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A woman goes on an exotic vacation qnd finds...unexpected bliss. I need writers! |
| [Introduction]
Melonie wanted to get away, and for awhile, enjoy life. Escaping from her static and seemingly failing life back home, she headed for the small islands dotted along the Bahamas. There, at least for a few weeks, she could enjoy life, unknowing that soon her life would become entangled with the reclusive billionaire Alexander Moran. Rather then deal with the press and drama that accompanied the lifestyle of today's elite, Alexander retreated to his private island to enjoy life the way he liked it, alone. For many years he enjoyed this seclusion, yet he knew one day he must return to the world beyond his island paradise. To take a step in the right direction, he arranges a marriage to the socialite daughter of a rich entrapenur in Italy. When his trusted servent Denny goes to fetch her, he arrives in Florida only to discover that the socialite daughter has run off with another man. Rather then risk the fury of his employer, he kidnapps a nearby woman, placing her as the stand-in "bride". Knocked out by Denny, Melonie wakes up a day later to find herself on a wonderous island, and married! Alexander falls in love with his order bride at first sight, and will do whatever he can to keep her! |
| Melonie sighed as she stepped into the plane headed for Florida. Once there, she would be wisked away on a cruise ship that would drop her off in the Bahamas. She resisted the urge to look over her shoulder, that part of her life is officially put on hold. For the last few months, she'd been smothered, forced to deal with her mother's death as well as the prospect of loosing her home. Her sister, who proudly strutted about in her role as an accountant's wife, was the executor of thier mother's estate. As a previous agreement, Melonie would quit her job and live full-time with thier mother to provide care. Now that their mother was dead, Melonie's sister wanted to sell the apartment and everything thier mother owned. No consideration for Melonie, who'd sacrificed her carreer in the hopes of helping her mother's last few years on earth be comfteralbe. Lillian's idea was to have Melonie live with her and be her family's maid-babysitter-cook. It would be a cold day in hell before she would agree to it, Melonie thought to herself as she took her seat. She shook her head, forcing those thoughts to the back of her mind. This was her time to escape. She'd taken a small amount of her inheritance and put it toward a two week trip to the Bahamas. She knew she should save it to use for a new apartment, but it was all too much right now. With a contented sigh, Melonie leaned back in her seat, already imagining the warm breeze dancing on her skin and the rythmic sway of the ocean. Denny paced outside Mr. Moran's study. Even before Alexander had uprooted himself and moved into his personal tropical paradise, Denny had been his confidant. Mr. Moran took good care of him and provided well, earing Denny's lifetime loyalty. Sick of the constant stuggle of politics within the buisness world as well as high society, not to mention the press, those damn vultures, Mr. Moran simply left. Here, he had the isolation and feedom to go about his buisness without having to worry about the public eye. Yet, as blissfull as it has been, even Mr. Moran know that not all things last forever. So, to ease back into the high world of New York, he would marry the daughter of a wealthy buisnessman from Italy. Mr. Moran had never met this girl before, but arranged marriages weren't as uncommen as people belive. He would care for his wife, provide as he always has to those under his domain. The marriage was already final through a contract signed by both parties. Denny knew that the girl was due to arrive soon, possibly today. That was the only reason he could think Mr. Moran had sent for him. Denny continued to pace, nervously wringing his hands together. So many things will change with the arrival of this girl. She was probably like any other socialite woman, one who cared for nothing but diamonds and spreading her legs for the most convienient way of getting them. "How are you today Denny?" Alexander asked as he opened the door and stepped out of his study holding some papers. "Fine, sir. And you?" Denny replied nervously. Alexander gave a small humorless smile, and handed the papers to Denny. "Here are directions where you are to pick up Miss Moreilli. Take the jet, it'll be much faster." "Yes sir," Denny replied. "And Denny, be disreet, you know how important this marriage is. I want her here no later then tonight." "Yes sir," Denny repeated as he turned and walked away. Hours later, Denny stood in the terminal, nervously shifting his weight from one leg to the other. He'd taken a boat to a nearby island that was big enough to house the jet and airport and from there flew directly to Florida. Miss Moreilli was supposed to fly in around three in the afternoon and meet him in the terminal. He'd been waiting for nearly an hour. His palms began to sweat. Mr. Moran was counting on him to bring this woman back soon. Among the crowd stood a young woman with short blonde hair, holding her ticket as she looked hesitantly around the terminal. He held his sign up a little higher, hoping that maybe this woman had missed him. It must be her, she was the prettiest one here, and it seems that she was looking for someone. She continued to scan the crowd, her eyes passing over him time and time again. He was ready to call her name, when the crowd parted and a large woman