Page 51 of Claimed Gem

“I would like that,” she murmured, thinking of the stories he’d told as the limo came to a stop and Chris opened the doors. She allowed him to help her out and then Ries was standing beside her, his arm around her waist as he escorted her up the steps to the house. She felt incredibly valuable as he accompanied her up the stairs, prepared to present her to his family.

Alexi Moustakas greeted them inside the cavernous main hall. “Ries. I’m glad to see that no further harm came to you.”

“Thank you, cousin. May I introduce Stephanie Harris from the United States.”

Alexi bowed slightly and smiled, “Welcome to Greece. I’m sorry my countrymen have been so inhospitable. I hope you will not color us all with that same brush?”

“I love your country. And trust me, I know that every country has scoundrels living in it.”

“A wise woman. Please, we are just sitting down to a light brunch. Join us. Ries, your brothers arrived a short time ago and should be joining us as well.”

“Thank you for your hospitality. I hope we are not putting you out?”

“Family takes care of family. As I told you and your brothers the first time you came to us, we are at your service. We’ve been on the receiving end of attacks that wanted to destroy us. Whatever we can do to help identify and stop these criminal activities…you have our full support.”

“Again, thanks.” Ries nodded respectfully.

“Now, come and meet my wife and the rest of the family. Stephanie, I believe you will find you have much in common with my wife and sisters-in-law.”

Stephanie glowed at this thought. Maybe she really could belong here, after all. “I look forward to meeting them.”

“And I look forward to getting you alone later today,” Ries whispered in her ear just as Alexi entered an elegant dining room, putting a becoming blush in her pale cheeks. Just as he intended.

God, I love this woman. No matter what happens with Damon, she’s mine and she’s going nowhere.

23

Stephanie gripped Ries’hand as they stepped into the dining room gilded with gold and rich, dark woods. He could feel the fear of the unknown setting her the tiniest bit on edge. Alexi took care of the introductions.

“Everyone, this is Ries Kafatos and Stephanie Harris.” Alexei announced their names as though they were supposed to be there. As though they were part of the family. “I’ll let you all introduce yourselves.” Alexi headed for the other end of the long table and sat down.

Stephanie watched as another man joined them, “I am Leonidis Moustakas, but my friends call me Leo.” He held out a hand to a gorgeous woman with auburn hair and smile that was warm and friendly. “This is my lovely wife, Gemma. Our son Damien will be joining us this evening.”

“Stephanie, is it?” Gemma asked, coming forward and taking Stephanie’s hands in hers. “It’s so good to meet you. I heard what happened, are you okay?” Stephanie realized with a start that she had an American accent, and she moved as though she and Stephanie were already friends.

“I’m fine,” Stephanie told her warmly, immediately liking this woman.

“Well, I have a feeling you and I are going to become very close. Come and meet the others. This is Aimee. If you’re looking to stir things up a bit, she’s your girl.”

“Nice to meet you,” Stephanie told the other woman, whose eyes sparkled up at her from her plush dining chair.

“Same. We’re all going swimming later at the beach. You should think about coming with us. Just us girls…”

“We’ll see about that,” Alexi told her with a soft reprimand in his voice. “None of us can be too careful these days.”

Aimee made a face at him and then carried on as if he hadn’t spoken, drawing knowing smiles from everyone at the table. “Don’t mind him. We’ll have adequate protection. Just as long as they stay out of my sight, I’m good.”

Gemma shook her head and then pulled Stephanie over to the last woman at the table. “This is Kassi. She is Alexi and Leo’s cousin and is married to Piotr.”

Piotr nodded at her and Kassi smiled broadly in her direction. “Welcome.”

“Thank you.”

“You must be famished and tired. I know your rooms are being prepared as we speak. Maybe after you eat you can rest for a bit. Being kidnapped and shot at takes a toll on a girl,” Gemma toldher, as though this were a regular occurrence in the family.

This is going to take some getting used to, Stephanie thought. But not in a bad way.

She turned and looked for Ries. He was standing near the doorway with Nicolai and Damon, both of whom had joined them while she was meeting the others. His stance was very rigid, and she could tell he wasn’t very happy. “If you’ll excuse me for a minute?” she flashed a gracious smile at the other women and turned to walk toward Ries.