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#11 A trip to Greece

I looked at Sebastian with wide eyes. "I think I misunderstood that, sir," I muttered, fidgeting with the white tablecloth.

"We have to go to Greece to see one project's progress and sign a few more documents. I'd have taken my brother with me, but since he's preoccupied with his new girlfriend, I want you to come with me, Miss Russell."

"In Greece?" I asked once again.

Sebastian nodded, and I just stared at him for a few seconds, only blinking.

"Are you allowed to travel by airplane?" my Boss asked since I hadn't replied.

"I don't see any problem. But I'd have to consult my doctor, just to be sure. When are we leaving?"

"In ten days. All expenses will be covered by the company, so there's no need to worry about this."

"Okay, sir. Is there anything else I can do?"

"Book the hotel and arrange our flight with the company's jet. Tonia has a detailed file with instructions about everything you'll need."

"We haven't booked a hotel yet? We aren't going on at a Greek island, are we?" I shrieked.

"Of course, we're visiting an island. Mykonos, to be exact. And besides, what's wrong with the reservations?"

"It's mid-summer, sir; I doubt we're going to find free rooms in any hotels and especially in Mykonos. Most people make the reservations from Christmas…" I said a bit dramatically.

"Well, just offer them more money. We need two rooms, Ms. Russell. I'm sure we'll find them," Sebastian said, looking certain.

"I'm going to need more details once we're back at the office," I said, looking at my melting ice cream.

"Whatever you need, Miss Russell," Sebastian answered with a smirk.

The trip back into the company was once again in silence. I was lost in my thoughts since this news had completely caught me off guard, just like Sebastian's sudden change of attitude. I was used to his cold, professional self, and now he seemed to care for my health and needs.

I should have declined his offer. Staying for a week on a beautiful island with a man that looked like a Greek god would drive me completely crazy. Especially now that he seemed to somehow care for me.

It was going to be even harder to push these strange feelings away and focus on doing my job. Although truth be told, I wish I had some time spent at the golden beaches and turquoise waters. It was definitely going to be a much-needed break…

Unfortunately, I was right. All the hotels in Mykonos and all the nearby islands were booked. There wasn't not even one free room. Even the least expensive hotels and houses that were for rent weren't available. Sebastian instructed me to call again at the largest hotel on the island and raise the amount of money we'd pay them until they offered me two rooms. I ended up offering almost twenty thousand dollars for both rooms only for a night… But on the bright side, I had managed to find us two rooms.

Things were simpler with the airplane since we were flying with the company's jet. The pilot and the rest of the crew were going to fly back to Athens and stay there because there weren't any other rooms available.

"He's taking you to Greece?" Sophie exclaimed the moment I broke the news to her.

"It's a business trip, Sophie, not our honeymoon," I joked.

"Oh, now I'm so jealous of you. It'll be like heaven!"

"You can always plan a trip with Nickolas."

"I wish I could! You know how hectic work has been lately…"

"I'm sorry, honey. I'm sure things will get easier eventually."

"I know, but that doesn't mean we can't go shopping!" my best friend chuckled.

We indeed went shopping, and Nickolas came with us. All men were trying to find excuses not to go to a Mall with their girlfriends, but Nickolas practically begged us to take him with us. The two of them literally dragged me to all the stores inside this Mall. We bought new dresses, swimsuits, sandals, hats, and sunglasses. Once again, Nickolas paid for everything, and I nearly had a fight with him.

After hours of shopping and wandering from store to store, we finally sat at a restaurant to have dinner. Nickolas ordered pizzas and some refreshments for all of us.

"So, when are you leaving? Do you have enough time to pack all these?" my Boss' little brother asked once we sat at our table.

"Relax, Nick, we're leaving in two days. Although, I'm certain we bought more clothes than what I'm going to need," I answered, looking at the numerous bags around us.

"Oh, nonsense, you're going to wear them eventually."

"Besides, we're about the same size, so nothing will be unused," Sophie said with a smirk.

"Well, we didn't get underwear…" Nick mumbled, looking at my best friend, his lust evident in his eyes.

"Do we still have enough time? I mean, Evelyn's going to be alone with Sebastian…" my best friend exclaimed.

"Sophie, it's not like that. Besides, I think Nick didn't mean that…"

"Well, don't get your hopes up, buddy, some other day, maybe," Sophie said, patting Nick's back a bit.