with brown hair in a tight bun ran toward him. Her body swayed like that of a penguin, matched by the dark black dress she wore. "Mr. Moran? Mr. Moran?" She asked breathlessly with her this Italian accent. "No, I'm his assistant. I'm here to pick up Miss Moreilli." The large woman clutched a hand to her large chest while taking deep breaths to steady herself. "That girl is nothing but a monster!" She finally exclaimed. Denny's jaw dropped. "I was to accompany her, but she snuck out of the plane just before we took off in Italy. That little witch has defied me for the last time! I quit!" She spat vehemously. She turned to walk away, Denny was so shocked, it took him a second to register what she said. Grabbing her arm, he asked "what do you mean? I am to bring her to Mr. Moran TONIGHT!" "She's long gone, sir. Most likely found herself a man who'll shower her with diamonds." The woman shook off his arm, and left. Denny stood watching after her, his body shaking. How was he to explain all of this to Mr. Moran? He'll be furious! He sank to the nearest bench, running his hands through his hair, trying to comprehend the situation. "Excuse me?" a soft voice asked. "Sir?" she repeated when he didn't make any move aknowledging her presence. With a jolt, he looked up, finding that same woman he mistakenly thought was Miss Moreilli standing over him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you," she quickly stuttered, seeing the worry in his eyes. The poor man looked like he was about ready to have a heart attack. His wrinkled brow was dripping with sweat and his hands nervously rubbed his thighs. Despite the expensive suit he wore, he looked like a lost little boy. "I'll go ask someone else." Before he lost his nerve, Denny quickly stood up "its alright, how...how can I help you?" He shakily asked, a plan already formulating. "I was just wondering which way is the A-CRUISE bus-stop? I need to hurry or I'll miss my ship." Upon closer look, there was no way she could've been the missing Italian woman. Although she was quite beautiful, she has short blonde hair, high cheekbones and vibrant green eyes, not the sultry raven hair or sassy brown eyes most Italian woman had. "You're...you're here alone?" He asked shakily. "Yeah," she replied, flashing him a quick smile, "I'm getting away for awhile." Inside, Denny knew this was a bad idea, but it was the only solution he had. "What's your name?" he asked. "Melonie." "Well, Melonie, I'm headed that direction, I'll lead you there." She gave him another dazzling smile, "thank you very much." Denny led her to the private entrance where the limo was parked. "This isn't-" Melonie began, but Denny cut her off, "its a short-cut." "I don't think-" "Its just this way, Ma'm," Denny continued, pulling her into the pick-up road leading toward the parking area. "No, this isn't right," Meloine spat out, twisting away from Denny. She lost her footing, and stumbled into the road just as a car was driving past. It hit her in the torso, thowing her off her feet where her body crumpled on the pavement with her head hitting with a loud crack. Alexnder regared the unconcious woman in Denny's arms. Her slender figure seemed to sink into Denny's fleshy arms and her pale skin seemed to glow against the dark suit jacket Denny wore. Denny had just arrived, telling him that Miss Moreilli had been in an accident in Florida. An on-site doctor had checked her out, saying she'd only been knocked out, and that she would come around within the next few hours. Alexander took her from Denny and cradled her in his arms. She was the last thing he'd ever expected. Her soft cheeks held a tint of rose, covering her high cheekbones. Her long lashes curled over her cheeks, making him wonder what beautifull eyes they hid. He was expecting a raven-haired woman with the temper of a six yearold. Yet, he could only feel tenderness, even a bit of posessiveness, as he looked down at her. The coldness he'd been building toward her begin to melt. How could this lovely creature be the spoiled, permiscuous woman that he'd heard of? "Shall I have her room prepared, Sir?" Denny asked. "No, I'll take her to my room," Alexander replied, turning and taking her upstairs, missing Denny's suprised expression. Even Alexander didn't understand his reasoning for taking her to his room. He'd intended that they would have seperate rooms on seperate ends of the house, but he couldn't help but feel protective. She was, after all, helpless for the moment, and as her husband he would tend to her. Once he reached his room, he gently set her on th bed and stood back, taking a better look at her. She wore faded jeans with a plain white t-shirt, with no jewlery to speak of. How odd. No tennis bracelet filled with diamonds, no designer jeans or silk top. Very gently, he removed her shoes and placed the covers over her. Instead of leaving, he sat on a chair nearby and simply watched. He never believed in love, let alone the possiblity of "love at first sight", but there was something about this woman that drew him to her side. He couldn't quite put his finger on it. Despite his longing to rub a finger down the slope of her cheek, he resisted. For all he knew, this angelic face hid a spoiled aristocratic bitch. He didn't like the idea of leaving his isolated tropical paradise and returning to the cold concrete of New York. It held nothing for him. He had plenty of money, his buisnesses were flourishing, and he was safely out of sight in the press. But, not all things last. The marriage to Miss Moreilli fell into his lap, her father was a buisness partner of his, and it seemed like a profitable soultion for both parties. He never intended to care for her as a husband should care for his wife; he would provide for her, but not expect much else from her. |
