Anastasia Maltezos Two In the Lion's Den (pdf)

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children, and also of the children who came to Grangers Orphanage for the first time. I have
brothers and sisters who didn t have parents either and who said they didn t need anyone, she
offered gently.
He frowned his confusion. A reaction Sam had hoped he d have. Huh? I don t get it.
I grew up in a very different environment than most people. My parents fostered many
children and they all became my brothers and sisters. A lot of them came to us with nothing and no
one in their lives, and a few even said what you just did that they didn t need anyone. But they
did. Everyone needs someone, Alek. Even if it s just a friend they can talk to. Where do you live?
In an orphanage not far from here. I haven t been there in over a week. They must have
called the cops already. Are you shocked?
Not at all. A lot of the children my parents took in were runaways at some point before they
came to live with us, and yes, they too had lived on the streets.
He shook his head and broke his gaze with hers. Meeting you is too much of a coincidence,
he muttered under his breath.
She noticed he was getting ready to leave and she took his hand and stopped him from getting
up. There are no such things as coincidences, Alek. I believe that everything happens for a reason
and that people cross paths for a purpose.
She thought about Leo and wondered what possible reason their paths crossed other than to
annoy each other. Her thought of Leo made her think of tonight and the dinner with his parents
and she glanced at her watch. I completely lost track of time because of all the fun I was having
with you. Alek, I have to go. She gave him a careful look. Do you want to come back with me
to the villa where I m staying? It s not far from here.
There was a tinge of regret on his face. No thanks. I d better get going too.
Alek, you can t stay out here all by yourself, she said gently.
Maybe I ll go back to the orphanage.
All right, but promise me you ll come back tomorrow. I ll pack us both a lunch and we
can draw some more.
His face lit up again at the prospect of drawing with Sam. Yeah. Okay.
Promise? she asked again, as she pulled her shorts and top out of her bag and put them on.
Oh my God, she was running late and she d promised Maria she had nothing to worry about.
48 Two in the Lion s Den
Promise.
Quickly, she gathered all her things. Great. And if something happens and you can t make
it, but want to find me, I m at the villa just a couple of miles up the road. You can t miss it. Go
down the private road across the street from the taverna with blue tables out front.
Alek nodded. Okay.
She held out her hand. Alek, it was a pleasure meeting you and I can t wait to see you
tomorrow.
His face turned red, but he grinned for the first time. Me too. Bye, Sam.
* * * *
Most of the walk back to the villa was uphill and the sun had reached its hottest peak. By
the time Sam reached the front door, she was exhausted. Her face was flushed, her t-shirt clung to
her perspiration, and she panted as she pushed the door open.
I can t believe I didn t pack a water bottle, she muttered under her breath.
She stepped into the great hall and nearly collided into Leo. A dark frown appeared above
his brows as he took in her state.
Yes. Water would have been a wise choice, he remarked, taking in her parched, dishevelled
appearance. And I told you the Volvo was available any time you wanted it.
Sam tried to smile, but she needed water, and she needed it fast. Thank you. I ll be using
it next time.
His expression softened as he gave her an approving look. A tan suits you. You got nice
colour today.
Thanks. Toni kept saying how pale I was. Now she ll be happy when she sees me.
I m on my way out for a few hours. I have a business meeting, but I will be back in time
for dinner at six. My parents should be arriving at the same time. His gaze went to her tote bag.
Leave your bag with me. I ll bring it up to your room while you go into the kitchen. There s
bottled water and juice in the fridge.
She nestled her bag more securely around her shoulder. No, that s fine. I ll take it up, but
I will take your suggestion and drink something. Thanks.
No problem. How will you spend the rest of the afternoon?
She didn t want to tell him she was going to make dinner just in case Maria hadn t mentioned
it to him yet. Instead she said, Nothing too special. I might go into the town and visit the shops.
He nodded. Fine. I ll see you later.
Sam watched his retreating back as he made his way out the door. If she hurried, she had
just enough time to shower, prepare and cook dinner, and set the table.
* * * *
Everything went without a hitch. Sam was in the kitchen with Maria, who had just arrived,
and Leo and his parents, whom Sam had not met yet, were in the dining room.
Anastasia Maltezos 49
Thank you so much, koritsimou, Maria said with a big smile. The older woman gave her
a look from head to toe. And you are so pretty. In Greek we say koukla. That is a pretty dress and
the white colour shows off the colour you got today. Her hand came up and she tucked a long,
wavy red tress behind Sam s shoulder. Such beautiful hair. You should leave it down more. No
more buns, please. You re young, not old woman.
Sam smiled. It had taken her over thirty minutes to tame her wavy mane and she wore one
of her favourite sundresses. It was a white, sleeveless frock that had pretty little roses embroidered
along the knee-length hem. Gold, strappy sandals complemented her outfit.
Efharisto, Maria, Sam said.
You are very welcome. Okay, go now. Present yourself to his parents.
A small, worried frown appeared on Sam s brow. She had to make a nice impression for
John s sake.
Don t worry, koritsimou. They are going to like you very much.
I hope so, Sam murmured. She did want them to like her. For John, and for herself, she
realized with surprise.
On nervous legs, Sam made her way to the dining room. Leo immediately rose from his seat
at the head of the table and took in her appearance. His look was thorough, appreciative, and it
rested a few moments longer on her hair. Their gazes met and he smiled at her. Sam returned his
smile, feeling instantly at ease. She could tell he approved of her appearance.
Sam, I would like you to meet my parents, he said deeply, making his way toward her.
Sam looked at the older couple seated at the table and smiled nervously at them.
Leo s father rose from his seat and stretched out his hand. He was an older version of Leo,
with greying hair, and an admiring twinkle in his dark eyes as he smiled at Sam.
I am Haralambos, but you can call me Harry. It is a pleasure to meet you, Samantha, he
said smiling. His voice was as rich and deep as his son s and Sam felt an instant connection with
the older man.
She shook his hand and smiled up at him. The pleasure is mine. Thank you for allowing me
to visit your beautiful home. And please, call me Sam.
Sam, he said, winking.
Leo s hand went to the small of her back and he directed her gently to his mother. His touch
comforted Sam and for some inexplicable reason, it made her calm down. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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