The Enforcer (Vengeful Empire #3)

Chapter 5

CHAPTER 5

V alencia

After working twelve-plus-hour days for four days in a row, I was finally off for the evening. I’d already changed, now wearing my signature jeans and a sweater. Yet I wanted to see Christos one more time. His condition had been more dire than I’d led him to believe. He’d been on death’s door twice. It was a miracle I’d saved him.

There were other more personal reasons that I wanted to see him again as well. That troubled me more than the fact the ER had been filled with dubious men shot dead.

Visions of the handsome Greek had tugged at my mind every day and night, some thoughts more inappropriate than others.

He had a pull that I couldn’t understand or explain.

I walked down the corridor, uncertain what I wanted to say to him. Or if there was anything I should say. Other than that I was releasing him in the morning. At least he could get back to his normal life.

“Dr. Laurant? Mr. Nomikos checked himself out.”

Stopping short, I turned toward one the nurses. “Why wasn’t I notified of his intentions?”

“You were in surgery.”

Shit. “Okay. Send me the paperwork.” It wasn’t unheard of for a patient to insist on being released, but he’d known he’d been in critical condition, lucky to be alive. I don’t know why I headed toward his room anyway, the door standing open and waiting to be cleaned and reset.

I walked inside, still able to feel his presence. As I moved to the bed, I reminded myself I didn’t know and probably didn’t want to learn anything about the man or his life. That didn’t stop me from brushing my fingers across his pillow.

“Get a grip, girl. He was just a man. You don’t need any complications in your life.”

The pep talk allowed me to turn around and head for the door. At least I could head home and enjoy a glass of wine while snuggling with my pup.

Sadly, I couldn’t get images of him out of my mind.

At least I could smile and had felt some fire for the first time in years.

But I was very glad the temptation was out of my life.

“I know, baby boy. Mommy has missed you too.” Magnum’s entire backside was wiggling as soon as I came in the door. He’d seen my car pulling up. I was certain of it. He’d known minutes before my arrival. He was just amazing that way, the golden lab and golden retriever mix one of the few constants in my life.

After I gave him a hug, he rushed away to grab one of his dozens of toys, carrying the fluffy squirrel in his mouth as he squealed. I adored the pup. Rescuing him had been the greatest joy of my life.

“Come on, baby. Did you have fun with sissy today?” Thankfully, my sister picked up slack, her online business allowing her to work anywhere while my job kept me ungodly hours. “Were you a good boy?”

He hopped up on me again, his deep brown eyes bright. That made me think about Christos’ ice blue eyes when they’d pierced mine.

“Come on. Mommy dog wants a glass of wine.” I headed to the kitchen, filling up his water bowl before grabbing a clean wineglass, filling it with my favorite merlot. It was almost dark, the late afternoon sky allowing a golden glow inside my apartment. I’d been lucky to find the place, the controlled rent on the incredible space making my friends jealous.

It helped to have a father who was a senator. It was the single time I’d allowed him to pull a few strings. The place belonged to a friend of his who had a long-term assignment overseas. The situation had literally fallen into my lap.

I headed toward the living room, eager to relax for a few minutes before getting us both something to eat.

“Come on, boy. Come close to Mommy.” Magnum jumped up, nuzzling against my side. I stroked his fur, grateful to be home. Greece. The wine tasted extraordinary on this late afternoon. With my laptop on the coffee table, I placed the glass right beside it and, on a whim, typed in Athens, switching to images.

As very vibrant pictures appeared, I sighed. “It’s beautiful, baby cakes. Maybe Mommy dog will take a vacation someday.”

He whined and I laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t go anywhere without you.”

I pushed the computer away, still staring at the photographs while concentrating on enjoying my wine. The doorbell surprised me.

Magnum immediately started barking.

“It’s okay, boy. Maybe Miss Katrina left something.” My sister was notorious for doing so. I headed toward the door, ready to flash a smile in her direction. I never had visitors. As soon as I opened it, I was shocked.

“Dr. Laurant?”

“That’s me.” The delivery driver had at least three dozen roses in red and white in his arms, the stems nestled in a gorgeous crystal vase.

“Delivery for you.”

“Let me get you a tip.”

“Not necessary. That was already taken care of. Have a nice day.”

I struggled to get them inside, forced to kick the door shut. “What do you think, boy? Who sent me flowers?”

