“I’m sure your sister understood. Everyone has had those days.”
Popi shook her head. “Not like this. We were arguing over our parents’ party—again. I felt like I was doing all the work. Calling the caterers. Setting up appointments with bands. Ordering invitations. You know. And my sister was just sitting back, letting me. She said that was because I was a party planner and I could do it better than her. When she said that, I lost it. I was tired of being taken for granted by her. Every time she needed something or when she didn’t feel like doing something, she dumped it on her little sister. She’d been doing it all of our lives.”
“I guess that’s how Nile must have felt about me too. I was always ditching events to go off on a new adventure.”
“But you had a legitimate excuse.”
Apollo shrugged. “But was that reason enough to leave my brother to deal with everything from the family business to dealing with my very difficult father?”
“Your brother loved you.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he never said a bad word about you and he wouldn’t let anyone else speak ill of you.”
Apollo’s eyes widened. “Really?”
She nodded. “When he spoke of you, it was always positive.”
“Even though I didn’t deserve it.” Apollo blinked away the moisture in his eyes. “Thanks for telling me. It means a lot.”
“He’d tell you himself how much you meant to him...if he was still here. If that day had never happened.”
“So, you and your sister were arguing. I still don’t see how that has anything to do with the accident.”
“Because I threatened my sister. I told her if she didn’t go check out the private island for my parents to have their second honeymoon after the party that she would no longer be my sister. I had drawn a line in the sand—at the time, I was perfectly serious. And she knew it.” Tears stung the back of Popi’s eyes and she blinked repeatedly. “Why did I do it? Why did I have to give her that ultimatum?”
“Surely she knew you would forgive her. Is that what has you all upset? That you argued with her before she died?”
“No. It’s that I forced her on the boat ride that killed her and your brother. Don’t you see—if I hadn’t made that threat, they wouldn’t have been on that boat when it had a malfunction and blew up? It’s all my fault.”
Apollo got to his feet and knelt down in front of her. He reached up and swiped away a tear that streaked down her cheek. “It’s no more your fault than it is mine.”
She lifted her head. “How could it possibly be your fault? You weren’t even here when it happened.”
“Exactly. Maybe if I’d have been around, it would have changed the course of events. Maybe they wouldn’t have been so distracted and would have researched the island sooner. Maybe your sister was so busy trying to keep up with my overworked brother and that was the reason she let so much work fall on your shoulders. Maybe in the end, the blame is mine.”
“No. Don’t say that. It isn’t true. It’s not your fault.”
“Neither is it yours. I believe that when someone’s time on earth is up, it doesn’t matter where they are. It was the end of their time and there’s nothing you or I could have done to change it. We both have to learn to accept it. The only thing we can do for them is to raise that little boy to the best of our ability and tell Seb about his biological parents. That’s what they’d want us to do.”
Popi blinked repeatedly. “Is that what you truly believe?”
“It is. And you deserve as much happiness as you can find in this world.”
Without thinking, she asked, “With you?”
“I was hoping you’d want that.” He reached up, his hand drawing her face to his. And then he kissed her. It was a kiss full of promise of all sorts of delights yet to come.
All too soon, he pulled back.
“Why did you stop?” she asked.
“I thought we’d have dessert up at the house.”
“Dessert?”
A wicked smile lit up his face. “Dessert in bed. What do you think?”
“It doesn’t get any better than that. Lead the way.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
HE HADN’T SLEPT much the night before.
It was the best sleepless night of his life.
As the sun glowed brightly in the morning sky, Apollo was filled with energy and a sense of purpose. He’d slipped out of bed quietly to let Popi sleep. He’d fed Seb his breakfast, taken him for a stroll in the gardens and now Seb was back down for a midmorning nap.
Apollo sat down in the sunroom to drink some coffee and peruse the morning news. He’d been rolling around the idea of stepping up and running the family business for Seb. Now it was time to put his thoughts into action.
He had a degree in business that was about to get a workout as he eased back into the family business. He never thought he would be comfortable here at the estate, where he had so many bad memories, but Popi was helping him to make new memories—happy memories. And he never thought he’d be a businessman, but the thought of providing for his family appealed to him.
“What can I get you?” Anna, the housekeeper, asked.
He leaned back in his chair. “I’m thinking Popi should be up soon. How about lots of fresh fruit, eggs, pastries, the works.”
Anna smiled brightly. “Am I to take it that she approved of your surprise?”
“Yes, she did.” He’d always liked Anna. She’d always done her best by him. “Thanks for the suggestion.”
“I’m just glad I could help. I’ll go have the kitchen start your meal.” She started to leave and then backed up. “Would you like me to wake Miss Popi?”
He continued to smile. “No need. I’ll do it.”
Just as Anna exited the room, his cell phone rang. He honestly wasn’t in the mood for business today. Tomorrow was to be his first day in the office. But still, he checked the caller ID. When he found it was the number for a local merchant, he was about to send the call to his voice mail, but they didn’t make a habit of calling him and curiosity got the better of him.
