Page 2

CHAPTER 2

S ix weeks prior

Kara

Everything was going perfectly for me.

The plane had arrived on time even though the turbulence had forced at least six people to barf. The hotel was gothic with its arched windows and carved woodwork. The location was within walking distance of almost everywhere I needed to go. Even my luggage had made it without any issue. However, the cherry on top was my agent confirming the highly anticipated appointment for the next day.

I was ecstatic, almost giddy from lack of sleep and anticipation. I’d pushed myself out into the world for a solitary celebration.

Greece.

White sand beaches. Colorful cafés. Interesting people.

Amazing food and wine.

Every aspect of the Kolonaki was eclectic and vibrant. The relentless heat of the day had shifted into ocean breezes tickling the various bistros and shops lining the cobblestone streets. The entire area was alive, crackling with vibrant energy. Even the noise of music streaming from several businesses, loud conversations, and the typical street sounds kept me invigorated after my long flight.

I was more relaxed than I’d thought possible, enjoying the gorgeous colors of the sky as sunset made its way into twilight. Bright stars already filled the sky, the partial moon creating spectacular shadows. With a glass of wine in my hand, and my notebook on the table while sitting on a quaint patio filled with celebratory patrons, I found myself blissfully at peace.

Tomorrow was an entirely different story. While I was excited at the prospect of what the day would bring, I was also completely cognizant my meeting could be cancelled, which would set me back significantly. However, if the party in question attempted to shove me aside, they’d learn quickly just how tenacious I was.

Laughter spilled from every corner of the street. Without realizing it, I’d managed to arrive on the day Greeks celebrated Labor Day. No wonder the city streets and shops were filled with people, celebrations ongoing. I’d watched a parade on a street from my hotel balcony. What better way to get a feel of the people and their town than by celebrating a national holiday with them?

As I took another sip of wine, a loud popping sound drew my attention. I turned my head, smiling as I witnessed teenagers with sparklers in their hands. They were laughing as the fiery colors flamed on the slender sticks. It seemed everyone was in a good mood.

A slight sigh slipped past my lips and I scanned the area before shaking my head. It would seem the Greeks knew how to party. When I settled back in my seat, I noticed two men heading in the direction of the café where I’d decided to roost for an hour or so.

Given everyone else I’d seen throughout the day was dressed casually because of the holiday, the two very tall men wearing suits caught my eye. As they walked closer, my curiosity was piqued. There were string lights in several different hues on almost every building so the moment they walked onto the same patio, the warm glow highlighted both their faces.

The larger of the two was bulky, his physique similar to that of a football player complete with shoulder pads. His face was scarred, which sent a few shivers down my spine. He was scanning the street, one hand wrapped around the edge of his buttoned suit jacket. I knew that look far too well. He was prepared to whip out a weapon likely harnessed in a shoulder holster.

As I loved doing when coming to a new city or country, I played guessing games. My bet was that huge dude was the other guy’s bodyguard. Maybe the first man was royalty. Or a national celebrity. I studied the one walking in front and as he came closer, I was captured by his stunning good looks.

Quite frankly, I’d never been both intimidated and fully aroused at the same time.

He had dark, wavy hair past his shoulders, a muscular model-perfect body, and chiseled features. I was placing my bet on actor. Just wow.

The duo walked closer to my table, the door leading to the interior portion of the café only a few feet away. My God. The man had the fullest lips I’d ever seen. I instantly thought how soft they must feel when being kissed. He was magnetic, his aura thoroughly commanding. There wasn’t a single woman on the patio that wasn’t staring at him.

Just like I was.

Whew. Suddenly, I was warmer than I’d been before.

The music faded into the shadows as soon as he swung his gaze from the street toward my table, our eyes locked. A slight cock of his head was followed by a slower pace. As he walked by, he swept the same heated gaze down my body to the stone floor, a wry smile crossing his face.