| For a moment, Melonie thought that perhaps she was back at her sister's apartment in New York, but the bed was a far cry from the scratchy sheets and lumpy mattress she had been using in Lillian's guest bedroom. Her thoughts turned to her vacation. She certainly wasn't in a hotel or on the cruise ship - again, the bedding was much too luxurious for what she could afford. Then, Melonie tried to stretch and found she ached all over. She could not quite remember why she hurt, but she knew she wasn’t in a hospital. What if she was had been sold as a sex slave? Melonie’s eyes popped open and she bolted upright in the bed. Her body protested the movement almost violently, and she groaned, forgetting her alarming idea. From across the room, there was a rustling of papers, and she ignored her pain, curious to see who it was. And panicked when she discovered he was crossing the floor to stand next to the bed. “Signorina Moreilli, I’m glad to see you are awake.” “Who?” Melonie asked as she gingerly lay back down. She must have hit her head hard. A look of terror passed over the man’s face. “Don’t you know who you are? Or have you lost your memory?” “I’m Melonie Shea, and the only memory I’ve lost is what happened after I got off the plane,” she retorted. His eyes widened, and then a scowl formed. “I’ll be right back.” He stalked out of the room, rather, Melonie thought, like a cat. She decided to take the time to reflect on the strange man who had just called her...well, whatever he’d just called her. His tall, tan frame was topped with dark brown hair. His eyes, too, were brown, and had alternately flashed with kindness and wariness. He had a deep, clear voice, and had spoken softly to her, but she had no doubt it could carry weighted commands as well. Melonie had the distinct impression she had seen him before, not in person, but maybe on TV. Instead of dwelling on it, she turned her attention to the room.... Once out of earshot of his room, Alexander began shouting for Denny. Pissed, he felt, was too mild a word to describe his inner turmoil. He did not doubt that the woman in his room spoke the truth; at the very least, she was not Miss Moreilli. Worse, he wasn’t sure he minded the substitution. But he still needed to know why the Italian woman had not accompanied Denny. And he was going to find out now/. Melonie glanced briefly at a stray Fortune magazine on the bedside table, and the man’s identity hit her like a ton of bricks, though he was not this particular cover. She had seen him, a one Alexander Moran, on several other covers of finance magazines and the like that littered her accountant brother-in-law’s home, not to mention Lillian’s subscription to People. A billionaire (Melonie could scarcely think the word without a shudder), he was considered America’s most eligible bachelor. It was incomprehensible! What she needed was sleep, and then she would wake up in her old room at her mother’s apartment, and discover all of this was some bizarre dream. The final thought that floated through her mind as sleep claimed her, though it barely registered, was that her brother-in-law might, just might, work for one of Moran’s companies. |
| Alexdander stalked through his house, his hands clinched with anger. "Denny!" he bellowed. He rounded the corner and came to the large living room, littered with expensive furniture from Spain in masculine tones of burgandy. Denny jumped up from the loveseat, the brandy in his hand sloshing. He licked his fingers as he set the snifer on a nearby coffee table. "Yyyes si...sir?" Denny replied. "Who did you bring here from the airport?" Denny nervously rubbed his hands together, "its...its Miss Moreilli, sir. Who else?" he stuttered. "According to our guest, she is Melonie Shea." "Per...perhaps the fall has done something with her mem-" "Cease this childish banter! Now tell me who she is!" Alexander interrrupted with an impatient wave of his hand. "I don't know," Denny said defeatedly as he sat on the chair with his shoulders slumped. "Tell me what happened," Alexander said in a calm voice, sitting in the chair across from Denny. "Miss Moreilli's attendent told me that she'd ran off with another man before boarding the plane. I...I didn't know what to do, and suddenly this woman came asking for directions. And I...and I wa...wasn't thinking, I just knew I had to do something. So, I began to lead her to the limo...she...she struggled, and the car ran into her. I thought maybe the hit would do something to her memory, and it seemed like an ok solution. I'm sorry sir, I didn't think-" Alexander waved a hand, stopping Denny's apology. He rubbed his chin thoughtfully for a moment. "What do you know about this woman?" "She told me that she was taking a cruise alone, she needed to get away," Denny replied. Silence filled the room as Alexander fell into deep thought. Denny nervously shifted his weight and wrung his hands. He'd kidnapped a woman for God's Sake! There was no telling what Mr. Moran would do to him! "Do you have any of her things?" Alexander suddenly asked. "Just her purse, sir." Alexander stood up, more assured now that he had a game-plan. "Bring it to me. I want you to take down all of her information and run a full search, I want to know EVERYTHING about her." "Yes sir," Denny replied, standing up. Both men walked out into the large hall littered with paintings and fine pottery. "And call my private investigator in Europe. Have him check into Miss Moreilli's