Day two of her fantastic Greek holiday, Haley strolled into the sun drenched breakfast room the next morning. The room's sophisticated yet unstudied harmony of gentle whites and cream, lent an ostentatious yet classical look that did not look overdone. Radiant light flooded through the huge bay windows, basking it with the warmth of the morning sun. The immaculately landscaped garden was visible with picturesque floral beds and secular oak trees. She found Xanthus alone at the head of the table enjoying an espresso, having finished his breakfast.

'Why didn't you wake me up?' She scolded him as she kissed him on the lips, tasting the strong flavour of his coffee.

'Kaliméra' Xanthus smiled, pulling her onto his lap. 'I did try, more than once,' he grinned. 'You just groaned very sexily and promptly turned to the other side.'

'Clearly, you didn't try hard enough,' Haley smiled, circling her arms around his neck.

He had tried, but it had given him the opportunity to have a talk with his errant sibling. Needless to say Ducas had been most embarrassed to learn that his big brother had returned home specifically, to deal with his unruly behaviour. And in his quiet yet assertive manner, Xanthus had gotten an apology from Ducas without even requesting one, and a promise to change his behaviour.

'Clearly, you were still jet-lagged,' he pressed his lips to her silky throat.

Haley moaned deliriously,' Xanthus I'm starv---.'

A discreet clearing of a throat, stopped Hayley completing her sentence.

She looked up to see Maria Laskaris' eyes darting her with a disapproving look. She slowly rose from Xanthus' comfortable lap.

Where was the warm Greek hospitality she had read about? And what had she done to be on the receiving end of Maria's cold, disapproving reception?

'Good morning,' Haley smiled brightly, ignoring the woman's hostile reception.

'Kaliméra,' Maria returned reluctantly.

'Breakfast smells divine,' Haley walked to the breakfast stand. The tantalising ensemble of delights made her stomach pang. There was the normal array of Greek tradition, hard boiled eggs, feta, olives; butter, honey, marmalade, yogurt. The freshly baked, thick crusted bread had her tongue drooling. There were rich pastries with cheese fillings and delicious aroma of frappé coffee. The popular cold coffee was refreshing for the hot Greek summer mornings.

'What is this Xanthus?' Haley quickly called to him, when she saw from the corner of her eye, Maria approaching the breakfast stand.

'It is called dolmades,' Maria answered. 'It is made with grape leaves.'

Xanthus immediately sauntered to Haley, casually draping an arm around her waist. 'It is delicious,' he smiled. 'It is stuffed with grainy rice, toasted pine nuts and mama adds a spicy touch of chilly, fresh herbs and seasoning for added flavour. Try it,' Xanthus laughed, when he saw her hesitate at the platter tray.

'Okay,' Haley smiled and sampled a tiny cocktail size of the Greek favourite. 'Mmm, it is delicious,' Haley licked her lip, enjoying the combined flavour of onion, tomato, herbs, chilly and rice wrapped in a vine leaf. 'It really is lovely, Mrs. Laskaris.'

'Thank you,' the elder women accepted, unsmilingly.

'None of this formality,' Xanthus laughed. 'Everybody calls mama, Maria.'

By "everybody" does Xanthus mean all his previous lovers?

Haley silently observed, Maria, did not acquiesce Xanthus' comment, as she added a few pastries to her plate and ignored the grudging look in Maria's eyes. Clearly the woman thought, she should lay low on the pastries, but Hayley threw caution to the wind, perhaps she'll get back to gym, when they return home. Much as she wanted to display an air of defiance to the Laskaris matriarch, Haley could not pull it off, and sadly did not do justice to the sumptuous breakfast. It was hard to swallow. She kept looking Xanthus' way, but he was engrossed in the local morning newspaper.

Haley was delighted when after breakfast, Xanthus offered her a tour of his vast estate. It was a huge estate. Using a rugged looking SUV, he gave her a private tour of his thriving grape and olive vineyard. Haley sampled some of the grapes and olives, some of it fed to her from Xanthus' seductive fingers. After a few hours, Xanthus pulled up in front of a thatched structure that looked like a refreshment station in the middle of the orchard.

'Hungry?' Xanthus asked.

'Always,' she laughed, especially since she was robbed of enjoying breakfast.

'Come on then,' Xanthus smiled, opening her door for her. 'It is self- service.'

Though the SUV had air-conditioning, the Mediterranean sun was hot and the weather humid.

The enormous thatched room oozed rustic charm with its solid, unvarnished concrete floor cool, refreshing and a welcome relief from the sun.

