“I don’t think so.”

  “Where are you?”

  “I’m outside a library. I didn’t know where to go. I just… It’s a large envelope. Do you want me to open it?”

  “No. Keep it. Find somewhere safe to go. I’ll call you.”

  “I’m scared. Those guys were menacing,” Elizabeth said softly.

  “Just stay safe. Okay? Promise me you won’t go to work or back to your place.”

  Elizabeth sighed. “Are you coming home?”

  Home. I’d yet to tell her I wasn’t certain I’d ever come back to Miami. “I don’t know. I promise I’ll call you.”

  “Okay. This is crazy. You need to go to the police.”

  “Trust me. I’m fine,” I told her, although my stomach was doing flip-flops. Had I put her life in danger? What was wrong with me? Phoenix was right. This wasn’t a game at all.

  Oh, God.

  “The library will be closing in a couple hours. I’ll wait here until then. Maybe I’ll go to my sister’s house. Just stay safe, Whitney. This isn’t like you at all not to tell me what’s going on.”

  “I will.” She was right, my behavior was entirely different than it had been my whole life.

  “What. The. Hell?” he snarled.

  When I ended the call, I closed my eyes briefly. “They know who I am, that I’m Theodore’s daughter. I’m certain of it. Don’t they?” I heard the challenge in my voice and stared at him, uncertain what to expect.

  He moved closer, lifting his eyebrows. “Why do I feel like you’ve gotten yourself involved in something you shouldn’t have?”

  “Just answer me.”

  “I will assume your father was also targeted. If he’d sold his soul to another organization, he was a fool. Loose ends aren’t allowed.”

  “You think my father was murdered.”

  “It’s entirely possible.”

  I thought about what he was saying and fisted my hand around the phone. “Whatever is in the package he sent will tell us.”

  “So it has been found.”

  “I think so.”

  “Did you purposely keep that from me?”

  I shook my head. “No. I had an idea and I asked Elizabeth to help me. You don’t need to remind me what I was did was reckless.”

  For a few seconds, his anger flared. “Jesus Christ. You will not keep secrets from me.”

  “I’m not keeping anything from you. I just have a busybody neighbor who likes to snoop on everyone including lifting their packages. I’d forgotten.”

  I couldn’t tell whether he believed me or not by the expression on his face. “Your father played a dangerous game.”

  “So are you. Jonas isn’t betraying you. But you’re right that someone is.”

  Phoenix narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

  “I remembered something my father said about protecting someone he cared about. That must mean your sister. Just so you know. She doesn’t believe my father had a gambling problem or that he intentionally deceived her.”

  “My sister still believes there is good in people.”

  “There is, Phoenix. You just need to open your eyes to discover how beautiful life can be.”

  While his features softened, I sensed I hadn’t convinced him. I wasn’t entirely certain of it myself any longer.

  His jaw was just as tight as before, the hard clench highlighting his chiseled features. As his eyes flashed, I refused to back down. “We need to go to Miami. My friend is terrified of two men. My condo was trashed. I assume the people you contacted didn’t feel it necessary to destroy everything I worked so hard to achieve.”

  I could tell the multitude of concerns riding his face had nothing to do with questioning whether the men he’d asked to break into my private space had betrayed him.

  “You’re not going anywhere.”

  “Then I’m not telling you where she is.” I hitched up my defiance, never blinking as I stared into his eyes.

  Exhaling, he glanced toward the window, very slowly shaking his head. “I won’t have you holding the information hostage.”

  “Like you held me hostage?” I regretted the words as soon as I’d tossed them out.

  “If you go with me, you will follow every command I give you. This isn’t a game, Whitney. Your act of rebellion won’t help either you or your friend.”

  “I understand.”

  “Do you really?”

  I hated when he tested both my common sense and my loyalty. “I’m no fool, Phoenix. But both you and my father made me a part of this charade. I plan on remaining involved until its conclusion.”

  “Charade? If what you say is true, whoever the traitor is exchanged his loyalty for money or power. That makes him a dangerous man. He’ll stop at nothing to finish what he started, including eliminating whoever gets in his way. I don’t want your life risked under any circumstances. You are mine. No man will ever touch you again. God help them if they try.”

