“Yes.”
Her father was so smart he could always divine what was wrong with her. “Those pictures you sent were pretty impressive. Come on. Out with it.” He put his arm around her shoulders and walked her over to the couch. Then he sat down in the chair near the coffee table.
“I don’t know where to start.”
He leaned forward. “The beginning is always a good place. What’s his name?”
“Stavros Konstantinos.”
“You’re talking the Konstantinos Marble Corporation, of course.”
“That’s the one, except that he no longer works for the family. He has started his own company.” Her father had opened the floodgate and it all came spilling out. Everything about the time she’d spent with him, the search for Darren, the problems with his parents, the hearing before the judge because she had been named codefendant.
“Unfortunately, having a name like Konstantinos and all the money that goes with it makes him a living target. Has he asked you to marry him, honey?”
“No.” Her voice shook. “He knows I’m leaving Greece with you.” She got up from the couch, unable to sit still.
“Does he know about Ferrante?”
“Everything.”
“Have you told Stavros you’re dying of love for him?”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you going to Brazil with me?”
She wheeled around to stare at her father. “Because I love you and don’t want you to be alone.”
He got a troubled look on his face. “Did you tell him that?”
“Yes. What’s wrong?”
Her father stood up. “Honey—I hope you’re not sacrificing your own happiness because you’re worried about me.”
“Of course I’m worried about you. We’ve never been apart.”
“I’m afraid that’s my fault. I think I’ve done a terrible thing to you without realizing it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Somewhere along the way you’ve decided you have to be my caretaker.”
“No, Dad. It’s not like that.”
“It’s exactly like that,” he countered. “So that’s why Ferrante was willing to move around with us. I thought it odd, but you seemed so happy about it, I never questioned it.”
She was shocked. “Dad—”
“Honey, this is the last thing I ever wanted to happen. I raised you hoping that one day you’d get married. It broke my heart when Ferrante was killed. Now that you’ve met another wonderful man, I don’t want to be the reason why you don’t stay here and really get to know Stavros. You’ve known each other, what? All of two weeks? You need more time together.”
She couldn’t believe he was saying these things. “But what will you do?”
“Without you?” He laughed. “I have my own life to lead, but we’ll always have each other. If you love this man heart and soul, then you need to stay here and give it a chance. I’d give anything if your mother were here right now. If she were alive, she’d give you the same advice. Honey—you and I will get together whenever possible, right? But you need to pursue your own life.”
Andrea had never loved her father more than at this moment. “Yes! Oh, yes!”
He held out his arms and she ran into them. The tears kept coming. Just a different kind. “I want you to meet him. He’s so wonderful, you can’t imagine.”
“I think I got a clue when you sent me those pictures. Now how about showing me a picture of him?”
“I will, but first you need to know he’s in trouble and I’ve been named codefendant because of that woman.”
“They mean business, don’t they?”
“I’m afraid so.” For the next little while, she told him everything. “His father has never shown him love.”
“Some people don’t know how, but he had to have loved him all these years, otherwise why would he let his son be the managing director of the corporation?”
She blinked. “You’re right!” Her dad could always make her feel better. “But I can hardly stand how much he’s been hurt. When you meet Stavros, you just won’t believe how fantastic he is. For this woman’s father to put pressure on Stavros’s father and take him to court just tears me apart.”
“Sounds like this woman’s father would do anything to have Stavros for a son-in-law.”
“He tried because Stavros is a breed apart from other men. But Stavros doesn’t see himself as exceptional.”
“Maybe it’ll be up to you to help him take off the blinders. Anyway, nothing at this hearing is going to stick. He says it’s not his baby, so at some point it’s all going to come out in the wash one way or another. I’ve been there and know it for a fact.”
She smiled up at him. “Your facts outweigh everyone else’s. You’ve always been the smartest man I’ve ever known.”
“You mean until you collided with Stavros Konstantinos.”
“If you hadn’t taken me to Thassos to visit the marble quarry, we would never have met.”
* * *
Elek Cadmus, the attorney for Draco Nasso, was known for his cutthroat tactics. Stavros didn’t put anything past him. There were five of them in the judge’s courtroom for the closed hearing Myron had insisted upon. But he couldn’t prevent Tina from being present.
When Stavros saw her and her father sitting by the attorney, he thought she looked pale. Maybe she was pregnant and had morning sickness.
They’d already heard the recording of Andrea’s deposition. Now the judge addressed Myron. “We want to hear about the events of the evening when your client and Despinis Linford began their search for the missing teen known as Darren Lewis.”
Myron stood up. “The court has heard her deposition. My client has nothing more to add.”
“I’d like more details, Your Honor,” Elek demanded.
The judge nodded to Stavros. There was no question the judge was in Draco’s pocket to allow this farce to continue.
“We left in my Jeep for the Dragon Cave near Panagia, thinking we might find the teen hiding there. After staying inside for a half hour without seeing him, we left and drove through the forest looking for him. Finally we stopped and camped out, sleeping separately—she in a bedroll, I on some blankets.”
