Page 4 of Loving the Greek Billionaire

Stavros cocked his head.

Rose bit her lip. She shouldn’t have alluded to her past. He might go digging. She ran a hand over her forehead. If he was head of security and thorough, as she suspected he was, then he already knew. Rose shut her eyes and took three calming breaths.

When she opened her eyes, Stavros extended her tablet. “Here is your itinerary for the next three days. Your tour guide will arrive at nine o’clock tomorrow morning to take you on your tour of Athens.”

“I can see Athens on my own.” She tossed her hair, and her light chestnut waves skimmed her shoulders.

This time, Stavros didn’t hide his sigh. “Ms. Berret, I have a full schedule of my own while we’re here in Athens. If you insist on going yourself, I’ll need to go with you or fly in another staff member to accompany you. Neither of us have the historical background of the guide. Please allow Mr. Papadakis to treat you to the experience he’s arranged.”

Rose started to snap at him but took a moment to reflect on her reactions. She wasn’t being rational. Her childish tantrum would cause extra work for Stavros and/or another staff member who’d have to be flown in from wherever. Marie needed Rose to keep this client so he’d want to use Marie’s business in the future and want to give recommendations to his friends. She needed to put aside her past and feelings and be mindful of those around her. A personal tour of Athens with a knowledgeable guide wasn’t the worst thing in the world nor was dining in the suite. If Mr. Papadakis wanted to throw his money around, let him.

She straightened her shoulders and smiled at Stavros. “Please thank Mr. Papadakis for his generosity. I look forward to the tour. I think I’ll dine here this evening. The view is lovely. May I see the menu again?”

Relief evident in his face, Stavros handed her the tablet.

“I’ll have the duck and a salad.” She returned the tablet. “Must I eat alone? I assume you have to eat.”

“I’d be happy to join you for dinner, if you wish.”

“Yes, please.”

He turned toward the staff rooms. “The food will be up in thirty minutes, if you’d like to rest.”

“I’ll unpack.”

The corner of his lip twitched. “The maid has seen to your things.”

“Oh.” Rose ran a toe across the carpet. “Thank her for me, please.”

“Of course, Ms. Berret.”

“And, Stavros, could you please call me Rose? Would that be appropriate?”

He nodded. “I’ll meet you for dinner, Rose.”

She headed to her room to make a more thorough inspection. Her beginning in Athens hadn’t gone as planned, but perhaps she’d made an ally.

♥ ♥ ♥

Rose laced up her shoes and then ran the comb through her hair before securing it in a simple, low ponytail. A quick once-over in the mirror told her that her makeup and sunscreen were in place. She scooped up her hat and double-checked her pockets for all the necessary items, including the black credit card Stavros gave her over breakfast.

“For the time you’re with the Papadakis family, Mr. P would like you to use this for all expenses,” he’d said.

Rose turned the card over. “It’s blank. No name, no numbers, only the chip. I’ve never seen a card like this before. Are you sure this will work?”

“Of course. I carry one myself.”

As she headed to the main room to meet Kyrene, her tour guide, she fingered the card in her pocket. Very posh. She waited by the window, taking in the view.

“Still amazing or has the novelty worn off?” Stavros asked from across the room.

She turned toward him. “I’ve been here less than twenty-four hours, so it’s still amazing.”

He adjusted his shirt cuffs beneath his suit coat. “I hope you’ll enjoy your outing.”

“I’m sure I will.” Since she’d embraced, on a micro- level, the fact that she was in the employ of a billionaire, she’d made a valiant attempt to be grateful for what wealth could provide. Still, her memories warned her to be cautious. The rich often thought anyone and everyone could be bought. She didn’t want to fall into that trap again. “Won’t you be warm in your suit? I understand Greece is hot in the summer.”

“Unfortunately I won’t be outdoors today. I have other duties to perform. You’ll have to soak in a bit of sunshine on my behalf.”

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