The Renegade Billionaire (14 page)

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.”

“My wife-to-be has it in spades.”

CHAPTER NINE

“R
EADY
,
HONEY
?”

“I've been ready for this a long time.” Andrea stood there outfitted in white silk, carrying gardenias. A lace mantilla covered her hair.

“You look like your mom did on our wedding day. Absolutely gorgeous.”

“You're going to make me cry, Dad.”

“We can't have that. Stavros is waiting for you at the front of the church. I like him, honey.”

“I love him so much.”

She put her hand on his arm, proud of her attractive father as they walked down the aisle of the Virgin Mary Church in Panagia. Her eyes fastened on Stavros. He looked so dark and splendid in his black dress suit, she couldn't see anyone else. But she knew the whole Konstantinos family and all of their close friends were there, with the exception of Stavros's father. Stavros didn't have hope that he'd come, but Andrea prayed he would.

Stavros had talked to the priest, expressing his desire that they have a simple ceremony. Over the past month Andrea had come to know him better and recognized his need for understatement, even in his religious vows. He truly was a modest man.

Her father led her to the front of the church and took her bouquet. Stavros reached for her hand and squeezed it. His gray eyes had a glow she'd never seen before. It ignited the flame that burned inside her. This was no longer a fairy tale, but blissful reality.

The priest nodded to them. “Andrea and Stavros, let us pray.”

Their ceremony didn't take long. Rings were exchanged. She was so excited to be married to him, she could hardly wait for the part to come where the priest pronounced them husband and wife.

The second the words were spoken, Stavros drew her into his arms. “You could have no idea how long I've dreamed of this moment,” he whispered against her lips before kissing her. For a little while, she forgot the world and kissed him back, unable to believe he was now her husband.

“Come on, you two,” Leon murmured. “You're taking forever. Dad wants to be the first to congratulate you. He and Mom are waiting.”

They both heard what Leon said. Andrea stopped kissing her husband. “Your father came,” she whispered against his lips. Joy filled her heart. “Oh, darling—”

Stavros lifted his head. In that instant, she saw a light in those beautiful gray eyes she'd never seen before.

“I can see him. Except for silver in his hair, he's a cross between you and Leon.”

Her husband crushed her to him. She knew what this moment meant to him. When he'd gotten hold of his emotions, he grasped her hand and walked her down the aisle to the vestibule to greet the two people who'd brought her beloved Stavros into the world.

While Stavros's father reached for him, his mother hugged Andrea. “You've made my son very happy,” she said in a voice filled with tears. “I saw it in his face at the villa.”

Andrea was so thrilled, she hugged her harder. “I'm going to try to make him happy forever. My mother died when I was born. I want us to be friends.” By now, both of them were crying.

Stavros pulled her away. “Andrea? This is my father, Charis. I've wanted to introduce you for a long time.”

The older man's eyes were a lighter gray than Stavros's, and they were moist with emotion. He had to clear his throat before he spoke. “It's an honor for me to meet the woman my son has chosen. He tells me you've saved his life and the company's reputation. I can't ask for more than that from a daughter-in-law. Welcome to the family.”

Andrea smiled up at him. “I love him to the last breath in me. And I love you because you and your wife have raised the most marvelous son on earth.”

Stavros put his arm around her waist and pressed her to his side. “There are no words to express how I really feel about you, Andrea,” he whispered. “All I can do is show you.” She didn't know how long they clung to each other before Leon reminded them other people were waiting.

They moved on to sign the wedding documents. Once that was done, Stavros walked her out into the hot noonday sun for pictures and congratulations.

Andrea's dad was the next person to hug her. His blue eyes twinkled. “You're Kyria Konstantinos now.”

“I know. Can you believe it?”

“Stavros is getting the jewel in the crown, but I think he knows it by now.”

“Dad—” She hugged him harder.

Leon butted in. “Save me some room. My brother is a lucky man.” He kissed her on the cheek.

“Thank you, Leon. You don't know how much that means to me.”

Then came his wife and children. They were followed by Theo and his family and Zander. Soon there was a crush of Stavros's relatives and friends, Raisa and her husband among them.

Suddenly she felt Stavros grab her around the waist. “Let's get back to the house. The sooner we feed our guests, the sooner we can leave on our honeymoon.”

Leon drove them in a limo to the villa. A procession followed behind them, but Andrea was oblivious because Stavros was kissing the life out of her. She loved him so terribly and knew that his father's appearance had taken away the crushing pain of the past.

The first person Andrea hugged when they reached the house was Raisa. The housekeeper had spent several days preparing the wedding feast. Andrea had helped her with some of it.

A florist had come to fill the house with flowers. The villa was a showplace. Everyone marveled. Andrea was so proud of Stavros she could burst. He'd done all this and had accomplished so much in his life.

After many toasts and a lot of laughter, the wedding guests began to leave. While Stavros walked his parents out to Leon's limo, Andrea said goodbye to her father at the helicopter pad. He was flying to Thessaloniki, where he'd board a jet headed for the States.

Andrea was thankful for the privacy because she'd burst into tears with joy over Stavros's reconciliation with his father. “I'm so thankful he came, Dad.”

“I am too, but don't forget that Stavros is going to need you more than ever.”