dissapearance." "Yes sir." Alexander paused at the stairs, looking up into the hallway that let to the most intriguing woman he had ever met. What he would do with her, he wasn't sure. The gentlemenly thing to do was to ship her off with his apologies and a heafty monetary gift, but his gut revolted at the thought of her leaving. Some time later, Melonie was able to finally fight her way from the fog of wonderfull sleep and finally open her eyes. These sheets were just heavenly, so soft they begged for another hour of sleep. On top of that, the strong smell of a man in the pillows, it felt like she were waking up in the arms of her lover... Melonie's eyes snapped open and she bolted upright in the bed. She was alone, and the strange man was gone. The room was dark, only the glow of the moon comming through the windows lighting it. Next to her lay a buisness magazine, with the wealthy and handsome Alexander Moran looking arrogantly out the front page. What had she gotten herself into? She wanted to get away and have a vacation, not end up...somewhere with a billionaire! She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and shakilly stood up, her muscles aching in protest. Walking a little wobbly, she opened the door and stepped out into a well-lit hallway. She heard a slight rustle, and quickly rounded a corner where she ran strait into a short woman carrying a large tray. The tray crashed to the floor, spilling plates of food on the nice carpet. "Oh my God! Are you alright?" Melonie asked as she dropped to her knees, searching the woman for injury. "I'm so sorry, I didn't see where I was going." "Its alright miss," the servant replied as she began to pick up the mess. "No, let me do it," Melonie insisted, beginning to stack the dishes and pick up as much food as she could. This carpet must be worth more then Lillian's Impala. "Its my job Ma'm, I'll take care of it," the woman relpied "No really, I-" Melonie was interrupted as a pair of strong hands clasped her shoulders and gently hauled her up. "Marie will take care of it," Alexander said, the corners of his lips lifting into a smile, his eyes sparkling with laughter. |
| {/i}Melonie shivered beneath Alexander’s gaze; fortunately, he did not seem to notice. She did, however, start to worry when the amused look in his eye turned to concern. “Melonie,” her name on his lips sounded almost wistful. Then his tone turned more business-like. “Ms. Shea, maybe I should get a doctor out here. The left side of your face is turning black-and-blue.” She thought for a moment. Calling a doctor could bring more attention than either of them wanted, especially since she couldn’t remember the circumstances of her accident. “No, I’ll be OK without a doctor. Just ice and some aspirin. And I need to call my sister.” Alexander silently let out a breath. “All right. Marie, will you bring those things for Ms. Shea?” he turned to the maid who had picked up everything that could be removed from the floor. Marie nodded and headed back the way she had come, and Alexander turned back to Melonie. “There’s a phone next to the bed in my...um, the room you were in. I’ll get you set up.” She smiled slightly, but her short foray into the hall had tired her considerably, and she was more than happy to rest more. Melonie thought she probably had a concussion. And what would she tell Lillian? She certainly couldn’t tell her where she was. Her sister had once claimed to have met Alexander Moran, although Lillian’s idea of “meeting” anyone famous usually meant she had seen them at the far end of a crowded restaurant while she was coming and they were going. At any rate, Lillian objected to Melonie becoming acquainted with anyone richer or of higher social standing than herself. Her sister wasn’t snotty, exactly, just very particular about her lifestyle. Alexander fluffed several pillows behind Melonie’s back, and handed her the cordless phone. “Thanks,” she muttered, embarrassed by with all his attention. “It’s the least I can do. I’ll come back in a few minutes.” He left the room, but stood just outside the door. Eavesdropping was wrong, especially when Melonie had already been so wronged by Denny and himself. But he couldn’t help it. “Lillian? ...everything’s fine...I know I was supposed to call earlier, but I was in a slight car accident...no, you don’t need to come down here, I’m fine...well, I’m still not OK to get back to the city, but it isn’t that serious. I’ll be staying with a – a friend for a few days at least, then see about joining the cruise ship....I don’t know the number here. Look, I’m kinda tired, so I’ll just call you back later sometime, ‘k?” Alexander frowned slightly. Why wouldn’t Melonie want her sister to know she was staying with him? And why did he care? She was right, she would probably be leaving in a few days, and he would probably never see her again. |
