Chapter 17
CHAPTER 17
C hristos
“This smells far too similar to the shit we had with the Italians before,” Dimitrios growled.
“True, but there’s no evidence the American who tried to kill you works for anyone.”
I studied Havros. The rehearsal dinner started in just over an hour and he was talking shop. “But as we agreed, there is no proof of anything and it’s far too coincidental that President Marino was shot.”
“Perhaps,” Dimitrios agreed. “However, we can’t rest on our laurels. We need to stay sharp, which is why I’ve had additional guards posted during the reception.”
Havros sighed. “Kara is going to flip.”
“She’ll understand. Women have an uncanny ability of accepting the situations around them,” I shared.
He grinned. “You mean like the woman who continues to be on your mind?”
“Who are you talking about?” I snapped and instantly regretted doing so. They could read me like a damn book.
“Did the lovely doctor really leave on the return flight?” Dimitrios wore the same grin as my other brother.
“She checked in. So yes. She left.” The ache remained. I’d honored her request, but had almost failed in doing so. I’d had a couple of men shadow her the entire time. A part of me had wanted to do it myself. If I had gone, she’d be standing here with me.
Damn it.
“Why did you allow her to leave, brother?” Havros wasn’t going to let this go.
“Because I respect her need and desire to return to her life. And the last time I checked, I wasn’t into kidnapping.”
Both my brothers looked at each other, chuckling as if a private joke had been shared.
“Sometimes circumstances call for taking stronger actions.” Dimitrios lifted his glass in a salute that I wasn’t certain I wanted any part of. He’d all but kidnapped Willow when he’d believed she had something to do with Leandro’s murder. Kara had been determined to interview a family member for a series of articles she’d been writing on crime syndicates of the world.
When she met Havros, there was chemistry, but it hadn’t been love at first sight. In the end, she’d almost gotten herself killed. At least with a network picking up her idea for a biopic, she’d become a celebrity in her own right.
And had fallen hopelessly in love with my brother. But there’d been a time he’d held her against her will. For safety purposes. I snorted at the thought. That wouldn’t fly with a woman like Valencia.
“Maybe so, but not in this case,” I admitted. All I’d been doing was thinking about her when I should have been concentrating on hunting down the informant in New York who’d sold us out.
“You can always return to New York. In fact, that might be prudent in the upcoming weeks.”
I tipped my head toward my oldest brother. “I thought we were waiting.”
“Waiting isn’t getting us anywhere.”
That was true enough. The quiet and lack of threats was driving all of us crazy. But we’d learned that patience could be a true virtue a year before. We’d even made a pledge we would never overreact.
We would see how long that would last.
“Incidentally,” Dimitrios said after walking toward one of the tables and grabbing a newspaper. My father insisted on having the paper versions come to the house in Corfu when they spent time in the location. As soon as Dimitrios lifted his head in my direction, I grimaced. “Has the playboy finally been captured? That’s the headline.”
“Here we go,” Havros teased.
Dimitrios cleared his throat. “Milan was thrilled and excited for the opening of Club Scandal, a long-anticipated dance floor in the heart of the city. In attendance were several politicians, musicians, artists, and actors from various countries making for a festive evening. However, the most exciting aspect of the evening was the arrival of mogul and part club owner, Christos Nomikos and his companion, Dr. Valencia Laurant, who held his rapt attention. When asked if she was his fiancée, he was happy to admit she was someone very special in his life. Dr. Laurant was also the surgeon responsible for saving his life after a horrendous shooting in New York. While the case is still under investigation, it would appear the incident, which left several dead, was gang or mafia related.”
Well, fuck.
Dimitrios tossed the paper. “So much for laying low. Did you invite the reporters?”
“It was inevitable they came. You know that,” I answered.
“Yes, but there’s a reason for the private entrance. Why not use it?”
Shrugging, I knew I’d been playing a game of Russian roulette, but it seemed a perfect choice for bringing the person responsible for our difficulties into the light. “I thought it prudent.”
“Is Valencia aware you used her and in doing so, you placed a target on her head?” Havros asked.
“She’s an intelligent woman.” My answer was trite as well as incomplete and my brothers knew it.
“I also learned there’s an article in the New York Times about the incident.” Dimitrios didn’t seem angry, just confused.
“Yes, which I had nothing to do with and didn’t know about it until a few days ago.”
“You should have mentioned it earlier.”
I nodded to my boss, my body tensing. “She’ll be safe in New York.”
“Are you certain about that?” Havros snarked.
“Are you going on a honeymoon?” I wasn’t interested in continuing with the conversation about Valencia.
Havros shook his head. “What a way to deflect the conversation. Yeah, for a couple days. An undisclosed island.”
“You’re not telling us?” Dimitrios chided.
“Hell, no. You’ll blab it to Kara in like ten minutes. Not a chance, buddy.”
We all laughed and while it felt good to be surrounded by family, it also made me realize how lonely I had become over the years. It wasn’t like me to be envious of anyone but with the few days spent with Valencia, I’d grown used to having someone around me. Was it a sin to want more of it?
