Chapter 14

Jenna

Acurfew.

Okay, so I couldn’t remain a fool. The Russian, whoever he was, hadn’t selected me at random. I’d been his intended victim.

All because I’d walked out of my place of business at the wrong time.

That felt like a lifetime ago since I’d been locked in my room for days. Maybe I deserved it for attempting to escape but it certainly didn’t make me think kindly of Stavros, even if he had saved my life. Why was I continuing to remind myself of that? Was it really going to matter? Whatever the outcome, there wouldn’t be a glorious ending.

No, there’d be a bloody one.

Maybe Stavros’ words had sunk in finally but that didn’t mean I was just going to give in that easily. My papa hadn’t raised me that way.

Yeah, and he also didn’t raise you to get yourself killed either.

I rolled my eyes. True but nowhere in the parents’ books of teaching their children did he teach me how to react when I was kidnapped by a wannabe savior with a bad attitude and an even worse demeanor.

Even if he was so damn sexy.

God. What was wrong with me? Sexy men were just as dangerous if not more so.

The knock on the bedroom door was one I expected. What I didn’t was the woman waltzing in like she owned the place. I’d passed her while bounding up the stairs and she’d glared at me as if I was the enemy. That didn’t bode well for me.

I had to admit, the woman was dressed to kill; even in blue jeans and silk blouse, the diamond and gold jewelry and expensive watch she was wearing gave away her affluence. Her hair was a luxurious glistening dark black, her eyes blue like the Aegean Sea. She was model gorgeous with a slight difference given her high cheekbones and crooked but adorable nose.

In her hand was a suit bag and she gave me a hard onceover. “I’m Elena Diamondis, Stavros’ sister. I’m your shopping buddy today. I have it under good authority that there is no spending limit. However, I doubt you’re going to want to go wearing that. No offense, but it stinks.” She pointed all the way to the floor. “I brought you some clothes to borrow since we appear to be the same size.”

She had to be kidding me. She appeared model thin while I wasn’t. However, who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth? “You’re his sister, huh?”

“Some would say ‘the’ sister.” She laughed and walked further into the room, glancing around. “My brother does like you. He softened the room just for you. You’re Jenna?”

“What? It looked more like a prison before he tossed me in here, locking the door, keeping me locked away like Rapunzel.”

“My brother had his reasons.”

I rolled my eyes, standing with one hip cocked. “Sure he did. However, if you’re here to try and encourage me to like him when he almost got me killed not once but twice before abducting me and locking me in this… prison then it’s not to happen. You might as well go. Your brother is a reprehensible monster who does nothing more than take what he wants, refusing to consider the other person. I could only imagine what he’d do with furry babies. Maybe he eats them for supper. He’s cold, heartless, and couldn’t care less about anyone else’s feelings.” Great. I was on a roll. She didn’t deserve my wrath but even after three days, I remained furious. I’d glared at myself in the mirror, forcing the inner girl inside to admit she enjoyed the brutal man’s company, but I refused to back down from my beliefs, everything I stood for.

Right versus wrong.

Good versus evil.

The way he’d pleasured me had been incredible, but I couldn’t dare think what we’d shared would matter. Stavros was a savage, the kind of man who’d toss me aside like a used pickup when he was finished with me. Then where would I be?

I wasn’t certain whether she was going to be angry with me for talking rather badly about her brother. I wasn’t expecting her to burst into laughter.

“He said you were like me, which means a bit of a pain in the ass. I’d scoffed at the thought. No woman I’ve ever met is as formidable and determined as I am. Some men would say bratty, but I adore being called that. But here you are, standing in the flesh. I think I’m really going to like you. But I also love my brother, even if he’s the one I consider to be a freaking pain. All three of them are because they’re men. But blood is thicker than water.”

And just like that, all the venom I felt the moment she’d walked into the room faded away, replaced by a slight sense of relief. I found myself smiling. “I’m sorry I berated him in front of you. I’m frustrated and uncertain about the future and… And maybe a little bit scared.”

“Don’t be scared. I’m sure he told you I’m a crack shot. Our father made his two girls learn how to shoot at an early age.”

“Really? Well, we have something in common then. So did mine.”

