The Renegade Billionaire (HQR Romance)

by Rebecca Winters

On her way to the kitchen with her bag, the front doorbell rang. Maybe Raisa had come to the house for some reason, but didn’t want to just walk in on them. Since Stavros was still in the den, she walked through the alcove to the door and opened it.

  A stern-faced man in some kind of uniform handed her an express mail envelope. “Are you Andrea Linford?”

  “Yes?”

  “This is for you and Kyrie Konstantinos. See that he gets it.”

  What on earth? She watched him go down the steps before she shut the door.

  Stavros was right behind her as she turned around. He caught her in his arms. For a moment, she saw the torment in his eyes. It matched her own.

  His fingers kneaded her skin before he released her with seeming reluctance. “Who was that?”

  “A—a courier,” she stammered and handed him the envelope.

  He ripped it open and pulled out an official-looking document. She watched him as he read it and saw lines of anger mar his striking features. For the first time since she’d known him, she heard him let go a curse.

  Andrea got a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach. “Stavros? What is it?”

  His eyes went hard as flint when he looked at her. “Draco Nasso is suing me for breach of promise to his pregnant daughter Christina and naming you corespondent. We’re both to appear before the judge day after tomorrow in Kavala.”

  She shook her blond head. “You didn’t promise her anything! He has no just cause!”

  “That doesn’t matter to him,” he said in a gravelly voice. “He most likely owns the judge in question. Come in the den with me while we get my attorney on the phone. Everything’s coming into play even faster than I had thought.” His gaze shot to hers. “With Draco on the warpath, my father’s threat will be realized. Thank providence you were here to help me get around to those quarries.”

  This couldn’t be happening, but it was. “While you do that, I’ll be happy to call the quarries we didn’t get to visit on the mainland and set up conferences on Skype for you.”

  She heard him inhale sharply. “How did I ever function without you?”

  How am I going to live without you, Stavros?

  They walked to the den. “Go ahead and sit at my desk. The file is open with all the phone numbers. Call the ones that don’t have a check by them.”

  Andrea was thankful to be able to help and got busy making the calls. Stavros sat in one of the chairs near his bookcase and got on the phone with his attorney. He was still on the phone when she’d finished lining up appointments.

  “Andrea?” He covered the mouthpiece of his phone. “Since you’re sitting in front of the screen, would you be willing to speak with my attorney over Skype now? He can take your deposition this way and present it in court without you having to be present.”

  “I’ll do anything you ask.”

  His eyes thanked her before he spoke to his attorney once more. In another minute, they rang off. Stavros walked over and set everything up. His hands slid to her shoulders from behind. He squeezed them gently.

  “I know how horrendous this is for you,” he said in a low voice near her ear.

  “It’s you I’m worried about,” she murmured shakily.

  “It’s another form of harassment to wear me down, but it’ll be over soon. My attorney’s name is Myron Karras.”

  Within seconds, Mr. Karras appeared before her. “I can see you just fine, Despinis Linford.”

  “I can see you too, Kyrie Karras.”

  “Fine. We’ll do this in a question-and-answer format. If you’re ready, we’ll start now.”

  She eyed Stavros. “I’m ready.”

  “Please state your full name, nationality, age, marital status, address and occupation please.”

  Andrea complied.

  “When was the first time you met Stavros Konstantinos.”

  “At quarry three on Thassos Island.” She named the date and time.

  “Why did you specifically come to the quarry?” After she’d explained, he said, “When the teen wasn’t found, what did you do?”

  Her cheeks went hot. Stavros had sat down on another chair, studying her through veiled eyes.

  “Though the police had started a search for him, Kyrie Konstantinos said he was going to go look for Darren because he knew the mountain well and felt somewhat responsible.”

  “Why would he say that?”

  “Because he was the one who gave permission through the quarry manager to let our tour groups come to the quarry. I asked if I could go with him because I’m the one who planned the student-teacher tour to the quarry in the first place and also felt partially responsible.”

  “Did you two go alone?”

  She shivered. “Yes. I followed him to his villa, where I left my rental car. He packed a hamper of food and we left in his Jeep. We were out all night looking for him and eventually found Darren hiding in a truck on the morning ferry ready to leave Thassos for Keramoti. The police lieutenant in charge of the case took Darren into custody.”

  “What did you do then?”

  “Kyrie Konstantinos drove us back to his villa, where I got into my rental car and left for Thessaloniki.”

  “Why did you arrange for tours to go to that particular quarry?”

  “My father, Paul Linford, took me to quarry three when we first arrived in Greece. He said it produced the whitest marble of all. I thought it should be added to the tour agenda and made arrangements through the quarry manager, Gus...”

  “Patras,” Stavros whispered.

  “Gus Patras. He got permission from the Konstantinos Corporation to allow tour groups to visit.”

  “Before you were hired by PanHellenic Tours, where did you live?”

  “Italy.”

  “Before that?”

  “Venezuela, and before that French Guiana, Paraguay and India.” She rattled it all off to get it over with.

