The tycoon bride

Chapter seven

      At that point, and giving neither of them a chance to recover, the door swung open and a nurse walked in carrying Melanie. 

        "Ah you are awake. "she smiled at Melony, seemingly unaware of the sizzling atmosphere she walk in to. Stepping over to the bed, she gently laid the sleeping babydown on it. "she has been fed, change and generally spoiled, "she informed then as she straightened. "so you need not concern yourself about her welfare for the next few hours. "

          "Thank you, you've all been very kind. "

           "No problem, "the nurse dismissed ."If you feel up to it, you can leave whenever you want, "she concluded, and with a brisk squeak of rubber on linoleum was gone again leaving a tension behind her that stuck like glue to Melony's teeth and throat, making it impossible for her to speak or swallow. 

             So instead she move to check on the baby. As the nurse had assured her, Melanie look perfectly contented. 

               "I apologise for the altercation earlier " he murmured suddenly. " I had no right to remark upon either your life or your morals. And I certainly had no right to make certain assumption about you or your situation. I am, in fact, ashamed of myself for doing so. "

                Quite a climb down, she noted, nodding in acceptance of his apology. "Who are you?, I mean  what your name? It seems crazy that we have spent almost half the day together and I don't even know your name. "

              "Your aunt never mentioned me? " he asked

               Melony shook her head. "Only that she worked with the head of a merchant bank, "she told him. 

                He seemed to need a few moment to take a moment to take this information in, which Melony thought was rather odd of him. "My name is Andreas markopoulou, "he then supplied. "I am Greek, "he added, as though he felt it needed saying. 

                 Consequently, the silence came back, but it was a different kind of silence now as they stood there eyeing each other as if neither quit knew what next. It was all very strange, very hypnotic, Melony thought hazily. 

                   Then he seemed to give himself a mental shake and stepped up to the other side of the bed. "Maybe we should leave now,"he huskily suggested. 

                  "Oh, yes, "she said, and bent with the intention of scooping Melanie up with her good arm. 

                  "But he stopped her. "I will carry her, " he insisted, adding almost diffidently now that they seemed to be trying very hard not to tread on each other feeling, " perhaps you would accept the use of my jacket? The day is drawing in and it must be quite cold outside........ "

                   A hesitant nod of agreement had him rounding the bed as he removed his jacket so he could place it across her slender shoulder, then he was turning to get Melanie. And without another word passing between them they made their way to the hospital exit. 

                   Just as he predicted, it was cold outside, but within seconds of them appearing his car came sweeping into the kerb just in front of them. As soon as the car stopped, the driver's door open and a steely haired short, stocky man in a grey chauffeur uniform stepped out. 

                 Rounding the car, he touched his peaked hat in greeting and deftly open the rear door politely inviting Melony inside. 

                 Wincing a little because of her bruises ribs didn't like the pressure place on them to make the manoeuvre, it wave minute or two before she take in the sheer luxury of her surroundings, a soft kid leather upholstery and impressive amount of in car communication hardware. 

                  It all felt very plush, very decadent. Very Andreas Markopoulou, she thought wryly as the door opened and the man coiled himself next to her with out Melanie. 

                 "Be at ease, "he said before she could voice her question ."she is perfectly safe. See, I will show you..... "

                  Reaching out towards the door panel he pressed a button that sent thecdark glass partition between them and the driver sliding smoothly downwards. Having to carefully so it didn't hurt too much, she move forward a little so she could peer over the front passenger seat where she found Melanie snugly strapped into a baby car seat fixed to the seat next to the beaming driver. 

                  A car seat just for Melanie? "you really shouldn't have gone to so much trouble for us, "Melony mumbled awkwardly. " You've done more than enough as it is. "

                  "It nothing, "he dismissed, sitting back and pressing the button that brought back the partition window sliding up back. 

                     She was edging herself carefully back on the sit when a thought hit her. "That seat  isn't new,is it? " she asked. "You have borrowed it from someone? "Oh please let him say he borrowed! She prayed fervently.

                      But the arrogant look he levelled at her spoke absolute volumes and has Melony stiffening in dismay."But the expense! "she cried. "I won't be able to pay you back! "

                       "I was not expecting you to, "he drawled. 

                      "I will have to ask my aunt if she will reimburse you, "she decided stubbornly .

                       "forget it, "he said. 

                        "Bit I don't want to forget it! "she cried. " I hate being beholder to  anybody!".

                        Arrogantly he ignore all of that. "Please fasten your seat belt, ".Then, "leave it, "he advised when she opened her mouth to continue the argument. "It is done. The seat is bought. Further argument is futile........ "