Page 18 of Her Greek Protector

“That’s a first for you,” Leo told him softly. “So…you are at the office? Alexi, you do realize that we followed your wishes? In regard to your stock?”

“As I intended. Good job finding all of the paperwork I left in Paris. Speaking of the stock and its new owner, let’s talk about Gemma, shall we?” Alexi had intended to have this conversation face-to-face with his brother, but now that they were talking, he had to get some answers. He steeled his spine and tried to keep his voice calm and controlled. He needed to know everything. Only then could he even hope to process the emotions rushing through his brain. Disbelief. Jealousy. Protectiveness for Gemma.

“Gemma and I met in Paris,” Leo told him.

“When you went to the auction in my place,” Alexi stated for clarification.

“Yes. I had just finished signing the paperwork for the paintings and there she was. She was so beautiful and the chemistry between us was like nothing I’d ever experienced before. She was nervous and we agreed to one night of passion and didn’t even exchange names.

“Alexi, when I discovered she was the person you’d left your stock to, it blew my mind. I hired a private investigator to find her and then went to confront her in person, certain that she’d somehow swindled you.”

“Gemma would never do something so underhanded,” Alexi interjected.

“I know that. When I saw her again, the physical attraction between us flared to life again, and then I discovered Damien, thinking he was yours.”

“Mine?” Alexi’s jaw dropped. He’d slept with Gemma, but only a few times, and getting her pregnant had never been one of his concerns. Never.

“Yours. She told me you two were together. She thought we were one and the same person. I’m not proud of the way I acted…”

“What did you do?” Alexi clenched his free hand into a fist.

“I pretended to be you and blackmailed her to come back to Greece with me. I eventually came clean with her, but…it’s a very convoluted story and let’s just say that I almost lost her. It made me wake up and see what was right before me and how much I stood to lose if I didn’t start acting right. I told her everything and she forgave me.

“I know what you’re probably thinking, but I’ve changed. She and I were made for each other. She makes me a better man and Damien…well, he’s the most amazing gift anyone’s ever given me.”

Alexi listened to Leo continue to talk about Gemma and Damien, and found himself struggling to let go of his anger. Since regaining his memory, he’d been focused on getting to Gemma and protecting her. Knowing that his brother had beaten him to that was hard to reconcile.

Leo professed to love Gemma. He’d taken responsibility for his actions and been rewarded with Gemma’s love in the process.Could I have done the same thing? Is Leo a better man than I am?

Questions continued to arise, but as he listened to Leo’s voice, one thing came through loud and clear. “You really do love her, don’t you?”

“More than my own life,” Leo assured him.

Alexi was quiet for several seconds, letting this new revelation take root in his brain. He’d been sure his brother wasn’t capable of true devotion to just one woman, but listening to him had changed Alexi’s mind. Forgiveness began to seep into his soul. “Leo, congratulations. Know that I will enjoy watching you become the best father and husband possible. I’m happy for you both.

“Now, I know we will need to discuss the shares and such…”

Leo cleared his throat. “Alexi, Gemma transferred the shares to Damien, giving me the right to manage and exercise their authority until such time as he comes of age.”

Alexi pursed his lips for a moment. “Are you telling me this to warn me you have no intention of returning the shares to me?”

“Not at all, but I think we need to sit down with everyone, including Gemma and our parents, and discuss this and the future of the company. I’ve discovered I like being actively involved in the company and with you back, there’s no reason it should all fall on any one person’s shoulders. I would also like to secure my son’s place for the future. Once you’re completely recovered and feeling better, we can...”

“I assure you we will be discussing this as soon as you return to Greece. I am feeling fine and got a good report from the doctor so there is no need to wait. Is Gemma there? I would like to speak with her for a moment,” he told his brother, hoping he could find the right words to say to her.

“She’s right here.”

“Alexi? Are you really okay?” Gemma’s sweet voice came across the line.

Alexi didn’t answer her right away, the sound of her voice bringing back happy memories. She sounded happy. He pictured her soft smile and green eyes, so full of life and energy. Closing his eyes, he could almost believe she was right there in the room with him. But even as his heart rejoiced to know she was safe and well, he realized that the emotion he felt was the merest shadow of what he felt whenever Aimee stood beside him.

What does this mean?

“Alexi?”

“I am fine,glykó korítsi.” He chuckled when he heard her whisper to Leo, asking for an interpretation of his words. “It means sweet girl, Gemma. And you are a sweet girl. I look forward to hearing all about how you came to be with my brother, but we will save that for your return.”

“I’m so glad you’re okay. We’re coming home tonight. Right, Leo? Tonight?”