“Ah, fabulous. Maybe we’ll go gun shopping together one day,” Elena said, half laughing. “Oh, and you’re mostly right about Stavros. He can be the most insufferable jerk you’ve ever met, but he also has a heart of gold, even if he pretends otherwise. And you’re wrong about furry babies. He was the single member of our family voted most likely to bring home a stray or ten. I can’t remember how many it was that he did, but I assure you my father wasn’t pleased. At all. If only he’d allow himself to adopt a puppy, I think all the nasty demons floating inside of him would fade away.” She tugged a credit card from the pocket of her jeans. “Now, since I have the reprehensible man’s credit card in my hot little hand, what do you say we take out our mutual need to teach him a lesson or two about women and shop up a storm? We’ll even have a fabulous lunch as well. What do you say?”

There was no need to mull over my decision. It came easily. “Okay. You’ve managed to convince me. Let me change.” Truthfully, I’d be glad to get out of my shrubs. I couldn’t stand the thought of handwashing my panties in the sink once again. I grabbed the bag from her hand and turned toward the bathroom.

“Just one thing, Jenna. I was also assigned to make certain you’re kept safe. I realize you might not understand our lifestyle or the reason for Stavros’ concern and his seemingly brutal actions. However, you need to trust me in that our enemies will stop at nothing to take away our happiness and destroy our family. It’s been tried before, and it will be tried again. I have two guards who’ve protected me for years. They are very good at what they do but they can’t do their jobs effectively if they need to worry about you trying to escape. Just don’t do it. That will piss me off and you won’t like me very much if that occurs.”

Hearing her speak the same language as her brother sent a chill down my spine. “I don’t doubt it and I won’t.”

“Good because if you think Stavros is disagreeable, then you’d learn I’m a real bitch.”

She had the ability to make me smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Good. Now, let’s go have some fun.”

Maybe it was crazy to feel happiness and freedom when I was caught in a web of darkness because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but being with Elena was more fun than I’d had in a long time.

As I stood inside the dressing room of the third store we’d been in, I honestly didn’t recognize the girl standing in front of me. I also had never been able to afford the incredibly expensive clothes that she’d insisted I try on and purchase. She had control of the credit card. I only wondered how Stavros would feel when he got the bill.

I’d glanced at a couple of price tags and almost fainted. Who paid two hundred dollars for a pair of jeans, six hundred for hot boots? And this dress she’d insisted I try on? I grabbed the tag attached to the material underneath my arm, tugging it in front of the full-length mirror. I was certain I’d faint. Three thousand dollars? This was nuts.

Although I couldn’t lie about how the silky dress made me feel or how much I enjoyed the way the material hugged every curve. I felt like a princess, which was something I’d never experienced before. Dresses had never really meant anything to me up to this point given I was such a tomboy. Well, maybe not as much as when I was a young girl back in Missouri. The strangest thing was that I wanted to wear it in a room where Stavros was waiting for me, his reaction something out of a fairytale.

Oh, boy. I was overreacting to a horrible event, acting as if the fantasy was real. I smoothed my hands down on the front before walking out of the dressing room in my bare feet. The women’s boutique store obviously catered to the rich and famous. It was the kind of place you only saw in movies about Fifth Avenue or Beverly Hills where the clerks catered to your every whim, providing champagne and caviar while you were shopping. There were three leather sofas positioned near the dressing rooms, which were larger than my kitchen back home. The music was light jazz, the lighting soft, and I was so used to shopping at a big box discount store or over the internet that I felt pampered.

When Elena saw me in the dress, her face lit up. “Yes!” She pumped her fist, a gesture I would do. “Turn around in a circle so I can see all of you. Do it with flair.”

Laughing, I wasn’t certain I knew how. But I did it anyway, the material flowing free from my legs as I spun on the balls of my feet in a twirl after twirl. Even one of the three clerks clapped. This was ridiculous but way too much fun.

“Perfect. Stavros is going to die when he sees you in that. Now, try on the pumps. I think animal print is perfect.”

“Animal print? You already insisted I purchase boots and two pairs of heels along with a different color pair of tennis shoes. What do I need with more high heels?”

“Girl. You really need to get out more. Every woman needs at least thirty pairs of heels in different colors.” Elena thrust out the shoes, shaking them as her eyes lit up.

They had to be four, maybe ten inches tall. “I’ll break my neck.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll teach you how to walk in them.”

