Submitting to Him by Alysha Ellis

Chapter One
     
     
     
    Elise Cowdery stepped out of the limousine. The hotel gleamed in the hot Greek sunshine, the stark white walls contrasting with the blue of the domed roof. She smiled at her husband Blair. “It’s beautiful.”
    “If you like it I’ll buy it for you,” he said. “Hell, I’ll buy the entire island.”
    “I think the people of Santorini might object.” She squeezed his hand. “And no matter how much money you have, you’re way too canny to buy the hotel before you find out whether it’s going to be a profitable investment or not.”
    “If you wanted it,” Blair replied, “I’d get it for you.”
    Elise walked her fingers up the front of his shirt. “You know what I want, don’t you, baby?”
    “I do,” he said. “But it remains to be seen whether it can be had here.” The familiar hot burn of his hazel eyes sent shivers of anticipation skittering up her spine. She splayed her hand over his chest, and rubbed her index finger across the hard nub of his nipple.
     “May I take your bags, Sir and Madam?” The voice from behind them startled Elise and she dropped her hand to her side. The porter stood there, accompanied by three other members of staff, all eager to serve them. Blair winked at Elise. It didn’t take much to work out that Blair’s name had been recognised. His wealth made sure of that almost everywhere they went.
    The impression was confirmed when they were met at the door by one of the most striking men Elise had ever seen. Tall and dark, handsome as the gods that were said to once have inhabited Greece, he stepped forward and introduced himself. “I’m Nick Zervolos, the manager. Welcome to the hotel and to Santorini. Your check-in has already been completed.” His English was perfect, the slightest suggestion of an accent only adding an intriguing edge. “There is no need for you or Mr Cowdery to be inconvenienced.”
    The words were deferential enough, but his light grey eyes, startling in his golden-tan face, focused on Elise in a way that made her pulse flutter. She looked quickly at Blair to see if he’d noticed. He raised one eyebrow. She should have known. Very little escaped his attention, especially another man’s interest in her.
    Nick gestured to the lift in the corner. “If you would accompany me, I’ll take you to your room and make sure everything is to your satisfaction.”
    Elise went ahead of him, making sure she swayed her hips a little more than usual. She would have loved to glance over her shoulder to see his reaction. Blair didn’t have the same reluctance. He turned his head so he could see the manager as he walked just a step or two behind them. Her husband’s hand tightened on hers and he pulled her in closer to his side.
    In the lift, Nick pressed the button for their floor. “Have you been to Santorini before?” His question was routine, but those disconcerting eyes looked directly at Elise for a long moment. His pupils dilated, the black swallowing the grey, before his gaze flicked to Blair.
    “This is our first visit,” Elise said, making sure his focus came back to her. “What do you recommend we do here?” She smiled. “We don’t want anything touristy. What do you like to do in your free time?”
    Nick stared at a spot just over her shoulder. “I’m afraid my job keeps me very busy. I don’t have a lot of free time.” The lift came to a halt. “This is your floor.”
    At the door of their suite Nick inserted the card and waited until Blair and Elise entered. His manner professional and efficient, he showed them through the rooms. Elise followed, noting with approval that the suite was elegant and spacious. Not that she was surprised. Blair expected and paid for nothing less.
    He’d come here to evaluate the hotel. His main interest was in large chains and he preferred to personally negotiate new acquisitions. He loved the tension and strategy involved in multi-million dollar business deals. In another time,