The Renegade Billionaire

“When you talk like this, I can’t believe you’re our son. What has happ—?” His mother suddenly stopped midsentence because she’d just spotted Andrea seated at the table. Her cool brown gaze took swift inventory as she moved toward her. “But I’m interrupting and can see you have a guest. No wonder you didn’t hear the helicopter arriving.”

“I’d like you to meet Despinis Linford.”

Andrea stood up and shook the older woman’s hand. She admired Stavros’s aplomb in handling what had turned into a painful confrontation. A lesser man wouldn’t be able to brush his mother’s concerns aside with such diplomacy. But it was obvious Stavros had the strength to swim against the tide when necessary.

She hadn’t truly understood some of the dynamics of his family until this moment. More than ever, she knew the Konstantinos Corporation would suffer with him gone. But she sensed there was something that went even deeper for his mother to show up like this.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kyria Konstantinos.”

“Would you like some iced tea, Mama?”

“Please.” She sat down on one of the chairs near the railing. He poured a glass and walked it over to her. His mother took a sip before she regarded Andrea. “I had no idea my son wasn’t alone.” She looked at him. “Are you going to enlighten me?”

Stavros lounged against the railing, the urbane host. “Andrea works at the headquarters of PanHellenic Tours in Thessaloniki. An incident at the quarry developed yesterday, and she came to investigate.” Without hesitation he explained what had happened, but left out certain details his mother didn’t need to know. “The teen was found today and returned to his parents. We’ve been having a celebratory lunch.”

She frowned. “Maybe now you’ll understand why allowing tour groups at the quarry isn’t a good idea. You should have listened to your father.”

His mouth tightened into a white line. “Careful, Mama, or you’ll hurt Andrea’s feelings. She’s the one who approached our corporation in order to add it to the student itineraries. Like me, she’s anxious to increase the public’s education concerning one of Greece’s greatest resources. I’m glad my grandfather thought it would be beneficial and backed me before he passed away.”

Andrea was subjected to another taste of his mother’s disapproving scrutiny. “Where are you from?”

“I was born in Denver, Colorado, but I’ve lived in many places around the world with my father.”

“She’s fluent in many languages besides English and Greek,” Stavros interjected. “It might interest you to know she received her degree from Aristotle University.”

Needing to stop the inquisition in the most polite way she knew how, Andrea got up from the table. “Stavros fixed our lunch, Kyria Konstantinos, so the least I can do is clear up. Since you came to talk with your son, I’ll give you some privacy and do the dishes before I leave. Please excuse me.”

Whatever his reaction, Andrea avoided looking at him. After gathering up their plates and glasses, she headed for the kitchen. When she went back to get the salad bowl, she discovered the two of them had disappeared, which was a relief.

Once she’d restored the kitchen to order, she reached for her purse and went out to the patio to wait for him. The view was so heavenly, it almost didn’t seem real. A few minutes later, he made an appearance alone and stood in front of her with his hands on his hips in a forbidding male stance. His fierce expression was so different from that of the relaxed host who’d made their lunch earlier. She could hardly believe she was looking at the same man.

“I apologize for my mother, Andrea.”

She shook her head. “Why? Among other things, I now know where you get your good looks.”

“Because she walked in on me when she knew better.” Andrea decided he hadn’t even heard the compliment she’d paid him.

“She’s your mom, and she was obviously so upset about the news she’d heard and was afraid you would remain unreachable.”

“That’s no excuse for rude behavior. To be honest, she has never burst in on me before in my own home.” Andrea believed him. “She’s normally quite gracious. I can promise you that my resignation from the company had little to do with her springing herself on me the way she did.”

Andrea didn’t know the exact reason for his mother’s reaction, but the sight of a strange woman with her son had set her off even more. There was more to that story, as he’d said, but it was none of her business.

“You don’t owe me any explanation, Stavros. I need to get the car back to Thassos and catch the next ferry, but I waited so I could thank you for everything.”

His black brows furrowed. “Your boss won’t be expecting you before Monday. Why are you in such a rush?”

Her heart pounded too hard in her chest. “I have work waiting at the office that must be done before next week.”

He cocked his handsome head. “I think you’re trying to get away from me.”

The best way to handle this was to agree with him. She smiled. “I admit it. But if you remember, I asked if you would let me come with you to look for Darren. Since the crisis is over, it’s time for me to get back to Thessaloniki.”

After a short silence, “What if I want you to stay?” His husky tone played havoc with her senses.

She took a fortifying breath. “Forgive me for being blunt, but I can’t afford to stay.” I’m far too attracted to you.

How could she feel this strongly about him when Ferrante hadn’t died that long ago? She didn’t want to know the pain of loving someone again and was shocked at the strength of her feelings for him already. A prominent man like Stavros Konstantinos could have his pick of any woman, but he could never be serious about her. It wasn’t worth risking her heart to stay around any longer, especially when she’d be leaving the country with her father in the not-too-distant future.