Only after they’d walked inside did I realize I’d been holding my breath. “Wow,” I whispered out loud. There were definitely some hot-looking men in Greece. I reminded myself I wasn’t here on a vacation. This was about boosting my career into a different echelon.

But only if I handled the interviews with flair and ease. I laughed and pulled my notebook closer. I owned several laptops and handhelds, yet I preferred writing my thoughts and notes on paper using my favorite purple pen. Some might say the use of either wasn’t professional in a world dictated by social media, but I was more creative writing in long hand.

Note to self: Pin down target’s timeframe.

I always called them my targets since it seemed as if ninety-nine percent of the people I met with considered my time worthless and the taking of theirs unconscionable. I’d had the exact term tossed in my face.

I tapped my pen on the pad. I’d read over the questions locked away on my computer at least a dozen times on the plane, but until I met with the target, I never knew where the conversation would lead me. At least forcing myself from the hotel room had provided me with a few additional questions regarding the city. How did people react when he traveled the city streets? Were they terrified or was their behavior fueled by respect?

I’d read articles about him, but they were glossy depictions of his colorful world and I would bet the gritty nature of his business was only spoken about in hushed terms.

As I allowed my conscious mind to flow, I blocked out all the noise. It was an attribute I’d gotten very good at over the years.

The words flowed and the wine helped instead of hindered my thoughts. A sudden electric crack tickled my system and I sucked in my breath.

“ Ti kríma .”

The man’s voice was a deep baritone, reflective of a powerful opera singer. I was instantly swept with tingles from the tone. I lifted my head, only to find the man I’d been gawking at earlier was sitting two crowded tables away. All by himself, he was splayed out on the chair as if he owned the establishment. Over the din of the music and the crowd, I’d known instinctively whatever he’d said had been directed toward me.

“Um… Mikrós éllinas .” I was fluent in Italian and French, but had only a few days to try to snatch a few Greek words before leaving New York. I felt embarrassed only reciting two words.

Little Greek.

He rewarded me with a wide smile and the moment of being floored occurred again. On a scale of one to ten, he was a twenty. However, given my profession, I was extremely good at observing and sizing up people. I gathered a sense he was arrogant as hell.

“I said what a pity.” His English was flawless, the accent adding to his sensuous aura.

“How so?”

“It’s a beautiful night meant for lovers and celebrations, yet you have your nose buried in a notebook.”

I closed my notebook and I wasn’t certain why. Perhaps because I took both my security and my privacy very seriously. I’d learned a long time before it was better for me and my work if no one knew who I was. “Unfortunately, some of us must work for a living.”

“Surely, you can take a single night to enjoy the best of what Kolonaki has to offer, since this is your first time in our lovely city.” Every word out of his mouth dripped sarcasm.

I laughed and picked up my glass. “If that’s your best pickup line, sadly you’re going home alone tonight. I doubt there is a single woman in any of the cafés who will fall for it.”

The stranger seemed amused. “I assure you I’m not searching for anyone, asteráki .”

“Not even your greatest enemy?” He’d called me little star. I was correct about his arrogance.

He was more perplexed than ever, leaning forward in his seat. “I’m curious as to your thoughts.”

“Where’s your bodyguard?” I asked as I scanned the perimeter. “Ah, there he is standing just like a statue ready to strike when necessary.”

His sultry laugh filled the air and I was surprised when he stood, sauntering toward my table. Oh, no. I wasn’t in the mood to have some Greek hottie try to woo me into going to bed with him. No matter how good looking he was, and the closer he came, the more I realized my scale was low. The man was a solid twenty-five. As he neared, I did my best to push myself into getting up and walking away. I failed, frozen to the spot.

I could easily sit in front of heads of state, world class athletes, corporate moguls with attitudes, and the richest of the rich and barrage them with questions. But when a man attempted to put the move on me, I usually had no idea how to handle the situation. Maybe it was all about my lackluster love life. I’d slapped a jerk once for putting his hands on me and minutes later, the police had been called.

