Chapter 16
CHAPTER 16
K ara
The art of running a major corporation is itself a well-played game. A winning hand needs cunning abilities along with keeping abreast of the competition around you. That’s what you will find in dealing with the family running the Nomikos Corporation. They are brilliant negotiators, highly respected businessmen, and keenly aware of their competition. They also have a much darker side, elements that could be considered crossing into the gray area. Right versus wrong. Good versus bad.
They do so with eloquence and intelligence while keeping a firm hold on their financial status at all times. Do they routinely cross the line? It’s my opinion they do.
I sat back, reading what I’d just typed on my screen. This was just a partial rough draft, earlier pages regarding Havros’ personality and the respect I’d already witnessed at his office sent off to Jacob for his thoughts. My gut told me I needed to be very careful with the words I chose. My concern wasn’t just based on what Havros would say or demand be removed, but also to maintain his staunch privacy and the security of his company.
For about a million reasons, I was having difficulty metaphorically putting pen to paper. I couldn’t seem to find the right words to adequately express the power I felt by just being in a room with him. I’d sensed his ruthless addiction to his work the moment I’d walked into his office. It was uncanny the way he seemed to know what I was thinking before I opened my mouth. That was disconcerting, but provided me with an insight to the man himself.
After rereading what I’d just written, I was ready to start all over. I doubted he would want me to highlight much of his personal life. Then what the hell could I write? The former organizations I’d worked with had seemed almost eager to provide a full understanding they were dangerous people.
Havros seemed almost insistent that times were changing, that his family was no longer in the former ‘business’ they’d been accused of. It was going to be a delicate balance. Groaning, I dropped my head into my hands. I’d made it that much more complicated by falling into his arms. What the hell was wrong with me? I knew better than to get involved with anyone I’d written an article about. That was a huge no-no in the industry.
Especially when the man in question was considered a monster in so many eyes. That was another discrepancy that was tough to overcome in writing the piece. It seemed Greece loved the man. I’d also sensed that easily. Maybe the meeting I was attending with him would help clarify the position I needed to take.
Right now, it was impossible to think professionally although I couldn’t seem to get him off my mind. I’d let go the night before, utterly and completely. I’d allowed the bad girl to surface. What the man must think of me.
I knew what I thought about myself.
If I didn’t place the boundaries right now and stay firm with them, I might lose all sanity. So much was riding on this. My career. My future. Hell, the biopics.
As soon as I closed my eyes out of frustration, his face popped into my mind, the image vivid and daunting. Immediately, I was aroused all over again. After he’d left, I’d lain awake the rest of the night, mulling over what I’d done.
Finally, I’d crawled out of bed around four, sucking down every packet of coffee in the room while I attempted my first pass with the article.
I’d been awake when Havros had dressed. I’d been able to tell he hadn’t wanted to leave. He knew as well as I did that this wasn’t going anywhere. Other than great sex, a beautiful memory, we’d both need to let it go.
I envisioned the man’s stunning body as he’d taken me so roughly. Every square inch of him was so rugged, his skin displaying his dangerous lifestyle. The scars and ink added to his persona and I found that terribly attractive. Let alone the way he kissed had been entirely too intimate and amazing.
Shuddering, I licked my lips, almost still able to taste him.
The sharp ring of my phone brought me out of my moment of revelry. I threw a glaring look at the screen before yanking the phone into my hand. Jacob. I cringed before answering.
“Hi there. How’s New York?”
“Not nearly as nice as Greece. What the hell did you send me?” he asked, half laughing and half grousing.
“It won’t be the start of the article, but I wanted readers to feel how the man handled himself, the way he conducted business as well as aspects of his personal life.”
“This reads like a goddamn romance novel. If I didn’t know you better, which I do, I’d say you crossed some line with him. I find that difficult to believe since you yourself told me there’s so much riding on you being able to finish the series.”
I slumped down into my seat, absently glaring at the television I’d had on for company for a few hours. I’d allowed myself to be dragged down the very rabbit hole I’d resisted my entire life. Ever since the death of my mother, I’d fought hard to become a woman of grit and merit. I’d told myself that I didn’t need a man, but had obviously lied.
I’d also said I had a heart of steel. Boy, was I wrong. Right now, I’d call it mushy like freshly mashed potatoes.
Oh, great analogy.
