Page 7 of Slightly Married
“You know I’d fight dragons for you, right? This Greek tycoon is just a warm-up. But your first child should be named after me.”
She pulled back, composure returning as she raised an eyebrow. “And if it’s a boy?”
“I don’t see an issue either way.”
“Fine, brat!” She smiled. “So that’s it? You’re really going through with this?” Simone asked, resuming her seat and finally taking a small sip of her wine.
I nodded, tracing the rim of my wineglass. “The ceremony’s in two days. Daddy’s already got his legal team drafting the agreement.”
“Two days?” Lauren exclaimed. “Lord, that’s wild! How’re we supposed to get ready that quick?”
“Konstantin wants this done as quickly as possible. The quicker we marry, the faster we go our separate ways.”
Simone’s voice softened with concern when she asked, “Are you sure you’re ready for another marriage so soon after Josh? I mean, you were devastated when—”
“I’m fine,” I cut her off.
The room fell silent as the two women exchanged glances. I pressed my fingertips against my temples, instantly regretting my tone. “I’m sorry, I just...” My voice wavered.
“We’re worried about you, that’s all.”
I exhaled slowly, feeling the familiar tightness in my chest whenever Josh was mentioned. “This is different. With Josh, I thought we were building something real. This is...” I gestured vaguely, “... a business arrangement with an expiration date. I know exactly what I’m getting into.”
Simone’s expression remained doubtful. “Still, going from one marriage straight into another—”
“Can we please talk about something else?”
Lauren tucked a braid behind her ear. “What do we know about this Konstantin beyond being obscenely wealthy and desperate for an island.”
“Not much,” I admitted. “But I’ve arranged for a background check.”
“Well, from what I know,” Simone interjected, “he has two brothers, and he’s the CFO of Olympus Motors. AMH (Athanasiou Maritime Holdings) has been trying to land Olympus Motors as a client for their North American exports, and I haven’t been given the time of day. It makes sense now why they haven’t returned my many inquiries. They didn’t want to work with the company because of Dad, and here I was thinking if I got them as a client, Daddy would make me CEO.”
I stretched across the island to refill my glass. “Soon, we’ll all be family. Maybe then you’ll get your meeting.”
“Our profits would certainly soar if we secured Olympus Motors as a client,” Simone said, then waved her hand dismissively. “But let’s not discuss business.”
“Right!” Lauren grinned. “So, is he good-looking? I’ve heard Greek men’ll make you weak in the knees.”
I folded my arms, refusing to respond, but the memory of those broad shoulders, dark, piercing eyes and imposing height almost overwhelmed me.
“Looks don’t matter,” I said shortly. “He’s just another cock carrier.”
Laughter bubbled between us, filling my living room with momentary lightness. As our giggles subsided, Simone’s lips curved into that particular smile she reserved for gossip.
“The man is gorgeous,” she stated, swirling the remainder of her cabernet.
I narrowed my eyes. “How would you possibly know that?”
“If you must know, I was at the house when you arrived yesterday. I caught a glimpse of him when he arrived.” She tookanother sip of wine. “And he’s not the kind of man who escapes notice.”
“Coward!” I accused, pointing my finger at Simone. “Why didn’t you come to the study? You knew I was there to confront Daddy about you.”
Her eyes flicked away. “I was catching up on work.”
“If by work you mean Matt, sure you were.”
Simone had the decency to look embarrassed. She’d been keeping her relationship with Matt under wraps. Not just to avoid office gossip, but because Daddy’s company policy strictly forbade dating among executive staff.