“Fascinating,” he growled. Did men think the use of primal growls turned women on? Not this girl.

“No, you’re not.”

He didn’t ask if I wanted him to join me. He simply slid into the seat next to mine, immediately twisting the chair so our knees were centimeters away from touching. “Have a drink with me.”

“We already have drinks.”

“Yours is almost empty.”

“Yes, it is. However, I don’t need another glass of wine.” I could be as pushy as any man when I wanted to be. As long as I ignored his stunning good looks, maybe I’d be fine.

Of course as luck would have it, a waiter walked by and the stranger flagged the young man down, his Greek much more demanding. The kid looked terrified and scurried away, immediately disappearing into the restaurant.

“You will have another drink with me. It would be a shame for a beautiful woman not to enjoy such an amazing evening.”

“As I said, I don’t need or want another drink.”

“I insist.”

Our knees were barely touching yet a jolt of electricity shot through me. I hated to admit it, but his brooding, demanding intensity was almost charming. Enough so I debated doing as he asked. “Only if you tell me why you need an armed bodyguard.”

“A woman with keen observation.”

“Yes, I am. So what will it be? A deal?”

Damn it. If he leaned any closer, our lips would collide.

He took a deep breath, holding it as he debated. How was it possible that blowing out a puff of hot air added to his attractiveness? “You strike a hard bargain. Why do you think I need security?”

“Because you’re either a bad guy in constant need of one since people wouldn’t mind offing you, or you’re a good guy with a penchant for collecting the ladies. I have a feeling it’s a little of both. And since your buddy over there looks like a shark in a bouncer suit, I think he knows exactly what you need before you even ask.”

His smile was genuine, but the man was enjoying the little game and I could see his wheels spinning. Cat and mouse wasn’t in my agenda, at least not when I was all alone in a foreign country. Although… Maybe he’d be fun to toy with. I did have an evil streak running through me after the level of chauvinistic crap I’d dealt with in my life.

“So which is it?” I asked while running the nail of my index finger around the rim of my wineglass.

He took a deep breath. “If I’d answer a little of both, would you accept that answer?”

“I believe I would.”

“I’m glad to hear that because I’m not in the mood to drink alone.”

“I’m curious. Do you always get what you want?”

“Yes. Always.”

The waiter had obviously taken his cue from the powerful yet annoying man. Suddenly, fresh drinks were placed in front of us. “I might be the single person who could prove you wrong.”

I did adore his laugh, the deep throaty sound suiting him.

“I’m never wrong. You’re already enjoying yourself.”

What a pompous jerk. Being gorgeous was no excuse.

“You might find yourself disappointed this evening. I’m a woman who enjoys being alone.”

“Self-assured? Bored with men? Happy to provide examples of how to rid yourself of male leeches?”

Just about everything regarding his attitude pissed me off. However, I prided myself in usually not making a scene. Usually with a capital U. This time, I leaned forward. Why not take back control? “Yes, yes, and a huge yes. Besides, most men can’t handle me.”

“Tsk. Tsk. I’m not most men.”

While I was mildly irritated, I was also fully aroused. The combination could prove to be dangerous. “Yes, I can see that. You’re much rougher around the edges.” I maintained my position, still able to stare him directly in the eyes.

Unfortunately for me, they were mesmerizing just like the man.

It was also unfortunate that he leaned even further over the table. A single piece of paper was the only thing capable of fitting between our lips. Why, oh why had I slipped into something more comfortable, which had included the loss of my bra in deference to the oh-so short cotton dress? My nipples were pushing hard against the thin material.

The light breeze lifted my long hair over both shoulders, strands whisking against his face. I had so many internal questions, including why his aftershave had awakened my senses. Bold and spicy, there were hints of citrus and chili pepper, a combination of cedar and sandalwood adding to the intoxicating combination.

