Miranda Weston's retreat to a Greek island turns into a fairytale
when billionaire Theo Savakis stuns her with a whirlwind courtship.
Miranda just can't believe that such a passionate, powerful man
could simply fall in love with her...
And he hasn't. Theo needs a wife - fast - or he'll forfeit his inheritance, Lovely,
vulnerable Miranda is the perfect convenient choice. But Theo hasn't counted on
Miranda's will-power... or the unfamiliar feelings he begins to have for her...
or on her learning the truth about becoming his convenient wife.
'It's time you found a wife, Theo. You have responsibilities.
If you agree I will transfer my controlling interest of the Savakis shipping line
to you upon my death. If you refuse, I sign this.'
'This' was a document that would consign the company to the greed of the old
man's remaining cronies on the board, Theo Savakis realised, holding the stare
of his grandfather, Dimitri.
Dimitri had been a chairman in the old style, squandering his wealth and caring
little for the welfare of his people. Was he to lose everything he had built up
during his tenure as acting chairman at the whim of such a man? Should he stand
back and see the company slump back into ruin, the people he cared about thrown
out of work? Or should he do as Dimitri wanted: marry a virgin and breed from
her?
‘You leave me no choice.’
‘Don’t sound so bitter, Theo. What am I asking of you… that
you should find a young girl? Is that so terrible?
His grandfather’s gesture made Theo’s stomach clench with disgust.
The wheedling he was accustomed to, but the cynical use of women as breeding stock,
the dynastic marriages that so often failed between prominent Greek families?
Those he would never embrace. ‘Theos, Dimitri! This is the twenty-first
century!’
‘Exactly,’ the old schemer cut across him. ‘Where would you
get such a bargain today? All I’m asking for is your signature, Theo. And
for that you get your own shipping line with a woman thrown in.’
His grandfather’s domineering personality had broken his father’s
spirit, driving Acteon Savakis into a life of self-indulgence. That would never
happen to him Theo had vowed silently. After his parents had been killed in a
tragic accident he had seized the help of the Savakis shipping line and devoted
his working life to rebuilding the company into a world-class business. His grandfather
had retained a controlling interest, and if Theo was to realize his vision for
the future he had to inherit those golden shares. To achieve this is appeared
he must commit to a marriage before he had even identified a bride.
‘I want my name to live on, Theo,’ Dimitri wheedled. ‘Is
that so hard for you to understand?’
Hard to understand? No. Dimitri’s life had been entirely self-focused.
But it was Theo’s family name too, and he was damned if he would allow the
Savakis shipping line to fall into the hands of his grandfather’s sycophants.
‘I will sign,’ he agreed. On one condition. I choose the mother of
my child, Dimitri. I choose my bride.’
‘No,’ The old man shook his head. ‘I have already found you
a woman.’
‘A virgin?’
‘Cut the cynicism, Theo. Lexis Chandris is the daughter of my closest
friend.’
As good a reason as any to refuse, Theo mused as his grandfather opened his
arms wide.
‘At least give her a trial…’
‘A trial?’
‘Don’t play the innocent with me, Theo. Take her to bed, and –
‘
‘Yes – thank you.’ He silenced Dimitri with a glance.
‘Her father has already sent her to Kalmos…’
‘He’s, what?’
‘I told him you were intending to take the yacht there, and that it would
be a good opportunity for you to take another look at her. Surely you can see
the advantage of making such a marriage? I’m talking about the daughter
of another shipping family. Together the two families will form an impregnable
empire. You can’t avoid your fate, Theo. This is your destiny!’
‘No, Dimitri. I make my own path through life.’
Theo held his grandfather’s stare until it faltered and Dimitri shrugged.
‘Well… But if you want me to sign over my shares you must settle on
a woman before I die…’
‘That may not be possible.’
‘Not good enough, Theo.’
The fate of the Savakis shipping line was hanging in the balance. ‘Very
well. I give you my word.’
‘Excellent. Lexis won’t be wasted. I hear she’s beautiful,
but if she’s not to your taste just use her and send her back.’
Theo stared at his grandfather in disbelief. Each time he thought Dimitri had
plumbed the depths he managed to surprise him. ‘Is that how you treat the
children of your friends?’
‘You’re too soft, Theo.’
‘Really?’ Theo wondered how well Dimitri knew him. He might have
been brought up beneath his grandfather’s roof after the death of his parents,
but they were still strangers to each other.
‘Remember,’ Dimitri cautioned, ‘if you shun this girl you
must find another before I die. But stay away from trouble. No artistic types,
no Cinderellas, and no worthy causes. I see you looking at me with distaste, Theo,
but you and I are from the same mould – destined for greater things than
hearth and home. Some women understand that – my friend’s daughter
would understand that. Other women look for something more, something we can never
give them.
‘And what’s that?’
‘Love, Theo. Now will you sign? Dimitri Savakis pushed the relevant document
across the desk.
Uncapping his fountain pen, Theo signed beneath his grandfather’s signature,
adding the date, and then, for the last time, he shook Dimitri’s hand.
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