Page 78 of Loving the Greek Billionaire

“I think I may’ve misjudged Leo.”

“In what way? Because I can think of a few.” She smirked.

Rose shrugged off her sister’s hand and headed for her purse. “I think his deception was a way to protect himself and his children.”

“A parent will do anything for their children,” Marie said.

“Yes.” Rose shouldered her bag. “Is there anything the doctors can give you to relieve the symptoms?”

Marie gathered up her keys and bag. “The medicine they prescribe has more side effects than I’m willing to risk. It’s an all-natural pregnancy for me, as much as possible. The doctor mentioned that I may need to go on steroids if the baby tries to come early, or they may have to sew me shut to avoid a miscarriage. There are a lot of unknowns at this point.” She picked up a package of nuts and stowed them in her bag.

“I’ll pray the pregnancy goes well.” Rose embraced her sister.

“Thanks.” Marie squeezed her.

They left the flat. Marie locked the door behind them.

“The only thing that helps me from being sick is to eat all the time. When I’m full, I’m fine.” Marie dangled the bag of nuts in Rose’s face and then opened it. “I didn’t eat as much as I should’ve at breakfast.” She popped a nut in her mouth. “I’ll be as big as a house by the time this little one arrives. But that will be worth it too.” She smiled.

Rose thought Marie had never looked lovelier.

They arrived at the car in the parking garage.

“You ready?” Marie asked.

“No,” said Rose. “Leo deserves my abandonment, the children don’t. I’m sorry I ran out on them and didn’t do my duty by you.”

“It’s understandable,” Marie said.

They got in the car, and Marie pulled out of the space.

As Marie wound through the streets of Paris, she said, “I’ll have a replacement nanny on the doorstep in two days. Can you hang in there that long?”

“For you and the children, yes. Though I can’t speak as to my treatment of Leo.”

Marie chuckled. “My sister’s in love with a billionaire.”

“Oh, shut up.” Rose crossed her arms and stared out the window. But Marie’s words rang true. She was in love with a billionaire. With Leo. Being near him and trying to keep her distance physically and emotionally would tax her in a way she’d never faced. Above all, she couldn’t give him a chance to explain. If she let Leo speak, he would shatter the hastily built wall she was constructing around her heart.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

The Isle of Papadakis Part I

Leo paced the floor, drawing minimal comfort in being home. “How long until the plane lands?” he asked Stavros for the billionth time.

“Same as before, minus one minute.” Stavros grinned at him.

“I need something to do or I’ll go crazy.” Leo ran his hands through his hair. His parents had the children happily occupied.

“You could go out into the grove,” Stavros suggested as he worked on his tablet.

“How can you be so calm?” Leo found his best friend’s relaxed state infuriating.

Stavros chuckled. “It’s not my heart and future at stake. I have nothing to lose here.”

“I wish I had nothing to lose,” Leo growled.

“Win or lose, you have forty-eight hours to convince her to stay,” Stavros said, closing the tablet. “And that was generous of her sister to grant you that long.”

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