“Thank heaven I have you. Thank you for my life, Dad. Thank you for everything you've done for me, everything that you are and stand for. Take care of yourself. Stavros says we'll fly to Denver next month to see you. I can't wait.”

“Neither can I, honey. Love you.” He gave her one more kiss before climbing into the helicopter.

She backed away to watch it take off and felt Stavros's arms encircle her waist. He waved to her father, then turned her around. “Guess what? Everyone's gone. Now it's just you and me. Let's hurry inside and change.”

“You haven't told me where we're going tonight.” Their bags were packed for a trip to Paris tomorrow.

A smile broke one corner of his compelling mouth. “You'll find out in a few minutes. I've been dreaming about it since the night we went searching for Darren.”

He wanted to camp out with her! How did he know that was one of her secret desires?

They climbed the steps together. “I've been waiting to do this,” he said and picked her up to carry her over the threshold. She didn't know how he did it while she was still in her wedding finery. He kissed her as he walked her through the house to the guest bedroom she'd been using. After he put her down, he undid the buttons on the back of her dress.

She felt him kiss the nape of her neck. His touch melted her.

“Hurry.” He didn't have to tell her that. “Last person to the Jeep pays the penalty.”

Andrea trembled with excitement as she stepped out of her dress. After laying it on the bed, she pulled a pair of shorts and a T-shirt out of the drawer and dressed in record time. After stepping into leather sandals, she raced through the house. But no matter how fast she'd been, Stavros had beaten her outside and was waiting in the Jeep wearing a crew-neck shirt and jeans.

“You cheated,” she accused him.

He laughed hard and leaned across to give her a kiss. “I admit I changed out here.”

“Where's your suit?”

“In the car.”

“I hope you're not going to take a long time to find the right spot.”

“Is my gorgeous wife nagging already?” he teased. Stavros started the engine and they were off down the road.

“Well, it
is
our honeymoon and I've never been on one before.”

“Neither have I.”

“I'm nervous.”

“So am I.”

“No, you're not.”

“I've never been a husband before. I want everything to be perfect for us, Andrea.”

“It already is because your father came and he loves you.”

“Agreed.”

“I have hopes of his coming to our first baby's christening.”

“First?”

“Yes. I want your babies, darling. I told your mother I want us to be friends. She'll make the most wonderful grandmother. Honestly, Stavros, she's such a beauty it's no wonder you turned out like a Greek god.”

He grinned. “I did?”

“My friendship with her is important to me.”

“When she gets to know you better, she'll come to realize that the daughter she always wished she could have is my angel wife.”

Tears trembled on her lashes. “Dad is crazy about you.”

“I like him.”

“He said those exact words to me about you before he walked me down the aisle. The ceremony was perfect.”

“Short.”

She chuckled. “I know traditional Greek weddings take hours. Thank you for sparing us that in this heat.”

“The black sheep strikes again.”

“Now that we're partners in crime we'll be known as Mr. and Mrs. Black Sheep.”

He threw back his head in laughter.

It thrilled her that he sounded so happy.

“Did you know you looked like a vision coming down that aisle? I was so mesmerized I couldn't think.”

“You weren't the only one in that condition. But I feel that way whenever I see you or sense your presence.”

The night was exquisite as they drove through the scented pines. When he slowed down outside the village, it wasn't long before he found them the secluded spot where they'd spent another memorable night. He stopped the Jeep and turned off the engine.

“Would you believe me if I told you that the night we spent here the first time, I wanted it to be our wedding night.”

“So did I,” she whispered.

They climbed out of the Jeep and set up their little camp with the aid of the big flashlight.

“Oh—you bought a new sleeping bag!” Already her heart was pounding outrageously.

“Tonight we're doing this Italian-style. I measured this spot for our marriage bed to make sure it would hold two.”

“You've outdone yourself, Figaro.”

“So you like our bedroom.”

“I adore it.” She took off her sandals and climbed inside the bag. He could probably hear her heart thudding.

“Well, aren't you a brazen little hussy.”

Andrea pulled the bag's edge up to her chin and looked out at him. “You already knew that about me when I asked if I could come with you to look for Darren. I figured that since you're going to wield a heavy penalty tonight, we might as well hurry and get this over with.”

“Get what over with?” His voice sounded like silk as he turned off the flashlight and climbed in next to her.

“The thing the nuns talked to me about back in Venezuela.”

“Like what?” He chuckled and pulled her into him to nuzzle her neck.

“Oh...just things.”

“I'm not sure I know where to start.”

“Don't drive me crazy, Stavros! I've been waiting for this all my life.”

He started kissing her. “You mean this?”

“Yes.”

“And this?”

“Y-yes.”

“How about this?”

“Stavros!”

Andrea woke up several times during the night tangled in her husband's arms. Ecstasy like she'd never known had caused her to cling to him. He'd taught her a new language to speak. Eager for more, she started kissing him to wake him up so she could show him how fluent she was becoming. He responded with a husband's kiss, hot and consuming.

Oh, yes... Out of all the languages she'd learned, she liked this one best and intended to become an expert at it.

* * * * *

Keep reading for an excerpt from THE PLAYBOY OF ROME by Jennifer Faye.