Page 62 of Beyond Enemy Vows

I shift my position, staying partially hidden behind a group of tourists as Katerina joins Calli at the flower cart. My cousin leans in to say something, and Calli throws her head back in laughter.The sound doesn't reach me across the bustling square, but I can picture it perfectly.

They move on, walking toward the little café on the corner that serves the best baklava in this part of Athens. I follow at a distance, phone buzzing again in my pocket. This time I pull it out and silence it completely. Nothing is more important than these last hours before she flies back to Chicago.

I can't help but think about Rome. Just a few weeks away now until I can touch her again, taste her again. The "retreat" we've meticulously arranged. Registering her for classes she'll never attend, booking a villa she'll never see, ensuring every detail is perfect for seven uninterrupted days together.

Seven days to convince her this isn't just some thing.

Seven days to tell her I love her.

Because I do. I fucking love her.

The realization isn't new, but the urgency to say it aloud grows with each passing day. I've never said those words to a woman before. Never felt them. But with Calli, they're constantly on the tip of my tongue, desperate to break free.

I watch her now, sitting with Katerina at a small wrought iron table, sunlight making her skin glow. She's talking animatedly, hands moving as she speaks. Even from here, I can see the diamond at her throat catching the light, my claim on her for anyone with eyes to see.

She reaches for her phone, and suddenly mine vibrates again, this time with a text.

Missing you. Can't wait for Rome. I feel you close. Please tell me you're watching me.

I smile, stepping behind a pillar so I can type a response without being seen.

Of course. Always protecting what's mine.

Her response comes quickly.

I hate this sneaking around. You should be sitting next to me. Or better yet, I should be on your lap :P

I agree. The alley was fun though. Maybe we keep that from time to time.

Yeah, in Rome, we talk about next steps.

Enjoy your last day here. I'll see you soon.

I pocket my phone and watch her read my message. She smiles, that small secret smile that I've come to recognize as mine alone. Katerina says something to her, and Calli quickly puts her phone away, but her hand drifts to her necklace, fingers playing with the diamond pendant.

Three hours later, I'm back in my suite and Calli is on her way to the airport.

My phone rings. I check the display, expecting Calli.

It's my father. Two missed calls.

I stare at his name on the screen, hatred and obligation raging within me. After five rings, I answer.

"What?"

"What the fuck was Ares doing in town with Katerina and Callista?" Stavros says without preamble, his voice cold. "Did you meet with them? You end it with that whore?"

I see red instantly.

"None of your fucking business," I reply, matching his tone.

"Your only business is what I say it is." His voice hardens. "Do not test me, Nikolaos. You'll fucking regret it."

"I don't know why the hell they were here."

"Oh really, then why were you spotted around her? Huh? One of my men saw you in town. You gave the assignment to George? What fucking use are you if you don't follow orders?"

I start pacing.