  I closed the distance, placing my hand on his heart. “We need to do this together. You can trust me.”

  “It’s not you I’m worried about, omorfiá. But you already know that.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  He debated my request for another few seconds then nodded once. “We will leave tomorrow morning. It’ll be safer for all of us.”

  There was no doubt he was worried that my friend would be taken, forced to talk. Elizabeth was a strong woman, but there was no chance she could withstand a torturous interrogation. “I won’t fight you. I promise.”

  “I do need to trust you, my beautiful woman.” He slipped a single finger under my chin, lifting it tenderly. “Your safety is my main concern.”

  “The safety and the future of your family is what you need to concentrate on.”

  “You don’t get it. You are my family.”

  Trickles of fear skated down my spine. “And you are mine. Maybe my father wasn’t such a bad guy after all.”

  “We shall see. We. Shall. See. I need to talk to my father and brothers.”

  “Is Nico out of the hospital?”

  A slight smile formed, but the rage remained in his eyes. “Yes. He’s weak but doing well, a hardhead refusing to follow doctor’s orders. At least my mother insisted that he stay at the estate.”

  “Mothers know best.”

  He continued to trail his fingers down my face, moving to my arm before rolling his knuckles across my cheek. The tension in the powerful man was difficult to witness. “I will keep you safe.”

  I was terrified he was still making promises he couldn’t keep.

  As he walked out of the room, my heart refused to stop thudding. What had my father really been trying to do?

  And would it destroy me when I learned?

  CHAPTER 22

  Phoenix

  “How are you feeling?” I asked Nico as he met me in the hallway, a drink in his hand. “And you shouldn’t be indulging in alcohol.”

  “Now, you’re a doctor along with being king of the world?” he teased. At least he was in a decent mood after what he’d been through.

  “Doctor. Banker. Corporate mogul.”

  “A man of many talents. It’s good to see you, bro.”

  I walked closer, trying to find the right words. While the three of us had been close, we’d never taken time to express anything but frustration or anger. Our hot blood was partially the reason, the other that we were all strong alphas.

  But there could only be one leader.

  “You did good at the restaurant.”

  He laughed, the ugly sound echoing in the space. “I fucked up and you know it. At least I managed to save your sorry ass.”

  I clapped him on the back and we both headed out to the pool, finding Stavros lounging on a chair, Pops floating in the middle of the water.

  “I’m headed to Miami tomorrow morning.” While I’d called the meeting on short notice, I hadn’t provided any details as to why.

  “Miami?” Stavros asked. “Why?”

  My father remained in the pool, as always, a cigar in his hand. He eyed me warily, taking several puffs. “It would seem the stolen information has been found. Right?”

  “As always, an astute man,” I said, half laughing, grateful that Pops seemed completely lucid.

  I studied both brothers, curious as to their reactions.

  Nico snorted. “After what happened in broad daylight, are you certain heading to another city is in your best interest?”

  “It’s his job, Nico,” Pops said, the husky tone in his voice full of uncertainty. “I suggest you remember that.”

  “Oh, I know, Dad. You never fail to remind me what our jobs are, especially mine. At least very soon I’ll get to put my expensive education to good use providing my recommendations.”

  His retort was usual, their sparring almost always riddled with anger.

  “I’ll go with you,” Stavros stated without bothering to look me in the eyes. “You’ll need backup on this. You can’t trust Zakaryan.”

  “No, I certainly cannot. Jonas will remain to keep the peace in the streets.” The earlier attack had spooked some of our wealthy clients, enough so the corporation could lose millions of dollars if the situation wasn’t rectified within the next forty-eight hours.

  “Are you certain he’s not behind this?” Stavros tossed out. “Jonas was the only one who could have tipped off the enemy soldiers.”

  I shifted my gaze between my two brothers before smiling. “I know what I’m doing, Stavros. And I am in charge of this organization. Something for both of you to keep in mind.”

  “I certainly don’t want your job, King Phoenix,” Nico teased. I could tell he remained in pain, his insistence to return to the family business admirable but stupid at this point.

  “If that bastard betrayed us, I will kill him with my bare hands.” Stavros had never liked Jonas, always questioning the man’s loyalty.