'Who owns it?' Haley asked, seeing nobody about.

It housed a large inglenook fireplace on the once side, original oak rafters and very low beams, gave it a country feel. There were a few wooden tables and benches spread about like a restaurant. On the opposite side of the fire place stood two refrigerators with an assortment of cool drinks and in the front stood glass enclaves like a deli with an assortment of cold meats, salads, delicious smelling breads, and what looked like braised lamb with fresh vegetables. They helped themselves to a plate each of the refreshing nourishment.

He held out a chair for her. 'It used to be a storage shed for our equipment,' Xanthus answered, looking around the room. 'I often found the labourers sitting here in the shade, amongst the equipment in their lunch hour having their meals, so I relocated the equipment elsewhere and converted this into a dining hall. The kitchen prepares fresh meals each day for all the staff. So they come in here help themselves and return to work. Of course it's a little after lunch now,' he looked at his watch, 'so most of the staff are back at their duties.'

'That is so sweet of you Xanthus. You're a good man,' she spoke softly and immediately felt a pang of guilt at her less than scrupulous initial agenda in taking him to bed, but all that has changed now. She loved him and it was a wonderful feeling.

'Thank you, Xanthus laughed, interrupting her thoughts. 'Now let's have some lunch,' he smiled.

       The following evening Maria had arranged a welcome back party for Xanthus. The Laskaris forecourt, garden and pool area had been turned into a floodlit entertainment venue. Hired caterers were on hand serving the numerous invited guests. Clearly the Laskaris family were popular, well known and influential, if, the numbers in attendance were anything to go by. Champagne and other drinks flowed easily, popular music was blaring. A group of young people were dancing near the pool area.

Earlier Haley had been introduced to Eva, who was the sister to Xanthus' very able personal butler. Her professional eye now observed the intimate exchanges between Eva and Ducas. Eva would blush, smile and look away shyly. Clearly the young couple were lovers. It sickened Haley that Ducas had hit on her the day he set eyes on her, when apparently he was in a questionable relationship with the impressionable young Eva. She must be what 17 ...18?

Haley wondered if Eva knew what she was doing. She was too young to be throwing herself at Ducas. But clearly the younger Laskaris brother was a Romeo of note and largely popular with both the male and female guests. Perhaps Eva was besotted, that it was her that the popular Ducas had set his eye on, but for how long? Before he broke her heart, ruined her and destroyed her future. Haley knew that the loser Ducas, was only using Eva. He would never keep her happy, nor would he be faithful to her. He had demonstrated to Haley that he was a player, indifferent to the feelings of the women he shamelessly hit on. All he was interested in was fast sex, not relationships or the feelings of the women he bedded.

'Hey I've been searching everywhere for you,' Xanthus interrupted her thoughts, handing her a glass of chilled champagne. He lifted his glass, watching her drink hers, his eyes not leaving her mouth. ..

'Do I have competition?' he growled softly, curving his arm around her tiny waist. He'd caught her attention focused on a group of young men, standing in the far opposite end to where she stood. She watched the pool of desire cloud his eyes, till they became like silver rims.

Haley looked into his eyes, smiled at him, ecstatic that the blatant desire in his eyes was for her alone. She couldn't help comparing Xanthus to his sibling. They may share similar traits, some good, some not so good, but at least Xanthus had scruples. He was a one woman man. Haley knew that without a shadow of a doubt. And it pleased her to witness that the many lustful females' eyes directed at Xanthus, were not reciprocated by him.

'No silly,' her smile broadened, her arm curved indulgently around his neck. 'I saw all your female fan club jostling for your attention, so I thought I'd wait it out here for you.

He threw his head back and laughed. 'You're far too trusting,' he murmured in her ear. 'Don't expect the same from me,' he cautioned, his eyes holding hers. 'May I have this dance?' He held out his hand politely as the music changed to a ballad.

'Yes, with pleasure,' she put down the glass and allowed Xanthus to lead her to the makeshift area that had become the dance floor. Haley settled comfortably in Xanthus' arms as he expertly guided her to the tune of the music. She leaned closer towards him, resting her cheek against his chest.

Xanthus held his breath. Did Haley know what she was subjecting him to? Her delectable body was pressed so close to him, the scent of her skin was driving him crazy. He felt the warmth of her soft breath on his chest through the silk of his thin shirt. He could not understand the power this woman had over him but she reveled in it, met his needs head-on, matching him with a fiery passion of her own.

