By: SailorPerfect
Chapter 3: An Indecent Proposal
Hotaru Montgomery Atheros had been raised and educated in Athens, living a life of pure luxury surrounded by the loving support of her parents and her elder brother, all of whom had adored her immensely. At the age of eighteen she had moved to the states and attended Harvard Law School, where she had spent the first two years excelling in all of her courses and pleasing her instructors with her wealth of knowledge.
It was when she was to emerge into her third year at Harvard that she had transferred to the American InterContinental University of Los Angeles and had begun study on Fashion Design. She had graduated swiftly from the university and in the years following had become one of the most well known fashion designers in Europe, then the United States. Her passion, she had realized during her stay in Harvard, had not been with law as she had once thought, but with the creative design that had always intrigued her as a child, then as a woman.
She no longer lived in Athens with her family, although she still visited several times during the year, but owned a condo in Park Avenue, New York, as well as a winery in Napa Valley, California, and another estate here in Newport Beach. She spent the majority of her time in her home in Napa Valley, the rolling hills and quiet country reminding her of home, with the condo in New York serving as her temporary home when she had to visit the city on business. Her estate in Newport she considered her home where she was allowed to enjoy the fast life with her friends and indulge in shopping.
But it was in Athens where her heart truly remained, with her family and childhood friends.
When she had been informed of Elios' visit she had been ecstatic, insisting he allow her to throw him a party in his honor, therefor allowing her to introduce him to her friends here in the states. Her family in Athens were not inclined to visit her here in California; most usually they only came so far as New York and purely on business, only to return home soon after. She was aware she was the only one who enjoyed the United States from her family.
She was pleased by the number of guests who arrived at her home to see and meet her superbly handsome cousin, most of these guests consisting of women. Over the years she had come to be extremely well known in the social circles of Newport, mingling with the most prestigious of high society. These were the majority of guests who arrived, all of them very curious to meet the man who was reputed to be the richest, most successful business man in Europe.
The night wore on and Hotaru noticed that the guest of honor was poorly neglecting the attentions being given to him, striding instead to the main doors of the entrance hall where the guests continued arriving. His eyes, dark with impatience and rising anger, forced her to excuse herself from the group of people she was currently speaking with, weaving through the groups of men and women to find him with his hands thrust deeply into his well cut suit pockets, his back to the room of people.
She noted the women who were standing close by, watching him with both hunger and frank female appreciation, but not daring to approach him in his moment of solitude. Amused by this, Hotaru strode past the women and went to him, placing one hand along his tense forearm.
He didn't jump, didn't flinch as most people would have when snapped rudely from their private thoughts. No, Elios had always been very calm and very cool, qualities she had long admired him for.
"What has you so distracted? I've never seen you behave this way before." Hotaru spoke quietly, aware of the people around them who were straining to hear even one word from this mysterious man.
He slid those dark eyes to her, a brief smile gracing his sensual lips. "You look beautiful tonight."
That voice, so deep and smooth, could melt any woman with its wealth of charm and sincerity. "Don't think that charm will work on me. Elios, what's wrong? Your mind is clearly not here."
He let out a long sigh, once again allowing his gaze back to the entrance doors. "I haven't been entirely truthful with you Hotaru."
"Oh?" Curious now, she raised a brow in question.
"I did come here to California for business, but not for my company." He frowned sharply, struggling to find a way to explain this to her. "I came to meet and speak with Rene Carrington, Peraru's fiance, and to claim the home she has here in Newport. Everything that once belonged to her is now mine, through a debt her uncle held with me."
She could hardly believe what she was hearing, staring at him in silent fascination. "Rene Carrington...are you telling me you came here only to take the little that she has left?" She asked this in complete shock, watching as his jaw tightened.
"Andrew had a debt with me, an enormous one. This is purely a business matter." Even as he spoke the words he could see her, so small and slim, her classically beautiful features sneering with disdain directed toward him. But through this obvious dislike he could feel the rapid heat that had flared between them, the intriguing woman with a temper he couldn't help but admire.
Hotaru watched him closely, irritated when she couldn't see through his calm, smooth features. The man had always been able to hide his thoughts and emotions perfectly. "I would believe that if I didn't know how good of friends you and Andrew had been, and how much respect you'd had for him." Sighing in pure frustration, she planted herself before him and forced his eyes to hers. "Your keeping something from me, I know you are. What is it?"
She knew he wouldn't have answered her, not so simply and quickly. But she hadn't believed in that exact moment the answer itself would walk through her fronts doors.
