jaike of course. She was a lovely girl, but that didn’t mean Derek had to marry her right away.
Derek was one of the most eligible bachelors in his country – scion to a political dynasty and heir to a Greek business empire. Why would he tie himself down so early in life? Was Derek truly foolish enough to believe that what he had was true love instead of a result of strong compatibility and sexual attraction?
“And finally, here’s the cafeteria,” Derek said, drawing Leandro out of his thoughts. “It’s one of the most beautiful in the world, winning awards all over.”
Leandro nodded, considering his surroundings with feigned interest. It was beautifully decorated in wood and cream, looking more like a hotel lobby than a canteen for students.
Everything about Christopoulos University was beautiful actually, but it left him cold. If he had to be honest about it, it left him grim. Everything about it – everything aboutAmerica– reminded Leandro of the fucking mess he had made of his life.
Derek considered his cousin thoughtfully, thinking carefully about what he had to say next. Finally, as he was loathe to speak dishonestly, he said with care, “I know why you’re here. Your mother has told my parents, who in turn told me. I’m not the type to meddle so rest assured that I will not try to dictate to you in any way. However, I also ask that you respect all the major rules, as I wouldn’t want the university to have any kind of unsavory reputation that could be linked to our name.”
“Understood.” And Leandro did. Derek only meant one thing – and that wasnotto join any more underground races.
“Do you have any other questions?”
“Yes.” Leandro paused then asked seriously, “Can you recommend any girl who’s likely to win my parents’ approval? I need to have a girlfriend by this weekend.”
Derek’s eyebrow shot up. “A girlfriend?”
“Preferably someone boring and plain, super smart, a good girl that any mother would love to have as a daughter-in-law.”
“Good girls would run away from the mere sight of you.”
A sexy smile flashed on his lips, but it did not reach Leandro’s eyes, turning him into a coldly beautiful man. “I don’t think there’s any girl who’d reject all that I have to offer.” He wasn’t boasting but merely stating a fact. He had been receiving propositions from extremely gorgeous women twice his age as early as thirteen years old.
“Well, I won’t be able torecommendanyone to you. That’s no different from offering a sacrificial lamb, knowing you’re likely to hurt any girl dating you.”
“But it will hurt sogood,” Leandro countered, and as if proving his point, he allowed himself a slight smile.
The girls around themsighed.
Derek shook his head. “Whatever it is you’re planning won’t work. My advice to you – if you need a girlfriend, then find someone to fall in love with.” He checked his watch, frowning when he realized the time. “I have a meeting with the board in a few minutes. Should we go back?”
“I think I’ll stay here for a while, maybe grab a bite or something before I head back to my room. Are we still on for tonight?”
“Definitely. Jaike’s excited to cook dinner for you.”
Leandro suppressed a groan. “Please tell me it’s not—-”
“It is. So you’re going to fucking swallow every spoonful, and afterwards you’re going to tell her you enjoyed it.” Derek bared his teeth in a smile. He meant every word. He wasn’t going to let anything or anyone upset the woman he loved in any way.
Leandro did groan then. Jaike’s cooking was horrible, more so when it came to Greek cuisine. “You’re a fucking sadist.”
“Nah. Just in love.”
He choked. “Did you really just say that with a straight face?”
Derek only smiled, and unlike his cousin’s, this one reached his eyes, making the girls sigh even more loudly than they did when they experienced the seductive potency of Leandro Christopoulos’ smile. “One day, you’ll find another girl that you’ll love even more than your bike. And then I’ll be the one laughing at you—-”
Leandro smirked. “Not ever going to happen, cousin.”
Famous last words,Derek thought.