Magnum sat back on his haunches, studying the vase skeptically.

I took them to the small dining room table, placing them directly in the center, readjusting them several times so they were perfect. I couldn’t remember the last time anyone had sent me flowers. Other than my parents of course. My mother sent flowers for everything.

They were exquisite, yet to open, the crimson a rich, deep color. After taking a deep whiff, I searched for a card, giving my pup a wink before opening the envelope.

I will never forget your kindness. One day, I will be able to repay you. One day, we will meet again. Christos.

Just reading the words out loud brought a lump to my throat. Who went to this kind of trouble and money spent to say thank you? Maybe it could become a trend. I laughed softly to myself. What a surprise. Maybe the fates would smile on us and we would run into each other again.

Oh, sure. And maybe I’d win the billion-dollar lottery.

“Come on, pup. Let’s get some dinner.”

Christos

“Elias. Either you have someone locate the fucker who lured us into that meeting or I’m sending you back to New York to handle his death myself. Do you understand?”

Elias nodded. “Yes, boss. I will. We’re close.”

“That’s what you said yesterday.”

“He’s acting cagey.”

I chuckled. The man had been with me for years, his level of skill honed by his father who had been in the Greek military, yet he had a soft spot for certain people. This time, that soft spot had almost gotten me killed. “Find out who paid him to betray us. There’s always a trail.”

“Yes, sir.”

Exhaustion came in waves. I’d slept for most of the flight back, taking a few hours to myself before heading to my parents’ house. Yes, they were worried about me and used my injury as a preface for hosting a dinner party.

At least I was able to grin as I walked in through the front door. Hearing voices, I headed toward the family room. Gatherings always started there and ended in the kitchen because of my mother’s fabulous cooking.

The moment I walked into the room, my mother noticed me first. Her squeal had been the same since I’d been a kid. Whether coming from experiences of happiness or grief, her shrill voice had become a signature.

“My son. You look so thin!” My mother wrapped her arms around me, squeezing me just like she’d done when I’d been a little boy. “Oh, I was so worried about you.”

My entire family was looking on, lounging with drinks in their hands as they watched the interaction with amusement.

Especially my older brother, Dimitrios. He appeared far too comfortable for his own good, one leg tossed over the arm of the chair, his lovely wife, Willow holding their year-old baby in her arms where she sat between his feet. Just the way my brother was casually stroking his wife’s hair brought a pang of jealousy.

And remembrances of the stunning doctor who’d saved my life. Little had she known at a risk to her own.

“I’m fine, Mama. Stop worrying.” I pulled away gently, kissing her on the forehead, smirking as my father approached. He was a gregarious man, almost always laughing. But not when it came to his family being hurt.

“I’m making all your favorite foods. We will have a feast!” my mother exclaimed as she backed away, clasping her hands together.

“I’ll be happy to help,” Kara, my other brother Havros’ fiancée said as she jumped to her feet. “Mind the babes in arms and why don’t you tell them the news,” she directed Havros, her cute nose pinched as she ordered him to look after their child.

The two men were lucky they’d found the right women to stand by their sides, both girls powerful in their own right because they’d managed to wrap my brothers around their little fingers. I’d faced the truth about myself a long time before. I wasn’t that kind of man. I had my reasons for staying very single, although the incident was something rarely mentioned after all this time.

After the two women had left the room, my father closed the distance. We were standing within hearing range of my brothers, the children too young to understand what we were talking about.

“What news?” I asked, giving Havros an evil grin.

He appeared slightly uncomfortable. “We’re finally getting married.”

“About damn time,” Dimitrios huffed.

Willow clapped her hands. “Finally. When? Where? I can help.”

Havros groaned. “Hopefully, at the estate in Corfu. If you don’t mind, Dad.” The home on the island was the family’s retreat, the massive location directly on the beach holding both amazing and tragic memories.

Our father was beaming. Even his chest was puffing up. The man did adore a party. “I would be honored to host. When are we talking about? Your mother will need to plan.”

Suddenly, Havros appeared sheepish. “We’re talking about three weeks from now.”

“What?” Everyone in the room asked the question at the same time.

My brother shrugged. “We were going to mention it before we learned Christos had been shot.”

“Oh, blame me,” I chortled.

“I do love to blame you for as much as possible.”