“Mr. Drakos, this is Manolas Decorating. Your nanny—or was it your decorator—was in here the other day, wanting to place a special order. We got the quote back from the manufacturer and it is quite costly. We wanted a verbal confirmation from you before we place the order.”
“And this is for the nursery?”
“No, sir. I can’t imagine that anyone would put this particular wallpaper in a child’s room. Nor the flooring that was picked out. And there were some other items selected, as well.”
“Just how much are we talking about?”
When the salesman spoke, Apollo sat straight up. That was more money than he’d allotted for the nursery. What was Popi thinking? And what was she planning to do with the supplies?
“No. Do not charge them to the account. There has been a mix-up.” Apollo ended the call.
He sat there, staring blindly ahead. His friend’s warning came back to him. Was it possible Popi was using him for the money? Would she use Seb to extort more money from the estate? Were these purchases just the beginning? Or was there truly some sort of misunderstanding?
“Sir, your mail.” Anna placed a stack of envelopes on the table.
He didn’t feel like sorting through it, but there was a large manila envelope that stuck out from all of the rest. In the corner was the address of an attorney located right here in Athens. A family law attorney. Popi’s attorney.
He knew what was inside before he even opened the envelope. But like watching a horrible accident about to happen, he kept moving, letting the scene play out. Because he had to know the truth about Popi.
He removed the papers and scanned the top sheet. It was the paperwork requesting Popi gain full and immediate custody of Seb. Apollo d
idn’t have the stomach to read a list of reasons that he wasn’t adequate to raise his nephew. He was about to toss aside the papers when he noticed at the bottom a request for support. This was something new. And the number was staggering.
The breath hitched in his throat. She wanted money.
He’d been so wrong about her.
And this time he wanted to be right—more than he’d ever wanted anything. He wanted Popi to be different than the other people that had let him down.
His hopes were dashed. He didn’t know why he let people in, because in the end they hurt him every time. And he’d so wanted to believe in Popi—in what they’d shared. But now he was beginning to see what was important to her.
And it wasn’t him.
* * *
Popi couldn’t believe she’d slept so late.
But then again there hadn’t been much sleeping going on during the night.
As soon as she entered the sunroom, she noticed that Apollo’s mood had changed. The morning after was the awkward part. Maybe if she just acted like nothing had happened—like that was possible—things would eventually smooth out.
“Good morning.” She flashed him a bright smile, even though her insides shivered with nerves.
“Morning.” His gaze didn’t meet hers.
She took a seat next to him and poured herself a cup of coffee. Now that she was no longer pregnant and the baby wasn’t breastfeeding, she was free to drink all the caffeine she desired—and this morning, she desired the entire pot. Every muscle in her body was sore, but in a good way—a very good way.
“You should have woken me to take care of Seb.”
“No need.”
She arched a brow. “You took care of him?”
A dark line formed across his brow. “Yes.”
“Sorry. I just know how fussy he can get in the morning. And you’ve never handled him right when he wakes up. Did everything go okay?”
“Yes.”
“That’s good. I’ll set my alarm for tomorrow.” Her attempt at making conversation was failing miserably.
He turned his attention to his phone and appeared to be scrolling through emails. So much for pretending that last night didn’t happen. She might as well face the big pink elephant in the middle of the room.
She took a sip of coffee before setting aside the cup. “About last night—”
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
When he looked at her, it was with skepticism and something else—was it anger? Or pain? But in a blink, his emotions were hidden behind a wall. She felt cutoff and adrift.
He regrets our night together.
When she’d confessed to her part in the death of her sister and his brother, Apollo had said all of the right things. In that moment, he’d convinced her that what had happened was fate. She should have known that once he thought over her confession about what had happened to his brother that he would blame her just like she blamed herself.
They’d let themselves get caught up in the moment—wanting to believe their attraction could overcome the obstacles. At least that’s how it had been for her. Maybe for him it had been something much less—something more physical. Either way, it was over.
And there was the email that she’d received from Lea, confirming that the renovations to Infinity Island were almost complete. Popi’s bungalow had been completed first and it was ready for her and Seb to return. She’d been planning to delay her return, just until she knew where things were going with Apollo. But now she knew and there was no reason to put off their departure. It was time to introduce Seb to his new home.
“I received an email this morning. The work on the island is wrapping up. It’s time I leave.”
Apollo’s head lifted and his guarded gaze met hers. “It’s probably for the best. Last night, it shouldn’t have happened.”
His words broke her heart. The breath stilled in her lungs as the pain of loss and rejection seeped into her bones. It was with effort that she sucked in some much-needed oxygen.
Just keep it together. Just a little longer.
“I... I slept too late to catch today’s ferry. I still have all of my stuff to pack and the baby’s—”
“He stays here.” Apollo’s blue eyes were ice-cold.