She was truly a delight, which made me crazy in thinking about how she could stand growing up surrounded by danger. My God. Bruno and Jarvis were right outside like hulking figures, watching the street like hawks. They were at least six foot six inches tall, weighing over two fifty each. They could wrestle a thousand-pound bear and come out the winners. While they hadn’t crowded our style, it was strange to have them following us everywhere. Elena wasn’t fazed in the least. However, they had come in handy during our trip, proving to be worthy valets, doing the heavy lifting with our packages.

I should say my packages. So far, Elena had purchased one item, although I had noticed she’d added it to one of the purchases for me made with her brother’s credit card. Somehow, I doubt she needed the money. It was more about a point she was making. I think I adored her even more. If only I could spend more time with my own sister.

We’d been shopping for at least four hours, most of the stores having names I didn’t recognize. Elena had gone into one after another, sifting through the clothing racks in seconds, pulling out a dozen outfits for me to try on.

I’d added jeans and sweaters, tops and casual dresses, skirts and blouses. Now this was the second more formal dress. I had no idea where she thought I’d be wearing all the beautiful frocks, especially if I was kept locked away inside the man’s house.

I popped on the shoes, swaying on purpose just for fun. At first Elena looked concerned until I paraded around in front of her, acting like a model for the first time in my life. I’d chastised myself at least ten times for allowing the wicked girl inside to enjoy the day, but I was losing track of all the reasons why.

“Absolutely perfect,” Elena said.

“Stunning,” one of the clerks whispered.

“This is really too much,” I insisted. I dared not look at the price tag of the shoes. “I’m a simple girl. I don’t need much.”

Elena rose to her feet like a Persian cat would do. I could swear I heard her purring. “Every woman deserves to have her rough and tumble wardrobe and the one that will drive her man nuts.”

“There’s only one problem with that lovely theory. I don’t have a man.”

It was her turn to roll her eyes. “Hurry up and change. We have more shopping to do.”

“Those brutes out there are going to hate you if we attach any additional bags to their strong arms.”

“Honey. For what they get paid, they have no issue doing exactly as I say.” She wagged her finger and I seriously doubted she was kidding. “But first. I’m famished. Time for food and wine. Lots of wine.”

There was no chance I could be unhappy around her.

I hurried to change, Elena grabbing the dress the minute it was ripped from my body. By the time I resurfaced from fighting to get on her way too tight jeans, the purchases had been made, one of the brutes taking everything to the car.

“I have the perfect place in mind for lunch. Just a short walk from here.”

“You’re allowed to walk around the city?”

She gave me a funny little look. “We’re not living in the dark ages. Besides, daytime hits are out of the movies. I assure you our enemies are much more sophisticated now.”

Her rather callous attitude about her life continued to surprise me. I had so many questions I wanted to ask her, so much curiosity. As we walked out into the bright afternoon sun, she seemed even more relaxed than before.

“What do you do?” I asked.

“You mean other than spend money from a huge trust fund?” She was grinning when she asked.

I was embarrassed as hell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”

“Stop taking me so seriously. I am blessed that my mother and father did well in business both before and after they arrived in the United States, and before you ask, mostly legitimate, especially now. However, it was my dream to own a winery. Now I own two. One in Washington State and my newest baby right here outside of town.”

“That’s wonderful. I would love to see it one day.” And I wasn’t lying.

“Oh, I’m sure we can make that happen.”

I was surprised how vibrant the city streets were. “It’s beautiful here. Not what I would have thought.”

“What did you think? That it was dark and wet, completely devoid of flowers and trees or color for that matter and everywhere you went you heard the theme song from Rocky?”

“Well, yes. If you want to know the truth.”

We both burst into laughter. “Everyone thinks that. While the movie franchise brought a lot of attention to Philly, not all of it was good.”

“Which do you prefer? The Pacific Northwest or the East Coast?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure, really. They both have their perks, but if I had to be honest with you, I enjoyed living far away from my oppressive family.”

I stopped short outside a restaurant, placing my hand over my heart and acting as if I was going to collapse.

“Oh, stop. It’s not just about my family’s reputation or my three brothers taking the helm, making names for themselves. It’s about my big, fat, happy Greek family. Opa!” She threw open the restaurant door and the smile I had on my face was huge. The woman was channeling one of my favorite movies of all time.