My father had even warned me to have fun while I was young, but I’d plowed into my work with a vengeance. He was the only person who truly understood why I was working so hard. Jacob had an inkling, but he’d never asked me directly. I’d kept myself closed off from almost everyone, rarely if ever making any friends. I’d been forced to since Dad had also buried himself in his cases once he’d switched jobs. I’d learned to care for myself from the tender age of thirteen.
I couldn’t break my oath to my mother’s memory now. Not for anything.
Or because of anyone.
Why was I sitting here suddenly feeling sorry for myself? Because Jacob hadn’t thoroughly enjoyed my piece like I’d hoped he would? That he’d gotten out of the gate with a criticism?
Grow up, girl. Get your backbone in gear.
“It’s meant to be more personal,” I insisted in my defense. “A different piece to bring something fresh to readers.”
“It’s fresh alright. Weren’t you the one who told me every article had to be gritty and in your face? Isn’t that how you asked me to present the series to the networks?”
“Yes. Okay. Fine.” I noticed a man’s face appearing on television I recognized, the one who’d recently gone on the air presenting the Nomikos family as a criminal organization that should be stopped. Theo. “But the people running the organizations are people too. They have families and share dreams and holidays. They’re close and love each other.”
I walked closer to the television, turning up the volume just enough I could hear what was being said. I was surprised the man was speaking English instead of Greek. He’d wanted to present the piece to a larger audience.
“O-kay. Do you remember the last piece you wrote? The one where you ended the article by saying the organization was merciless and bloodthirsty?”
Another slight cringe rolled through my system.
“I understand.”
“Do you? Is something going on you should be telling me about?” he demanded. “I’ll take that back. You’re a big girl and I don’t think I need to remind you that this is all you’ve talked about doing for years. I get why. I really do.”
“Do you?”
“Yes, I think I know you better than you know yourself. Your mother was very important to you. Her death altered your entire life. Yeah, I get it. Look, I wasn’t going to share this with you, but Netflix has made an offer. I have a feeling HBO has already heard and could be contacting me as well. It’s possible you’ll be asked to go on camera with the subject matter. There are lots of possibilities. You have big things waiting for you back in the States. However, the package deal was sold as a package. Do you get it?”
I squealed a little inside, but I was also filled with a sense of dread. I had two reasons for wanting this. Jacob hadn’t figured out this was more of a personal endeavor than a professional one. Although I was thrilled at the possibilities of what the future would hold.
“Meaning I need to complete this article and head to Italy.”
“Exactly, although the thought of you meeting with the Sicilians has me even more nervous at this point. However, I’ve been badgering the Italians. They finally agreed to a meeting. I took your suggestion and let them know you were meeting with the Nomikos family. That changed everything. But I don’t mind telling you how dangerous the organization is.”
“They all are.” I pumped my fist in the air. That’s exactly what I was hoping for. By dropping the Nomikos name, I’d made the interviews a competition. At least I was doing something right.
“No, honey. The Sicilians make the Russian Bratva members look like toddlers.”
“Trust me. I’ll be very careful.” They were the only organization in my mind who could provide me with answers. I tried to place at least limited attention to what was happening on the screen. Wait a minute. “Hold on a second. Just wait.” I turned up the volume a little more, pressing my fingers across my mouth almost immediately.
The man was recanting. He was taking back everything he’d said from his earlier broadcast. I was in near shock, trying to make sense of why he’d do something like that.
“What is it?” Jacob pressed seconds later.
“The link you send me with the guy and his television program. I watched that. Scary stuff.”
“That’s what it was meant to do. His name is Theo something.”
“Theo Artino. Out of the blue he’s recanting his entire story. He’s on television saying he was lied to about everything and that the Nomikoses are respected individuals.”
He laughed. “That sounds like the man was threatened. Another reason for me to encourage you to abandon this damn series.”
“I can’t do that.” Not when I was so close to getting some answers. His statement caught me off guard. He was right. There was no other reason that made any sense. My mind drifted off to Havros being the subject of my innermost thoughts. Could he do something like that? Absolutely he could. The question was would he?
“Earth to Kara. I don’t like what you just told me. You’re already having difficulty writing the piece. I think that’s your instinct telling you that you’re in danger.”
“Havros isn’t going to hurt me.”
“You’re so certain of that?”
I was. Or at least I thought I was. Maybe the good instincts I’d always had before had finally flown the coop. By one hot guy in a sexy suit? God. This just wasn’t like me in the least. It was funny that I’d always considered myself a damaged creature. Since the day my mother had been taken from this earth, I’d become withdrawn, turning to books for comfort, writing in my diary for consolation. I’d never been called beautiful until now.