“I can’t just leave him.” Her voice wobbled.
This can’t be happening. Everything is falling apart. All because I couldn’t resist him last night.
Apollo placed both hands flat on the table and leaned toward her. “You’re free to leave, but that little boy upstairs is my flesh and blood. Not yours. He stays.”
His sharp words stabbed her heart. Was that what he’d boiled everything down to? Blood relations? Tears pricked the back of her eyes. She blinked. “But...he’ll wonder what happened to me.”
“I’m not heartless. I won’t cut you completely out of his life.” Apollo looked at her accusingly, like she’d do the same to him. “You can visit him here at the estate.”
“And that’s it?” She struggled to keep from shouting, but with every word her voice rose. “I’m not the baby’s biological aunt, so I’m not important—”
His gaze didn’t meet hers. “I didn’t say you weren’t important.”
“Just not as important as a Drakos.” Anger, pain and resentment balled up within her. She felt like she was on the verge of losing absolutely everything that truly mattered to her. She couldn’t just give up that precious baby boy. Not without a fight.
“What’s wrong with being a Drakos?” Apollo’s gaze lifted to meet hers. There was a challenge reflected in his icy-blue eyes. “My brother was a Drakos and he was a great man. The best man I’ve ever known.”
Apollo was right on that point. Nile was a wonderful brother, from what she could tell, and an adoring husband. He would have made an amazing father if he’d had the chance. But there was something Apollo didn’t seem to understand.
“It takes more than a name or blood ties to make a family.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “It takes love—lots of it—and it takes time, one-on-one quality time. Without those you’re nothing more than relatives—not a family.”
Apollo stepped closer. His eyes flared with emotion. “I will always be that little boy’s family. Don’t you ever doubt it.”
Popi had witnessed Apollo pull himself together over the past couple of months. She had no doubt that if he put his mind to it, he would make a great father. With the passion he’d shown just now, she believed he would always be there for Seb. And no matter how upset Apollo was with her at the moment, he wouldn’t keep her from having access to Seb.
In the end, she didn’t want Seb constantly dragged back and forth between Infinity Island and the Drakos estate. Deep down she knew it was best for Seb to be settled in one place.
She attempted to tell Apollo that she would be back for regular visits with Seb, but when she opened her mouth, a lump of emotions blocked the words. Her heart was so full of love for her sister and for that little bundle upstairs that she’d been carrying around inside her for months. But she was also consumed with guilt for being the reason her sister and brother-in-law were on the boat. Maybe this was her penance.
Apollo got to his feet. “I’m needed at the office. I’ll probably be in the city until late, so don’t hold dinner for me. And my attorney will be in touch about visitation rights.”
Without waiting for her to say a word and without a goodbye, he was gone. And Popi was left sitting alone, wondering what in the world had just happened in the last twenty-four hours. How could everything have gone from being so good—so happy—to this utterly desolate feeling?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
SHOWERED AND DRESSED in a new suit, Apollo stepped in front of the floor-length mirror in his bedroom.
He didn’t want to go to the office, especially a day early. But he couldn’t just
skulk around the house with Popi right here. He knew that sooner or later he would be drawn to her. He would want her to explain away the money and the custody papers. Like that could be done.
Why did he let himself think Popi was going to be different? Why did he think with her in his life that he could have a happy future? Happiness wasn’t in the cards for him.
He moved to the table by the French doors, where fresh coffee had been left for him. He picked up the mug, knowing he would need some caffeine in order to get through the day. He took a drink, but it lacked its usual good taste.
The only thing he could do—his mission in life—was to look after his nephew. And he was going to throw all of his resources into blocking Popi’s attempt at gaining custody. Seb was a Drakos. He should grow up here in the family home.
And as upset as he was with Popi, he was mostly upset with himself. The thought of going after her—of ripping the baby out of her arms—sickened him. He set aside his coffee, no longer having the stomach for it.
Knock-knock.
“Come in.”
Anna entered the bedroom, clucking her tongue and shaking her head just like she used to do when he would get in a row with Nile. He wanted to ignore her. He wanted to just sit here in his own puddle of self-pity. After all, he was the one who always came up with the short stick where relationships were concerned. Why didn’t Anna sympathize with him instead of acting like he’d done something wrong?
“What is it?” His tone was short and curt.
She arched a brow at him and he suddenly regretted aiming his frustration at her. “I can’t believe you are sending her away.”
“I’m not sending anyone anywhere. Popi is leaving because she wants to. She can’t get out the door fast enough.”
“Uh-huh. You just keep telling yourself that.”
Apollo got to his feet. “What is that supposed to mean?”
Anna crossed her arms as her determined gaze met his. “What else was she supposed to do with you being so closed off and short with her? This place was starting to feel like a home again. You were at last starting to be happy, just like I’d always wanted for you. What happened?”
Claiming the Drakos Heir Page 15