Page 30 of Beneath Scarred Vows

"Theo, continue forward with your plans. If we get enough on Zervas, I want to know what the best ways are to destroy them. And for the love of God, do this in the dark—do not act. And I mean it—do nothing until we have concrete evidence."

Just as Theo is about to respond, the door to my office swings open without warning.

Calli walks in.

"Well, don't you three look serious," she says, glancing between us with a deceptive smile on her face. "What's got everyone playing war games this early in the day?"

The three of us exchange glances. My brothers look to me for guidance.

"Nothing worth discussion yet," I reply smoothly. "Just rumors for now." I hand Theo back his phone. "Anyway, how can we help our darling baby sister?"

Calli crosses her arms, her smile fading. "Well, not me—but your wife. Did you really tell Chris to follow Katerina around the house too? Like, come on?"

Dimitri lets out a laugh. "Ares, come on, bro. It's your house."

"I'm protecting her," I say in defense.

"From what?" Calli challenges. "Dust? Your staff? She's literally surrounded by people who've been loyal to this family for years."

She has a point, though I'm not admitting it now. Having Chris tail Katerina through the house is excessive. But the thought of her wandering unprotected, sets me on edge.

"It's just a precaution," I say.

"It really feels more like imprisonment to me," Calli fires back. "She's not stupid enough to try anything again, and you know it."

"I'm surprised you're taking such a liking to her, Calli," Theo says.

"Women need to stick together, especially in this house. And besides, she doesn't seem like she's too afraid of any of you—and I like that."

"Ha. Ha." Theo says.

"Fine," I say, interrupting them and pulling out my phone. I type a quick message to Chris:Only follow her if she leaves the house. Otherwise, maintain perimeter security.

I hold up the screen so Calli can read it. "There," I say. "Happy?"

She gives me a satisfied nod. "Yes. Your wife will be."

"Good. Now I've got some things to do."

Calli turns to leave, and Dimitri follows. Once they are gone, only Theo and I remain.

"You're different with her," he says finally.

I don't pretend to misunderstand. "I don't know what you mean."

"The drawing supplies. Now easing on security. This isn't like you."

I hadn't realized he'd noticed anything I'd been doing. "It's strategy," I say. "She's more useful content than rebellious."

Theo makes a noncommittal sound. "Just remember why she's here, Ares. Alliance. Strategy. Business."

I look at him sharply. "I don't need reminding."

"Good," he says and walks toward the door, then stops and turns back. "Because if the Zervas family is behind Dad's death, we'll need to be focused. All of us."

Theo leaves without another word, but his warning lingers.

I shake my head and dive into my work, going over accounts from our businesses that need my signature. An hour or twogoes by—I'm not sure—and I'm suddenly pulled out of my thoughts by a loud alarm.