The Tycoon's Secret Affair (The Anetakis Tycoons #3)(33)

Each step he took was in careful consideration of her comfort. When he reached the steps to the plane, he ducked down and walked inside.

Never before had she seen the inside of a private jet, and if she’d been expecting a smaller version of a regular airliner, she was mistaken. There were seats in the front covered in soft, supple leather that looked incredibly luxurious and comfortable. Beyond them was a sitting area with a recliner and a couch along with a coffee table, television and a mini bar.

Piers followed the direction of her gaze. “After we take off, I’ll show you the rest. There’s a bedroom in the back of the plane that you can lie down in. There’s also a small kitchenette, so if you want anything, you’ve only to let the flight attendant know.”

Her eyes widened. “Flight attendant? You have one for the plane?”

“Of course. She travels with the pilot. They’re a husband and wife team. It’s an arrangement that suits them well. Now, would you like a window or an aisle seat?”

“Window,” she said.

He carefully settled her in place and then took the seat next to her. Before fastening his seat belt, he reached over and gingerly buckled hers into place, leaving it loose around her belly.

The flight attendant walked up with a smile and greeted Piers. Then she turned her smile on Jewel. “I’m very happy to meet you, Mrs. Anetakis. If there is anything I can get you during the flight, don’t hesitate to ask. We’ll be cleared for take off shortly. Would you like something to drink while you wait?”

Jewel shook her head. “No thank you. I’m fine for now.”

Minutes later, they taxied down the runway and took off. Jewel leaned her head on Piers’s shoulder and snuggled into his warmth. As curious as she was to see the rest of the plane, getting up and moving hurt too much. She was perfectly content to remain here for the duration of the flight.

“You’re still not going to tell me where we are?” Jewel asked several hours later as their car wound its way along a curving highway.

Piers smiled. “Patience, yineka mou. I think you’ll find it’s well worth the wait.”

She sighed and relaxed in her seat. Wherever they were, it was beautiful and unspoiled. She’d lay odds it was in the Caribbean or some similar tropical place. Were they going to one of his hotels?

They stopped at a security gate where Piers punched in a code. Huge iron gates swung slowly open, and they continued up the drive.

Lush greenery abounded. It was like driving into a private paradise. Flowers, plants, fountains and even a mini waterfall cascaded over rocks in the distance.

And then she saw the house. Her mouth fell open at the sight of the stunning cottage, well if you could call something so huge a cottage. But despite its size, it had the look of a cozy, stone cottage. It looked positively homey.

“Is this where we’re staying for the time being?” she asked when the car pulled to a stop beside another large fountain with flowers floating serenely in the pool surrounding it.

“This is your house, yineka mou. It now belongs to us.”

She was struck positively speechless.

“But the best is yet to come,” he said.

She watched him walk around the front of the car and wondered how on earth it could get any better?

He helped her from the car and motioned his security men who were standing several feet away. They quickly disappeared while Piers put a strong arm around her waist and urged her toward a walkway leading around the house.

And then she heard it. The distant sounds of waves crashing. She inhaled deeply, catching the salty air in her nostrils.

“Oh Piers,” she breathed.

They topped a small rise between a section of gardens and the wooden deck jutting from the house over a sharp cliff. She looked out and all she could see was a great expanse of ocean. Brilliant blue, so stunning it almost hurt her eyes to look at. It sparkled like a million sapphires.

The walkway continued, smooth in places and at other areas it became a series of steps leading down to the beach. The house was situated on the cliff in a secluded cove between two outcroppings. It afforded them a small stretch of sandy beach, completely private.

It was the most magnificent view she could have imagined. And it was theirs.

“I don’t know what to say,” she whispered. “This is my dream, Piers. I can’t believe this is ours.”

“It’s yours, yineka mou. My wedding gift to you. I have it on good authority it comes equipped with a full staff, including a certain chef you’ve grown extraordinarily fond of.”

She threw her arms around him, ignoring the painful jolt to her incision. “Thank you. It’s so wonderful, Piers. I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you.”

“By taking good care of yourself and my daughter,” he said seriously. “I don’t want you taking the pathway down to the beach unless I’m with you.”

“I promise,” she said joyfully. Right now she’d promise him the moon.

“Come inside. Dinner has been held for us. We’ll eat on the terrace and watch the sun go down.”

She went eagerly, anxious to see the inside of the house. He gave her a quick tour of the downstairs before they walked onto the deck in the back. Their places had been set, and she eased into her chair to wait for the food.

“It’s so gorgeous,” she said in awe. She was completely and utterly overwhelmed by the knowledge that she lived here now, that this place was hers. It was all simply too good to be true.