When the host at the front desk obviously recognized her immediately, grabbing menus as if Elena was going to be angry for waiting two seconds, I had to admit I was impressed. “Just how powerful is your family in this town?”

I was trailing behind her, trying to keep from feeling like an orphan being led to a bowl of porridge.

“Let’s just say we own half the people.”

People. Not estates or commercial buildings. People. It was a reminder that whether or not I liked Elena or the rest of her family, they were dangerous individuals that would ruin everything I’d worked so hard to achieve.

We were led to what appeared to be a mezzanine or greenhouse attached to the building, only a few tables in the smaller space. It was also quieter than the main room, which had been deafening with clanging silverware and loud voices, laughter and thumping music. I wasn’t certain any longer what day it was but very few tables had been without glasses filled with wine or other alcohol. Who lived like this?

As we’d walked through, almost every person had glanced in our direction. Now, as we sat down at a lovely two top nestled against the panes of glass, I felt conspicuous. They weren’t ugly looks, just ones full of curiosity.

We were both handed menus and almost immediately, Elena ordered a bottle of wine. As an afterthought, she glanced at me, perhaps surprised she’d been so forward.

“I’m sorry. I’m not used to having anyone joining me. Please tell me you like cabernet.”

“My favorite.”

“Oh, thank God, because I had my heart set on a very special bottle. Okay, so it comes from my vineyards, but shush. Don’t tell anyone.”

“Your secret is safe with me. What do you mean you’re not used to having anyone joining you?” I glanced at the menu, shocked at the prices for lunch. I’d thought New York was expensive. Granted, the extent of me going out to eat had consisted of pizza that I’d stretched for three days eating, Chinese food, and the coffee shop where… Whew. Why was it my thoughts continued to drift back to Stavros every third minute or so?

“I really don’t have a lot of friends,” she said in passing.

“And you’re not married.”

“Oh, God, no. First of all, I witnessed how my parents acted when Phoenix got married and he’s their son, not one of their precious, vulnerable daughters. I would be horrified at the fawning and primping, requirements, and parties that I’d be subjected to. I thought the poor girl he married who was definitely not used to such a large family would run away, it was so suffocating.”

Water was poured into our glasses and I hadn’t realized how parched I was. “Is there another reason?”

“Other than I’d eat my husband alive? No.”

We both had another laugh and I was surprised all over again how quickly a young man brought over our wine. He seemed flustered as hell by our presence. It was as if Elena was a movie star instead of a mobster’s daughter and sister.

“You must have dozens of boyfriends.”

She gave me a saucy look, shielded her mouth and leaned over the tables. “Fuck buddies.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.”

“How many?”

“Six, but who’s counting?”

The heat rose on my face so fast I had to fan it with my hand.

“Don’t look so embarrassed. As beautiful as you are, I’m certain you have men lining up at your door. Isn’t she gorgeous? Would you date her?” She asked the poor waiter the question. Now I thought he was going to pass out.

“Um. Um. Hell, yes. I’d date her in a heartbeat.”

I couldn’t help myself, leaning over the table. “I’m going to smother you. Keep that in mind.”

The young man managed to pour our wine but couldn’t leave the table fast enough. I decided to egg it on for fun, watching him walk away. I even cocked and lowered my head, staring straight at his butt. “Not bad.”

“Mmm… You’re a bad girl after all. Here I thought you were a virgin.”

“Oh, hell, no, although men don’t want to date girls like me.”

“Let me give you a piece of advice,” she said as she lifted her glass of wine with one hand, using the manicured index finger of her other to draw circles and squares on the table. “My brother is very, and I do mean very possessive. He’s the kind of man that if another dude would even look at you in what he’d consider an inappropriate way, the guy wouldn’t be able to eat for a month, maybe more.”

“You’re kidding me?”

“No, I’m not. When you’re considered belonging to him, that’s it. Period.”

I took a sip of wine, marveling at the taste. “I don’t belong to him, Elena. I know what it seems like, but I don’t want to be here and I’m certain he’s sick of me by now.”

“Oh, no. He hasn’t shown such a spark since…” For the first time during the time we’d spent together, a strange look of sadness crossed her face.

“Since…”

“Nothing. It’s just he’s been working for so many years that he doesn’t take time out for himself.”

She was lying. What secrets was Stavros hiding? “Tell me about your brother.”