“Did you and Despinis Linford have physical contact? Remember, you’re under oath.”
“No, we did not. At dawn, we went into Panagia for breakfast and asked salespeople in several bike shops if they’d seen the young American. When nothing panned out, we drove down to the ferry landing and went aboard thinking he might be hiding in one of the cars or trucks. We found him hiding under the tarp of a truck. After the police came for him, I drove us back to my home. She left in the helicopter.”
“I’ve already listened to your mother’s deposition. In it, she states that when she arrived at your villa, she discovered you and Despinis Linford were having lunch on your patio after having spent the night together.”
“That’s correct, but my guest slept in the guest bedroom.”
“Why did you invite her?”
“Because I was attracted to her and wanted to spend more time with her.”
“You were taken to a clinic by ambulance due to a sting from a stingray. It was Despinis Linford who called 911. By this time, were the two of you lovers?”
His hands tightened into fists. “No.”
“Do you deny she stayed overnight after you came home from the hospital?”
“No. She nursed me while I was confined to my bed. She saved my life and I’ll always be in her debt.”
“Do you still deny you’re the father of Christina Nasso’s baby?”
“Yes.” For the second time during the hearing, Stavros looked at Tina and her glowering father. “We were never lovers and I never made a
promise to marry her. A DNA test will be the proof.”
Elek looked at the judge. “I have no more questions, Your Honor.”
“Very well. I’ve heard all the testimony I need. This case will stay open until a DNA test can be made after the baby is born to determine paternity. At that time, I’ll deliver a verdict.”
He addressed Myron. “Neither of your clients is free to leave the country until my verdict is rendered. This hearing is adjourned until further notice.”
Andrea couldn’t leave?
Stavros was too jubilant to sit still. After the judge vacated the room, he turned to Myron. “Thank you for all you’ve done.”
“You’re welcome, but it was a waste of time.”
“No, it wasn’t.” The judge’s ruling would keep Andrea close to him.
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll explain later. It’s clear Draco wanted to punish me. Now that he’s had the chance, I want to forget about it.”
“If you get any more harassment, call me immediately.”
“Of course.”
“Can I give you a lift to Thessaloniki in my car?”
“No, thanks. My driver is waiting outside to take me to the heliport. First though, I need to phone Andrea. She needs to know today’s outcome.” I have to tell her she must stay in Greece under a court order.
They shook hands and Myron left, leaving Stavros alone in the courtroom. No sooner had he pulled out his cell phone than he thought he heard the door open. He turned his head to discover Tina hurrying toward him. Her father was nowhere in sight. As she drew closer, he could see she’d been crying.
She put out a hand. “Please, Stavros. I’m not here to cause you more trouble. My father thinks I’m in the restroom and he’s waiting for me in the limo. I don’t blame you if you hate me forever.
“The truth is, I’m not pregnant, but my parents think I am. When I get home I’m going to tell them I made it up because I didn’t want to lose you. If my father doesn’t tell your parents the truth and call off this lawsuit, then I will. That’s all I have to say except I’m sorry I put you and Despinis Linford through this. What you told me at your house brought me to my senses. You were right. I can’t let my parents’ expectations drive my life anymore.”
Stavros got out of the chair and hugged her. “We’ve both had to learn that lesson the hard way. Your truth has set both of us free. Good luck to you, Tina.”
“You too, Stavros.”
He phoned Myron immediately and told him what had just transpired. Myron said he’d get in touch with the other attorney to put a stop to the case. He doubted Tina would suffer from contempt of court since it was her father who’d engineered it.
Two hours later, Stavros rushed inside the building in Thessaloniki where Andrea worked. He wanted to deliver this news in person. But when he approached the receptionist at PanHellenic Tours, she told him Andrea had quit her job and wouldn’t be coming back. He asked to speak to Sakis but learned the owner of the company was out of the office on business.
Something twisted in his gut. Was she still at her apartment packing, or had she gone without saying a final goodbye to him? She wouldn’t do that to him, would she? He had to find out and took a taxi to her address.
No one answered the door. At this point, he tried her phone again, but all his calls went to her voice mail. Wherever she’d gone, she didn’t want to be found. That was obvious. He didn’t know where to turn. Frantic at this point, he left for the heliport to take the helicopter back to Thassos.
Once he reached the house, the emptiness of his life loomed so large it was unbearable. He couldn’t stay there. As soon as he changed into jeans and a sport shirt, he got in the Jeep and drove to his office. There was a ton of work for him to catch up on while he waited for her to return his phone call.
Theo’s car was still out in front. Another car was parked next to it. He didn’t recognize it, but it didn’t matter. After unlocking the main door with the remote, he headed for Theo’s office, but as he passed his own, he noticed the door was open. He always kept it locked. Who’d been in there? And why?
“Stavros?”
