Blackmailed For Vengeance

By Marie Kelly

"You are blackmailing me to sleep with you," she cried in horror, her eyes staring at him. He had frowned angrily "I didn’t say anything about you sharing my bed" he replied "I have never had to force a woman to sleep with me, and I certainly don’t intend to start with you" he said with complete contempt in his voice "Please don’t flatter yourself"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Kelly
• Release date: May 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781476071930

Marie Kelly

A hopeless romantic and weaver of words. While I live in Canada, Scotland will always be in my heart.

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Blackmailed for Vengeance

by

Marie Kelly

Special Smashwords Edition

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Blackmailed for Vengeance

Special Smashwords Edition

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Copyright © 2021 Marie Kelly. All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical without the express written permission of the author. The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

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CHAPTER ONE

Lee Andrews sat on the hospital chair, her hand holding that of the man who lay still on the bed beside her. She spoke soothingly to him, but his eyes remained closed. Equipment around his bed blinked and beeped in a manner which both fascinated and frightened the small brunette, Lee pleading for him to wake up.

Jim Donovan was a good friend of Lee's, and news of his accident had been a shock. Particularly when she heard he lay in a coma, lucky to be alive after his car swerved off the road and hit a tree. The nurse Lee earlier spoke to had been comforting, informing her his injuries were not life-threatening. But before Lee could feel any sense of relief, she added ominously that it was too early to tell what damage might have been done to his brain until he came out of the coma. Seeing how the young woman's eyes had opened in shock, the kindly nurse quickly added that initial indications were positive. She had smiled as she told her they would all have to be patient.

That had been two days ago. Each day after work, Lee made the hour's journey to the hospital to sit there talking to him. She knew his only family was his father, an older man unable to make the journey from the US. Lee did not want Jim to have nobody visiting him. So she made the journey herself. She would hold his hand and tell him in as upbeat a voice as she could manage about their friends and the events of her day. She hoped somehow, he would hear her, nobody knowing when, or even if, he would come out of it. As she sat there on the third day, chin resting on the hand which held his, Lee shivered. The sudden prickly sensation of being watched slithered down her back. Looking up, she was surprised to see the man stood at the door. He was tall, incredibly handsome and exuding raw masculine power.

Lee held her breath as their eyes met, the sight of him instantly sending an unexpected jolt of awareness through her tired body. The disconcerting manner her stomach flipped was shocking, her gaze immediately dropping to hide the confusion of her reaction. He too stopped. A look of surprise filled the dark, almost black eyes as he watched her. His inscrutable look flicked over Lee before he recovered, flashing her one of the most dazzling smiles she had ever seen. Hello. I am sorry – I did not realise Jim had a visitor. He spoke gently with a tinge of an accent that ran pleasantly down her spine, like warm trickling water.

Lee slowly stood, tenderly placing Jim's hand back onto the white starched hospital sheet. No... please. Her words stalled the man about to turn and leave. I really have to go anyway. I'm sure he would like the company. She looked down at her friend before bending down and kissing his forehead. Wake up soon, Jim, she murmured before moving towards the door.

As the large man moved aside to allow her to pass, Lee enjoyed the smell of his aftershave, which enveloped her, its intoxicating aroma so pleasurable. For a moment, the temptation to close her eyes and inhale his scent was overpowering, Lee aware of the man in a way she had never experienced. As she stepped out of the room, she thanked him with a small, shy smile, determined to put some distance between them before he realised her reaction.

However, he followed her, his deep voice questioning. I am sorry, are you Jim's girlfriend?

She turned around in surprise, large hazel eyes looking back politely. No. Just a friend. We work together. I try to look in on him, that's all. I didn't think he would have anybody else able to visit, and I didn't want him alone.

The man once again smiled at her. Well, that is very kind of you. I'm sure he would appreciate it.

Lee suddenly felt awkward and flustered at his words, smiling back, eyes dropping from him. It was nice to meet you, she managed. I'll pop back tomorrow and see him again.

The man before her watched Lee silently for a moment before a sensual light filtered into those dark eyes. He gave her a boyish grin, his voice filled with a warmth and an all-too-easy charm. I'm sure he would like that. Perhaps if you are here at the same time tomorrow, I could take you for a coffee? The question was asked on a sensual slur, his almost hypnotic gaze holding hers.

Lee raised her eyes to look back, her expression smoothing into politeness, voice firm. That's very kind of you. But I really wouldn't have the time.

The man raised a quizzical eyebrow but said nothing, his attention taken by the nurse who moved to talk with him. However, as she turned to leave, his head lifted to watch her. Not sure why, her whole body tingled, feeling his look, like a touch on her. Leaving the hospital, Lee scolded herself. Grow up, Lee. He's only a man. Ignoring the voice in her head, which added. 'A fantastically gorgeous man.' As if a man like that would ever really be interested in someone like her. She chuckled before running to catch the bus which was approaching her stop. Nope. Men like that were never offering coffee and a chat. Not unless conversations these days were held horizontally.

At home, Lee threw off her shoes, sinking into the couch, exhausted. After spending eight hours at the PR office she worked, organising for a charitable event which seemed to be developing bigger and bigger problems as each day passed, she was exhausted. Despite this, she had still visited Jim and picked up her neighbour's shopping. Mrs Green, an amazing woman in her 70's, had nobody else. Lee always made sure the woman had food and somebody to talk to. She spent time with her most days, knowing how important she had become in her life.

Lee had stayed for her usual cup of tea and listened while the older woman told her stories of her younger years. She enjoyed listening to Mrs Green and would usually sit contentedly for an hour or more as the older woman spoke. However, that day she was drained. As she tried to hide a yawn behind her hand, Mrs Green laughed, a soft tinkling sound which made her eyes twinkle. She insisted Lee leave early after hearing the story of her day.

