Gemma gave him a smile. “She’s safe. Tyler called just before dinner to say Kassi was flying to the States and wanted to stay with him for a while.”
“She flew to the United States to get away from me?” Piotr asked in disbelief.
“She flew to someplace where she knew she could hide and get her thoughts in order,” Gemma clarified for him. “She told me she needed to make some decisions and she couldn’t do that when she had to see you every day.”
“Maybe it’s time you explained to us this history you and Kassi seem to share,” Alexi suggested.
Piotr thrust his hands into his hair. “I wish I could but I can’t. Not without Kassi’s approval. My story is hers and if she hasn’t told it yet, who am I to betray her confidence?”
Leo and Alexi shared a look. “Very well, but I trust there will be peace in this house sometime in the near future?”
“I would like that as well,” Piotr agreed.
Gemma cleared her throat. “Tyler is flying back here in two weeks’ time and I’ll make sure he brings Kassi with him.”
“Two weeks,” Piotr murmured. “Fine, I’ll give her two weeks, but if she doesn’t come back with Tyler, I’m going after her.”
The brothers shared another look and then nodded. “If she doesn’t come home in two weeks’ you’ll go after her with our blessing, but you will explain to us privately why this would be in Kassi’s best interest. I’m tired of the upheaval in this household. I want there to be peace and harmony here,” Leo commanded. “Now that the reporters have all gone away, the only thing still amiss is Kassi. Fix things.”
Piotr nodded and then left the room. He and Kassi were like oil and water, but that hadn’t always been the case. There had been a time when Kassi had looked at him with stars in her eyes and had hung on his every word. He’d destroyed that with one simple act of stupidity and it was now up to him to make sure Kassi didn’t punish them both for the rest of their lives. He just needed to figure out how to get her to forgive him. Hopefully, before they killed one another.
Alexi and Aimee were to be married in three weeks’ time, and Kassi would be in attendance, if Piotr had to drag her there. “You’d better come to your senses, Kass. We belong together. I’m going to win you back, no matter what it takes.”
*****
THE END
Spanakopita Recipe
(Greek Spinach and Cheese Pie)
Ingredients
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 bunch green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds spinach, rinsed and chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
8 sheets phyllo dough, partially thawed
1/4 cup olive oil
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Lightly oil a 9x9 inch square baking pan.
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion, green onions and garlic, until soft and lightly browned.
Stir in spinach and parsley, and continue to sauté until spinach is limp, about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl, mix together eggs, ricotta, and feta.
Stir in spinach mixture.
Lay 1 sheet of phyllo dough in prepared baking pan, and brush lightly with olive oil.
Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush with olive oil, and repeat process with two more sheets of phyllo. The sheets will overlap the pan.
Spread spinach and cheese mixture into pan and fold overhanging dough over filling.
Brush with oil, then layer remaining 4 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with oil.
Tuck overhanging dough into pan to seal filling.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.
Cut into squares and serve while hot.
Apoláf sete!
Enjoy!
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(2 Novella previews Next)
Novella Sample 1
Her Greek Inheritance
(A Billionaire Second Chance Romance)
Paris, France
Two years earlier…
I really don’t belong here. Gemma Larsen swallowed. She’d walked to the hotel from the closest métro station, but the other patrons were arriving in everything from Rolls Royces to Bentleys. As the uniformed doorman bowed to the elegantly attired woman in front of her, she was not surprised to hear the words ‘Your Majesty.’ Of course she’s a princess! This place looks like a palace—not an auction house.
The doorman turned to her. Gemma took a deep breath and approached. I wonder what the French is for ‘gate-crasher.’ To her immense relief, the man bowed, giving her the same courteous welcome as the other guests. “Welcome, Mademoiselle.”
“Good evening.”
“Enjoy looking at the artwork.” He ushered her in the direction of the exhibition.
As Gemma stepped into the hotel, her conviction that it was only a matter of time before she was sent packing rushed back. Everywhere she looked, she saw celebrities and wealthy patrons. She glanced around at the ornate furnishings, marble tiles, and crystal chandeliers. God, I feel like a street urchin amongst royalty. And yet, the doorman didn’t seem to know I’m merely a pauper.
Just as she was about to run back into the street, she caught sight of herself in a gleaming mirror. She wore a simple black evening dress that ended several inches above her knees. Her arms were bare, while the plunging back revealed more than half her spine. The elegance of the dress was accentuated by her simple black leather pumps and pale white skin. Working in a museum had its advantages, but getting a healthy tan wasn’t one of them. No one gave her a second glance. In fact, a waiter approached her and offered a glass of champagne.
Gemma sipped the drink, feeling her confidence return. “Merci.” She wandered through the massive exhibition hall.
No! As Gemma entered into yet another makeshift viewing room, a painting caught her eye. The Renoir had obviously been damaged by water and sunlight at some point. Even worse was the evidence of a poor restoration job. How could anyone take such a masterful piece of art and do further damage to it? Gemma blinked her eyes, hoping a second glance would reveal something different, but that was not in the cards for this painting. Incompetence. Plain and simple.