A murmur swept through the crowd of guests, an instant silence following the curious whispering. Elios' gaze lefts her to lock onto anothers with a burning intensity she had never seen in him before, causing her to turn and follow where everyone else was now looking.
A woman was standing at the entrance doors, dressed in a glittering black gown that clung to her like a second skin, trimming down to a skirt that reached mid-thigh, little black heels adorning her small feet. She had magnificent, fiery hair that was swept back from her face by two pins, tendrils of fat curls whispering against the smooth nape of her neck. She had expertly darkened her eyes, causing the peculiar auburn color to stand out vibrantly against skin that was as smooth as ivory. Hotaru felt an immediate surge of envy race through her at the sight of her slashing, dark brows, topping these exotic eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of both lust and obsessive love.
Hotaru knew who she was before Elios told her: Rene Carrington, only daughter to Darien and Serenity Carrington. She had indeed inherited her mothers looks of both sensual beauty and fiery innocence.
And it took only one look at Elios' thunderstruck expression to clue her in on what exactly had been occupying her cousin's mind all night.
Highly amused by the sight of Elios staring as if he had never seen a female before in his life, Hotaru tucked her tongue into her cheek, tapping one nail against her lips. "I see what you meant now when you said you hadn't been entirely truthful Elios."
She watched as his expression smoothed out once again at her comment, wondering what exactly this woman had done so swiftly to cause such a reaction in him. "She's here to discuss business." He murmured quietly, silently admiring the alluring sight she presented as she stood with her chin held high at the entrance hall doors.
"Business...hhhmmmm, if you say so, dear cousin." Sending him a radiant smile at the quick glowering glance he sent her, she moved forward suddenly before he could fully comprehend what she was doing. With her hands held out, she approached Rene and took the other's woman's hands in her own, smiling at the questioning frown which had creased her smooth brow. "Welcome to my home Rene Carrington. I'm Hotaru Montgomery Atheros."
Rene was utterly stunned by the darkly exotic woman standing before her; she held absolutely no resemblance to her dear Peraru or that loathsome Elios. She had several layers of dark, cascading hair that fell to her waist, with the same dark eyes and ivory skin. Her smile was warm, genuine, and just a little curious.
This was Peraru's cousin, the woman whom had resided here in Newport that she had never known existed. Amazed that she was finally meeting someone of Peraru's family other then this brother, Rene returned the smile with one of her own. "It's a pleasure to meet you Hotaru. You have such a lovely home."
Hotaru laughed softly, watching as those rich, auburn eyes slid to one side and watched Elios' approach with silent wariness. She sensed a slight disdain, an almost imperceptible sneer pass over the exquisite features, before she was smiling at her once again as if Elios didn't exist.
"I take that as the highest of compliments, coming from such a distinguished artist." Hotaru had long since admired the painting's Rene had swiftly become famous for in both Europe and the United States. Galleries featuring her works of art were sensational, with every piece she created taken within the first hour of the opening display.
Rene flushed slightly, acknowledging the compliment with the slightest bow of her fiery hair. "Thank you."
Elios cleared his throat abruptly from behind Hotaru, gaining both the women's attentions. "When your through deliberately ignoring me, I would like to also compliment you on how beautiful you look tonight, Miss Carrington."
Allowing her gaze to leave Hotaru's, Rene finally looked directly at him, struggling to speak normally at the sight of how magnificently handsome the man looked in a tuxedo. "Your compliments mean nothing to me Mr. Atheros, and are neither appreciated nor necessary."
Stunned by the obvious dislike Rene held for him, but more amused by it, Hotaru choked back the laughter bubbling in her throat. "I always found I admired honesty and respected a person who could speak their mind." Touching her hand to Elios' stiff arm, she smiled despite the tightening of his features. "I'll leave you two to discuss business then. It was a pleasure to meet you Rene, perhaps someday we could have lunch."
She nodded to her. "I'd like that." In silence she watched as Hotaru left them, disappearing into the group of guests and leaving them alone.
Left alone with him, she met his unflinchingly intense stare with her own. "Lets get this over with."
Inclining his head to her, he took her elbow in one of his hands, smiling when he felt her jolt at the connection. He guided her through the throng of people, intending to speak with her in utter privacy.
They were halted halfway through the room by a tall, slim man approaching them, his clear blue eyes and charming smile centered on her. "Rene! My God, I can't believe its you!" Taking her by her upper arms, he bent to brush his lips across her cheeks, missing the sight of Elios looming behind her. "I had no idea you were still in Newport."
