“What’s wrong with being a Drakos?” Apollo’s gaze lifted to meet hers. There was a challenge reflected in his icy-blue eyes. “My brother was a Drakos and he was a great man. The best man I’ve ever known.”
Apollo was right on that point. Nile was a wonderful brother, from what she could tell, and an adoring husband. He would have made an amazing father if he’d had the chance. But there was something Apollo didn’t seem to understand.
“It takes more than a name or blood ties to make a family.” Her voice cracked with emotion. “It takes love—lots of it—and it takes time, one-on-one quality time. Without those you’re nothing more than relatives—not a family.”
Apollo stepped closer. His eyes flared with emotion. “I will always be that little boy’s family. Don’t you ever doubt it.”
Popi had witnessed Apollo pull himself together over the past couple of months. She had no doubt that if he put his mind to it, he would make a great father. With the passion he’d shown just now, she believed he would always be there for Seb. And no matter how upset Apollo was with her at the moment, he wouldn’t keep her from having access to Seb.
In the end, she didn’t want Seb constantly dragged back and forth between Infinity Island and the Drakos estate. Deep down she knew it was best for Seb to be settled in one place.
She attempted to tell Apollo that she would be back for regular visits with Seb, but when she opened her mouth, a lump of emotions blocked the words. Her heart was so full of love for her sister and for that little bundle upstairs that she’d been carrying around inside her for months. But she was also consumed with guilt for being the reason her sister and brother-in-law were on the boat. Maybe this was her penance.
Apollo got to his feet. “I’m needed at the office. I’ll probably be in the city until late, so don’t hold dinner for me. And my attorney will be in touch about visitation rights.”
Without waiting for her to say a word and without a goodbye, he was gone. And Popi was left sitting alone, wondering what in the world had just happened in the last twenty-four hours. How could everything have gone from being so good—so happy—to this utterly desolate feeling?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
SHOWERED AND DRESSED in a new suit, Apollo stepped in front of the floor-length mirror in his bedroom.
He didn’t want to go to the office, especially a day early. But he couldn’t just skulk around the house with Popi right here. He knew that sooner or later he would be drawn to her. He would want her to explain away the money and the custody papers. Like that could be done.
Why did he let himself think Popi was going to be different? Why did he think with her in his life that he could have a happy future? Happiness wasn’t in the cards for him.
He moved to the table by the French doors, where fresh coffee had been left for him. He picked up the mug, knowing he would need some caffeine in order to get through the day. He took a drink, but it lacked its usual good taste.
The only thing he could do—his mission in life—was to look after his nephew. And he was going to throw all of his resources into blocking Popi’s attempt at gaining custody. Seb was a Drakos. He should grow up here in the family home.
And as upset as he was with Popi, he was mostly upset with himself. The thought of going after her—of ripping the baby out of her arms—sickened him. He set aside his coffee, no longer having the stomach for it.
Knock-knock.
“Come in.”
Anna entered the bedroom, clucking her tongue and shaking her head just like she used to do when he would get in a row with Nile. He wanted to ignore her. He wanted to just sit here in his own puddle of self-pity. After all, he was the one who always came up with the short stick where relationships were concerned. Why didn’t Anna sympathize with him instead of acting like he’d done something wrong?
“What is it?” His tone was short and curt.
She arched a brow at him and he suddenly regretted aiming his frustration at her. “I can’t believe you are sending her away.”
“I’m not sending anyone anywhere. Popi is leaving because she wants to. She can’t get out the door fast enough.”