Havros had said all the right things to get me into bed. Was it about manipulating my article as well?
“I’m positive, Jacob. You worry too much.”
“That’s because…”
“Just say it. Go on. I know what you’re thinking.”
“If your father was around more, he’d be doing the worrying as well.”
A heavy sigh rushed up from my chest. “He’s hurting. You know that.”
“Aren’t you still hurting as well? You’re both still healing, but you needed him and he wasn’t there for you. I know this is something you feel like you must do, but your mother wouldn’t want you placed directly in danger in your need to seek revenge.”
“I’m not doing that. Please, just leave my father out of it.”
“Yes, you are, and he’s my friend, Kara. We haven’t talked in a long time, but it doesn’t mean I don’t care about him. Or you. You’re like a daughter to me.”
I hated when Jacob lectured me just like a father would. If only my father had been there by my side so I could cry on his shoulder, things would be different. “I know you care. Yes, these stories are important to me. I’ve spent my life waiting to find answers.”
“And those answers could get you killed. I’m about ready to insist you come home.”
“I’m not doing that.” Another blip on the screen caught my eye. I turned my attention to the broadcast.
“We’re coming on the air now to report the sad news that Mr. Artino died sometime yesterday only hours after making this broadcast. This wasn’t scheduled to air for a few days, but we felt it prudent to release it now. While the reports are sketchy, it’s our understanding a murder investigation is underway.”
The reporter spoke perfect English and was visibly upset. My thoughts immediately locked onto Havros. But he’d been with me the entire night. Oh, shit. What if the man needed to use me as an alibi? What if Havros had killed the guy the afternoon before returning home and acting as if he’d been there for hours?
I glanced at the time stamp on the television. It was almost eleven. “Jacob. We can talk about this later. I have a business meeting that I’m attending with Mr. Nomikos.”
“You should cancel it, Kara. I’m telling you I have a very bad feeling about this.”
“Please stop worrying. I’m perfectly safe and know what I’m doing.”
His exhale was dark and gruff. “Call me later today. I need to know you’re okay.”
“Fine. I’ll do that.”
The sharp rap on the door made me jump.
“Just be careful. I worry,” he said before hanging up.
I stared at the door for a few seconds as I lowered my phone. Maybe the man was right. Was I in way over my head on this? I thought about my mother and the last thing she’d said to me.
“When I get back, we’re going to watch a movie. Together. I love you, baby girl.”
I couldn’t abandon her or my mission when the goal line was this close.
The second knock was even harder. There was nothing I could do to get out of this. The meeting would either provide me with comfort or with acknowledgement that Jacob was right. I moved to the door, feeling the stiffness in my legs. With one last promise made I would keep this strictly professional, I opened the door.
Of course, Havros looked just as gorgeous as he had the night before. His suit was dark gray in color, a light pinstripe running through it. With his crisp white shirt and dark red tie, he looked even more powerful than the night I’d met him.
He cocked his head, his furrowed brow indicating he gathered something was off. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. I’ve just been up for hours working on the article.” I realized I hadn’t turned off the television the moment his eyes drifted toward the screen.
His scowl had returned, his eyes appearing darker than they had before.
I might as well hit the ground running. “Theo Artino is dead. Murder is suspected. You know who I’m talking about. The man who provided the scathing broadcast on you and your company just days ago.”
He slowly turned his head, narrowing his cold eyes. “Be very careful when making accusations, no matter how subtle, my kitten.”
“I’m not making an accusation, Havros. I’m asking you a question. And for the record, I don’t belong to you.”
I couldn’t tell if he was miffed at what I’d said. He seemed emotionless. When he returned his attention to the screen, I allowed myself to study him quietly. He was dressed to the nines on purpose, his client expecting no less. Or he was ensuring the person would be thoroughly intimidated. He was even wearing cufflinks. A strange spot on one sleeve caught my attention.
Was that blood? I backed away, the same wash of fear I’d felt earlier returning. I’d been in bed with this man hours before and now, I was terrified of him? That made no sense.
“What’s wrong, Kara? Did you suddenly change your mind after last night? You were quite into the evening and I remember your moans as you writhed underneath me. They were sweet music.”
My reaction was swift and without thinking. I slapped him across the face. “You bastard. You were only using me. I was such a fucking fool. A fool! You must think you’re something very special in this world since it appears everyone is either terrified of you or is willing and even eager to bow down to your brutal authority. Did you kill someone, Havros? Did you kill that man for telling the truth?” I pointed toward the television, my chest heaving from the heightened level of rage.