She had felt Elios grip tighten about her arm before she had been pulled away from his grasp. "Yes, well, this is my home. I decided for the time being Europe would have to do without me."
The other man chuckled at her comment, stepping back to openly admire her. "Well I can only say its our gain and their loss, isn't it?"
Elios stepped forward at this, taking her arm in a proprietary manner once again. "Rene, quella piccola, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?" He purposely allowed his tone to turn soft, seductive, arching one brow when the other man's eyes met his with a start.
Stiffening at his tone, ignoring the shudder he provoked with it, she moved slightly back so the two faced one another. "Elios Montgomery Atheros; Yaten Gallagher."
Elios watched the recognition pass through the other man's pale, blue eyes, watched the confusion follow closely on its heels. "Elios...but I thought...I mean weren't you engaged too--"
"Rene and I have several matters to discuss." Elios cut him off before he could say anymore, silently cursing the idiotic man. "If you'll excuse us?" Without waiting for a reply, he led her past him and through the crowd, taking them down a secluded hallway and through a set of double doors leading to a well furnished, quiet office. Shutting the doors at his back, he turned to face her.
"I wonder how my weak brother could have managed to keep you solely to himself, with all these men falling at your feet." His tone was clipped as he strode past her and behind the large, mahogany desk in the room, settling himself behind it.
A fierce current of rage flowed through her, causing her lips to tighten and her hands to curl into fists. Facing him, she took several breaths to attempt to calm herself. Everything, her very life and future, rested solely on this man.
"If you don't mind, I would appreciate it very much if you could keep any comments you have on Peraru to yourself." It took every ounce of self control to speak calmly and precisely, not allowing the vibrating fury to be heard in her voice.
She watched as his eyes remained steadily on her for several long, tense moments. She sensed anger, a hidden emotion as he drummed those long fingers atop his desk, his dark eyes never flinching from hers. She was surprised then when a cool, slow smile moved over his mouth, one brow arching as the image of the anger she had seen was suddenly gone as if it had never been.
"I wonder if you realize everything shows in those amazing eyes of yours." He murmured thoughtfully, then tactfully changed the subject before she could question him. "Agreed. I will keep any," he chuckled softly, "comments I have on my pathetic little brother to myself." Amused when she took a threatening step forward at this, he raised his hands in mock innocence. "That was the last one, I can assure you."
Struggling to reign in her temper, especially because she could see it was highly entertaining him, she spoke in a cooly, haughty tone. "Could you please focus on the matter at hand and inform me of your decision?" Not once did her voice betray her, but her palms hand gone suddenly damp with unease.
He held one palm out, indicating the chair opposite him before the desk. "Have a seat, please."
She lifted her chin. "I'd rather stand."
Silence followed, moments ticking by as his jaw tightened and the fingers halted in their tapping over the desk. Swallowing the sudden fear coating her throat, she held her ground.
Leaning forward, he spoke quietly, but the precise manner in which he addressed her frightened her more then any anger he could have unleashed. "If you don't show some civility and manners, I will simply consider you in the lowest respects and have you thrown from my home, in which you are currently an intruder. Is that understood?"
Furious, but more embarrassed by that lashing remark, she took a seat before him without another word.
"Now then," he settled back once more, shifting from dangerous to a shrewd businessman before her eyes, "down to business. You are aware of the situation your in, correct?"
She nodded curtly. "Yes, Alan explained everything to me."
"Very good. You are now fully able to comprehend just how much your uncle owed me in debts, and also how much of Carrington's Antique's I had come to own by the time of his death. You, to put it quite simply, own nothing."
She shot out of her seat before she could stop herself, shaking with fury. "You basta-"
"Cease!" He barked the command before she could finish what she'd been about to say, rising fluidly to his own towering height and slapping his hands on the desk between them. "These tantrums of yours do nothing for your cause! I meant what I said before. If your conduct does not change to that of a grown woman then I'll simply leave the matter in the capable hands of my lawyer and wash my own of it."
Her hands were shaking, with terror now instead of the anger that came naturally when she was around him. She knew he meant what he said, she could see clearly that his patience with her was nearly at the breaking point.
She turned her back to him, biting her lip as the images of both her uncle and Peraru drifted into her mind. Only weeks ago her life had been without a doubt at its peak, engaged to marry a man she loved and adored immensely, with an Uncle who had become everything to her since childhood.
