The Renegade Billionaire Read online

  Stavros had been waiting for that response. “I’m afraid you don’t have any say in the matter. We camped out in the forest all night. You helped a teacher and tour guide hold on to their jobs and saved your company and mine from notoriety we don’t need. When you get to know me better, you’ll find out I’m prepared to indulge you endlessly.”

  Before she had time to argue, he walked away from her.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ANDREA HUNG ON to the handle after she’d shut the door to the bedroom. Had he said endlessly?

  She knew he was grateful that both their companies had been spared making headlines in the media. But his comment had indicated something more personal. For a man like Stavros Konstantinos to be interested in a foreigner working for a tour company when he could have any woman he wanted didn’t make sense.

  After removing her clothes, she went into the bathroom and stood under the shower, but she couldn’t get him off her mind. While they’d been talking last night, she’d inferred he was allergic to marriage, but he’d admitted to having girlfriends. Naturally he did. With his kind of potent male charisma, what woman in her right mind would resist him?

  Her thoughts flicked to Ferrante, who had attracted her for other reasons, particularly his happy nature. You couldn’t compare him to Stavros, who was more brooding. They were in different leagues. Andrea couldn’t think of another man who measured up to the dynamic member of the Konstantinos family. Though she knew he was powerful when necessary, she admired the kind way he’d handled Darren when he’d found him.

  Intuition told her he was the real force behind the corporation’s success. He was a man who lit his own fires in spite of his father’s heavy hand. Who wouldn’t admire him for the courage of his beliefs? Last night he’d told her they’d find Darren and she’d believed him.

  In the light of day she realized it was amazing she’d trusted him enough to spend the night alone with him. He’d had that effect on her. Such a complete effect, in fact, she was taking a shower in his villa before joining him for lunch.

  Andrea shut off the water and stepped out on the bath mat surrounded by a floor of gleaming white Thassos marble. A white toweling robe hung on a hook on the back of the door, but she stopped short of walking around his home in it.

  Just remembering that moment on the ferry when he’d grasped her arms to keep her from danger made her breath catch. His lips had come too close to hers. Here they’d been looking for Darren, yet she’d wanted him to kiss her.

  You need to go home, Andrea.

  When she got back to her apartment she would wash her clothes.

  After reaching for a towel to dry off, she brushed her teeth and then went back to the bedroom to put on her blouse and skirt. A thorough brushing of her hair, a coat of lipstick, and she was ready to face her host for a meal before she left for Thessaloniki.

  Her stomach growled as she walked on stunning stone-and-marble floors on her way to the kitchen. Everywhere she looked she saw the ancient blue-and-white Greek pattern, whether it was on the tufted cushion of a couch or a vase of flowers. During her rare shopping jaunts, she’d learned its geometric elegance was thought to resemble the waves of the sea and shapes of labyrinths, a symbol for infinity.

  When she reached the kitchen, she found Stavros putting a salad together and hoped he hadn’t heard her hunger pains. While they’d been apart, he’d showered and shaved. Andrea could smell the soap he’d used. It was impossible not to stare at the way the white collared polo and khaki trousers fit his incredible physique.

  His gaze played over her, but he made no comment that she wasn’t wearing the robe. “Except for a dip in the ocean, there’s nothing as refreshing as a shower. I’ve got lunch ready and thought we’d eat out on the patio.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  His black brows lifted. “Not a thing except to join me.”

  “Do you know I’m getting more indebted to you by the minute?”

  “What if I told you I like the odds?”

  Avoiding those penetrating gray eyes, she said, “Well, as you can see, I’m not complaining.”

  She followed him through an alcove to the patio with a lattice covering and was greeted with a breathtaking view of the Aegean. They sat down to a glass-topped round table. He’d provided iced tea and rolls, along with a salad of olives, feta cheese, tomatoes and chunks of succulent chicken.

  They both ate with a healthy appetite. “This is delicious.”

  “Again, I can’t take the credit.”

  Andrea put down her fork. “You’re talking about your housekeeper.”

  He nodded. “Raisa.”

  “Does she live with you?”

  “No. She and her husband live in Panagia. She comes twice a week to clean the house and keep my fridge stocked.”

  “You’re an interesting man, Stavros. Every time I want to talk about you, you somehow change the subject, but this time it won’t work. There is something for which you can take full credit.”

  His eyes swerved to hers. “What’s that?”

  “When you discovered Darren lying there between the boxes, you could have come down hard on him with every right, yet the opposite happened. Maybe if his own father treated him the gentle, reasonable way you did, the two of them wouldn’t have a problem. One day, you’re going to make a terrific father.”

  Something seemed to flicker in those pewter depths. “I was just about to pay you a similar compliment. Instead of berating him, you asked if he needed food or water. Under the circumstances, your compassion was refreshing.”

  “Surely not. Anyone could see he was just a teenager, even if he’d just turned eighteen. You could tell he was frightened.”

  “Not everyone would have responded the way you did.”

  Her mouth curved into an impish smile. “Then that must make both of us exceptional human beings.”

