Page 23 of Her Greek Inheritance
Vasil eyed him. “Explain it to me.”
Leo took a breath. “She thinks I’m Alexi.”
“What?” Vasil asked in shock. “How could she think you are your brother?”
Leo resisted the impulse to roll his eyes. “We are identical twins.”
“Yes, but Alexi is dead. Why does she think you are him? Did you explain?”
Before Leo could explain, the butler announced the arrival of another guest. Leo and Vasil both watched as Petrina strolled into the room. “Kalimera, Leo. I’m so glad I found you at home today.”
Leo held onto his patience. “What are you doing here?”
She walked across the room and laid a hand upon his chest, caring not that his father was in the room.“Well, I heard you were back and figured we might as well get started on the wedding announcements.” Her voice was grating.
Leo discovered he no longer thought she was beautiful. She was too skinny, too condescending, and too…everything Gemma was not. The realization hit Leo like a ton of bricks. He turned away from Petrina so that she wouldn’t see. She was far too perceptive where he was concerned.
His father cleared his throat and Leo stepped away from Petrina’s hand. “I’m afraid now is not a good time. Allow me to escort you out.”
“Out? I think not.” Petrina seated herself on the edge of a small couch. She examined her nails and prepared to ignore him. Leo took a calming breath and was about to force his will upon hers, when the door opened. Gemma stood in the doorway.
He stood, going to her side. “Come, let me introduce you to my father.”
Gemma gave Petrina a curious look. “Your mother is so young,” she whispered.
Leo glanced at Petrina, cringing at the look of jealousy displayed on the woman’s face.Dekára! I can’t let her get to Gemma.“That is not my mother. She was not feeling well and hopes to meet you this evening.”
Mentioning his mother’s poor health brought forth a look of sympathy and compassion from Gemma he would never see from Petrina. She nodded, whispering back, “Is she your sister?”
Before he could answer, Petrina advanced on them both. having heard Gemma’s last question. “Youilíthios korítsi!”She continued her rant in Greek.
Leo put himself between Petrina and Gemma, hoping to shield her from more verbal attacks.
Gemma didn’t appear to be offended. “What did she just say?”
“It does not matter. Come, I would introduce you to mypatéras.”
“Patéras? Does that mean father?” Gemma asked.
“It does.Patéras,may I introduce Gemma Larsen from the United States.”
Gemma shook the hand that was extended towards her. “It is a pleasure to meet you.” She paused. “Does he understand me?”
Leo shook his head. “No, but I will translate for you.” He spoke to his father and then again to Gemma. “He welcomes you to our country and hopes you have a pleasant stay.” Leo didn’t add that his father had all but demanded the two of them get married immediately.
Petrina, tired of being ignored, advanced on Gemma. “Who are you?”
“Gemma. Are you the housekeeper?”
Petrina puffed up in outrage.
Leo mentally sighed. “Petrina, it is time you left.”
Petrina pretended she hadn’t heard him. “What is a provincial girl like you doing with the Moustakas heir? I assure you he doesn’t have time for anything right now.”
Gemma fixed her eyes on Petrina. “Are you his girlfriend?”
“No. Hisarravo niastikiá.His fiancée.” Petrina smiled in triumph. “At least I will be once he stops acting the playboy and traipsing all over Europe.” Petrina sent a calculating grin towards Leo and he growled in response. She laughed, a brittle sound that grated on his nerves, and then turned back to Gemma. “Whatever it is you thought you had with him, I can assure you it’s over. He was only playing with you. I mean, have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror? Shabby clothes. No makeup. A man like him needs someone equally as polished who knows how society works. Something you could never be.”