| "It was a bad idea to leave in the first place," Lillian retorted, ignoring Melonie's hint the she wanted to end the conversation, "and school will be ending soon for little Jacob, so if you want the job, you'd better decide soon, or else I'll hire someone else." Melonie rolled her eyes and rubbed her temple. This was the last conversation she wanted to get into. "I already told you no. Now, I'm really tired and my head feels like someone is drilling a hole it, good night!" Melonie replied tightly. She pressed the 'end' button and tossed the phone to the other side of the bed before Lillian could reply. Hanging up on her was a bad idea, but Melonie just couldn't deal with that mess now. Its not like its much better then the situation she's in now, she thought to herself as she once again settled down into those heavenly covers. Alexander's whole body tightened when he heard the quick retort Melonie gave her sister. What had caused that change in tone? What was going on between Melonie and her sister? Quitely, he backed away from the door and walked down the hall. Hopefully Denny's research would answer some of those questions for him. Once reaching his personal office, he sat at his desk and found a well-worn green purse sitting there. Denny must have dropped it off before going home. Alexander sat staring at it. In one day he had managed to aid in her kidnapping, eavesdropped on her personal conversation with her sister, and now was about to search through her purse. He was anything but a gentlemen, he thought ruefully as he finally reached for the puse and opened it. Once open, it released her feminie scent, making him think of long nights tangled in silken sheets... He quickly shook his head, evaporating the sinfull vision as he took out a wallet. Inside he found a little cash, her driver's liscence, and a few pictures. One was a family, a thin woman stood next to a man with thinning black hair holding a pouting boy. The air of the picture reminded him of the snooty circle of families he mingled with back in New York. The woman must be Melonie's sister. In another was Melonie and her sister standing on either side of an ageing woman who seemed barely strong enough to stand. He absently rubbed Melonie's face, there was so much sadness there. He would to anything to rid her of that look. He didn't find any pictures of a man. She didn't have a ring on her finger either. Rather then investigate his releif to these realisations, he continued to search. Inside he found a plane ticket; coach seating he noted, and ticket to the cruise ship. Her accomidations there were a step higher then a rats; the hotel she'd be staying at wasn't much better. She obviously didn't have much money, perhaps not even enough to cover her sparse vacation. Denny had told him that she planned on "getting away." But what was it that she was "getting away" from? It might have something to do with the way the conversation with her sister ended. He'll have to wait untill Denny finishes his research. Remembering that he planned to return to check on Melonie, he put the purse in a drawer and made his way back to her room. Pausing at the door, he listened for any noise, and hearing nothing he stepped in. Melonie was fast asleep. It was comforting to have her in his bed. Quietly, he padded to a nearby seat and watched her sleep. This time he gave in and gently ran a finger down the slope of her cheek. Perhaps the idea of "love at first sight" wasn't so impossible after all. |
| The vibration of his cell phone woke Alexander from a very pleasant dream that had involved Melonie, strawberries, and champagne on the beach. “Denny, do you have any idea what time it is?” Alexander swore the man never slept. Meanwhile, it was nearly two in the morning, and he wanted sleep. At least Denny had the foresight to call his cell phone so as not to bother Melonie, who, for reasons he did not want to investigate, he was dozing next to. “Well, I thought you’d want to hear what I’ve found.” Alexander climbed out of bed and moved toward the hall. “Might as well since you woke me up.” “Melonie Shea: 26, native of New York City. Parents Flynn, first-generation American of Irish immigrants, worked low-paying construction jobs and died in 1997. Georgette St. Pierre, whose family was Southern aristocracy until the crash in ’29 and never regained their financial or social standing. Melonie went to a small college in Ohio for two years on scholarship, then came home when her mother got sick, working as a temp secretary for four more years. The last two she spent caring for her mother, who died three months ago of terminal cancer. She has one sister, Lillian, married to a Dave Gansky, who works for your uptown investing company of yours.” “Gansky, Gansky. Wait – is he one of the six being investigated-” “For possible fraud, money laundering, and/or embezzlement, yes. The couple have a five-year-old son in kindergarten” Alexander rubbed his chin. “Hmmm... It’s a small world.” “It’s even smaller than you think; your PI in Europe hasn’t found Miss Moreilli, but there’s a good chance she’s on her way here.” |
| Alexander paced his outer courtyard, his hands shoved in his pockets and a scowl on his face as he considered. He hadn't been able to sleep since Denny's call last night. The revelations Denny gave him weren't good, and he had to make alot of decisions fast. It would be safer to just ship off Melonie. It would protect her, mostly from him. Yet, he couldn't help but feel protective, and even possesive. It was obvious that whatever she was getting away from had to do with her sister and her husband. He couldn't imagine that she had anything to do with the extortion. Perhaps she was just drained from loosing her mother and needed to take a step back and clear her head. And what would he do about Miss Moreilli? If his PI in Europe was right, then he could only guess that she had discovered that he was wealthier then the man she'd ran off with. After meeting Melonie, the possiblity of being married to Miss Moreilli made his stomach churn. Quickly, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed his attorney. "Mr. White's office, how can I-" "Put me through, Leanne," Alexander interrupted. "Oh, Mr. Moran. Yes, I'll put you through right away." There was a slight pause, then a hasty "Yes," from Mr. White. "Logan, I want you begin to draw up annulment papers." "Annulmant