We heard footsteps and I half expected it to be our father, sent by our mother of course to remind us of the time. While she’d hired a caterer to prepare and serve a fabulous meal, she’d driven the people crazy trying to assure that everything was just so. The house, surrounding buildings, and grounds of our parents’ estate in Corfu had never looked so festive.
Lights had been strung everywhere. There wasn’t a tree, plant, or building that wasn’t covered with sparkling twinklers. One would think it was Christmas instead of a wedding.
When Elias walked in, there wasn’t a single one of us who didn’t shift on edge.
“What is it?” I asked a little more gruffly than I’d intended.
“You have a visitor who insists on seeing you.” Elias wore no expression.
Sighing, I realized the last thing I wanted was to chat with anyone. “Who the fuck would just be stopping by? I thought you knew to push anyone who tried away. This is a family affair.”
“Yes, boss, but I couldn’t convince them to leave and I didn’t think you wanted any violence outside the house.”
He was right about that. I shot my brothers a look. “I’ll take care of this and get rid of them.”
“You better do that before Mama looks outside and sees the intruder,” Havros recommended. “You know what she’ll do.”
“Yes, I do and it won’t be pleasant.” I placed my drink on the bar and headed behind Elias. “Do you fucking have any idea who this is?”
“Yes, I do, boss.”
“Who the fuck is it?”
“They’re waiting just outside.”
I was getting pissed he wasn’t answering me. “Fine. Fuck it.” I threw open the door, bounding outside ready to take someone’s head off.
“Hi.”
I stopped in my tracks as soon as I heard the lilting sound from behind me. A jolt in my heart occurred and I realized there was a first time for everything around her.
Her.
“Valencia,” I growled her name as I turned toward her voice.
She stood in a beautiful dress and heels, her face pensive. She had a wrapped box with a big red bow in her hand. Yes, I’d given her directions and had paid for her flight to Greece that she hadn’t used. Or so I’d thought. I’d been too busy feeling sorry for myself to double check. I’d hired a driver and the bastard hadn’t called to tell me she was coming.
“Yes.” She seemed uncertain I still wanted her here, her usual defiance entirely different.
I walked toward her slowly, shoving my hands into my pockets. “I thought you got on that plane.”
“I was on the gangway and almost there and something happened.”
“What?”
“I realized I didn’t want to leave,” she said with a smile. “I also didn’t think it was polite to leave since I was invited to drop by with a present.”
For a man who was never at a loss for words, I had no fucking clue what to say to her or why I’d gotten so lucky. But I grinned from ear to ear and walked closer.
“If you don’t want me to come, that’s fine. Maybe you can take this to Kara.”
“You remembered her name.”
“I remember everything you told me about your family.”
She’d asked about everyone and I’d told her while lounging in bed drinking wine. Sharing the quiet part of my life with her had felt damn good. I hadn’t done that with anyone. We’d laughed. She’d told me puppy stories and even those of the dogs and cats she’d helped rescue. Then morning had come and the spell had been broken.
“So you just wanted to drop by before you left. Huh?” I inched even closer and my skin was fucking tingling. When the hell had that started?
“Something like that.”
When I was only a couple of inches from her, the little vixen was eager to continue taunting me as she’d done before. Just one drag of her tongue across her bottom lip and I was ready to rip off her clothes. That wouldn’t be the best look given my parents were inside, but what the hell. No risk, no reward.
“Alright. Then I’ll take it to Kara.” I took the package from her and I’ll be damned if she didn’t start to walk away. This time, I was going to follow my brothers’ advice. She was not getting away.
I snagged her arm, yanking her against me. “You’re not going anywhere, angel. You made the mistake of returning to the predator’s lair. Now, you’re mine. Got it?”
“Got it.”
As soon as I wrapped one arm around her, she swung hers over my shoulders. She was the one who crushed her lips across mine, filling my nostrils with her sweet scent. I was lulled into the peace of having her in my arms, barely slipping my tongue inside as she tangled her fingers in my hair.
The world around us faded and I couldn’t think of anything but being with her.
Taking her.
Tasting her.
The rest would need to wait. Until later.
If I could keep my promise of patience.
“Ahem,” a deep voice said from behind us.
As soon as I broke the kiss, I growled and Valencia lifted her eyebrows. When she turned her head to the side, I shook mine, finally turning us both to face not one, but two brothers.
“You just had to interrupt. Didn’t you?” I demanded.
“It is our prerogative. Besides, no woman has ever agreed to spend but so much time with you,” Havros responded. He was standing against the doorway with his arms crossed, smirking since he was far too pleased with himself.
“From what I’ve heard, this girl is something special. And she did save your life.” Dimitrios kept his grin as he walked toward us. “Since our brother isn’t good with introductions, allow me to do the deed. I’m Dimitrios, the oldest. This is Havros, the would-be groom.”
“Hey, I am getting married.”
“And this is Dr. Valencia Laurant,” I told them.
“Ooh. Formal,” Havros teased.
“Just Valencia. I hope you don’t mind me interrupting your family time,” Valencia interjected.
“Are you kidding me? From what I can tell, you could be the one.” Dimitrios winked and I gave him a harsh look.
