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Leo threw a halfhearted punch at Stavros, who stepped out of the way.
“You want to spar?” Stavros grinned. “I can’t remember the last time you beat me.”
“Well, maybe today is that day,” Leo said, putting up his guard.
Stavros did the same. “Bring it on.”
Leo jabbed, kicked, and blocked, and Stavros did the same as each tried to topple the other one on the sand.
As Leo gained traction he realized Stavros’s game. “Don’t you dare let me win,” he growled.
“Maybe if I do, you’d have some confidence to go after Rose.” Stavros laid a well-aimed punch on Leo’s chest. “She’s leaving in the morning.”
Leo escaped Stavros and circled. “She won’t let me get close to her. If I come into the room, she completely ignores me. I’m a ghost to her.”
“Better get haunting, then.”
“She’s frozen me out. I can’t get her alone at all. She uses the children, you, and my parents as shields.” Leo kicked again and caught Stavros in the knee, making him stumble.
He regained his balance. “You have reinforcements,” Stavros said. “Use them.”
“What do you mean?” Leo angled for a better shot.
“You can’t get close enough to talk to her. I can’t talk to her. I don’t advise using the kids. Use your parents. They’re capable and more than willing.”
Leo scoffed, blocking Stavros’s punch. “I can’t see my father having that kind of conversation with Rose.”
“But Nessa can.”
Leo straightened, and Stavros’s palm hit his chest knocking him onto the sand. He landed on his backside and ran his fingers through the grains, pondering the idea of his mother’s intervention. Rose would have a hard time saying no to Nessa. His mother might be able to convince Rose to hear him out. One chance was all he needed.
“I think you’re right,” Leo said.
Stavros gave him a hand and pulled Leo up. They clapped each other on the back.
“Good spar,” Stavros said.
“Thanks. I needed that,” Leo said.
“You always need a good butt kicking. We should do it more often.”
Leo chuckled. “Someday, it’ll be you on the sand.”
Stavros scoffed. “Yeah, right.”
They headed toward the house. Leo had a good feeling about the plan. He hadn’t had any positive vibes since Rose learned the truth about his identity. Positivity was a welcome relief from all the despair. His determination grew. One way or another, Rose would hear his side. Time was running out, and he couldn’t have her leave without knowing the truth.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The Isle of Papadakis Part II
“Nefeli, Adonis, please put your shoes away,” Rose said. She stifled a yawn. She was bone weary from the stress of avoiding Leo.
The pajama-clad children rolled their eyes but followed her directions.
“Thank you.” She directed her words to Nefeli. “I’ll tuck in Adonis and then be in to see you. You may read until then.”
With a grin, Nefeli scampered into her room. She was excited to read her new book.