“Let’s see. He has a white knight syndrome ingrained in him, which has surprised the rest of the family. We have no clue where he gets that from. He’s tried to hide the real man, but his way too crusty yet sweet personality keeps creeping out. Given he wasn’t the oldest boy, he was given a little freer rein to do what he wanted with his life, but not by much. Still, he’s brilliant with numbers, keeping the Diamondis Corporation on track. He’s brooding and enjoys spending time alone but I’m sure you’re heard already that he can light up a room with his laugh.”

I thought about the time I’d spent with him. “I’ve heard more growls than real laughter. I don’t even know if the man can have any fun.”

“He can but it takes him a little while. You have to understand. After taking over from our father, who was an okay businessman but preferred the old ways of doing business taught by my grandfather, my brothers have parlayed the family’s wealth from millions to billions over the last few years.”

“Wow.”

“Wow is right. I respect them greatly, even if they act like Alexandra and I are ten years old still, needing the protection of our big brothers. But honestly, Stavros really does have a heart of gold. He just… Well, it’s just tarnished. Don’t get me wrong. You don’t want to cross him. He’s proven to be one heck of a brutal dictator when necessary, but I know he’d like a family.”

I threw my hand out to object and she shook her head. “I don’t know the details of what happened. You can tell me or not tell me. That’s your choice. I completely understand why you’re angry with Stavros for how he forced you to come with him, but I assure you he wouldn’t have done so without having a valid reason. You made an impression on him. You took care of him.”

“Under duress.”

“Whatever the case,” Elena continued. “He was taken with you. He wanted to protect you. He was determined not to have you fall into the enemy’s hands. And he will continue protecting you even if that means losing his life.”

“He doesn’t know me like I don’t know him. At all. He killed two people right in front of my eyes. That doesn’t bode well for dating material.” I sensed my voice had gotten too loud.

She sighed and took a sip of her wine.

“I didn’t mean to get so loud. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Jenna. But you should keep in mind a couple of important things. I’ve already told you that we have enemies. Every family like ours does. That includes members of law enforcement, some crooked, some not. However, almost everything seems to hinge on political or financial gain. Anything and anyone can and will be used against us.”

“How can you live that way?”

“How? Because I don’t have an alternative. I’m blessed to have money and power, able to do exactly what I want to do in my life. I’ve eaten the finest foods, had the most incredible wines or enjoyed sipping champagne while lounging in front of the ocean waters, waiters fawning over me. I have a beautiful house much like everyone in my family does because my father and mother sacrificed for their kids, working their fingers to the bone. I have a huge extended family in Greece I miss very much. We are loving and truly care about each other. How can I say I don’t live a charmed life?”

I pointed to Bruno, who stood only a few feet away behind us, doing his best imitation of being a statue. “That’s why.”

“Have they bothered you? Have they hindered you enjoying today?”

I honestly thought about her question. “No, but?—”

“No buts. You could live as the most honest person in the entire world and get hit by a car. You live life to the fullest no matter what you’re handed. My mother taught me that years ago. I live it every day. Let me ask you a question.”

“Okay.”

“Are you happy back in New York, truly happy?”

“Oof…” I shook my head. “Not quite yet. I was happy being able to open my clinic, but I don’t know.”

“Life is what you allow to happen, the unexpected experiences and the people who come into your life as if karma sent them there. You came into Stavros’ life or vice versa for a reason. Did I mention I’m a fortune teller in my off time?”

Her personality was truly infectious. “I’ll be eager to hear more.”

“Good. Now, let’s order so we can continue shopping. Then I have a little surprise up my sleeve. No more talking business except… Let me offer you a sisterly piece of advice.”

“Sure.” As if I could stop her.

“Ask Stavros questions that have nothing to do with what you think he’s all about. Pretend that part of him doesn’t exist. You might find when you do that you really like him, as much as I can tell you’re fighting it.”

Another blush. Another moment of her being right.

“I’ll do my best,” I told her. Out of the blue I noticed a lone figure standing across the street staring in our direction. The creepy crawlies returned in full force this time.

“Good. That’s all I needed to hear. Everything is good here.”

I couldn’t get the strange sensations to leave, my heart racing. I was fearful my savior would need to save me all over again.

Only I had a terrible feeling that next time would be the last, the man losing his life to protect mine.