Lee groaned, guilt spearing her, knowing the older woman had nobody else and looked forward to her visits. She made a mental note to visit her first the next day. Deep down, however, Lee wondered if this was due to her desire to avoid running into the man with the darkest eyes she had ever seen. Her lips curved into a rueful smile as she dragged herself from the comfortable chair. Lee ran herself a bath while making a small supper of tea and toast, eating it with relish, not having realised just how hungry she was.

Moving back to the small bathroom, she pulled off her clothes about to step into the warm water. She regarded herself in the mirror, sighing at what she saw. At 24, Lee was of average height, about 5'5. Her slim, curvaceous figure turned many heads, though she found the attention uncomfortable if she even noticed. She pulled her long, almost black, layered hair from the band which held it away from her face with a weary sigh. Instantly it tumbled around her shoulders and down her back, framing her tired face. Large hazel eyes, almond in shape, fringed with long black lashes gave her an innocent look which had men's pulses race, although she was often unaware of the effect she had on them.

Seeing how exhausted she looked, her normally glowing skin lacklustre, she stuck her tongue out at herself. This action caused her mouth to curve into a large warm smile revealing the two small dimples on her cheeks and lighting her whole features. As she made to enter the beckoning water, her doorbell rang. She groaned, removing the toe that was the only part of her that managed to get wet. With a small sigh, Lee pulled on her thin bathrobe before moving to the door. She cautiously opened it to peer out to see who would be calling at that late hour.

With a gasp of surprise, she recognised the man from the hospital. Her eyes widened at seeing him. He looked back at her with equal surprise before seeming to shake himself, looking behind her as though hoping to see somebody else. Are you Lee Andrews? This time when he spoke, there was a coldness in his voice and a slight frown on his face.

Yes, she replied, suddenly feeling panic rising within her. Has something happened? Is Jim OK? Her large eyes grew wider with fear as she dreaded hearing the worst, remembering how she left her details with the hospital.

The man before her frowned even deeper. Jim's condition hasn't changed. May I please come in? He asked the question with a pointed look around, as one of her neighbours appeared at their door.

Lee opened the door to let him in, confused as to why he was there. My name is Yanis... the man started to say before she cut across him.

I know who you are, Mr Demetri. Lee had instantly recognised Yanis Demitri when she first saw him in the hospital. She was aware as his frown deepened. She had heard much about him over the years. Most stories shared with her by Jim, who seemed in awe of his friend. It's nice to meet you. She extended her hand, voice sad. Although I wish it were under different circumstances. Jim speaks about of you often.

Briefly, it crossed her mind the man before her was even more attractive in person than in the many pictures she had seen of him. No picture could truly capture the sheer animal magnetism of the man. To her surprise, he ignored her outstretched hand, his friendliness of earlier gone as he looked around the room, an unpleasant expression on his features. The change in him confused Lee.

Yes, Jim. Having walked into her small apartment, Yanis stood sideways on to her as though deep in thought. He looked around himself, his eyes taking in her comfortable yet modest home. He finally turned to look at her. Now there was coldness deep in those dark eyes. His look flicked down her with no attempt to conceal his contempt. Lee's still outstretched arm dropped in confusion. So can I assume Miss Andrews, his voice icy, That your conscience is bothering you?

Lee frowned, not understanding what he was saying. I... I don't know what you mean, she stuttered. Her features showed genuine surprise.

I am talking about Jim's suicide attempt. Yanis glared at her with hostility.

Suicide? She gasped before shaking her head with resolution. Jim isn't suicidal. There must be some kind of mistake.

Reaching into his pocket, Yanis pulled out a letter offering it to her. Nervously with fingers that shook, she took it from him. Reading the words, she smiled sadly. This isn't a suicide note. She looked up at the man before her, whose face was now dark with rage.

He glared at her as he snatched the note from her hand before reading it aloud. Dearest Lee, I have never felt this way before. I am in love, and it is breaking my heart. I think that it would be best for everybody if I just ended it.

Looking back, he moved even closer, surprising Lee at the instant tingle of awareness that flooded her entire being at his closeness. I am glad you find the fact my friend was so in love with you that he decided to kill himself so amusing. Yanis bit out his angry words as he fought to hold back the fury radiating from him.

Lee shook her head, suddenly annoyed at the absurdity of his accusations. The realisation he was serious made her splutter a denial. That isn't what the letter is all about.

Then perhaps you could enlighten me. His low tone was a snarl as his eyes flashed dangerously.

Biting her lip, Lee looked back, the explanation on the tip of her tongue, before, with a small sigh, she shook her head. I'm sorry, but I can't. It's up to Jim to tell you. I promised him I wouldn't tell anybody. Her chin tilted slightly, a determined expression crossing her face. This is his truth to tell, not mine.

Yanis gave a contemptuous sneer, his eyes raking her face with disdain before stepping away, his voice now controlled. You are a liar, Miss Andrews, and now my friend is fighting for his life. I will make you sorry that you have done what you have to him. He growled before moving back to the door and pulling it open to stare once more at the woman before him. Very sorry indeed. Women like you are dangerous to men like my friend. Then he was gone, slamming the door hard behind him.

As the noise died away, Lee realised she was shaking after what had just taken place. She stared at the now empty spot he had stood, not believing they were now treating Jim's accident as a suicide attempt. She shivered, shaken by her first real encounter with Yanis Demitri. He had been Jim's best friend since childhood, the two having grown up together in Greece.

Jim had spoken of Yanis often with great affection, recounting how he pulled himself from tragic beginnings to become CEO of one of the largest shipping companies