But the cruel hand of fate had dealt its blow against her, feeling this happiness was much to perfect to last.
And now here she stood, waiting to be informed what her life would be now. She had indeed come into fame and glory during her stay in Europe through her paintings, but if she were to lose absolutely everything there would be nothing left. All of her home's would belong to this man, her father's shops, as well as her pride. She didn't nearly have enough money saved to rent an apartment. One thing she and Peraru had both enjoyed was the fast and prestigious life. She had spent everything she earned from her galleries on fast cars, jewelry, and the most expensive, designer outfits. She had spoiled herself, as well as Peraru showering her with gifts from him.
She had been, quite bluntly, a spoiled, irresponsible woman in the past few years.
Slowly turning back to face him, she met his dark eyes with her own. "All right. I apologize." Because his expression did not change, she added, "That won't happen again."
He watched her for a moment, studying her in silence. For a split second of terrible fear she was sure he would shrug his broad shoulders and forget the compromise he had been willing to give her.
But instead he indicated she take her seat, and with a small sigh of relief, she did so.
"As I was saying," he continued smoothly, as if her outburst had never occurred, "I became aware only recently of exactly how much your uncle was indebted to me through my lawyer. After some careful thought over the matter since meeting with you yesterday, I've come to a final decision."
When he didn't continue, she grew nervous under his steady gaze, blurting out, "Well what is it then?"
She watched those sensually gorgeous features shift into a smile, nearly melting her into a puddle on the very seat she sat. He rose and came to lean one hip against the desk next to her, making her nervous with the little distance he had left between them. Crossing his arms over his broad chest, he reclined lazily and rested those darkly intimate eyes on her.
"I've decided I don't wish to share any of my new estates, summer homes, or condos with my brother's intended."
Snapped rudely from the sexual tension he was creating between them, she stared in wide eyed horror up at him. "What!"
He chuckled quietly, admiring her long, slim legs, made only more magnificent by the short, black dress she wore. "You fail to listen clearly to me, piccola. I do not wish to share any of these things with Peraru's fiance, but I do have one job for Rene Carrington."
Uneasy, but more suspicious by the gleam in those eyes, she cocked one slim brow. "Oh? And what's that?"
"It is a job any other woman in the world would enjoy supremely. As a matter of fact, several others have, but none have had the honor of being hand picked by me." Seemingly amused by this, he bent suddenly low to her, causing her to jump when he put his mouth a breath away from her cheek. "I will provide you with absolutely anything you may desire if you do this one job for me."
Tense, but more irritated that his closeness would cause her heart to pound furiously, she hissed at him," What is it?"
"Become my mistress." His smile spread when he saw her look, those wide, auburn eyes staring at him in utter disbelief. "You would accompany me wherever my business takes me, entertain me both in and out of the bedroom. It is something I'm sure you would excel in."
She could hardly believe what she was hearing. That this loathsome, barbaric man could even suggest such a thing was completely ludicrous! She couldn't remember a time in her life when she had ever been more insulted!
She stood then, straightening until she was at level with his chest, her head tilted back to better look into those smug, arrogant eyes. The bastard even believed she would be flattered! "I'm not sure I heard you right, Mr. Atheros. You want me to be your mistress?"
He reached one hand out and slid a single finger along her bare arm, pleased by the shudder this provoked. "That is correct."
He didn't even see it coming. While her features remained impassive, her right hand came up suddenly and slapped him hard across the face, so hard that he stumbled back two steps under the blow. Shocked, he turned just in time to see her exiting through the doors that led to the hallway outside.
The shock was quick to pass, taken over instead by a blinding fury such as he had never known. The woman was an idiot! How dare she refuse him, an opportunity any other woman in the world would have killed to have. To the present time no woman had ever refused him, no woman had ever dared too! They had come to him willingly, eager to please him and do as he bid, then remain from his path when he began to grow tired of them.
It was apparent Rene Carrington had absolutely no clue what exactly she had gotten herself into.
He caught up with her quickly, finding her weaving through the groups of people. He took her firmly by the arm and jerked her back, forcing her to follow him as he dragged her back to the office despite her protests. Shoving her into the room, he slammed the doors at his back and faced her, his own rage a formidable opponent against hers.
"Your nuts! You've completely lost your mind to think that I will actually be your mistress! I would rather die then be-"
"Enough!" He roared the single word at her, causing her to jump and take a single step back in fright. Breathing hard, struggling to regain his own composure, he moved forward, his slow approach reminding her of a dark panther stalking its prey, only waiting for the right moment to strike. "Do you realize how little choice you have in this situation? Perhaps you need a reminder."
