Then I felt like a kid who’d been caught with her hand in the cookie jar, clasping my fingers across my mouth as I glanced in his direction. His smile was wide, beaming as if delighting me had brought him joy. “I guess I should ask if it’s okay if I pick one.”

  “Of course it is, but I think you might need a little help.” Without hesitation, he strode toward me, lifting me high in the air. Being in his arms was catastrophic for my hatred, leaving me a muddled mess of emotions and sensations.

  I felt like I was floating on clouds as he waited patiently for me to select the perfect, juiciest piece of fruit. When I plucked it from the tree, I laughed easily.

  Phoenix slowly lowered me to the ground, cradling my body against him the same way he had before bathing me so tenderly.

  As I took a deep breath, the luscious fragrance of the grove filled my senses, able to erase the taste of bile in my mouth. “Apples. That surprises me.”

  “Then it might shock you that I overindulge on apple pie.” His grin was infectious, causing me to smile even after I’d assured myself I never would again around him.

  “Not a chance,” I said as I swept my gaze down the length of him. “I doubt you overindulge on anything.’

  “You don’t know my mother’s apple pie. To die for.”

  I found myself laughing in spite of the horrible situation. “Very hard to believe.” I took a bite, the sweet flesh unlike any apple I’d had from a store. “Mmmm…” I grinned as beads of juice trickled from my mouth. As I swiped them from my chin, sliding my finger into my mouth, his eyes bore through me, piercing the very heart of my soul.

  Gone was the earlier amusement, replaced with unbridled lust. I shivered at the way he was undressing me with his eyes, his gaze slowly falling to my feet.

  “Why so difficult to believe? Do you think my family hasn’t enjoyed holidays or birthdays, weddings or afternoon picnics?”

  I took another bite, chewing thoughtfully, barely able to swallow. “You’re right. That was rude of me.” I backed against the tree, studying him as he glanced from one side of the grove to the other.

  “Not rude. Just uninformed. Family means everything to me. My mother is the driving force, as all women are in relationships. I knew a long time ago my father would be lost without her, his leadership stronger because she stood by his side. She made every holiday a festival, every room decorated and she did so herself.”

  “That’s beautiful. I’d love to meet her one day.” I took another bite, unable to take my eyes off him.

  As he walked closer, my body tensed from anticipation. “You would, would you?”

  “Yes.”

  “That can be arranged.” When he crowded my space, I was forced to lift my head. “However, she might eat you alive.” His breathing labored, he slipped his index finger through another drop of juice, bringing it to his lips. The gesture was intimate, so much so I held my breath as he sucked the tip.

  “Why?” I managed after a few seconds.

  “She would badger you about how we met. What were your intentions. How much you cared about me.”

  While I sensed a part of him was teasing, there was a hint of truth to the words as well. “As any good mother should do. I’m just not certain what I’d tell her.”

  “The truth. If you lie, she’ll know it. I could never get away with anything as a child.”

  “You too?” I said, laughing easily again. When I took another bite of the apple, his nostrils flared. As I chewed, I eased the fruit in front of him, wrinkling my nose in curiosity of what he’d do.

  His hooded eyes stared back at me as he gripped my wrist, holding my arm steady as he took a bite. As he pulled the apple away, his entire chin was covered in remnants of it. I acted on impulse, rising onto my toes and licking it from the stubble, my tongue finding his lips seconds later.

  He pulled me into a tight embrace, immediately taking control. As he crushed his mouth over mine, the desire rushing through me allowed my body to take over, arching my back as he swept his tongue inside. I was crazed with need, the longing more intense than before. But just as I’d felt the same urgency in both of us to be carried away to the surreal fantasy we’d shared, it was gone.

  My body stiffened, my mind shutting down the limitless possibilities that had already threatened to derail my life. I wanted him more than I had before, yet if I dared fall into his trap, I’d never manage to escape. I pulled away from the intimacy, fighting with myself for ending the kiss.

