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Back at the suite, they stepped into the main room. The lights of Athens glowed outside the window, with the Acropolis centered in the dark framing.
“It’s beautiful.” She stepped to the window.
“You’ll see more beautiful sights before your job is over.”
She nodded. “Thank you for dinner, Stavros.”
“Of course.” Leo tried to think of an excuse to get her to linger but drew a blank.
“I’m going to say goodnight. I have a film to watch.”
“We could view it together,” he offered.
Even in the dim lighting, he could see color enter her cheeks.
“It’s research. I don’t think you’d enjoy it.”
He cocked his head. “Why?”
She tilted her chin to her feet. “It’s a bit of a horror/fantasy film.”
“Interesting.”
“You didn’t peg me for the type, huh?”
“No.” Leo didn’t think Rose would like that sort of film at all. She seemed more of a romantic comedy type. But then, he didn’t know much about women lately. It could be his whole radar was off.
“I’ll see you in the morning. I’m looking forward to meeting the children,” she said and headed for her room.
“Goodnight, Rose.”
As Leo entered his suite, he had no doubts the children would love Rose. She was beautiful, fun, and unexpected, exactly what his children needed.
CHAPTER THREE
Meteora
Rose rubbed the heel of her foot while Plutus drove them away from the hotel.
“Blisters?” Stavros asked from next to her.
“Only one.” She smiled at him. “Not bad for hiking all over Athens for two days.” She leaned back against the soft leather seat. “I had no idea Kyrene would be such a ruthless taskmaster. She made it her mission to be certain I saw everything in Athens.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of taking tours with Kyrene.” He chuckled. “I came away with two blisters.”
The car ride to Meteora would take four hours. Plenty of time for Rose to get to know the mysterious head of security across from her. What was in his past between a stint in the military and the time he came to work for Mr. P? Was he married or was one of his job requirements that he remain single? There wasn’t a ring on his finger, but some men didn’t wear them. Robert had.
She fingered the wedding band she wore on her pinky. She simply couldn’t bring herself to give it up, though she didn’t wear the matching engagement ring anymore. The stone provoked questions and explanations she’d rather not give.
Stavros broke the quiet with a question. “I know you’re single, but I’m guessing that’s your wedding band.” He indicated the ring she twisted.
Rose stilled her hands and folded them in her lap. “Yes.” She focused on the tinted window.
“How long has it been?”
She cut him a sharp look. “I’m sure you already know the answer to that question if you’ve done your research properly.”
The corners of his lips turned down. “Forgive me for being polite. Yes, your background was thoroughly investigated, but that doesn’t mean I know everything about you. Your choice of words, your expression, and your body language speak more than words on a report.” He turned his head toward the window.