Read Online The Greek's Long-Lost Son by Rebecca Winters - Free Book Online Page B

impossible?”
    “I thought that at first, but soon discovered you were just painfully shy. You presented a challenge I couldn’t resist. My biggest fear was that once you found out I was a Pantheras, you would run from me and go to a different church where I couldn’t find you.”
    “When I was a teenager, the last thing I thought about was money.”
    “I know that now, but everyone whispered you were an Athas who couldn’t see the urchins at your feet.”
    She pulled back, staring at him through wounded eyes. “How awful that people felt that way.”
    “Not everyone, Stella.” Obeying an insatiable need, he brushed his mouth against hers before winding his fingers into the back of her hair. She was so beautiful. She could have no idea how much he’d missed feeling her next to him.
    Her eyes closed tightly. “Please keep your distance. We’re on a dance floor with the children watching.”
    Theo couldn’t help smiling. “Everyone else is dancing close.” He was fast losing control.
    “We’re not everyone.”
    “No, we’re not, thank heaven. There’s only one Stella.” He kissed her hair at the temple. “There are things we have to talk about. Expect a call from me before you go to bed tonight.” Theo swung her toward their table and held the chair for her to sit down.
    “How’s the food, guys?”
    “Good,” Ari said. “The waiter brought us more drinks.”
    Dax nodded. “He said we could have as many as we wanted.”
    Feeling euphoric, he eyed his son. “Have you ever danced with your mother before?” He shook his dark head. “Now’s your chance.”
    “I don’t know how.”
    “I do. My mom taught me.” Dax got up and went over to Stella.
    She smiled. “I’m honored.” Without hesitation she took him for a whirl around the floor.
    Theo grinned at Ari. “You see? There’s nothing to it.”
    He could tell his son was girding up his courage. A minute later they came back to the table. To Theo’s delight, Ari got up and took his turn with Stella. Nothing like a little healthy competition.
    Good for him. He had a shy side like his mother. With a little confidence, he was going to grow up to be an outstanding man. Whatever he chose to do, be it astronomy or otherwise, he had the intelligence and perseverance to succeed. Theo wanted to be his father on a twenty-four-hour basis. The way to do that depended on getting through to Stella.
    As if she knew what he was thinking, the minute she came back with Ari, she checked her watch. “It’s really late. I’m afraid we have to be going.”
    Theo put some bills on the table and helped Stella to her feet. The four of them left the restaurant and walked out into the warm Greek night. He accompanied them to the car, knowing better than to hug her too tight.
    This time he high-fived his son first. “I had one of the best times of my life today.”
    “Me, too.”
    “You can call me anytime. When you’re back in Athens, check with your mother and we’ll make more plans.”
    Ari’s head whipped around to Stella. “Can’t we decide now?”
    She looked tormented. “We’ll talk about this later.”
    “Your mother’s right. It’s been a long day.” He tousled both boys’ hair, then flicked her a glance. “Drive home safely. Your car holds precious cargo.”
    Their eyes held for an instant before a look of determination to leave altered her features and she started the car. Ari looked back while they drove away and waved.
    He raised his hand. Keep it up, Ari. Keep it up.
     
    No sooner did the three of them walk into the villa than Stella heard a voice that always made her uneasy call to her. It was terrible to feel that way about her own brother, but there’d been too much history in the past to pretend his presence didn’t affect her.
    “Well, well.” He scrutinized the three of them. “Who would have imagined you keeping such late hours.”
    “Hi, Uncle Nikos.”
    She paused in the entrance hall to give him a kiss on the cheek. He