  He sensed my tension, lifting his head and staring at the tree. Then he backed away completely, giving me space. My cheeks were hot from lust as well as embarrassment. I did what I could to snap the remaining anger, reminding myself of where I was and why. And still, his scent was woven in every molecule, infused in the air I breathed. The forest and spices, rich and dark. “I can’t.” There was no reason to say the words. If he even cared or heard me.

  Evidently, he had. He shoved his hands into his pockets, staring at me with the intensity of a wild animal. His jaw was more angular when he scowled. “As I said before, Whitney. You’re allowed to walk the grounds and the house at your free will.”

  When he turned to walk away, I took a single step forward. Then I stopped myself.

  Maybe he’d sensed that I was second guessing my actions, chuckling in his dark and demanding way as he stopped short, swinging his head over his shoulder. “Whether or not you choose to accept it, omorfiá, you will soon learn that you belong to me.”

  The words were said in finality, no longer lingering as an unanswered question but a statement that would never change. His dark eyes held a look of unabashed possession, but I witnessed something else, a fleeting hint of the man inside.

  Tortured pain.

  The reason he’d closed off his heart.

  Phoenix

  “It would seem my son has something else on his mind.”

  Smirking, I shifted from my perch on the expansive master terrace at my parents’ home, noticing the open grin on my father’s face. He’d already heard about my harrowing experience, which meant he was giving me a certain latitude in ignoring the conversation. As usual, he was holding court in his favorite chair, the overstuffed outdoor seat made specifically for him.

  In one hand was a glass of ouzo, in his other a Cuban cigar. My mother had yet to put down her foot on the nasty vice of smoking. I was surprised given she’d been alone with him for months in Florida.

  Stavros stood with a bottled beer in his hand, basking in the sun as he usually did when given the opportunity. While I couldn’t tell for certain because of his dark shades, I sensed his annoyance at being called to the meeting.

  “Don’t I always, Pops?” I countered, finally heading for the bar. He’d made certain his family’s favorite libations were well stocked.

  “Yes, an aftereffect of your genius level IQ.” His tease was met with groans from both Nico and Stavros, my brothers over the constant teasing about my intelligence.

  “Where his intelligence is superior, Dad,” Nico started, “he lacks in common sense and grace.”

  “And I suppose you believe you have both?” Stavros threw in.

  I shifted a gaze at Jonas, his amusement clear. At this point, he was considered a member of the family, but only with regards to business meetings. No other soldier had been allowed inside the inner sanctum up to this point.

  My father was old school, his rules strict and not to be ignored. I noticed a faraway look in his eyes and sighed. He was having difficulty concentrating even today.

  At some point, I’d need to discuss his deteriorating condition with my mother, but not today. It was the first time the family had been together in over six months. We were celebrating as well as planning an execution.

  The way of the syndicate.

  My thoughts drifted to Whitney as they had been all morning. Against my usual tendencies, I’d left her alone after the incident in the grove, allowing her to take some time to herself. Or maybe the sadistic man in me had wanted her to suffer in silence. When she’d pushed me away, a streak of possessiveness had crashed into my system, so much so it had taken everything I had to pull away. Even now, I ached so deeply for her that I was running out of excuses as to why I couldn’t concentrate on business.

  Without a doubt, Stavros sensed it. He knew me far too well, anticipating my dark moods before I did. And I was in one hell of an obsidian hole, unable to drag myself to the light. It had been long enough that it had caught me off guard, keeping me tossing and turning the night before. I’d been drenched in sweat, the sheet tangled around my legs when I’d awakened from the two hours of sleep I’d gotten.

  All because I hadn’t been able to get her off my mind.

  “We should get down to business,” I finally said, interrupting my brothers’ banter.

  “Not until your mother can give you a hug.” As my mother rushed toward me, a strange sense of family crept into my system. We had been close over the years, but not nearly as much since Pops’ retirement. The three brothers were entirely different, each set in our ways. With no grandchildren, the cement holding us together had been fractured.

