Page 28 of Loving the Greek Billionaire

Leo laughed and pulled his son close. “This treasury is like a bank, not a place for pirate treasure.”

“The Grecians used it to keep dedications and votive offerings. Those items were treasure to them,” Rose explained.

“I like pirate treasure better.” Adonis slid back to the floor and commenced firing the cannons.

“I’m sure you’ll have other chances to explore places pirates might’ve been,” Leo said. “There are several islands to explore on the itinerary.”

“I wanted to see if the cave had pirate treasure.” Adonis looked up briefly. “But Rose said we couldn’t go.”

“The cave is a three and a half hour hike through the forest, not to mention I wasn’t sure of the safety of the climb or the cave. A visit would be an all-day affair,” Rose said. “We had many sights to see, and by the end, the kids wanted a break from the heat with a cool dip in the pool.”

“I’m sure a swim was refreshing,” Leo said. He got down on the floor with his son and moved the soldiers around. “Rose was right about not visiting the cave today. We’ll go in a few years when you and Nefeli are a bit older and your bodies are strong enough for the hike. Then you can make the trip there and back.”

Adonis frowned. “I’m strong.” He pumped an arm muscle.

“Yes, you are wonderfully strong for a four-year-old.”

“I don’t want to see the cave,” Nefeli said. “What’s so exciting about a dark hole in the ground?”

Leo bit back his laugh.

“There could be bears in there,” Adonis said.

Rose looked at Leo. “Are there bears in Greece?”

He nodded. “Brown bears live in the far north part of the country.” He said to Adonis, “I’m afraid bears wouldn’t live in the cave.”

“Pirates?”

“Not those either.”

“Oh.” Adonis yawned. “I don’t want to see the cave then.”

Rose hid a smile behind her hand.

“Have you eaten dinner?” Leo asked.

“We were going to order in since we’re all clean,” Rose said.

Leo pulled up the menu and, after a few minutes of consultation with Rose and the children, placed the order.

“Can we make a fort?” Adonis asked.

Rose looked around the room. “I think we can manage it if we rearrange the furniture. We’ll need some help though.” She turned to Leo. “Are you up for eating in a fort or do you have duties to perform?”

“I have time,” Leo said. Truthfully, he had quite a bit of mail waiting in his inbox, but he’d forgo a few hours of sleep to spend time with his kids and Rose. He could nap tomorrow while they traveled to Nafplion or go to bed on time and work in the car. He was sorry he wouldn’t be in the same car as Rose and the kids, but he had a conference call and needed the quiet. Plus he didn’t want to burden the children with being silent while he was on the call.

Building a fort was the best use of his time in this moment. His children were always his priority. He hoped Rose would recognize those moments when the time came to tell her who he really was. Stavros was right. He needed to reveal the truth sooner rather than later.

CHAPTER SIX

Nafplion Part I

Rose used the morning car ride to brush up on her Greek, with the children’s help, while also teaching them French. They used English as their common language to communicate, though Rose tried to incorporate as many Greek words as she could.

When the children tired of learning, and after a scuffle over a paper doll that resulted in a ripped-off-head and tears from both Nefeli and Adonis, Rose put on movies. Nefeli chose a Barbie movie, while Adonis watched the latest Pixar film.

With peace restored, Rose was free to watch the scenery pass by the window and let her mind wander. Her thoughts naturally turned to Stavros, and a light warmth traveled through her as she reflected on her fort experience.

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