What was wrong with me? I could list several things. At least I recognized the Greek god was nothing but a con man.
He grabbed my wrist, dragging me closer. “I’ve already warned you to be very careful. I’m not going to tolerate your disrespect. You are a reporter.”
“I am an award-winning journalist and guess what? I will expose your lies and your violence to the world and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.” I jerked my arm, managing to free myself, but the clumsy and frightened girl inside took over.
I almost tripped over the edge of the chair.
Havros was forced to catch me as he’d done a couple of nights before. Only he was no knight in shining armor. He was the real deal, a true monster.
He brought me as close as possible, his face looming over mine. The bastard thought he could easily intimidate me like everyone else. He was dead wrong. The arm he was holding me with had the bloodstain on the cuff. I inadvertently looked down and so did he, the man taking a deep breath afterward.
“You wanted to know how many people I’ve killed. Yes?” His voice was gruff, more demanding than before.
“Go for it, buddy. But that fact might find itself in print some day.”
His laugh was positively evil. “I wouldn’t expect anything less. I do what’s necessary in my line of work. I do what’s just for my family. My brother was led to believe he was meeting with a friend. Instead, he had a bullet driven into his brain. In my club. I’ve been forced to pick up what was left of my men, good solid soldiers who had their eyes gouged out, their intestines ripped from their bodies. I waited in the hospital three times wondering if my father was going to die because he was shot while trying to enjoy a meal with his family. Do you really think I need another reason for handling business the way I find necessary?”
He was trying to repulse me. I refused to take the bait. “What about the women who lost their loved ones, forced to raise a family all on their own because you murdered their fathers? What about that? What gives you the right to play God, Havros? You are only a man and, in my mind, barely more than a roach I would crush under my feet.”
I could tell by the fire in his eyes I’d gone too far. At this point, I didn’t care. I was finished with playing the nice girl, acting as if I’d fallen under his spell.
“Kara,” he growled.
“Are you going to kill me now?”
His darted his eyes back and forth, his nostrils flared and his jaw clenched. He snapped his hand around the back of my neck at the base of my skull, squeezing until I whimpered. But only once. The bastard wouldn’t get the satisfaction.
I pounded my fists against his chest. “Do it. Break my neck. Trust me, you will rot in prison.”
Very slowly he lowered his head until our lips were almost touching. His whisper was harsh yet sensual at the same time. “I told you before. I will never hurt you. You are truly mine.”
Where his kiss had been tender before, this one was rough and without remorse. He swept his tongue inside, taking what he wanted of me. I pushed him hard, continuing to punch his chest, but he wasn’t budging.
He kept his firm hold, his fingers digging into my scalp. I was his prisoner. There was nowhere to go and no one was coming to help me. There was little Jacob or my father could do. As Havros dominated my tongue, my mind was in direct contrast to the way my body felt. I still wanted this man. Hunger had almost consumed me, threatening to derail every aspect of common sense.
My brutal punching shifted into clamping my fingers around his shirt, tugging him closer. Oh, God. What was I doing? How could I want any of this?
His growl was deep and husky, rumbling up from his chest. I was certain he was going to fuck me right here, driving his thick cock inside while insisting I scream out his name. Never.
When he suddenly jerked away, I gasped in response. His face remained pinched, his expression still as hard and cold as it was before. But I could tell by the look in his eyes, a brief flash, that he was angry with himself for losing control.
He took a step away, releasing his hold. I watched in near awe as he raked his fingers through his hair and smoothed down his jacket. Finally, he tugged at his shirt sleeves, concentrating on rubbing his thumb over the spot of blood.
“I’m not always proud of the things I’m forced to do, Kara. But they must be done. Weakness will only get me and members of my family killed. I won’t allow that to happen.” When he finally lifted his head, I could see straight through to his soul.
Eyes were the window to a man’s soul? Bullshit. They were the key to unlocking every mystery.
Every lie.
He allowed me to see the real man behind his steel armor. The few seconds were as terrifying as they were awe-inspiring.
“We have a meeting to go to.” That was that. What had just occurred was shoved aside and I was once again expected to obey him. He headed toward the door, stopping short when he realized I wasn’t behind him. “You are my single light in a dark and cold world, Kara. I never intend on hurting you, but I suspect during the time we share, you’ll come to hate me if you already don’t feel the burning need to destroy me. Then you’ll leave and return to your life. While I’ll understand, that doesn’t mean I will allow it to happen. You are mine.”