Read Online The Renegade Billionaire by Rebecca Winters - Free Book Online

as she walked past their desks to reach Sakis’s office. The door was closed, so she knocked.
    â€œCome 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.
    â€œAndrea,” he murmured in that deep voice. “How are you?”
    How am I?
She was reeling. “Fine, thank you. And you?”
    â€œI wasn’t fine until now.”
    Warmth spread up her neck and face.
    â€œSit 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?
    â€œWords 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?”
    â€œI understand he’s back in Connecticut with his parents.”
    â€œHe 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.”
    â€œNonsense. Except to worry everyone, the teen did no harm.”
    â€œNot everyone is as forgiving as you.”
    As Andrea had already come to find out, Stavros was no ordinary man.
    â€œI’ve brought you two together to get your opinion about continuing the tours to the quarry. Another incident like this one might not turn out so well next time.” He eyed Stavros. “Would you prefer we cancel future tours? It’s up to you.”
    â€œI’m afraid it won’t be up to me any longer,” Stavros stated. “I’ve resigned from the Konstantinos Marble Corporation. I suggest you phone the company immediately and ask for Dimitri.”
    Sakis’s eyes rounded. “You resigned?”
    â€œThat’s right. Life is full of surprises and difficulties. Hopefully the new CEO won’t stop these tours because of one troubled teenager.”
    Sakis looked genuinely upset. “We’re very sorry to hear this, aren’t we, Andrea?”
    â€œYes,” she said, aware of Stavros’s gaze. “To see the resources of the earth up close gives you a new reverence for the whole plan of creation. Mounds and mounds of marble here from the beginning of time for men to use.”
    â€œI believe you’re wasted in this office,” Sakis said. “You should be a publicist out selling Greece to the world.”
    â€œYou’re full of it,” she teased, but was pleased by the rare compliment, especially in front of Stavros.
    He extinguished the last of his cigarette. “All right. I’ll make the call. In