Valencia looked back and forth between us. “Your mother had her hands full with the three of you. Didn’t she?”
“Yes, she did,” Dimitrios told her. “Speaking of which. We need to introduce you to our mother before she hears of your arrival from someone else.”
“True,” Havros said. “She’s a taskmaster. Just a warning.”
Valencia looked back at me and I sensed she was prepared for anything. Elias finally popped outside and I snorted in his direction. “Did she put you up to helping her?”
Elias shrugged. “Not going to say a word, boss, for fear of incriminating myself. I’ll grab her bags. Where should I put them?”
I’ll be damned if he didn’t have a grin on his face. Even my two brothers were standing in wait of my answer. “In my room.”
My two brothers raised their eyebrows and I knew I’d get shit for this later, but I didn’t care. She was here and for the first time since I was a kid, I was looking forward to an extended family celebration.
I shoved the package into Havros’ arms. “Make yourself useful and pour my guest a glass of wine. Red. Blood red.”
She laughed from beside me. “Don’t mind him. He just needs to learn some table manners.”
Both my brothers were surprised at her frankness as well as her ability to feel comfortable around them so quickly. So was I. I was also impressed. But the man inside of me wanted to remind her that I was in charge.
As I placed my hand on the small of her back guiding her inside, all I could do was smile.
“The women are in the kitchen,” Dimitrios offered.
“What about the men?” Valencia asked. “You should be working.”
All three of us scoffed at the same time. “She doesn’t understand our mother. Yet. She will.” Havros grinned. “I’ll get that glass of wine. You might need it.”
“Uh-oh,” she said. “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely.” The truth was that I was more certain about this than I had been with anything else personal in my life. I kept her going the right direction toward what my mother liked to call the real entertainment wing. That included a commercial-sized kitchen, a butler’s pantry, another pantry that could rival any bedroom, and direct access to both the dining room and one of four patios outside.
“This is a gorgeous house,” she said as I made the turn toward the kitchen.
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” We didn’t need to get but so close to the main kitchen before we both able to hear our mother barking directions in both Greek and English.
“Do not burn these. Tha apolytheíte an to kánete. I don’t like when my beautiful food is burned. This is a special day. My son’s rehearsal dinner. And his lovely bride.”
“What was the part in Greek?” Valencia whispered.
“She said she’d fire the person if the food was burned.”
“Oh, she is tough.”
“You have no idea.” I finally pushed us both into the doorway where we stood watching my mother scurrying around. We stood silently watching as she moved from station to station where the catering staff was attempting to do their jobs.
Willow noticed us first. She grinned and popped Kara on the arm, nodding toward the doorway.
Kara lifted her head, scrutinizing Valencia before turning her attention on me. She walked closer. I knew her well enough to realize she was doing her best not to smile.
“You must be Dr. Laurant. I’ve heard a great deal about you. Let me be the first to tell you that you’re too good for him.”
I hadn’t expected that and choked on my own saliva.
“What is the meaning of…” My mother was about to snap, her head immediately lifting in our direction. Instead of the amusement Kara had shown, she acted perturbed.
“Oh, no,” Valencia whispered.
“Mama Nomikos,” Willow said. My mother had insisted the two women call her that. “This is the woman who saved Christos’ life.”
I could never know what to expect from my mother. When she took long strides instead of her usual ladylike ones, I braced for impact. She grabbed Valencia, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Kara was laughing as she walked toward me, Willow beaming.
When Kara bumped me as she stood next to me, I shook my head all over again. “So, you brought her to the wedding. Does that mean we should make room for a double wedding?”
“Do not go there, Miss Kara,” I told her.
Mama pulled away, taking Valencia’s face into both her hands. “ Eíste méros aftís tis oikogéneias tóra. Sósate ti zoí tou moroú mou. Tha se kratoúsa gia pánta stin kardiá mou .”
“She said that you are part of this family now. You saved her baby’s life. She will forever hold you in her heart.” Willow was impressed with herself for learning as much Greek as she had in a year and a half. Hell, I was too.
When my mother pulled away, she kissed Valencia on the cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here. I was hoping you would come.”
Valencia glanced over her shoulder at me. “Hey, I made the mistake of mentioning I’d invited you to one brother. You see how it spreads like wildfire. Never offer a secret if you don’t want everyone to know.”
“Hush, my boy. These are times of celebration. Now, go. Get out of my kitchen. All of you. Go enjoy being young. If I were young again, I’d wipe the floor with you.”
“You’re certain I can’t help? I’m not a very good cook, but I take direction well,” Valencia offered.
“No, sweet angel. You go rest. Be with my son. I can tell he loves you. Go for a walk on the beach. The rehearsal and dinner can wait.”
Love. My mother would forever push me into marriage.
“We do have a priest coming for the rehearsal,” I reminded her.
“I will keep him busy. It’s important you spend time together. Now, go. Now.”
I scratched my head as Valencia pulled away. When she turned to face me fully, she had a sheer look of amusement on her face. “Love, huh?”
“Don’t listen to my mother. They don’t always know best.”