'Haley__' he groaned softly. With the feel of his lips against her temple and hunger building inside her, she was aware of nothing except his hard virile body crushing hers, his hips ground into hers, his heart hammered against her breast.

She fitted him perfectly, in every way. Their bodies moulded perfectly in sync. They were great in bed together. She was quietly confident, intelligent and unassuming. He enjoyed their many varied conversations. She could hold a conversation on just about any topic. And the thing that fascinated him about Haley was her undemanding nature, unlike his previous lovers who sought to monopolize his time and attention, yet Haley Stafford's obsession with materialism troubled him.

Under different circumstances, she would be the ideal woman, he would want to think about a future with, but could he trust her intentions? Was she with him for him or for what is wealth could do for her? It left a bitter taste in his mouth and made him weary and he'd like to think his instinct had never let him down previously... if only his body got the memo.

Haley dared to look up into his face and found the same desire wreaking havoc in the depths of her core was reflected in his hungry eyes.

'Xanthus --- this party is for you.'

'And I'm appreciative. Now come with me,' he gripped her wrist fiercely and led her a roundabout way via the kitchen, that led to another room, that led to the library; that led to another set of stairs to his suite. They laughed conspirationally as they ran up the last few stairs. Inside his bedroom, he positioned her against the door, his caressing hand swept under her dress, up her thigh, his silver eyes holding hers captive.

'One would think you're sex-starved Xanthus,' she murmured, wrapping her arms around him.

'I am,' he murmured.

She closed her eyes as his lips claimed hers. He unzipped her dress, letting it bunch around her ankles. His lips sunk to the hollow of her neck. His fingers tenderly caressed each breast. The pad of his thumb explored each aroused nub.
She groaned softly, a sound of exquisite pleasure, pulling him closer. His tongue tasted one nipple and suckled hungrily. He slid his finger inside the edge of her panties... found her hot and wet... so ready for him.

A guttural sound escaped his throat as he explored her moistness, feeding and taunting her hunger. She moaned, hinting of her urgency as she urged herself against him. Xanthus lifted her under her knees and swiftly carried her to his bed.

They lay in each other's arms spent and satiated. Haley snuggled close to Xanthus, her fingers trailing through the dark curly hairs on his chest. She smiled as Xanthus whispered naughtily in her ear.

'You're so quiet,' he grinned in a self-satisfied way.

Haley sighed softly. 'I think Ducas and Eva are lovers,' she spoke quietly.

Xanthus stilled. She sensed him instantly go from hot to ice cold as he strode out of the bed.

'Xanthus!'

He went ballistic, hastily put his clothes back on and stormed into Ducas' room ready to murder him.

'Put that on and leave!' Xanthus growled at the naked Eva. 'She is just a girl!' Xanthus landed a furious fist on Ducas' face.

        Haley hurriedly put her crumpled dress back on, fumbled with the zip and ran bare-footed after Xanthus. She screamed as she found Xanthus pounding Ducas' body as if he was a punching bag. Eva was standing outside and sobbing.

'Stop it Xanthus!' Haley managed to pull the furious Xanthus away from Ducas.

Ducas wiped the blood that was trickling from the corner of his lip and uttered in Greek with a cynical sneer.

'She is just a whore, begging for it... like all the rest.'

Xanthus jerked Haley's arms away and rushed for Ducas again. He managed to land another fist on Ducas' face before Haley screamed at Xanthus to stop.

'Xanthus why are you behaving so violently?' Haley managed surprisingly to get a vice grip around his steel arms.

'She is a child...only 17!' He pointed outside to where Eva could still be heard sobbing. 'I expected him to take care of her in the absence of her brother ... not feed on her like a starved animal,' Xanthus' eyes looked murderous.

His use of the words "starved animal" ... made Haley think of what they had just indulged in, in his room, but they were two consenting adults; not an impressionable teenager like Eva.

She cringed at her lustful thoughts when the Laskaris brothers were at war with each other.

'Oh listen to my self -righteous brother,' Ducas sneered. 'He never puts a foot wrong. Mama's favourite perfect son, hard- working, knight in shining armour. Always was the highest achiever, first in class, straight A student in university, wealthy billionaire. Now, me I am just the spare... the accident, the burden... the outcast.'

Haley was shocked to the core at what she was hearing. This was the classic text book case of sibling rivalry, underscoring the contextual sensitivity of specific emotional reaction and the complexity of family dynamics contributing to Ducas' emotional expression of the younger, insecure sibling feeling neglected, abandoned and unwanted. Her eyes fell to Xanthus who was standing still staring wide-eyed at his younger brother. Haley wanted to wrap her arms around Xanthus, but the cold, unwelcome look in his eyes frightened her.