  She flung her arms around me, and I could feel her tears against my cheek. She’d always been emotional.

  “I’m fine, Mama.”

  “You almost died in the horrific crash. Have you seen the news? It’s terrible.”

  “I’m fine. I’m a big boy and can take care of myself,” I told her as she gripped my face.

  “Trust me, Ma. He can,” Stavros chimed in, his boisterous laugh a usual irritant.

  “I heard you were with a woman. Yes? When can I expect grandchildren?” My mother’s question was met with muffled laughter.

  I glared at Stavros who’d removed his sunglasses, his glare full of his usual rivalry. While there was amusement in his chortle, there was a stark coldness in his eyes. “Someone necessary to help solve a riddle, nothing more.”

  “You aren’t getting any younger, my boy. Neither are your father and me. One of my children needs to get married.” She looked around the group as Alexandra and Elena floated into the room, both appearing as if they’d just left a fashion magazine.

  “Not me,” Alexandra quipped as she flopped down in a seat, a glass of wine in her hand.

  Elena moved closer, waiting until Mama let me go before inching toward me. But not before I noticed the look she exchanged with Jonas. “I know what you’re trying to do by forcing me here, but I can take care of myself.”

  “I know you can. But it’s my job to make certain you’re protected,” I countered.

  “You mean well, big brother, but you’re a pain in the ass.”

  “Elena!” Mother chastised.

  Everyone laughed while I pulled my thoughts to Zakaryan. I sensed the ticking timebomb inside my head.

  “I’m not a child, Mama. I have my own life several thousand miles away from here. Have you heard from Mr. Watson? I need my life back.” Elena was far too headstrong.

  “The police don’t have anything,” I told her.

  “Because there is nothing,” Stavros jumped in.

  “The fuckers need to die,” Nico snorted, powering down his drink.

  “Take it easy,” Pops said, cutting the anger short.

  Elena folded her arms. “Is it true you have Theodore’s daughter staying with you?”

  Now I wanted to jab a knife into my brother’s gut. He’d taken it upon himself to act as if he had a right to interfere with my life. “Yes, I brought her here.”

  “Bitch.”

  My sister also never minced words. “She had nothing to do with her father.”

  “Then what are you doing with her?”

  “Gathering information. Whitney’s father contacted her and may have sent documentation that could exonerate you.”

  “You mean the items he stole from me. I need to talk to her. Now!” Elena’s fire reminded me of Whitney’s. While my sister had a way of smiling while driving a dagger into someone’s heart, Whitney could certainly hold her own. Maybe it wasn’t a bad idea.

  “That can be arranged.”

  Her eyes opened wide, not expecting I’d agree. “I… Good. Then maybe I’ll get something from her.”

  “Careful, little sister. Our brother is in love.” Nico’s voice cut through the air, hitting me hard.

  I turned my head in his direction, taking a deep breath.

  “Nonsense,” Pops said more in passing. “Phoenix is far too intelligent to fall for an enemy.”

  “She’s not an enemy, Pops. Just an innocent victim like Elena.”

  The quiet was unnerving. Finally, Alexandra laughed, lifting her glass in my direction. “That would certainly spice things up around here. I can’t wait to meet her.”

  As with all families, the constant bickering and one-upmanship eventually became annoying.

  “Mother. Take the girls to finish lunch,” Pops said as he stared at me.

  My father’s old-fashioned ways included the women never being bothered by terms of business. I smirked as Elena rolled her eyes. Both my sisters could easily defend themselves, trained on several weapons. However, they learned a long time ago it was best to follow our father’s rules to protect the harmony.

  “Call me. I’ll take this love of your life shopping,” Elena said snidely before tilting her head toward my lieutenant.

  I sensed Jonas growing more uncomfortable. He usually didn’t keep his mouth shut during the family conversations.

