―Won‘t you sit?‖ Nikos offered.
―No, my plane leaves in anhour for the U.S.‖ He cast a glance at Max, ―I‘ll be back the day after with my wife.‖
This made Nikos still, ―Sophie?‖
―yes.‖ He nodded to Max, ―A pleasure to finally meet you.
It is too bad I cannot sit and speak with you, but that is why Nikos is here.He is like a brother to me and I trust him.‖ He gave Nikos a look of pride.
Demetrius spoke very good English, but with an accent that was heavier than Nikos. ―Maybe next time.‖ Max noted the look they shared as his wife‘s name was mentioned. Maybe his fatigue had something to do with his young bride because, as far as he knew, his wealth had increased tremendously this year, so it wasn‘t that. However, Max wasn‘t one to pry in other people‘s personal lives, because he didn‘t like his invaded.
He smiled, ―Of course.I‘ll make time in the next few 75
L. R. Wards
months to fly to Chicago and we‘ll finalize things in person.‖
―Bring your wife Demetrius, from what I hear about her, Lily would love her.‖
―Lily?‖
―My fiancé.‖
Demetrius managed a rare smile, ―Let me offer my congratulations. I would like very much to take you up on your offer. I‘ll have Nikos work out the details for the future.‖
Max shook his hand again and watched him leave before he and Nikos sat down again.Nikos was oddly silent as he stirred his coffee. When he spoke it wasn‘t what Max expected.
Nikos was a good businessman, there was no doubt.He also suspected that the man didn‘t speak about family problems often so when he started to explain, it was surprising.
―My youngest sister has been missing for nine months.‖
He said quietly and took a sip of his coffee not meeting Max‘s curious eyes. ―Demetrius has been distraught.‖ Nikos continued finally bringing his eyes to his, ―None of us know why she ran, not even Demetrius.‖
Max never said anything but it certainly explained the tycoon‘s condition.He was a nice looking man and could rival Max in height, but he looked oddly defeated. Another thing that was obvious was Nikos‘ pain at the mention of his sister.Max could understand to a point. If Lily ever took off like that, he‘d be devastated.
―Demetrius spotted my sister by the pool one day and offered marriage not two hours later.So you‘ll have to excuse him, he is usually a force to be reckoned with when he deals with business. He wanted to complete this deal with you himself but he had gotten a lead on where Sophie was.Over the months there had been many but obviously this one was the real thing.‖
It was unusual that the press didn‘t get wind of this over the past nine months because they were a high profile couple, 76
The Billionaire‘s Secret Desire
―Was it another man?‖Most men would take this as an insult but Nikos just grinned and shook his head.
―With other woman maybe, but not Sophie, she loved him very much. That‘s why none of this made sense. I‘m anxious to find out why she left.‖He pursed his lips, ―Unlike Helene, Sophie was virtuous.She had a softness about her that was addictive. When Demetrius first laid eyes on her it was a full five minutes before he spoke. I have never seen my friend speechless before.‖ He shot Max a look, ―Much like you are with your Lily.‖
Max lifted his cup and sipped his own coffee while his pale eyes remained on Nikos, ―It‘s that obvious is it?‖
―As the sun shines.‖ He grinned spreading his hands under the bright light of the Grecian sun, ―Why do you think I backed off?If it was any less than the look Demetrius gave Sophie, I would be
