Chapter Five Part Two

She sensed him watching her. His gaze captured her eyes, making her feelings for him more intense than ever. It was no good. She couldn't leave his side. She knew she wanted him and his maleness drew her close each day. She wanted to touch his face as he sat looking at her, but she knew it would create more problems for herself. She didn't want the unhappiness at the end of it all. She wanted a man who was going to be with her forever. Someone who wanted to marry her and live with her for the rest of her life. She wanted children and a home of laughter and joy, as well as physical love. It was useless to even think that Demetri would be capable of giving her all those things.

Her mind whirled in confusion, as she bent her head to look down at her hands. She nervously turned the napkin around with her fingers, knowing he was still staring affectionately at her. Perhaps the affection was for the woman who, minutes ago, had smothered him with he embrace.

She didn't know how to feel anymore. She loved him, but somehow she knew she would never tell him. Finally, she looked up. She wondered what he was thinking. Perhaps, it was about the woman he had just seen. After all, women loved him, and his body.

"Penny for your thoughts my darling," he spoke softly and seductively.

His words made her quiver sensuously. She wanted to move closer to him and kiss him, but she didn't have faith in herself. She couldn't do something as simple as that. But why couldn't she? Other women did. Why couldn't she just get up and walk over to him, and then kiss him? What was wrong with her? It was her egotistical nature that spoiled everything. She knew that now. Jake had ruined her trust in men. She'd lost her courage where men were concerned.

Passion was something she couldn't give in to easily anymore. Although, she wanted to, her mind was always eager to run away from it. Especially, with Demetri.

She smiled at him then and shook her head. "I'm not thinking of anything. I'm just tired. I think the heat has given me a headache," she answered.

"I'll get the bill after desert and take you home. You look worn out and I think you should sleep when you get back. Perhaps, you've had too much sun today." His hand covered hers as their eyes met, and they stared at one another.

Their desert was placed before them, at last, and they ate in silence. Phillipa had lost her appetite and just wasn't in the mood for any more food. Her stomach ached, as she sat opposite Demetri knowing how much she was in love with him. It didn't matter anymore. He didn't love her back. She was sure of that now.

"Come," he said, touching her arm. "I've paid the bill. We will go now."

They walked back to the car and he helped her into the passenger seat. She couldn't wait to get back and be alone again. She was impatient to get away from him. She didn't want him to touch her anymore. It made her feelings more painful each time, and she couldn't handle the confusion.

Eventually, the car pulled up outside her bungalow and she opened the door to get out, but Demetri was quick, and stood at her door before she could move.

"I'll walk you to your door. Come, take my hand."

She looked at his hand, but didn't take it. "No, Demetri. I'll go alone. I'll be fine. You go home now and I'll see you at the funeral this week," she said, smiling.

"Why? Why, do you want me to go? Is there something wrong other than your headache?"

She wanted to tell him about the girl she'd seen earlier. "No. I just want to be alone. Look, perhaps we'll see each other tomorrow. On the beach maybe." She started to make her way down to the house, as she spoke.

"Then I'll see you tomorrow. Sleep well, Phillipa. Goodnight," he said softly.

She turned around, as she got to her door and then watched him walk back towards his own home. She wished things could be better for them, but it was hopeless at this moment.

She dressed for bed and wondered what Demetri would do after the funeral. Perhaps, he would want to be with the woman he saw earlier tonight. She knew he didn't want her. Especially, since she'd seen them together tonight.

The room was hot and humid, so she put the air conditioning on full and lying on her bed, she thought of all the things that could bring her and Demetri together. Of course, it was useless to think that anything could make Demetri want her more than any other woman. She knew that he'd wanted her before Hellena had died, but now she wasn't so sure. He seemed to only want her body for a night. She couldn't understand him, but then he was just getting over a death, and somehow she thought he would need some time to get over it.

The next morning, she awoke very early. She looked at the clock and saw it that it was only six o'clock. She lay there for a while, trying to get back to sleep, but it wasn't happening, so she eventually got up.

Showering and dressing into her bikini and a sarong, she ate breakfast on the porch, watching the waves roll in and out swiftly. The view was beautiful and serene. She loved watching the clear blue sea moving backwards and forwards. It helped her to relax just sitting there and enjoying her surroundings.

After finishing breakfast, she sat back in her chair and drank her coffee just as Demetri came walking up to her.

"Morning. I see you've already eaten," he smiled politely.

He seemed to be in a good mood, she thought. She couldn't understand why he was here so early. What could he want at this time of the morning? It was only eight o'clock.

"You're up early," she pronounced in a tactful voice.

"Yes, and so are you. Aren't you going to offer me any coffee?" he asked sheepishly.

"If you like. There's still some in the pot, but I'm not sure if it's warm."

"Don't worry. I have plenty of time to wait for a new pot and I intend to spend lots of time here with you today. I want to get to know you and be with you. If you will permit me, of course," he said. She noticed his bare legs were too near hers.

"I see. What is it you want to know? I assure you there is nothing to tell and I don't have any secrets."

"Maybe not, but I'd like to know everything," he answered, touching her hand and then pulling her up towards him.

"I'll get your coffee first."She tried to pull away, but his hand held hers tightly so she couldn't. As she felt her naked flesh touch his, she was aware that he wasn't wearing a shirt, only a pair of shorts.

His other hand stroked her shoulder and slid down her back. He placed it hungrily beneath the strap of her bikini top and she quivered instantly, as he pulled her even closer to him. Her heart raced, as his head bent lower and his lips touched hers, savaging them beneath his own. His kiss was urgent but she just stood there and surrendered willingly and helplessly. She knew she wanted him passionately. She couldn't push him away. He had captured her heart and body. She wanted him as much he had wanted her, but she knew he didn't love her. He only wanted her body for his. It was purely good sex he'd needed and nothing else.

She stirred, as he stepped back and watched her. His eyes showed deep passion and she knew what he wanted at that precise moment.

"Oh Phillipa, I need you now. Come, my love, kiss me again," he said, pulling her harshly towards him this time.

"No. We can't. It's not the right time Demetri. We must stop. Please go. I don't want this now."

He looked at her, not understanding. She knew he must feel that she was leading him on.

"All right, I won't make love to you now, but after the funeral we will be together," he said, certain of himself.

"Why? What is it that you want of me?" she asked desperately.

"I want us to be together. I need you now. Can't you see that?" he sighed.

"I don't understand you Demetri. One minute you want to be with me, then another you want to be with someone else. It's not going to work."

"What are you talking about? Hellena is dead. There is no one else that will hanker over me anymore."

"How can you say that Demetri. I saw you last night at the restaurant with that woman kissing you and don't tell me you didn't enjoy it."

His face turned to anger immediately. She had annoyed him and she was glad. He deserved it. "I can't help it if other women flaunt themselves and I don't have to justify myself to you or anyone," he answered, walking away from her deliberately.

"I see. Then you better go and don't come back here again. I don't want to see you anymore. Is that clear?"

"Very clear," he shouted and stormed off down the beach.

She ran inside and threw herself on her bed, crying. It was best for both of them, but her tears made her feel uncertain about what she'd said to him. She wasn't sure about anything anymore and was fearful about the loneliness she could feel.
To be continued..................