Page 36 of A Grecian Getaway

“I’m not sure clarity is what you’ll be feeling in the moment,” Caroline interjected.

“You know what? Just take some time to think.” Claire hugged Noelle. “How about we concentrate on the night ahead for now? I can’t wait for you to meet our new friends, Tassos and Angelitsa. They are so fun! When we went for coffee the other morning at their coffee shop, they were so friendly and invited us all out to their home on the beach. I think we’ll have a great time tonight!”

The day flew by with Noelle replaying her morning over and over in her head. Before long, a taxi dropped the girls to the address of the home of Claire and Caroline’s acquaintances. Tall pillars and a marble patio stretched along the front of the place. They followed the music coming from the back of the house to where the party was in full force on the beach. Music blared, and a bonfire blazed. Everyone spread out all around the beautiful, sandy paradise.

Noelle, Caroline, and Claire mingled with some guests. Each of the girls grabbed one of the fancy drinks and continued to chat and dance as the evening progressed. Noelle was on her third frilly drink. She giggled and wobbled as she weaved through the guests. Noelle didn’t normally drink this much, but these cocktails were so delicious and she wanted to relax. She couldn’t stop thinking about Demetri and wondered why he didn’t finish what he started. She had thought a lot about her conversation with the girls, her feelings about sex, and her feelings about Demetri. As the last sip went down, she grabbed another cup, headed closer to the water, and sat down in the sand. She sent a text to Demetri, with liquid courage urging her on.

Noelle: Why do you keep teasing me? You know I want you. Why don’t you take me? Am I not desirable enough for you?

Before she hit send, she snapped a selfie, smiling coyly as she held a drink in her hand. I’ll show him I’m not so shy and innocent.The drink went down fast and her head spun.

Noelle sat by the sea watching the waves crash on the shore. Demetri didn’t text back.I guess I have my answer.She hiccuped and rested on her elbows.Why would a man like that have any interest in someone like me? He could have any woman he wants. What am I? Inexperienced. Check. Crazy haired. Check. Shy. Check. Smart, fun, and loyal. Check, check, and check. Actually, he would be lucky to have me.Noelle straightened, stuck her phone in her pocket, and folded her arms.

She felt a tap on her shoulder. “I knew we would see each other again.” The voice sent chills down Noelle’s spine. She sat up and the surrounding space spun. Giannis was looking at her with that freaky smile. She tried to stand and fell back down.Crap.

Giannis sat down in the sand beside her and leaned a little too close to her ear. She was drunk but not so drunk she didn’t know what was happening. She shoved his face away from hers and held up her fist. “If you touch me, I will scream. And hit you. I may be small, but I am strong and I pack a mean punch, mister.”

Giannis didn’t move any closer. “I will not touch you. I am sorry I upset you before, and I did not mean to scare you. But I am not who you should be worried about. You know Demetri’s friends have been watching you? If you think Demetri is any different from me, you are blind. He just wants to fuck you, too. Why don’t you let me take you home and show you how good it can be? I promise you will have a good time.”

Noelle’s head was pounding, but she was aware of her surroundings. There were people all around the beach. If he tried anything, she would scream. She just needed to get away from the creep and avoid a scene, if possible.

The next few minutes happened in a blur. Suddenly, Caroline and Claire appeared, and the next thing Noelle saw was Giannis lying flat on the ground.She wasn’t sure what happened, but the girls pulled Noelle from the sand and helped her walk away from where he was lying.

As they were making their way to the street, Demetri arrived.

“Tassos came up to us to tell us he thought our friend looked uncomfortable. He showed us where she was. That son of a bitch Giannis was next to her. I took care of him.” Caroline brushed her shoulder.

“I didn’t think Giannis would be any more trouble. I had a few of my friends keeping tabs on him, just in case.”

“I’m fine. He just talked to me. Said some gross stuff,” she cringed. “But he didn’t touch me. I was ready to scream. He said you and your friends have been watching me. You want to protect me? Or were you stalking me?” Noelle said as she laid her head on Demetri’s shoulder, giggled, and then hiccuped.

“Is it okay if I take Noelle to my home until she feels better? I promise I will take good care of her and bring her back safely. I will also have another talk with Giannis.”

“We should probably take her to the hotel.” Caroline helped steady Noelle.

“I want to go with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome. He won’t hurt me. Will you? And I have some questions for him. He’s on my list.” Noelle pointed her finger in the air.

“No, I won’t hurt you, Noelle.” Demetri put his arm around her.

“I know. I’m sorry. I…” Noelle wobbled between Demetri and Claire, embarrassment filling her. “I need to sober up.”

Demetri scooped Noelle up into his arms.

Caroline and Claire reassured her, telling her there was nothing to apologize for and to feel better. Claire and Demetri exchanged cell phone numbers. Claire said she would check in with them in a little while.

“Demetri, I don’t think I have to tell you, but if you hurt her, I will personally see to it that your dick is removed from your body. Do you understand?” Caroline pointed to him.

“I understand. We need to talk and she needs to sober up, as she said. You stay and enjoy the party, and I will bring her home when she feels better.”

Demetri carried Noelle to his car, ignoring her protests that she could walk just fine. “You’re overreacting. I’m fine. I’m an adult.”

He muttered some things in Greek she couldn’t understand. “Ok, Ricky! You’ve got some splainin’ to do!” she said and then laughed hysterically as he drove them to his home.

The car was no sooner in park, and Noelle unclipped her seatbelt and burst out of the car.I’m so hot!She took off in a sprint towards the dock and launched herself into the water.Much better. Now look who is adventurous!

Chapter 26

I DARE YOU ~Demetri~

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