She sighed and then turned away. It was her last night in Paris. Time to put her worries aside and enjoy it. Who knew if she’d ever get an opportunity to visit such an amazing place again?
A uniformed attendant approached, inviting her to follow him. “Miss, if you would please? The gallery owner thought you might wish to see the paintings you spent the last few days reviewing auctioned off?”
Gemma nodded. “Yes, I would.” She followed him to a large room. The bidders were seated neatly in rows of chairs. A small watercolor was currently being displayed and she listened as the auctioneer read off her appraisal of the damage and potential cost of the restoration work.
“The bidding will start at two hundred thousand dollars,” the auctioneer declared.
A sea of white cards lifted into the air. Gemma barely managed to contain her gasp of surprise. Two hundred thousand dollars for a damaged painting?
While she was trying to imagine having that much money, the bids continued to climb. The auction ended at one million two hundred thousand dollars.
“Sold to bidder 4675.” The auctioneer nodded to an attendant. The small painting was quickly replaced by the next o
ffering up for bid.
Dazed, Gemma slipped out the side door. These people either really like their art or have more money than Croesus! God, if I had that kind of money I certainly wouldn’t spend it on a damaged painting...
Her mind went back to Tyler’s phone call earlier that day. Her twenty-year-old brother was finishing his third year at university. He’d called with the news that he’d lost his academic scholarship for the upcoming year, leaving a huge shortfall in his tuition.
If he could only be more responsible and think about the consequences of his actions! Gemma shook her head. Five thousand dollars in less than three months’ time... How in the world am I going to come up with that? And what happens if I can’t come up with it? Could I still take out a student loan on his behalf?
She heard the auctioneer’s voice rise as another painting was sold. If I only had a small fraction of the money these bidders do, I could pay Tyler’s tuition for the next ten years.
She wandered aimlessly back towards the viewing galleries, her mind stuck on the problem of Tyler’s tuition. Her phone rang and she paused in a small alcove to answer it. She smiled when she saw Aimee’s photo pop up on her caller I.D. “Aimee.”
“Gem, how is Paris?”
“Beautiful, what I’ve seen of it, anyway. I’ve been busy working since I arrived and I’ve only seen a few things on the car rides back and forth.”
“Aren’t you supposed to come home tomorrow?” her best friend asked.
“Yes, first thing in the morning.”
“Well, what are you doing right now?”
“Wandering around an exhibit of the various art pieces that were part of the auction and thinking of all the things I could spend the kind of money being dropped here tonight on.” Gemma glanced around, but none of the other guests was in hearing range.“I got a phone call from Tyler just before coming here this evening. He lost his academic scholarship for next semester...”
“So? Isn’t it time you let your brother stand on his own two feet?”
Gemma frowned. They’d been over this before. “If Mom and Dad had lived, they’d have made sure he got through school without incurring a huge student loan debt. Just like they did for me.” Gemma was twenty-three when both of her parents were killed, and Tyler barely sixteen. “I’m just doing what I know they would have done.”
“You’re killing yourself trying to handle everything on your own,” Aimee argued.
Gemma winced. “Tyler did say he was going to try to find a better job. That’s something, right?”
“Tyler needs to grow up!” Aimee told her.
Gemma sighed. “Well, unfortunately, I don’t see that happening in the next three months. But enough about my troubles. How is life in the capitol?”
“Same as always. Busy. Congested. Full of politically correct men who always think they know best. Oh, and let’s not forget the swarms of school-age kids that have descended upon the city for their school field trips.”
Gemma smiled. “Sounds about the same.”
“You know it. So, how bad were the paintings?” Aimee asked.
Gemma groaned. “Some of them could be repaired, with lots of work, but there is one…I think it might be beyond repair. It should be a crime. I can’t imagine what someone was thinking, leaving those paintings to rot away.”
“Maybe they didn’t realize what they had?”
“Unlikely. I’m just glad I’m finished writing my appraisals. The curator believes they’ll get a higher price if the bidders know the chances of restoring them.”
“I hope you’re going to get something for yourself out of this.”
“I’ll get a commission for any of the paintings I restore, as will the Smithsonian.”
“You’d better,” Aimee stated firmly. “You’ve done nothing but work your butt off for the last five years, taking care of everyone and everything.”
Gemma shook her head. Aimee was an ever loyal friend. “It hasn’t been all bad.”
“When was the last time you did something just for the fun of it?”
“Um—” Gemma’s brain stalled.
Aimee snorted. “See? That’s what I’m talking about.”
“I have fun.” Gemma’s mind went to the various things in Paris she’d been hoping to see, but hadn’t had time for. And now it was too late. Well, I saw them from a distance.
“This is your last night in Paris. You need to have some fun. Any cute guys hanging out at this event?”