papers? But, Alexander, you've only been married a day or so. Hell, even celebrity weddings last longer then that." "I have reason to belive that Miss Moreilli ran off with another man before she were to come here. That is a breach of contract." "But so soon? Do you have any proof?" "Nothing tangible yet, but I want those papers ready so they can be filed the moment I get to the bottom of this." "But sir," Logan White replied, "isn't this a little-" Before Logan finished, Alexander spied Melonie comming out the french doors and walking down the steps. His conversation with Logan White was forgottan once he spied what she was wearing. One of his white business shirts was bottoned over her soft body. The tails of the shirts rode mid-way down her shapely thighs and with every step he caught a scandulous peek at a pair of his boxers she wore under the shirt. He'd give anything to touch her like the shirt was. He nearly groaned before he heard, "Alexander, are you listening to me?" "Just get those papers ready," Alexander said into the phone before slamming it closed. He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep himself from touching her. Melonie's whole body was red in embarassment as she walked out the doors and into the lavish courtyard overlooking the shoreline. She felt terrible for wearing Mr. Moran's clothes, but her clothes had mysteriously dissapeared. As she came into the courtyard, she heard a small groan, and quickly whipped around to find Mr. Moran staring intnetly at her. "Oh, Mr. Moran, I..." She stammered as she saw the harsh look in his features. Alexander didn't trust himself to speak, or to move. He prayed that she wouldn't come any closer, he was loosing a battle with is own desire. "Are you looking for me?" He asked, his voice sounding more ragged then he planned. Her face turned bright red. "I'm sorry, I woke up this morning and took a shower, but when I got out my clothes dissapeared...I hope you don't mind." |
| "Of...of course not," Alexander managed to say. "Maybe...well, you were going on a cruise, right?" "Yeah," Melonie managed to say. She wasn't sure if she liked the way he was looking at her, or if she liked it too much. Supressing the shivers that ran down her spine was almost too much, and she sank down onto a small, stone bench. "Well, I mean, you can stay here as long as you like, and I could arrange for your luggage to come here." He sounded like a teenager, thought Alexander, and wished he could slap some sense into his head. "Oh! Um, well, you must be really busy, I'd hate to be a burden..." She wanted to say yes, and not just because she would probably never be in such luxurious accomodations again. And she could tell he wanted her to stay. "Not at all; I hardly ever have guests, and I would love some company." 'And here's hoping Miss Moreilli doesn't show up,' he added in his head, before finishing with: "Besides, my assistant Denny said that you had said something about 'getting away,' and trust me, this island is one of the best places to be for that." |
| "I...I don't know what to say," Melonie replied as she wrung her hands together. "Say that you'll stay," Alexander replied, more confident as he sat down next to her. Melonie blushed and turned her face away. Taking his hand, he gently turned her head to face him and asked softly, "please." Melonie reatreated to her room, her hands shaking from nervousness, anticiapation...attraction. She had agreed to stay. There was no mistakening the look of triumph in Alexander's eyes when she agreed. Right after she had agreed, a maid came out with Melonie's clothes explaining that she had taken them to wash them. Melonie quickly changed out of Alexander's clothes, trying to fiugure how she ended up in this mess. Once Melonie dissapeared outside, Alexander pulled out his phone and called Denny. "Denny, I want you to go to the mainlands and buy Melonie a new wardrobe." Alexander rattled off his preferences and sizes he guessed would fit her, and hung up before Denny could protest. Next, he ran inside strait for the kitchen to talk to his head cook. Tonight he would begin his seduction. |
| "Me-e-elonie! I've been sooooo worried!" Melonie sighed. It was never good when Lillian used her whiny voice. "I'm sorry, Lillian, but I really needed some sleep. I'm much better now." "Good! So when are you coming home?" Melonie rolled her eyes. "I haven't decided yet. My friend wants me to stay for a while." "But Mellllonie, I need you sooo muuuuch! And Jacob misses you!" In the background, Melonie heard, "Nuh-uh! She makes me eat carrots! And clean up my toys!" She rolled her eyes. If she had been skeptical about staying before, this hopefully brief conversation with her sister was changing her mind. "I'm staying! I'll probably get back in a week and a half." "At least give me the phone number!" Giving Lillian a phone number, which she didn't have anyway, was the last thing she wanted to do. The woman would probably call hourly until Melonie gave up and went back to New York. "He doesn't have-" "He?! Your staying with a he? Oh, Melonie, that's perfect! I was already thinking that, if you ever got married, your husband could be our chauffer and butler!" As Lillian kept babbling, Melonie's head was spinning. IF she got married? And what sort of man did her sister think she would marry, anyway? She briefly imagined what would happen if she told Lillian she was engaged to someone with even a tenth of Alexander Moran's wealth, and the idea cheered her - slightly. But her agitation quickly came back in full force. She was tired of being the strong one, the one who took on all the family's burdens and had to supress her tears when their mother died. She didn't want to roll over and let Lillian have her own way, and at the expense of her happiness, as she had always let it. "Lillian, stop! How can you even consider planning my husband's life, let alone my own? And even if this stupid "offer" was was in the least bit feasable, what the hell would you do with a butler or a chauffer?" Lillian, astonished at her sister's uncharacteristic outburst, said nothing. "Look," Melonie said, a little calmer, "I'll call you back. We both need to do some thinking before we continue this any further." Melonie hung up and stared at the phone for a moment. Then, with a rush of emotion, she began to cry for all the things she had been holding back. |