Nickolas rolled his eyes at her, and I chuckled.

"Anyway, Evelyn, you should get to enjoy this trip. I'm sure you won't have so many meetings. Make sure to explore the island, too," Nick advised me.

"Nick, are you sure about this trip? What if Sebastian decides to kill me and throw my body into the ocean?" I asked out of nowhere.

Both my friends laughed at my sudden question.

"Guys, it's not funny. I don't think I should go with him…"

"Why on earth would Sebastian kill you?" Nickolas asked, trying to control his breath.

"Isn't it obvious? He doesn't like me…" I answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

"On the contrary, Sebastian likes you, but he couldn't stand you and me being close. Doesn't it sound suspicious to you that he asked you to come with him a few hours after he saw me with Sophie?"

I looked at Nickolas with wide eyes. Damn, I'd have never thought about that…

"What do you mean?" I asked when my brain started functioning again.

"Sebastian was just jealous. That's why he was an asshole to you. I really hope he has changed and starts appreciating you more…"

"Nick, you know I can't afford that…" I whispered, looking at the slice of my Margherita pizza on my plate.

"I know, but what I'm trying to say is for you to be more open, darling. Give him a chance to explain himself. He has been through a lot, but I believe he has a second chance in love, in happiness," Nickolas said, squeezing my hand.

After a lot of thinking and internal struggle, I decided to follow Nickolas' advice. I'll just be more open and understanding for these seven days. Besides, I had nothing to lose, and if indeed Sebastian had changed, he'd have the chance to show that to me.

Thankfully my best friend helped me pack the things I needed, including all the new clothes we bought. I was lucky that we were going by a private jet because there was no way I could take all these things otherwise.

Sebastian once again came to pick me up from my apartment, so we can go to the airport. Things were easier since we weren't taking a regular flight. Everyone was very polite towards us, especially the flight attendants, who were very willing to satisfy Sebastian's every need. To my surprise, though, my Boss dismissed them as soon as they served our lunch.

The flight was more than ten hours, and I was nervous as hell at the beginning, but soon enough, I found out that there was nothing to worry about. We went through some paperwork, and then Sebastian used the bedroom that apparently his private jet had so he can rest. I read a book and watched a movie until I eventually fell asleep on the comfy armchair.

Our refuel stop to England was quick, and we didn't even have to get down from the airplane. To my relief, everything was perfectly planned.

The captain's voice made me jump from my seat. We were about to land, and we had to fasten our seatbelts. The flight attendant helped me with my belt while Sebastian took the seat beside me. Once we were left alone, he motioned for me to look outside the window.

A gasp escaped my lips as I took in the breathtaking view; the bright sun, the light blue sea that made the perfect contrast with all the little white houses. I've seen photos of various Greek islands before, but the sight in front of me left me speechless.

"I think I'll have a hard time leaving this place…" I muttered under my breath.

"Well, good thing we're going to have some free time to enjoy ourselves then…" my Boss said.

I smiled sheepishly at him, and we didn't add another word, both of us amazed by the view.

Even on the ride back to our hotel, I couldn't stop looking around me at all the little roads, the small shops, the many restaurants. People were walking carefree under the warm sun; sea birds were flying high in the blue sky. The light breeze smelled like sea and sunscreen and left a salty taste on my lips. I couldn't shake the smile on my lips as the wind played with my blonde hair. This was like heaven on earth.

We stopped at the front desk while the manager rushed to greet us. Probably he had recognized Sebastian.

"Welcome to Hotel Helios!" the middle-aged man greeted us, his accent a bit thick.

"Hello, Mr. Russos. We're glad to be here," Sebastian said with a small smile.

I couldn't help but notice how relaxed his tone was. He didn't seem anything like the busy and ruthless businessman I had used to.

"The honor is mine, Mr. Leclair. Your suite is ready. I'll call a valet to take your luggage. Is the lady with you?" the man asked, looking at me.

"Yes, sir. I'm Evelyn Russell. We have two reservations under Mr. Leclair's name," I said politely.

"You must be mistaken, miss. There's only one reservation here under Mr. Leclair's name. And that room is our honeymoon suite…" the man said after double-checking his books.

Oh, no! This wasn't really happening. There was no way I'd share a room with my Boss for seven days…

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