Gemma glanced around the small hallway. “I don’t know. I’m standing in the hallway talking to you.”
“Then I’m hanging up right now! God, find a cute French guy and flirt. This is your last night abroad and you need to make the most of it. Have a little fun. A little romance.”
“I don’t know…”
“Girl, I expect to hear all about the wonderful memories you made tonight.”
“Living vicariously through me?” Gemma laughed. Her spirits lightened. Aimee’s suggestion was starting to sound like sense...
“You know it!” Aimee’s glee was infectious. “Now, hang up the phone, put on your sexiest smile, drink some champagne and have some fun!”
Gemma smiled as she pocketed her phone. Maybe Aimee’s right. Maybe I should forget about the rules for tonight?
She looked around, spotting a waiter rounding the corner at the end of the hallway. Perfect! Best way to liven the evening up is with a glass of champagne.
She snagged a second glass, flashing the waiter a small smile and headed for the next painting on display. This time the painting was in its original glory. No damage, other than time, had been done to the piece.
Gemma sighed happily. As an art restoration expert, she often missed the beauty of a painting because her critical eye was constantly looking for damage. That was what had brought her to Paris, after all.
The curator of the art collection strode towards her, a Middle Eastern gentleman by his side. “Miss Larsen! Please, allow me to introduce you to Sheikh Amar el Sharid. He was the successful bidder on one of the watercolors you examined and is interested in procuring your services for the restoration work.”
Gemma nodded to the man, dressed in the white robes and headdress of his country. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Miss Larsen is an expert in the restoration of watercolors. You won’t find a better person to work her magic on your latest acquisition.”
In Oxford-accented English, the Sheikh inquired about her coming to his country to deal with the painting.
She smiled at him and shook her head, “I’m afraid I must return to the States tomorrow. However, I would be happy to work on your piece if you could have it sent to the Smithsonian.”
“Your employers won’t mind?” he asked with a raised brow.
“No, I have their permission to do so. I’m an art restoration expert with the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C. specializing in watercolors of the French Impressionistic period.” She retrieved a business card from her small purse. “This is my information. There’s a phone number on the back you can contact to arrange for shipment and receipt of your painting. Additional paperwork will be mailed to you outlining the restoration process and the approximate time to complete the work.
“In exchange for my services, there will be a contract included that gives the Smithsonian first right to display the painting once it is restored. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call for more details.”
The Sheikh took the card and then bowed to her and the curator before walking off with a thoughtful look on his face.
Gemma turned to the curator. “It sounds like the auction went well.”
He smiled broadly. “Yes, all but the large Monet have sold. Several individuals have expressed an interest in acquiring the piece, but due to the extensive damage we decided to pull it from the auction at the last minute. We’ll get the word out and choose the highest bidder in a silent auction later.”
Gemma nodded slowly. “That piec
e definitely was in the worst shape. It’s a shame. It would have been a true masterpiece in its original glory.”
The curator tugged his beard. “Yes, but I still have hope for it. Have you met any of the other bidders?”
“Only the sheikh and one man from the Netherlands.”
“With the auction’s end, that may change. You should wander around and make yourself available.” The curator caught sight of a guest beckoning him. “Excuse me.”
Gemma wasn’t sorry to see him go. She hadn’t had time to grab dinner, and two glasses of champagne had her feeling light headed. I need some fresh air. A pair of French doors stood open at the end of the hallway. Perfect. Walking carefully, one foot in front of the other, she walked toward the door. The last thing she wanted was to stumble and embarrass herself in front of the auction house’s elite clientele. Christie’s was known for attracting the wealthiest and most famous collectors in the world, and this particular auction had even drawn some world leaders and royalty out to bid. Forgotten watercolors by some of the world’s most renowned painters? Everyone wanted a chance to own one of them.
Gemma breathed in the evening air happily. Absently, she sipped from her champagne flute. Find some French guy and let him ravish you. That had been Aimee’s final suggestion. One Gemma wasn’t opposed to. How does one go about finding such a man? And why am I even considering following Aimee’s advice? I’m here to work. Work!
She turned to look over the city, letting her concerns about work and Tyler’s tuition slip away into the night. Her gaze was drawn to the Eiffel Tower. She’d driven past it on her first day in Paris in the daylight, but hadn’t found time to visit it while it was all lit up. It was one of her regrets, but since she wasn’t being required to pay for this trip, she couldn’t really complain. She currently couldn’t afford a trip out of Washington D.C., let alone across the ocean.
One day. One day, Tyler will be finished with school and get a good job and then you can start saving up for something you want to do. Maybe a small house with its own laundry facilities and a yard? That would be nice. Maybe a tall, dark and handsome guy to go with the house…that would be really nice. In fact, I could use some male companionship right now. Gemma wrinkled her nose. Was Aimee right? Where are the cute French guys when you need them?
Her Greek Protector ( A Billionaire Second Chance Romance) Page 16