  Except for his smiling eyes, she didn’t know how Stavros would have reacted because a female voice had called out from the interior of the villa. In the next instant, he got to his feet in time for an attractive woman with silver in her cap of black hair to appear at the patio entrance. She looked maybe early sixties and was stylishly dressed in a summer suit.

  “Mama—I didn’t hear the helicopter.” He walked over and gave her a kiss on both cheeks. “Why didn’t you call to tell me you were coming?”

  “I didn’t want you to know, o gios mou. When I heard the news yesterday that you’ve left the company, my heart failed me.”

  Andrea was stunned. Stavros had left the Konstantinos Corporation?

  “I’ve been planning it for a long time. You know that.”

  “I never believed it would really happen.” She shook her head. “When I couldn’t find you at your condo, I decided to pay an unannounced visit to the island to find out what has possessed you to do this. You’ve caused an explosion in the family that has shaken it to the very foundation.”

  “It’ll run smoothly without me.”

  That was Stavros’s modesty talking. Andrea was still trying to comprehend it.

  “Why have you done this?” his mother cried. “I don’t understand. Neither does your father. He’s livid that you chose the board meeting to make an announcement that has hurt him to the core.”

  “He’ll live.”

  At his response, Andrea’s hand gripped her glass tighter.

  “How can you be so cold?”

  “I’ve always gone my own way. This is nothing new.”

  “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 a
rriving.”

  “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.

  “Thank you again for letting me play detective with you. I won’t forget your generosity.”

  Andrea walked past him and out the rear door of the house to her car. It was the longest walk of her life. Getting away from him now meant she’d escaped before it was too late. To remain here another minute would be putting herself in emotional jeopardy.

  She’d had enough time to think about his mother’s shock at finding her son with Andrea. Stavros had admitted this had nothing to do with his recent business decision, but it was all too much of a mystery for Andrea. She pressed on the gas as she made her way down the mountain.

  As Andrea was finding out, Stavros was more complicated than she’d first realized. Not so Ferrante, who’d been open with her from the start. No mystery, no secrets. He’d asked Andrea to marry him. He’d wanted a life with her. Marriage, children. The whole thing. Why that fierce mountain blizzard had to come along and destroy their dream, she didn’t know.

  The first set of tears she’d shed for him in a long time made her vision blurry. She needed to slow down or she’d get in an accident. Maybe it would be years before an uncomplicated man like Ferrante came along again. Maybe never.

  Forget Stavros Konstantinos!

  * * *

  “Andrea? I know it’s time for you to go home, but would you step into my office for a minute, please?”

  She couldn’t say no to Sakis, but it was Friday night. Her single friend Dorcas worked in the accounts department for the tour company on the next floor up. Maybe she’d want to get some dinner and go to a film later with Andrea. After she talked to Sakis, she’d give her a call.

  “I’ll be right there.”

  The mock-up for the latest itinerary just needed a few finishing touches, but it could wait until Monday. She closed the file, backed it up on the computer and reached for her purse in the bottom drawer of her desk. A little lipstick and a quick brush of her hair would have to do to make herself presentable.

  Andrea said good-night to a couple of coworkers as she walked past their desks to reach Sakis’s office. The door was closed, so she knocked.

  “Come in!”

  Sakis, in shirtsleeves, reminded Andrea of an overweight newspaper editor who smoked, drank tons of coffee and talked with ten situations going on at the same time. He loved to
tell crass jokes to provoke a reaction. But for once she didn’t even notice him because there was another man in the office, seated across from his desk. A striking, dark-haired male dressed in a gray business suit and tie. The sight of him robbed her of breath.

  Stavros.

  No, no, no. A week had gone by since she’d left his villa. It wasn’t enough time...

  He got to his feet, making her more aware of his virility than ever. Stavros didn’t have to try to knock a woman dead. It just happened automatically in his presence.

  “Andrea,” he murmured in that deep voice. “How are you?”

  How am I? She was reeling. “Fine, thank you. And you?”

  “I wasn’t fine until now.”

  Warmth spread up her neck and face.

  “Sit down, my dear.” Sakis indicated the chair next to Stavros, unaware of her shock. “I’ve wanted to speak to both of you since the incident with the Lewis boy. But Kyrie Konstantinos couldn’t break away from business matters until now.”

  Sakis had phoned Stavros?

  “Words can’t express my gratitude to both of you for finding the teen in such a short period of time. An international incident was avoided, sparing both our companies adverse publicity and possible litigation.”

  Andrea sat forward. “We’re all happy about that. Do you have any news of how he is now?”

  “I understand he’s back in Connecticut with his parents.”

  “He told us he was upset with his father. That’s why he tried to run away.”

  Sakis spread his hands apart. “It happens. My son has threatened to kill me several times.” But he laughed when he said it. In that moment, Stavros’s eyes sent her a silent message, as if to say the two of them knew the teen’s situation hadn’t been a laughing matter.

  Her boss sat back in his swivel chair. “Kyrie Konstantinos? The police lieutenant told me you influenced him not to bring charges against the teen.” Andrea hadn’t known that. “Such a gesture on your part is amazing.”

  “Nonsense. Except to worry everyone, the teen did no harm.”