  The attorney’s brows lifted at that bit of information, producing a half smile from Stavros.

  “So you’d never been in Greece before.”

  She and Stavros exchanged a silent glance. They both knew where these questions were leading. “Never. Because of my father’s work, we were sent to Greece and got an apartment in Thessaloniki. I went to the university there, then was hired by PanHellenic Tours.”

  “Who hired you?”

  “Sakis Manos, the owner.”

  “How did you happen to go to Thassos Island at all?”

  “My father is a chemical engineer, interested in the history and geology of Greece. Thassos fascinated him because he said it was a big lump of marble.”

  “What else can you tell me about him?”

  “He works for W.B. Smythe, an American engineering company based in Denver, Colorado, where I was born.” After explaining his job, she said, “We traveled around when he had time off. He told me the marble quarries had existed anciently and I should visit them. Since he’s the smartest man I’ve ever known, I was eager to see them.”

  Stavros’s attorney smiled. “To your knowledge, did your father ever meet Kyrie Konstantinos or talk to him?”

  “No.”

  “Tell me the date, time and circumstances involving you and Kyrie Konstantinos that prompted the 911 call.”

  No wonder Stavros had told her she shouldn’t have mentioned his name to the dispatcher. The news traveled so fast, it had reached the ears of Tina’s father in no time. She explained everything the best she could.

  “So you were there to take him home and nurse him.”

  “Yes. His stingray wound needed watching.”

  “When did you first meet Christina Nasso?”

  Oh, no. Andrea mentioned the date and time.

  “What were the circumstances?”

&
nbsp; “I was in his house when she came to visit him unexpectedly.”

  “Did you see her?”

  “Yes. In the front hall.”

  “Did you hear anything?”

  She darted Stavros a nervous glance. “Yes. She came to talk to him about her pregnancy. He denied being the father and asked her to leave.”

  “Are you involved with him?”

  Blood hammered in her ears. “We’ve spent a little time together, but I’ll be in Brazil in a few more days with my father, where he has work.”

  “You’re resigning your job with PanHellenic Tours?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you leaving because you believe Kyrie Konstantinos is the father of the baby and you have no hope of marrying him for his money?”

  “No!” Enraged by the question, she shot out of the chair, then realized where she was and sat down again. “I have no hope of anything!” Not without Stavros.

  “I’m leaving because my father loves and needs me. As for Kyrie Konstantinos, he told me he has never loved her and ended their brief relationship over three months ago. I believe him. Besides my father, he’s the most honorable man I’ve ever known.”

  “Is there anything else you’d like to add or change to your testimony?”

  “No.”

  “Thank you.”

  The screen went blank, but Andrea didn’t notice because she’d already hidden her wet face in her hands.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  I HAVE NO hope of anything!

  Andrea’s plaintive cry resounded in Stavros’s heart. He turned off the computer before pulling her into his arms. For a long time, he simply rocked her back and forth in an effort to give her comfort while he drew some solace from simply holding her. Those quiet little sobs shook him to the deepest recesses of his soul.

  He kissed her forehead. “You didn’t deserve any of this. I know that deposition was brutal, but Myron had to learn everything he could so he’ll be prepared when he and I go before the judge. If Tina is pregnant, it’s not mine. When a DNA test is done, then she’ll have to come clean. If she isn’t pregnant, she’ll be cited for contempt.

  “At that point my attorney will bring a lawsuit for perjury. In the end, her father will be the all-time loser, but I know that doesn’t repair the damage this has done to you.” He kissed her eyes and cheeks. “There’s no way to make this up to you, Andrea. Ask me for anything. If it’s within my power to give, I’ll do it.”

  She sniffed and lifted her head. She looked at him through glazed eyes. “I know you would. What I need is to get back to Thessaloniki. Is your pilot down on the pad?”

  His pain was worse than any the stingray had inflicted. “Yes.”

  “Then I’d like to leave now.”

  A great shudder racked his body before he released her and reached for his phone on the computer desk. He called the pilot and told him to get ready for takeoff. After he hung up, his gaze darted to hers. “Do you have everything packed?”

  “Yes.”

  With a sense of inevitability, Stavros picked up the duffel bag against her protest. Her nursing days were over. They walked through the house and down the back steps to the pad. When they reached it, he cupped her face in his hands and kissed her precious mouth one more time before helping her into the helicopter. Anything more and he wouldn’t have been able to let her go.

  “You’ll be home before dark. There’ll be a limo at the heliport waiting to drive you to your apartment.”

  She wore a pained expression. “You don’t have to do that.”

  “After what you’ve lived through and sacrificed for me, you can say that? I want to give you everything. I’m the one who absconded with you on Friday after work and brought you into this hornet’s nest. The least I can do is make certain you get home safely.”

  He could tell she was struggling to swallow. “Thank you for everything, Stavros. I’ll never forget.” Her voice trembled.

  No. Stavros wouldn’t forget either.

