The Renegade Billionaire by Rebecca Winters Read Free Book Online Page A

I’ll talk to him.”
    â€œYou will?”
    â€œOf course.”
    â€œThanks for listening.” He looked at Andrea. “Thanks for being so nice.”
    â€œYou’re welcome, Darren. Remember how lucky you are to have two parents who care so much. My dad had to raise me because my mom died when I was born. He loved me to death the way I’m sure your parents love you. Try to remain calm when you talk to them. When they see how rational you are, they’ll be more receptive.”
    â€œI doubt it,” he muttered.
    Stavros jumped out, then helped Andrea down. “Come on.” He turned to Darren, who got to his feet and climbed down the tailgate with his backpack.
    While two officers started talking to him, Stavros took the lieutenant aside and told him about the boy’s fears. “He’s having problems with his father about what he wants to do with his life.”
    â€œI had the same problem with my father at that age.”
    Yup. “I know he’s not violent or dangerous. Just unhappy. We’ve talked and he’s promised to go willingly to Thessaloniki and have a talk with his parents. Let me know what happens.”
    â€œOf course. Congratulations on finding him so quickly. This is a great relief for everyone.”
    â€œHe might not have been caught without the help of Despinis Linford.”
    The lieutenant turned to shake her hand before following his officers, who escorted Darren off the ferry to the police van. The teen waved to them. They waved back.
    Stavros looked at Andrea and glimpsed tears in her fabulous blue eyes. She was equally anxious for Darren to reconcile with his father. “Let’s go home, Andrea.”
    They left the ferry and hurried to the Jeep. When they got inside, she buried her face in her hands. It took all his control not to pull her into his arms. “I’m so thankful we found him.”
    He turned on the engine and drove out of the parking area. “You’re not alone.”
    She finally lifted her head. “Because of the problems you’ve had with your father, you were wonderful with him. It touched my heart. You gave him hope and the direction he needed. I’m in awe of the way you handled a very difficult situation.”
    Moved by her words, he glanced at her. “The lieutenant will fill me in after they release him to his parents. In the meantime, all we can do is hope this means the beginning of some kind of reconciliation, but it’s not our problem.”
    She wiped her eyes. “No. Thank heaven he’s no longer missing. That’s because of you. I couldn’t have done the search for him I wanted without your help.”
    Satisfied he could concentrate on her from now on, he lounged back in the seat. “We worked well together. After our fine piece of detective work, we deserve the best lunch I can make for us after we reach the house.”
    â€œOnly if you let me help.”
    â€œDo you like to cook?”
    â€œIf I have the time.”
    He liked the sound of that since he had plans for them for the rest of the weekend. When they reached the villa, he walked her to the guest room. “I’m sure you’d prefer a shower before we eat. I need one myself and a shave. There’s a robe and toiletries in the en suite bathroom for the use of guests. Bring your clothes to the kitchen and we’ll get them washed while we eat.”
    She looked away, but he caught the flush on her cheeks. “I couldn’t impose on you.”
    Stavros had been waiting for that response. “I’m afraid you don’t have any say in the matter. We camped out in the forest all night. You helped a teacher and tour guide hold on to their jobs and saved your company and mine from notoriety we don’t need. When you get to know me better, you’ll find out I’m prepared to indulge you endlessly.”
    Before she had time to argue, he walked away from her.

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