The Renegade Billionaire
“Yes.”
“But—”
“There’s no but. Only if.”
“What are you saying?”
“If Andrea doesn’t love me enough, then my life will have to go o
n without her. But for the life of me, I can’t figure out how I’ll be able to live without her.”
Leon looked shocked. “I thought she saved your life.”
“She did. However, there’s someone else more important to her.”
“More important than you?”
Stavros loved his brother for being there for him. “You have no idea.”
“Who is it?”
“Picture a single father who’s been all things to his motherless daughter from the day she was born. They’ve traveled the world and have been inseparable. At the end of this month, he’s leaving for Brazil and she’ll be going with him. He’s got an unbreakable hold on her. It’s called love.”
“Then you’ll just have to find a way to make her love you more. You have the power.”
“Not if she fears Tina really is pregnant with my child.”
“I think if she thought that, she wouldn’t be here waiting on you hand and foot.” He got to his feet. Stavros prayed his brother was right. “Your eyelids are drooping. I’m going to leave. The pilot’s waiting for me. Take care of that wound. Don’t be surprised if Tina’s father has more surprises in store to hurt you.”
“I’ll consider myself warned.”
Leon leaned down and they hugged. “Do me a favor. Answer my phone calls from now on and keep me up to date. I’ll help any way I can.”
“Will do. Thanks for coming. I owe you, bro.”
Stavros listened until he heard the helicopter lift off. His brother had left him with one salient thought. You have the power. Without hesitation, he phoned Andrea. He wasn’t going to let his father drive her away. She answered on the second ring.
“I just heard your brother leave. Are you all right?”
“No. Would you mind coming to my room?”
“I’ll be right there.”
To his delight, she appeared in the pink-and-white-striped robe, but was minus the towel. While his brother had been here, she’d blow-dried her hair. The silky texture had natural curl and waved around her neck. She was like a delicious confection.
“Can I get you something?”
“I don’t need anything, but I’d like to ask a favor of you if you’re willing, and provided you can even do it. This can’t wait.”
“Hmm...you’ve got me curious.” She walked over to the bed and sat on the chair Leon had placed there.
“My brother brought me unsettling news.” After he’d finished telling her about his father’s plan to sabotage his business, and what part Tina’s father played in the whole scenario, her eyes filled with tears.
“Your own father would do that so you’ll marry Tina Nasso?” Her voice shook.
“He’s afraid of the consequences if I don’t. He and her father have business connections in common, so he’s hoping I’ll cave before he has to carry out that threat. Leon came to warn me.”
She shook her head. “But you’re his flesh and blood.”