Page 18 of Her Greek Inheritance

Tyler waved her concern off. “Yeah, I’m not worried. Who else are they going to get to drive around this town until two o’clock in the morning?” When Gemma glowered at him, he rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll call and tell them I’m going to be a little late.”

He reached down and tickled the boy. “See ya, kid.” He nodded to Leo. “Nice to meet you.” He stopped, as if remembering that Leo hadn’t actually introduced himself, but shrugged. “Have fun.”

He left the same way he’d entered, slamming the door behind him. Leo frowned, wondering why he didn’t take his child with him. He turned to Gemma to see her picking up the little boy.

She squared her shoulders. “I think it’s time you left as well.”

“And I think you should tell me what arrangement you and your brother have. Are you his babysitter and bank?” Leo’s tone was aggressive. He suddenly had a suspicion that while Tyler was content to play college boy, his sister was working herself to the death to provide money for his tuition and helping to raise his child. Tyler looked to be in his early twenties. Why Gemma would allow herself to be used in such a manner puzzled him.

“My brother has nothing to do with us.” The child squirmed and Gemma put him down.

The door opened before she could say more. Tyler popped his head back in. “Hey, I forgot to tell you. They’re offering free vaccinations at the medical clinic on campus this weekend. I thought maybe we could take Damien…”

Damien?Leo looked at the child and the light dawned.Damien is a child, not Gemma’s husband.His sense of relief was palpable.

Gemma eyed him with a frown and then turned away. “I’m not even sure what shots he needs…”

“Don’t you have a copy of his vaccination record around here somewhere?” Tyler asked. “I could drop it by the clinic on one of my deliveries later.”

Gemma hesitated, seemingly torn between getting the documents and not leaving Leo alone with Tyler and the boy.

“Sis, get a move on. I’m late, remember?”

Gemma scurried out of the room, leaving Leo and Tyler alone with the child. Leo took advantage of her absence. “Damien…how old is he?”

Tyler grinned. “A year and a half. He’s a good boy.”

Leo nodded. “His mother… She is not in the picture any longer? Your sister is helping you raise him?”

Tyler looked confused and then started laughing. “You think Damien’s mine? Wow! That’s the best one I’ve heard all week. I can’t keep a plant alive, let alone a little kid. No, Damien is Gemma’s.”

Leo digested this news. “And the kid’s father?”

Tyler shook his head, “No idea. She won’t talk about him. I’ve not actually seen her spend any time with a man since… Well, years. You’re the first guy she’s hung out with since Damien was born.”

They both stopped talking as Gemma reappeared. “Here are the records.”

Tyler took them. “Great! Okay, now I’ve really got to run.”

“Don’t get a speeding ticket.” Gemma advised him as he slammed back out the door. “Your insurance is already high enough…” Her voice slowly trailed off. She looked at Damien and then back to Leo. “I really wish you would leave.”

Leo looked at her suitcase. “Going somewhere?”

Gemma followed his eyes and bit her bottom lip. “I have a friend who lives down South. I thought I might visit her for a few days, but I can’t afford to take the time off. Obviously.” She nodded towards the door Tyler had just exited.

Leo looked at her for another moment. He turned on his heel and stepped out the apartment door. “Gemma, it was a pleasure. I will see you again soon.”

Gemma shook her head. “I don’t think that would be a very good idea. I’m really busy and…”

Leo gave her a smile. “I can see that. Until we meet again.” He let the door close, an idea forming in his brain. Damien was old enough to be Alexi’s child. If that was the case, he deserved to be raised with the full benefit of the Moustakas family at his disposal. Not in these squalid conditions.

Gemma might think he was dumb, but now that he knew the truth, nothing was going to keep him from taking Damien home to meet his grandparents and assume his rightful place in the family—not even Gemma.