"I don't-"
"Your homes all belong to me, as does every single car your uncle has purchased, as well as the sporty little convertibles you have presently residing in Carmel." He watched the blood drain from her face, darkly pleased by the fright that had crossed her exquisite features. "The villa in Venice, the apartments in Paris, the country home in Milan, and the yacht in Greece all belong to me. You did not save your earnings, but squandered them, leaving you nearly penniless at the present time."
She was trembling violently, her mind racing with the sudden awareness that everything she had owned in Europe was no longer hers. But he hadn't mentioned one...perhaps...
"Your thinking of the home Peraru purchased for the two of you in Rome." Elios cut neatly through her thoughts, stopping to stand only two feet away from her. "Unfortunately that home was purchased under his name and at the time of his death all items purchased by him came to be under my ownership as well."
"But you...how could you? That was our home, it was where we-"
He could feel a dark, deadly emotion boiling inside of him at the mention of what that home was meant to have been. He couldn't understand why it was he was becoming so irrationally angry in merely seeing her become so distressed by this, but he didn't wish to hear his pathetic brothers name come from her lips once more.
He cut her off with a single, slashing motion of his hand. "It is no longer your home. The past is where it will remain and your present as well as future are what you need to worry on." He watched her struggle with herself, a shadow moving across her eyes, until she finally nodded to him. "You have nothing Miss Carrington. Tell me, where will you live? What will you eat? What will you wear?" He shook his head at the naked terror passing over her features. "If you walk out of here tonight, you have nowhere to go. You cannot return to your home here in Newport, it is being vacated as we speak. Now tell me, answer me, what will you do?"
She was trapped, completely and utterly trapped. Everything he had said was true, every word. How was she supposed to live when she now had nothing?
She knew that although she and Peraru had met and partied with many people in Europe, these 'friends' would surely turn their back on her if she were to go to them for help. The several that she knew here in Newport stayed away from her ever since she had returned, recognizing that she had isolated herself from the world since the deaths of her uncle and Peraru. All of these acquaintances would surely shun her if they were to discover she was penniless.
She felt him then, the warmth from his much larger frame, one of those strong hands trailing a path along her bare back, sending fierce tremors along her body. Even as her mind rebelled against the touch, she could feel herself responding, the sexual tension between them nearly overpowering her sense of reason.
"Perhaps I should prove to you that being my woman is what your body yearns for." His voice was quiet, his lips moving close to her neck, closer, but not close enough. "You cannot deny that you want me."
She whirled to face him, taking a step back even as he moved forward. "Stop it. Don't come any closer! I don't want this!"
"Your eyes tell me differently, piccola."
She felt herself bump against the desk then, but before she could evade him he had her trapped there, caging her in, his hands coming to rest on her hips as he slid that glorious body of steel against her. "Get off of me!" She could feel her palms going damp when he lowered his head until his mouth was resting against her throat, the hands at her hips tightening and pressing her more firmly to him.
"Why do you fight me?" He murmured the words, inhaling the intoxicating scent of her as he struggled to remain in control of this situation. It worried him that he would have to concentrate on this with her. No other woman had ever wavered the immense control he always maintained. "If you surrender yourself to me, you will find I am a very generous lover."
The temptation, the lure of lust he was provoking in her battled strongly against the barrier of loathing he deserved. She had never been weak, she had never allowed a man to reduce her to nerves as most women she had seen had, but this man was breaking through every shield she had created and tumbling down her defenses. She had loved Peraru, she still loved Peraru; it was with him that she had been prepared to spend the rest of her life with.
But she could not summon the image of him as his older brother trailed that tempting mouth along her cheekbones now.
"Your answer, piccola. I am not known for being a patient man."
He left her little choice. With nothing belonging to her and absolutely nowhere to go, she had only this offer to take. It shamed her, and it shamed her deeply, to be forced to turn to him in her weakest hour, but she was sensible enough to know that in her present circumstances of desperation, this was the only place she had to go.
When she finally spoke her voice was steady, strong, but deep inside only she knew she would give him this, but never her heart. "It seems I have little choice in the matter." Their eyes met, fiery auburn against eyes as dark and potent as a bolt of lightening. "Yes Mr Atheros, I will be your mistress."
piccola - meaning little one in Italian
: This choice will ultimately change both their lives :
: Stayed tuned for Chapter 4::
: SailorPerfect :