  Whatever his issue, I was through with family antics, eager to return to the estate.

  And to her.

  As soon as I could no longer see any of the three women, I moved closer to the group. “We need to strike back against Zakaryan.”

  “I second that,” Nico snorted, his eagerness unusual. For most of his life he’d acted as he he’d wanted nothing to do with the family business. Maybe he was finally all grown up.

  “What do you suggest?” our father asked.

  “A strike in their territory. Some of his top men frequent an Armenian restaurant.” Jonas had found the perfect spot, the access both in and out of the area as well as the small restaurant easy. In addition, I could control who was eliminated.

  “Where?” Nico asked.

  “I’ll let you know when the time arrives,” I told him. No one was getting the information early. I needed to ensure there would be no betrayals. The attack needed to be a complete surprise.

  “Always the cautious one,” Stavros threw out, his words not meant as a compliment.

  Scowling, I refused to play his game.

  Pops thought about what I was saying then I noticed he was starting to fade away. None of my siblings had noticed or been told of his deteriorating condition. It was going to stay that way.

  “Jonas. Why don’t you give Pops the details? I need to talk to my brothers.”

  Jonas eyed me carefully then nodded.

  I moved toward Stavros, Nico following. “This needs to be coordinated carefully.”

  “Why not bomb the place?” Stavros asked.

  “Because we’re not killing innocent people. We take out who we need.”

  He laughed, cursing in Greek as if I couldn’t hear him. “And who’d going to be the judge of who lives or dies?”

  “Women and children live, brother,” Nico shared.

  “You’re not going,” I told him.

  “Like hell I’m not. It’s time to pull my weight in the family.”

  “Why the sudden interest?” I asked him.

  Stavros’ eyes flashed, still obviously in the mood to challenge me. “Perhaps because Nico realizes when you self-destruct, he’ll have a place on the king’s throne.”

  I reacted without thinking, wrapping my hand around his throat and slamming him against the wall. Nico jerked back, shocked that I’d attacked my own brother, something I’d never done before. However, the man deserved it. “Don’t you ever challenge me again. While you’ve been parading around like bachelor of the year, sinking your dick into every blonde in the city, I’ve been busy building an empire.”

  “Fuck you,” Stavros hissed.

  “That’s enough!” Pops snapped, clamoring to his feet. “I will not have my two sons fighting.”

  The grin on Stavros’ face indicated he’d gotten the reaction he’d wanted. When I started to let go, the single whispered word in Greek changed my mind.

  “Ittiménos.” Loser.

  I lost it alright, issuing two hard punches in succession, splitting his lip in two. Only then did I release my hold, backing away then heading for the door. I stopped near the entrance to the kitchen, not because my mother and sisters were watching me, shock on their faces. But because I was finished with my brother’s disrespect.

  Turning slowly, I leveled a hard, cold stare of my own before issuing the mandate. “Nico. You’re with me tonight. Stavros. You’re out. Not just for this event but period. You’re no longer underboss. Go find a life.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Whitney

  Wham!

  The hard slam jarred me from the quiet moment, an instant rush of fear creeping through every vein. When someone stormed through the house, I slowly eased from the sofa, padding toward the hallway. I was forced to remind myself if anyone had believed they could get through the soldiers guarding the property or the cameras that undoubtedly notified Phoenix of any breach, they were fools.

  He’d left me alone the night before, but I’d seen him lurking in the shadows, showing signs of his predatory nature. Although his dark eyes had found me several times, he’d never said a word. But neither had I. I had no way of knowing if he’d been testing me, pushing my resolve, or punishing me for shoving him away.

  It was something half of me had regretted.

  He hadn’t suggested dinner. It had just appeared, the spectacular kitchen something any cook would die to work in. He had a staff of people who came and went, never speaking. I felt like I was in a dollhouse, pretending to be the lady of the house. But I wasn’t. I had no clue what I was other than an obsession to a man who could have anything he wanted.