Xanthus stared at his younger brother wondering where he had gone wrong with him. He had showered him with love. Had without hesitation taken care of every financial and material need of Ducas. He'd never said no to Ducas, had treated him like an adult expecting him to show responsibility but all Ducas demonstrated was irresponsibility, laziness and self-indulgence.

The one thing Ducas had never challenged was his big brother's authority. Perhaps because he knew the hand that fed him. Was today the day, Ducas was going to foolishly cross his brother? Didn't he know the ramifications? Xanthus never bartered with finances or material possessions when it came to his brother. He commanded respect and got it. But if Ducas was going to challenge his brother today, then today will be the day when he will lose his big brother. Xanthus will continue to see to his younger brother's financial needs but emotionally ... there will be no longer be a bond. It would be over. It was Ducas' call.

As if sensing Xanthus' silent withdrawal, Haley dared to comment. 'Ducas, there's no need to criticize your brother. Xanthus loves you. He has your best interests at heart. He cares very much for you.'

'Oh do me a favour! Spare me the psycho-analysis,' Ducas spat out. 'Leave that for the professionals, okay?'

I am a professional!

'Sorry,' Haley murmured.

'You're judging me for what I have achieved!' Xanthus thankfully spoke in English, pointing a finger accusingly at his indifferent brother sitting upright under the sheets in his bed. 'I am not ashamed of who I am or what I have accumulated for myself and those that benefit from my wealth, Ducas. I am proud of who I am and what I have acquired,' Xanthus spoke calmly. 'What right do you have to criticize me? Did I steal your birth right? Did I rob you of an education? Did I steal from your bank account? Did I acquire anything through ill-gotten gains?' Xanthus strode towards Ducas threateningly.

Haley rushed forward quickly, grabbing Xanthus by the arm. 'Please __,' she begged softly. 'Let's go back to your room.'

Xanthus inhaled heavily, seeing the fear in Haley's pleading eyes. He was by no means done with Ducas. There was a lot more he wanted to get of his chest ... but the frightened look in Haley's eyes prickled his conscious.

'We shall continue this in the morning Ducas. I want you in my study at 8 in the morning. Don't' be one second late!' Xanthus spoke softly but his authority was unmistakable.

Haley looked at Ducas who was glaring furiously at his brother with narrowed eyes and wondered if he would heed his big brother's summons.

As Xanthus led Haley out, Eva was still standing there sobbing. Haley wrapped her arms around the sobbing Eva and comforted her. When she quietened down, Haley offered to walk her to one of the other bedrooms.

'I'll go home,' Eva pleaded.

'It is too late Eva,' Xanthus spoke from behind them. 'Stay in one of the guest suites. I will get a driver to take you back home in the morning.'

'I---I ---I'm sorry Mr. Laskaris,' she whispered.

'It is not your fault. My brother is an adult. He should have known better that to seduce an impressionable young lady.'

'I can't let him take all the blame....'

'Go to bed Eva.' Xanthus instructed quietly. 'My brother will not be troubling you ever again.'

A soft sob could be heard from Eva, before she was ushered away by a maid servant who seemed to have sprung up from nowhere. Did the Laskaris employees just know when their master needed them even in the dead of night?

'Come!' Xanthus extended his hand to Haley.

They walked silently back to his suite. Haley wondered if she'd done the right thing outing Ducas and Eva.

'You did right to tell me,' he spoke softly as if reading her mind.

Haley stayed silent.

'How did you know?' Xanthus asked as they got into bed again.

Haley inhaled.
Woman's intuition?
She shrugged her shoulders, unable to explain her earlier observation of the two lovers.

'I was scared of you Xanthus.'

He shut his eyes for a second. 'It is the first time in my life, that I have ever laid a hand on another human being,' his tone was filled with anguish.

'When you were growing up, you and Ducas --- never fought?'

Xanthus smiled. 'No, he was always all over me like a rash. We were always inseparable, until I went away to university. When I came back home 5 years later, Ducas had changed and things have become increasingly strained between us, why I do not know.'

Haley knew. But she could not give him a psychological analysis right now...not now.

'I'm sorry,' she whispered wrapping her arms tightly around him.

Haley thought just her arms around him, would offer some sort of solace, but Xanthus' body had other ideas. He craved her love like a drug. Like an addict he could not stop himself...until his body was satiated and he slept quietly, soundlessly till the morning.

                                                                          -           -end chapter eight-