  He shut the door and stepped away. The rotors started up and began to whine. He waved to her as the helicopter lifted off and swung in a northwesterly direction toward Thessaloniki.

  Last night, their passion for each other had driven them over a threshold to a more precarious place. He knew it had shaken her. Though she’d professed her love for him, they were in an impossible situation because the bond with her father went fathoms deep.

  Without a mother all her life, Andrea revered the man who’d raised her. She was so attached to her father, she wouldn’t allow another man to come between them if it meant a separation.

  I’m leaving because my father loves and needs me.

  That said it all. Stavros didn’t blame Andrea for anything, but he refused to pressure her. His parents had done that to him his whole life and it had caused a rift he doubted could ever be mended. Look what pressure had done to Tina.

  Andrea would have to come to terms with her emotions on her own. Ferrante had recognized he wanted her enough to accommodate her. But Stavros didn’t have that luxury. He’d started a new business. Hundreds of plant workers and truck drivers depended on him. If he wanted her with him, he would have to find a way, but there were certain things he needed to clear up first.

  Stavros had achieved two of his lifelong dreams, but the third one still eluded him. To find the right woman was difficult enough, but to make a relationship work meant sacrifice on both parts to achieve real happiness.

  When he couldn’t see the helicopter any longer, he walked back in the house and headed for his den. His work was never ending. That was good because he doubted he’d be able to sleep. For the time being, Andrea was only as far away as Thessaloniki, but she might as well be on another planet.

  After his flight to Kavala on Thursday for the hearing generated by evil design, he’d fly to Thessaloniki and see her one last time. He couldn’t leave her hanging about the results of the hearing. She deserved to know the outcome from him in person. If he went to her office before she left work, she couldn’t refuse to see him.

  Once seated at his desk, he opened the accounts file. The difference between profit and loss was in the numbers, which he constantly scrutinized for errors. While he was deep in calculations, his cell phone rang. It couldn’t be Andrea. She was still in the air, but just the thought of her caused his pulse to speed up.

  He checked the caller ID and clicked on. “Leon?”

  “Hey, bro. I heard old man Nasso served you with a breach of promise notice.”

  “He did more than that. He named Andrea codefendant.”

  “He’s a sick man. Does Andrea know?”

  “She was the one served when she answered my door.”

  “Hell, Stav.”

  “There’s more. Myron deposed her on a Skype conference call so she won’t have to appear at the hearing. The questions tore her apart. Right now she’s flying home in the helicopter. In another few days, she’ll be going to Brazil with her father.”

  “I thought you loved her.”

  His eyes closed tightly. “With every fiber of my being.”

  “Then how come she’s leaving?” When Stavros didn’t answer, his brother called, “Stav?”

  “I’m still here.”

  “Does she know you love her?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does she love you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then what in the hell is the problem?”

  “Because she’s leaving with her father, and my life is here.”

  “You’re serious.”

  “Afraid so.” Stavros told his brother about Ferrante. “He gave up everything for her. It was the only way he could have her.”

  Leon was quiet for a long time. “That’s a tough one. I don’t envy what you’re goin
g through. I wish there was something I could do to help.”

  “Just be in my corner like you’ve always been.”

  “Stav—I don’t like the idea of you being in your hideaway all alone. Why don’t you come to my house and stay with us and the kids. I’ll go with you when it’s time to see the judge.”

  “Thanks for the offer, but I’m not fit company for anyone.”

  “If you need me, call anytime, day or night. I mean that.”

  “I know. Talk to you soon.”

  The depression he’d lived with before Andrea had come into his life had descended on him like a paralyzing, impenetrable darkness.

  * * *

  Andrea had been home from work for only a few minutes on Wednesday evening when she heard a knock on the apartment door.

  “Andrea?” a familiar voice called out.

  “Dad!” She couldn’t believe he was here.

  He opened the door with his own key. “Hi, honey. I decided to surprise you.”

  She flew into his arms and hugged him so hard, he laughed. “What’s going on?” When she lifted her tearstained face, he frowned. “I thought you were happy to see me, but you look like the Wreck of the Hesperus.”

  That was a playful expression of her father’s he often used to make her laugh when she was upset. But she was in too much pain since leaving Stavros to respond.

  He wiped the moisture from her cheeks. “Hey—this is serious. It’s a good thing I was able to finish up my work early and get home to you.”

  “Do you mean you’re through at the mine? Literally?”

  “Yes, honey. I told my superior I needed to help my daughter get ready for our move to Brazil.” There was more gray in his dark blond hair, but she hadn’t noticed until he cocked his head. “How come I’ve walked in to find you in tears? Is this still about Ferrante?”

  She shook her head.

  “Do you enjoy your job so much it’s going to be hard to leave?”

  “That’s not it, Dad, although I’ll miss Sakis.”

  “Okay. I’ll stop playing twenty questions. For you to be in this kind of shape, your problem has to do with a man.”

  “Yes.”

  “He wouldn’t by any chance be the mastermind behind that plant, would he?”