Page 58 of Claimed Gem

With Gemma’s help, she was going to begin working with the Greek Ministry of Historical Artifacts after her honeymoon on a part-time basis. Her degree was finally going to be put to use helping to educate the public about their culture, and she couldn’t wait. For Stephanie, it was no longer about the money, but about using the knowledge she had and her love of artifacts.

“You’re not paying attention to anything I just said,” Kassi complained, breaking into Stephanie’s fantasy about the weeks and months to come.

Stephanie shrugged, “Sorry. Have we been here long enough that we could sneak off and no one would be terribly offended?”

Kassi laughed, drawing looks from others close by. “I can’t believe you. Are you in such a hurry to start your honeymoon?”

Stephanie blushed, unable to take her eyes off of the elegant man making his way toward her. “Never mind, I have my answer.”

She walked toward Ries, meeting him halfway and giving herself over to the kiss he gave her. “Let’s go,” he grabbed her hand, raised his voice and gained everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming. We’ll see you all in the future. Enjoy yourselves.”

Leo and Alexi gave him knowing looks when he swept Stephanie up in his arms and carried her through the crowd and out to the driveway. Chris was waiting there with the limo and opened the door for them.

Stephanie slid over on the leather seat, making room for Ries. A bottle of champagne awaited them, and Ries popped the cork and then poured them both a glass.

“To us,” he touched his glass to hers.

“Se mas.”Stephanie smirked when Ries raised a brow at her use of his language. “Nicolai has been helping me learn, as have all of the security guards and the Moustakas women.”

Ries nodded and then set his glass and hers in the holders. He pulled her onto his lap, rucking her dress up until it was gathered around her upper thighs and she was straddling his lap. “Have I told you how much I love you today?”

“About a thousand times, but I could hear it a thousand more,” she replied.

“S’agapó.”

Ries reached over and rolled down the connecting window an inch. “Chris, how long do we have before we arrive?”

“Ten minutes is all,” Chris replied quietly.

“Thanks,” Ries rolled the window back up and then told her, “I don’t want to rush this. We’re going to wait and do this right.”

Stephanie nodded and then kissed him, pressing the apex of her thighs down on his hardness. “I want you,” she whispered.

Ries groaned, gave her a hard kiss, and then lifted her off his lap and placed her on the opposing seat. “Here, drink your champagne and hold that thought.”

Stephanie grinned at him, already imagining the wild night they were going to have.

“We’re here,”Chris announced via the intercom a few minutes later. Stephanie couldn’t wait to see where Ries had brought her. He’d been very secretive about his plans but had assured her that she wouldn’t be disappointed.

Chris opened the door and Ries stepped out first, reaching inside for her and pulling her out to stand beside him.

Stephanie was instantly in love with the azure seas, white sand beaches, and white pillars leading down into a freshwater pool. Pine trees and palm trees share the space, with lush gardens filled to overflowing with flowers that comprised the entire rainbow.

“Oh, Ries. It’s beautiful.”

“I thought you might like this place. Let’s take a walk,” he suggested, nodding to Chris who dropped back along with one other guard. Stephanie was becoming used to having at least one, more often than not two, guards tailing her at all times. What once felt like a prison now felt like part of her newfound privilege.

Ries led her down a set of stairs and Stephanie could see the small cabana set up on the beach. She looked and was surprised to find that they were entirely alone here. “Why aren’t other guests out enjoying this place?”

“Because there are no other guests,” Ries informed her. “I’ve rented out the entire resort for the next few days. I wanted a chance to just be with you. No distractions. No worries about the media or being spied upon. Just you and me.”

“And ten of your most trustworthy guards,” she added.

Ries looked at her and then gave her a sad smile, “I wish I could make them disappear, but I can’t risk it.”

Stephanie smiled, “I was only making a comment. A bad one it seems. I understand theirpresence and I’m okay with it. I promise.”

“Really?”