We remained smack in the same position for an eternity. I wasn’t going to be the one to pull away. Maybe I was being too critical of him. I didn’t know him. The man could set the world on fire with his powerful aura alone.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you wanted me to kiss you, asteráki .”

Electricity rushed around our overheated bodies with the single statement. Now I pulled away, immediately reaching for the new glass of wine. “As I said, you might walk away highly disappointed.”

As smooth as a snake, he slowly eased his broad back against the chair, lifting his glass. “What is it that they say in France? Touché.” He continued to radiate sex appeal.

I smiled appreciatively and studied the man who’d accompanied him. He was definitely scanning the street. He was searching for someone. Maybe he had a sixth sense because he turned half his body, throwing me a strange yet demanding look.

“I don’t think Lurch likes that you’re having a drink with a woman.”

“Lurch? Interesting name. No, my bodyguard doesn’t appreciate my tastes in women, nor does he enjoy accommodating my needs on his night off.”

“Your needs?” A rush of heat crept up my face from the way he was looking at me. I was thankful it was too dark for him to notice.

“That I enjoy sitting and talking with an intelligent and beautiful woman without finding the need to take them to bed.” He’d just won the round.

I’d be damned if I wasn’t almost disappointed he hadn’t attempted to lure me into his bedroom. “Would you like me to explain it to him?”

“Actually, I would find that highly amusing.”

He had no idea he was tempting a tigress. I planted my hands on the table and started to stand, shocked when he placed one of his on mine. The sizzling shivers from before returned.

“I don’t think he’ll appreciate your lovely American banter.”

“A scaredy-cat, huh?” I sat back down, winking from my own state of amusement.

“You might be surprised.”

Suddenly, Lurch was headed in our direction. After giving me an irritated side-eye, he hunched his big body over, whispering in his master’s ear. My elusive stranger’s entire expression changed. He threw back something in Greek quickly enough I couldn’t catch a single word.

Lurch backed away into the shadows, but kept his angry gaze directed toward me.

The mystery man pulled out his wallet, tossing a few euros on the table. “I need to apologize. I have business that must be handled.”

As he stood, so did I. “I need to head to my room anyway. Thank you for the drink.”

“My pleasure, as was spending time with someone very unusual.”

I wasn’t certain whether it was a compliment. He waited until I grabbed my things, behaving like a gentleman by stepping behind me. When he placed his hand on the small of my back, a series of stars tickled the perimeter of my vision. He remained silent as we both stepped out onto the street.

Lurch was right behind us, his hand positioned in the same place on his jacket as when they’d arrived.

As savvy as I considered myself, I did the unthinkable, taking a back step and almost tripping on one of the cobblestones. Somehow, the handsome mystery villain managed to catch me before I toppled onto my ass, sweeping his massive arm around me protectively. As if by instinct, he dragged me against his body, his chest rising and falling.

A quiet yet audible ‘oomph’ pushed past my lips and I threw my palm against his chest. The warmth and electricity we shared at that moment could light up the entire city. I was shocked from the connection, lost in the moment of basking in the intense vibrations from being in his arms.

“Be careful, little star. The world around you can be quite dangerous. You never know when you’re going to step into something you shouldn’t have.” He was even taller than I’d originally thought, towering over me.

Very slowly, so slowly I didn’t see any movement, he lowered his head. Once again, I was faced with those dazzling lips right above mine. He brushed his knuckles across my cheek and the world around us ceased to exist. My pulse was increasing, the throb in my core explosive.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” My voice was little more than a whisper.

Another frozen moment.

Another blip in time.

Another heart-stopping series of sensations. Yet I finally came to my senses and pushed away, this time carefully taking a step backwards.

Before he had time to say anything, I spun on my heel and walked toward my hotel. His words were almost guttural, low and slow and pushing into the darkest parts of me.

“ Méchri na xanasynantithoúme, kai sas diavevaióno óti tha to kánoume .”

Whatever he’d just said, the words and his tone left me with a strange feeling I hadn’t seen the last of him.