I quickly threw up my middle finger.

“We’ll never get it done,” Willow huffed.

Pops shook his head, lifting his glass. “What my son wants, my son gets. We will have an incredible event. To Havros and his lovely bride, Kara.”

“Maybe you should do that when Kara can join us, Pops,” Dimitrios suggested.

“This is a celebration all around. We just need to get to work. Every one of us will help. Got it?” Our father didn’t mince words.

“Got it,” I answered for all of us.

“Maybe you can bring a date,” Havros suggested.

“I’m not seeing anyone,” I told him.

“Subject to change.”

I wanted to flip my brother off with flair, but I resisted. This was a family affair after all.

Willow sighed. “Amazing. A happy family.”

Happy. I was still reeling from what had occurred, furious that I’d been unable to find the fuckers behind the hit. Even if I knew in my gut the goddamn laborers’ king had been behind it. Killing him was too easy, but would have created an international nightmare we couldn’t risk at this point. But soon. Oh, very soon the man would face my wrath.

“What the fuck happened?” Pops asked gruffly.

“We were lured to a corner bar.” That much I was certain of. “I’m positive Kenneth Baker was behind the attempted assassination. It’s time for him to understand he can’t fuck with us.”

“Be certain of his involvement, son, before you do anything rash. You know what we’ll face if you’re wrong.”

I knew, which was the only reason I’d returned to Greece. Rash? My brothers were more likely to fly off the handle than I was.

“What about the kid you interrogated?” Havros asked.

“Elias was unable to find him.” Both he and Luca had gone in different shifts, attempting to find the informant who’d given Elias the tip and sweet Ricky, who’d not been so sweet after all. Even the bartender had disappeared.

“And the informant?” Dimitrios lifted his eyebrows.

“In the wind. For now. Elias is handling it.”

Havros hissed. “Fucking informants. They turn traitor for a thousand bucks.”

“I have a feeling more cash changed hands for this one.”

Pops sighed. “Christos is correct. Our reputation extends to the States. It is quite possible certain allies of the Laborers’ Union are fearful the club will lead to our family invading their territories. They’re understandably on edge.”

“How the fuck did that happen?” Dimitrios barked.

“Language,” Willow chastised.

My older brother sighed. “What would you have me say, beautiful wife of mine?”

“That you’re going after the motherfucker who dared attack our family.”

Her words were sharp and to the point and everyone in the room laughed at her level of frankness. I lifted my glass, giving her a nod. “Yes, ma’am. I plan on it.”

“After Christos recovers,” Pops stated as if his mandate was law. It didn’t matter how old we were or how accomplished as men we’d become. He would always worry about our safety given our youngest brother’s murder.

It was times like this I was both thankful and irritated at having such a close family.

“I’ve talked with Marinos’ wife. She will be well cared for.”

“At least he didn’t have children. It’s terrible to grow up without a father.” Havros sighed and reached down, lifting his son into his arms. “I will never allow that to happen.”

“What is the American expression?” I mused. “Never say never.”

Havros threw me a dirty look. “What are we doing with this, Dimitrios?”

The man considered the boss of the organization took a few seconds contemplating the answer. “It would seem the Americans do not want us in their lovely country. So we wait. We spend our time on our other ventures.”

When I started to object, he threw up his hand.

“I didn’t say for how long, Christos. We lie in wait. We listen. We learn. Then we attack when the time is right. Until then, it will appear we are concerned about the possibilities of the future.”

“Why in the fuck would you do that?” I almost apologized for using a bad word as soon as Willow gave me a hard look. The kid was one year old. What the hell was he going to remember? I took a gulp of my drink, still aching all over from the attack. Yes, I knew I was damn lucky to be alive.

“Because we are like panthers in the night,” Dimitrios answered. “Plus, we’re highly intelligent businessmen. We will get what we want.”

“Revenge,” Havros added.

Pops looked from one to the other of us. “Your brother is right in being careful. The American crime lords aren’t very bright, but they do hire skilled individuals disguised as business associates or thugs. Both groups are considered highly dangerous. They will not stop until they achieve their goal.”

“Which is?” I asked.

Havros smirked. “Our elimination.”

Our father nodded. “If we do nothing, they will eventually crawl out of their scum-infested holes.”

