Page 7 of Her Greek Protector

Chapter 2

Port of Thessaloniki, Greece

A few days later…

Alexi stood on deck, looking down at the docks at the port of Thessaloniki. They were a familiar sight, and Alexi felt his fear that he might not remember disappear as he gazed down at the crewmembers making the boat fast.

“Alexi, it’s been a pleasure to have you aboard,” Captain Rodis told him.

“Captain, I will not forget your kindness.” As they’d entered Greek waters, Captain Rodis had insisted Alexi remain hidden in his own personal cabin. Since Captain Rodis had been sailing in and out of these ports for more than forty years, when the customs officials had boarded the ship, there was no reason for them to demand access to the captain’s private quarters. Alexi was able to arrive at the port without drawing unwanted attention.

“Do you have a suggestion for how I might contact my family without attracting attention? Also, I need to borrow a razor.” There wasn’t much Alexi could do about his hair, as he wasn’t about to try and cut it himself. His current haircut was an attempt made by a member of the crew who fancied himself a barber. His uneven locks were longer than he normally wore, but at least he still had his hair. Several other crewmembers had opted to shave off the bad haircuts they’d received.

He rubbed a hand through the dark locks and then inwardly smiled.In my current state, I probably resemble Leo now more than ever before.

Captain Rodis chuckled. “I have an extra razor in my cabin you are welcome to use.”

“Thank you.” Alexi scrubbed his hand over the beard. He’d left it to ensure his identity stayed hidden while moving amongst the ship’s crew. He’d remembered more about what had driven him to isolate himself from the family and he was taking every precaution.

He’d also remembered Gemma and was anxious to contact her. While he didn’t love her with the romantic love he knew she probably wanted, he cared deeply about her. He remembered how she’d looked at him when he’d bid her farewell two years earlier. He’d promised to return shortly, not able to anticipate the lengths he would be forced to go to keep those he cared about safe.

Gemma brought out his protective instincts. Now he was done running, he was determined to make sure she was taken care of. He knew she would be angry at him for being gone, but he hoped she would forgive him once he explained himself. Alexi cared for Gemma and once she realized that, she would go along with whatever plans he came up with to ensure her continued safety. She had to.

The captain was watching him when he glanced up. Alexi realized he’d allowed his mind to drift from the present. He cleared his throat. “Forgive me, I got caught up in my thoughts. You were saying?”

“I suggested calling a car to take you directly to the estate. I could have them wait for you at the employee lot, that way you wouldn’t draw any unnecessary attention. The dispatcher notified me to warn the men that there were still an abundance of press waiting around the parking lots.”

“Press? Whatever for? Surely the news of my death is old?”

“It seems that some major event has taken place while I’ve been at sea. I can ask…”

Alexi shook his head. “No, it will not change what needs to happen. If you would be so good as to call a car service for me, I will avail myself of your razor and then be ready to go.”

“There’s nothing much I can do about clothing…”

“Captain, you have done more than I can ever repay. Your kindness will not be overlooked.”

The Captain bowed. “I was happy to be of assistance.” He located the extra razor, leaving Alexi to take it from there. “I’ll be on the deck when you’re ready to depart the ship.”

Thirty minutes later, dressed in borrowed work clothes, and with a hat pulled low over his brow, Alexi slipped into the back of an unmarked car and provided the driver with the address to the Moustakas estate. He kept a careful eye out as the vehicle pulled away from the port, only breathing easily once they’d left the docks and waiting reporters behind.

The estate was situated on a small hill just outside the city limits and as the vehicle moved towards its destination, Alexi played various scenarios through his head about how his reunion would play out. He knew his family would be excited to see him and full of questions. He only hoped he had the answers.

“Sir, um… What do you want to do about them?” The driver slowed to a halt, motioning ahead. A plethora of reporters were gathered outside the estate gates.

“What in the hell?” Alexi counted nearly a dozen reporters and cameramen apparently camped outside the imposing metal gates. “Can you drive through them to the guard shack?”

“I can surely try.” The driver honked his horn and started edging forward. Many of the reporters and cameramen moved out of the way, trying to see who occupied the back of the vehicle. Alexi was grateful the vehicle had blacked out windows. After several painstaking minutes, the driver reached the gates.

A uniformed security guard came to the window. “Do you have business inside?”

“I have a passenger. Sir?” The driver met his eyes in the rear-view mirror.

Alexi took a deep breath and then leaned forward to better view the guard. He recognized the man as one that had worked for his family for nearly a decade. Although he hated pretending to be his brother, it was the easier option. He slid to the privacy window and leaned his head forward. “Christofer.”

“Mr. Moustakas! But I thought you left yesterday…” The guard caught himself. “Sir, I apologize. Of course, if you left and have now returned home that is none of my business. I’ll open the gate right away. Shall I announce your arrival?”

“No need. I’ll announce myself in a few minutes.” Alexi sat back, relieved he hadn’t had to outright lie to the guard. The man had naturally assumed he was Leo.