| Alexander rushed up the steps to his room. The wardrobe Denny baught had just arrived and he was bursting with excitement to see Melonie's reaction. It had been years since he'd felt any sort of emotion, and suddenly today he was so excited he was fidgeting like a school boy. He stopped dead in his tracks in front of the door, all of his excitement draining away. Was that a muffled sob? Why would Melonie be crying? As quietly as he could, he slowly opened the door to find Melonie sitting on the window bench, her face buried in her knees as her body shook with sobs. The phone lay near her feet. Did her sister cause this? Did she change her mind about staying with him? His gut clinched, he hated to see her like this. Without thinking, he rushed over and gathered Melonie's delicate body into his arms. She gave a startled cry and stilled in his arms. "Shhh, it's ok," Alexander whispered as he pressed his lips against her temple. "Please leave me alone...I need to be alone," Melonie whispered between sobs. "No." Melonie didn't want this. She didn't want to bring Alexander into this. "Please," she whispered. "Whats wrong? Tell me what I can do to help," he asked, his voice ragged. Hearing her sob and whimper like that was tearing him up inside. Melonie didn't want to fight him. For the first time, she felt secure. His arms around her made her feel safe, allowed her to let go and let him be the strong one. "Just hold me," she whispered. |
| Melonie went still, and Alexander thought she might have fallen asleep. When he moved to lay her on the bed, she stirred and lifted her face to his. She meant to thank him, really she did, but when she looked into his eyes, she forgot everything. All either were aware of was that they both were leaning close, lips brushing.... And then someone was knocking on the door. Melonie squeaked and leapt out of Alexander's lap. He called out in frustration, "Denny, this is the worst possible time!" Denny coughed suspiciously, and Alexander ground his teeth. If the man was laughing, Alexander swore he would be fired. "Anyway, you wanted to be informed if your, um, Italian business associate called. He's still on the line asking to renegotiate that contract." Alexander sighed and looked at Melonie a moment. She was bright red and wouldn't meet his eye. "Did you tell Moreilli it's too late?" "He wants to hear it from you, sir." "I'll be right down." He crossed the room to Melonie and took her hands. "I'm sorry, this is urgent business. Before I go, I should tell you that it might be a few days before the cruise line can send your luggage, so I had my assistant, Denny, get you some things. You might want to try them on," he gestured to the pile of bags he had brought. "Oh! You really shouldn't have-" but Alexander was out the door before she could finish. Judging by the AMOUNT of clothing, and it looked like other accessories, too, he wanted to leave before she could refuse his obviously generous gift. |
| "Mr. Moran, I'm pleased to have finally caught-" "The deal is off, Mr. Morielli," Alexander cut in. "You are a buisnessman, no? This deal is too good to cut off now-" "Your daughter ran off with another man and has dissapeared. I'm having my attourney file annulment papers tomarrow." "My people have found her Mr. Moran, she is going to be home tomarrow. Why don't you come to Italy and we'll settle this-" "No, the deal is off and that is final," Alexander growled and slammed down the phone. This whole damn situation was a mess. Except for Melonie. She was a miracle. She'd take away all of this frustration. Having her in his arms was exhilarating, if only Denny hadn't interrupted him. At least for a few weeks he would have her to himself. Hopefully he would have her longer. He quickly slipped out of his office and returned to his room. He found her standing on the balcony leaning on the railing. "Beautiful, isn't it?" He commented as he came and leaned his elbows on the railing next to her. Startled, she replied, "yes," before turning to him and continuing, "I really don't need all of those clothes." Alexander smiled, "they're my gift, its the least I could do." "You've already opened your home to me, really, they're too much, I can't accept them." Alexander studied her, his eyes caressing over her soft features. Her eyes were still puffy and red from crying, without thinking he reached out and ran a finger over her cheek. "Why were you crying?" He asked softly. Melonie rubbed the back of her neck and turned away from him, "it isn't a big deal," she replied. His hands reached her shoulders and turned her towards him, shifting so that she was caged between the railing and his body. "It is, I can see it in your eyes." Melonie sighed, "I've been under alot of stress, alot of family issues." |