“I don’t like waiting, but I see the value in what’s been said. Between the club opening here and the one finally prepared to open in Milan, we’ll have our hands full.”

“The one at the beach is completely under control,” Willow said. “My control.” As a wedding gift, Dimitrios had given her full control of the restaurant and traditional tourist-style club located on a beach front property that had been in our family for generations. It had been her baby. Her dream coming alive.

“And Milan?” I asked, already needing a second drink. Elias and Luca remained outside, watching the perimeter like hawks. Although we all doubted anyone from the United States would be stupid enough to travel to Athens, we had to be careful.

“Club Scandal already has a buzz. You’re going in two weeks for the opening nights.” Dimitrios pointed his finger at me and I laughed.

“I’ll be happy to do so.” My entire family knew I was the biggest playboy of all, even though Havros had attempted to claim the title over the years. I could see how that had worked out. He almost never allowed Kara out of his sight.

“You’ll be the first person to stay in the villa we purchased,” Dimitrios added. “Hopefully, anyway.”

“What does that mean?” I laughed after asking seeing the strange look on his face.

He swirled his glass and settled further into his seat. “Let’s just say I had to fire the original contractor.”

I lifted my eyebrows, glancing at Havros.

“It would seem he was working for the Italian prime minister, caught in the process of installing security cameras. I just happened to drop by the villa unexpectedly before a wall was closed.” Havros grinned. “He learned fucking with us wasn’t an option.”

“What the fuck is the beef with the prime minister?” I asked but knew the answer. “He doesn’t appreciate we’re friendly with the Sicilians.”

Dimitrios nodded. “Not in the least. I think the Italian president is fearful of the wars we can start on their home turf as well. Perhaps you can initiate a meeting with him while you’re spending time in the lovely country.”

“I look forward to it. Perhaps I’ll invite President Marino to the club opening.” I grinned when Dimitrios grunted.

“Not a bad idea,” Pops muttered. “That will put Prime Minister Caputo on notice we have the favor of the most powerful man in the country. He doesn’t like to be pushed. Do it, son.”

I nodded.

“But carefully,” Dimitrios added.

“Careful is my middle name,” I told him with a smile on my face. “Perhaps I’ll also take some time to explore all that Milan has to offer.” The corporation had purchased two new homes, one in Paris and one in Milan, locations where the new clubs had been built. We had no intentions of creating more than an outpost in Italy for our less legitimate offerings, but our brutal reputation extended all the way to the United States.

Everyone laughed again, much more easily this time. I rubbed my chest and my father instantly lifted his eyebrows. “Stop worrying, Pops. I feel fine. I was given a clean bill of health.”

“But you will rest these next two weeks. We don’t need you collapsing on the job.”

I saluted him, something he loathed. “Yes, sir.”

He acted as if he was going to swat me just like when I was the precocious kid. Yes, it was good to be home.

“Tell us about the woman who saved your life. I heard from Elias she’s a looker.” Dimitrios was immediately popped on his leg by Willow. “Don’t worry, snookums. I’m not going anywhere.”

“You better not. You know how well I handle an icepick,” she countered.

I blew out a swath of hot air. “She’s tough.”

“Just wait until you find out how tough they can be,” Havros threw in.

“Not this man.” I pointed to myself. “Never.”

“What did you just tell us? Never say never?”

After making a face at Dimitrios, my thoughts drifted to Valencia all over again. As they’d done several times. I’d wondered if she liked the flowers. I’d made certain she’d received them. “Dr. Laurant is a highly recommended cardiovascular surgeon, her credentials unblemished.”

My two brothers looked back and forth between themselves.

“Spill it,” Havros barked. “How hot is she?”

As I rubbed my jaw, images of her face popped into my mind. I almost preferred her in scrubs, the light makeup allowing her gorgeous features to shine through. Even the way she’d piled her hair into a sloppy bun had been sexy as hell. I’d wanted to rip out the pins holding her long strands in place, running my fingers through her hair.

“On a scale of one to ten, she’s a twenty.”

Dimitrios opened his eyes wide. “You just couldn’t find a nice Greek girl to settle down with. Could you?”

“Who says I’m settling down?”

“Famous last words,” Willow purred over the rim of her wineglass.

I laughed, but couldn’t shake the feeling or the longing that had entrapped me for days. I would see her again if I had to move heaven and earth to do so.