He’d know that feminine voice anywhere and spun around in shock. There was Andrea, sitting in his desk chair looking sensational in a yellow sundress he’d never seen. She had an uncertain expression on her beautiful face, as if she didn’t know what to expect from him.
“I’ve been waiting several hours for you. When you weren’t at the villa, I didn’t know what to do but come here. I hoped one of your partners could tell me where you were.”
Stavros was afraid he was hallucinating. “How did you get here?”
“My dad’s car. Theo let me in.” She got to her feet. “Was the hearing ghastly?”
The hearing...he’d already forgotten about it. “Draco’s attorney managed to make it as hideous as possible. When he’d finished my interrogation, the judge said he’d give his verdict after Tina’s baby was born and the DNA results were in.”
“Was she there?”
“Yes.”
She bit her lip. “How horrible for you. I should have been there to support you.”
“Andrea—Tina approached me after it was over. She admitted that she’d lied about the baby in order to hold on to me.”
“Oh, Stavros—” The happiness in her voice was something he’d never forget.
“You believed in me. That was the support I needed to get me through. She’s going to tell both sets of parents. The lawsuit will be dropped. We made our peace.”
Her eyes shimmered with tears. “How’s your leg?”
“It’s fine.”
“That’s good.”
He couldn’t take much more of this. “When are you and your father leaving?”
“Dad’s already gone.”
His heart lurched. “I don’t understand.”
“He finished up at the mine and now he’s on his way to Brazil.”
“But when I stopped by your office earlier, the receptionist told me you’d resigned and wouldn’t be coming back. Why didn’t you leave with your father?”
“I decided I’d rather stay here.”
The blood pounded in his ears. “Why?”
“I’m tired of the tour business and would love to get a job working in an office or in a plant. You wouldn’t happen to have a job opening for me, would you? Maybe a chauffeur? I’m not particular. I thought I’d rent an apartment in Panagia. It’s my favorite village. Since Dad left the car with me, I have transportation now.”
Stavros didn’t know her in this mood. “Andrea—enough of your teasing. Why are you here?”
She moved closer to him. “You mean you really don’t know?”
“If I did, I wouldn’t be asking.”
“I want to be near you. I love you until it hurts, but you already know that.”
He did know. “But your father—you idolize him.”
“That will never change, but another great love has come into my life. There’s room for both.” She smiled that beautiful smile.
Stavros couldn’t swallow. “I want you more than anything else in my life.”
“But in what capacity?”
“In all the ways you can think of,” he exploded.
“You mean like employee, friend, girlfriend, lover, confidante, nurse, cook, housekeeper? What?”
“I mean wife.” The beautiful word reverberated against the walls of his office.
“I’d give anything to be your wife. Are you asking me?”
“Andrea—” His voice shook. “You’ve worked this out with him?”
She lounged against the edge of his desk. “We had a heart-to-heart the other day. He says he’s lived the life he wants. Now he wants me to live the life I want. He says if I�
�m happy, then he won’t worry about me and we’ll always work things out to be together when we can. And in between times, we’ll talk over Skype.”
Stavros was incredulous.
“I think he feels like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, who wanted peace in his life, but in order to achieve it, he had to marry off his daughters first. Dad will go on leading his own life and wants me to lead mine. I believe him. He’s going to be back in a month to see how I’m doing before he flies to Denver. Naturally he’s anxious to meet you. I told him you’re the smartest man I know next to him. That really got him going.”
“You’re being serious now.”
Andrea could see her darling Stavros still needed confirmation. She walked up to him and put her arms around his neck. “Life-and-death serious.” Her voice throbbed. “After everything we’ve been through, do you really think I could leave you? Dad saw what a wreck I was the minute he walked in our apartment. He knew his daughter had lost her heart to another man. A great man. That’s you.”
Stavros could feel himself coming back to life.
“He was so sweet about it, Stavros. He said that two weeks wasn’t nearly long enough for two people who’ve fallen madly in love to be torn apart. We need time to find out all the wonderful things that are still waiting for us. So I have an idea. Why don’t we take a moonlight ride in the Jeep? There’s this beautiful church in Panagia I want to show you.”
“I’m way ahead of you, but before we do anything else, I want to do this.” He wrapped her in his powerful arms and covered her mouth with his own. The urgency of his possessive kiss sent thrill after thrill through her body.
“I love you, Andrea. I love you. Don’t ever leave me.” He covered her face and throat with kisses.
“Stavros—don’t you know by now I worship the ground you walk on.”
“Knock, knock,” sounded a male voice. “If this is a private party, I don’t apologize because I’m too happy for you.”
Stavros lifted his head, smiling broadly. “Theo—you’re the first person to know Andrea and I are going to be married in a month.” He sounded exultant, just the way she felt.
“Congratulations! Zander and I have had a bet on to see how long it would take you to propose. He thought it might be another week, but I figured sooner. I won, but then I’m a married man and know the look of a man under the spell of woman magic.”
The Renegade Billionaire (HQR Romance) Page 14