| "Can I ask you a question?" Melonie was good at evading questions; she'd had lots of practice with Lillian. So when Alexander assented, she said, "Exactly what happened at the airport? My memory is still a bit fuzzy." He smiled slightly. Melonie was clever, but he hadn't gotten where he was today by letting people change topics. "I'll tell you, but first you have to tell me what is bothering you." Melonie grimaced. There was no escaping telling him because she desperately wanted to know how she wound up here. "My sister has been in the habit of ordering my life since we were little, and she hasn't realized that what she wants for me and what I want for me are two vastly different things." Despite the 'tell me more' look in his eyes, Melonie was not going to reveal anything else. Still, she was curious as to why he would want to know about her problems. |
| "Now it's your turn, how did I end up here?" Melonie replied when he stayed silent. Alexnader sighed, this time looking away in exasporation. How do you subtly explain mistaken identity and kiddnapping? "Denny, my assistant, was the cause of your accident at the airport. Your injuries didn't require a trip to the hospital so I told Denny to bring you here." Melonie nodded and turned back toward the shoreline. Neither had gotten the answer they were looking for. "What was your plans for this vacation?" Alexander asked as he relaxed next to her. "What?" "What were your plans? Sight seeing? Scuba diving?" "Oh, well, I don't really have much of it planned out, I decided to go so fast I didn't really think that far ahead. Why do you ask?" "I am to be your host for the next few weeks. If there is anything you would like to do, I will happily arrange it for you," he replied, leanging closer to her so that their arms touched. He felt the heat of her skin against his and supressed a smal groan. What he would give to have her body pressed against his. "I don't know, I-" Melonie's reply was cut off as she turned her face towards his, only to realise that their faces were only inches apart. |
| "I guess...it's up to...you," she breathed, eyes wide. Alexander grinned. He knew exactly how he wanted to make use of their time together, though he wasn't sure how Melonie would feel about it. But he was determined to find out. Gently, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. A rush of emotions washed over Melonie: confusion, bemusement, desire. It had been years since she had been kissed, and those kisses were the awkward attempts of experimenting teenagers. This was different. This was a real kiss, and she let herself go as she kissed him back. And then reality set in. What was she doing, lip-locked with a man who had more money than God? Given the circumstances, she didn't want Alexander to think she would get involved with him because of his financial assessts, his gifts of clothing, or even gratitude that he had taken care of her after the accident. Somewhere inside her, Melonie knew he would never be content with a woman willing to trade her body for mere thing and she would be ashamed if he thought that of her because it certainly wasn't true. |
| Reluctantly, she pulled her lips away from his. "I'm sorry," she whispered, looking away as her face turned bright red, "I can't be baught." Alexander smiled, that fact alone made her all the more attractive. "That wouldn't make me happier, would you like to go for a walk on the beach?" "What?" Melonie asked, thrown off by his sudden change of subject. "The beach, the sun will be setting soon and it's a georgious view." If it were possible, Melonie's face turned a brighter red. "I don't think I should..." "Nonsense, I'll be breath-taking," Alexander interrupted and pulled her through the house and out the courtyard to the beach Suddenly he stopped and knelt down in front of Melonie. "What are you doing?" "Taking off your shoes, you can't walk along the beach with shoes," he replied casually as he untied her shoe. "Oh," she replied and knelt down to help him. |
| Once both Melonie and Alexander had discarded their shoes, they walked along the shore, allowing the water to tickle their feet. Alexander reached out and clasped her hand in his, and for the first time was fully content. Melonie gave a small tug, trying to dislodge her hand from his, but his grip only tightened. He intended to hold her hand, and that was final. Walking next to him, Melonie realized how intense his presence was. The fact that he was a billionaire only added to his strong permiance. He was a large, strong man. As a matter of fact, he could bodily force her to stay if he so desired. Her mind strayed back to the kiss, what was it he wanted from her? She reluctantly admitted to herself that the kiss left her reeling. Despite her fear of his intentions, she felt relaxed, even safe with him. Afraid to delve any further into her feellings, she looked up into the beautiful skyline and simply enjoyed the experience. Just as the sun was beginning to set, the couple came upon an isolated stretch of beach with a red blanket spread on the sand. On it was a chilling bottle of wine, two wine glasses and a picnic basket. Melonie halted in her tracks, her eyes taking in the beautiful sight. "Whats this?" she asked in a quiet voice. "I'd hoped we could enjoy the sunset with a picnic," Alexander replied. "No, Alexander, I appreciate the gesture, but I cannot accept this. It's too much, maybe I should just go home." Alexander felt a small twinge of panic, and quickly replied, "from the sounds of your life at home, it seems that your the one making sacrifices for other people. Let me take care of you for awhile, I promise you'll be safe in my keeping." |
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