Page 49 of Her Greek Protector
Chapter 15
The Kapani Vlali Market…
Aimee had never seen so many people or so much merchandise for sale in such a small space. The Kapani Vlali Market was a local flea market, situated right in the heart of the city. A large number of small booths sold food items, fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables, and even freshly cut flowers. Other booths sold trinkets and religious items, while yet others specialized in textiles, clothing and shoes.
“It’s pretty amazing, huh?” Kassi led Aimee further into the melee.
“There’s so much to see.” Aimee had her camera ready, snapping photos from her chest using the monitoring screen. It burned through the battery life faster, but allowed her to experience the sights and sounds of the market while capturing them on film—without drawing undo notice to herself in the process. “The email said they would meet me at the corner ofAristotelousstreet.”
“That’s back this way.” Kassi turned to their bodyguard. “We’re just going to wander down this street and find the person Aimee’s supposed to meet. We’ll meet you back here in a few minutes.”
The burly man shook his head. “That is not acceptable, and you know this. I will accompany you.”
“How is it going to look if Aimee arrives with a big bodyguard following her around? Just give us a little space, okay?”
The bodyguard’s expression indicated he was not inclined to agree to her request. “I will have to clear this with Piotr.”
At the mention of the head of security’s name, Kassi threw her hands up and flounced off, leaving Aimee to make her apologies. “She’s just a little irritable today.”
The man nodded, his expression indicating he’d not understood most of what she’d just said. She turned and followed Kassi. “Hey, wait up!” The bodyguard followed slowly behind, his ear to his phone as he sought permission to give the two women more freedom.
Kassi stopped a few booths down. “Did you hear that? Now he’s calling Piotr who will more than likely come down here and take over. We’re grown women. I don’t need a babysitter.”
Aimee gave her a funny look. “Well, I don’t either, but it seems that we have one anyway. Let’s just forget he’s there and enjoy ourselves. If Piotr shows up, he can twiddle his thumbs alongside the guard.” She glanced at her watch and then grimaced. “I’m supposed to meet this person in twenty minutes. I don’t want to be late.”
“We’ll make it in plenty of time.” Kassi pulled Aimee into a small shop that specialized in jewelry. She held up a blue beaded necklace. “This would look amazing on you. It actually makes your eyes look more blue than grey.”
Aimee examined the bead work. “This is very beautiful.”
“I’m buying it for you.” Kassi had a rapid-fire conversation with the shop owner. A few minutes later, money exchanged hands and Kassi slipped the necklace over Aimee’s neck. “I was right, it’s perfect on you.”
Aimee fingered the necklace. “I can pay for this.”
“Don’t be silly. Consider it a gift of friendship.” Kassi peeked around the edge of the booth to see if their guard dog was still on his phone. “Quickly, follow me.” Kassi grabbed Aimee’s hand and pulled her out the opposite side of the booth, hurrying her down a side street.
“Wait! Kassi, where are we going?” Aimee pulled them both to a stop.
“There’s a shortcut through here. Besides, our watchdog is so busy getting instructions from the mighty Piotr, he doesn’t even know we’ve gone. He’s now going to spend the next hour looking for us,” Kassi told her triumphantly.
“I don’t know if this is a good idea or not. You heard what Alexi said this morning. There are people out there trying to kill you all.”
Kassi waved away her concerns, pulling Aimee down a narrow alleyway. “It will be fine, you’ll see. We’ll show them we can handle ourselves—and maybe then they won’t keep us in the dark!”
Aimee opened her mouth to comment, but suddenly three large, black leather clad men were bearing down on them. “Um…we should go now.” She jerked her head towards the approaching men.
Kassi backed towards Aimee. “Okay, maybe I acted a little hasty. Those guys don’t look very friendly. Let’s go find our guard. In fact, I think we should run.”
Both women turned to do just that, only to find themselves caught in the grasp of two additional men. The one holding Kassi spoke roughly to her, but Aimee couldn’t make out any of the words.
“Let me go, you big goon!” Aimee kicked her feet against her captor’s legs.
The man holding Kassi had her mouth covered with his hand, which he promptly pulled away with a shouted curse, revealing the imprint of her teeth on the side of his hand. The look in the man’s eyes was deadly.
Aimee shuddered. “Kassi, what do they want?”
Kassi struggled as the men dragged them towards a nearby door. “I don’t know, but we need to scream for help.”
As Aimee opened her mouth to do just that, one of the men pulled a black revolver from beneath his jacket. He pointed it at Kassi’s head. “I would not do that if I were you.”