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I forced another sob, annoyed that my body wasn’t producing more tears on demand.

“Who is he?” This time, the voice was almost gentle.

I stared into his eyes, noticing how the steel grey orbs softened. It was working.

“It doesn’t matter, I just need to get away. I’ll miss out on the tip money, but it’s better if I leave and he doesn’t find me,” I whimpered.

Cursing, the man reached into his pocket. He pulled out a wad of cash, undid the clip, but paused.

“Would you rather I take care of him?” he suggested carefully.

Oh, good lord.It was impossible to tell if he meant that in the literal or the mob sense of the words.

I shook my head. “I just want to be free.”

“I can give you that.” Slowly, the stranger reached out and placed his hand over mine.

Markos made a noise that sounded more animal than man.

I ignored him. This was working.

“A sweet girl like you shouldn’t have to deal with that,” he insisted.

“No one should deal with that,” I countered, and then a hiccup bubbled up my throat to add a convincing element to the situation.

“You’re right.” He squeezed my fingers. “I don’t tolerate that shit. I can—and I will—put an end to it. Just give me a name.”

I squeezed his hand back. “Thanks, but he’s too public of a figure.”

Those calculating eyes narrowed. “One of the husbands of the ladies?”

I smiled sadly. “How did you know?”

He shrugged. “I have an idea who. It’s not the first time he’s done this shit.”

“Get the hell out of there!” Markos bellowed.

If I could reach into the earpiece, I would have smacked the pirate.

“I’ll walk you to your car.” The man untangled his fingers from mine and put the cash in my hand.

My heart jumped.Crap.That detail wouldn’t add up. “I had a ride.”

“Then let me get you a cab.” He rose, pulled out his phone, and began to tap on the screen. “What’s your name, beautiful?”

“Maria,” I said, giving him the truth. “My grandmother’s name.”

His smile held warmth. “Come on then, Maria.”

Unable to believe my luck, I hurried after him.

He escorted me down the hallway, keeping a respectable distance but close enough that I could smell his cologne—something expensive and subtle. And entirely wrong. As we approached the front door, a woman in a sleek blue dress intercepted us.

“Alexios, there you are! Mother’s been looking everywhere for you.” Her gaze flicked to me, eyes narrowing slightly. “Who’s this?”

“Just helping one of the staff who isn't feeling well,” he said smoothly. “Maria needs to head home early.”

The woman—clearly related to him with those same stormy grey eyes—gave me a once-over that felt like being scanned by airport security. “I see. Well, don’t be long. The toast is in fifteen minutes.”