  “Nothing happens until I have the opportunity to see what Theodore sent to his daughter.” And more important, why he hadn’t felt he could come to her or to anyone else in the family with his concerns. “Nico. I need you healthy. Coordinate with our soldiers on keeping a full sweep of the streets tonight and into the morning. Let Jonas know what you’re doing. I want to know the second there’s any activity, no matter how small.”

  “I can do that.”

  “And keep an eye on Elena and Alexandra, Elena especially. The attack earlier today could also have been geared toward eliminating her for what she knows. She will not want to follow the rules, but she’s not leaving the house.”

  “You’re fearful Zakaryan will eliminate every loose end. What the fuck do these people want?” Nico asked.

  “Zakaryan wants what he believes he should already be his,” Pops said in passing. He was right. Zakaryan had assumed a partnership would be formed. Over my dead body.

  Stavros muttered in Greek, a passage I couldn’t understand. “You gave your blessing on Elena’s union with Jonas. She’ll be pissed if you change your mind.”

  “If by that you’re suggesting I plan on arranging her wedding to Zakaryan’s son, that will never happen as long as I’m alive.”

  “That’s what I mean, brother. I’m still convinced Jonas is behind this. Let me have a chance to talk with him.”

  “You’ll do nothing of the kind. I’m not jumping to conclusions about any aspect of this dicey situation, Stavros. I’m merely taking full control of the reins.”

  “Spoken like a true Diamondis.” Pops paddled his way to the steps, grunting as he climbed off the float, the cigar still in his hand. “When is the wedding?”

  “That’s not important right now, Pops,” I told him.

  “Yes, it is, Phoenix,” he countered. “Children are vital to the continuation of our lineage. You need to remember what’s most important.”

  I shared a chuckle with my brothers. “I’ll take that under advisement as with all your other good information. But that’s a discussion for another night. This needs to be finished.”

  I was so antsy my skin was beginning to crawl, the deceit swirling around me like an infested body of murky water, sharks waiting to attack. While I wanted to be angry with my lovely bride to be for keeping me in the dark, she was suffering from constant uncertainty about her father’s intentions.

  “I think we all agree. Zakaryan’s foiled attempt today will only boost his aggravation. He’ll try more aggressive methods.”

  “Then he will die.” My words were frank, stated simply, and the truth. Even if Gabriel was able to intervene, the assistant could prove to be too late. “We’re leaving in the morning. Be at the airstrip by ten.” I nodded to my father before heading toward the front door, my chest tightening. Goddamn it, I hated this shit. Playing poker with Zakaryan was not only disruptive, it was also a pain in the ass.

  And could prove to be deadly. How many more innocent lives would be taken until Zakaryan came out of his hiding spot?

  Stavros nodded, following me to the front door. “You’re marrying that woman, an enemy.”

  “Contrary to what you’re thinking, Whitney isn’t to blame for any of this.”

  “You underestimate the power of a woman. She could be working with the Armenians, the entire situation one puppet show after another and she’s pulling the strings, watching as you flail around like a broken, twisted doll.”

  While a part of me understood his damning statement, I fisted my hand by instinct, another wave of anger smashing through the surface. No one talked about my woman that way.

  “Go ahead, brother. Take a hard punch or two just like you did when we were kids.”

  His reminder that I’d been an angry young man, taking out my frustration on anyone who dared anger the young prince of the palace, was a hard slap in my face. Both my brothers had taken their share of my controlling ways. I pulled back, shoving my hands into my pockets. “We can agree to disagree about anything, Stavros, but the subject of Whitney is off limits.”

  “What happened to Pops’ insistence you form an alliance with another powerful organization?”

  Snorting, I shook my head. The old ways. “Because we’re not in the twentieth century any longer.”

  “Maybe if you’d taken Zakaryan up on his request for you to marry his daughter, none of this would have occurred.”

  I should have known he’d throw that in my face. Up to this generation, marriages had been used as nothing more than business transactions. The point of love had been lost on my ancestors. Even my parents’ marriage had been a contract negotiated between two powerful families in Greece, allowing the combined regime to control without fear of loss of life. The fact my parents had bolted from the kingdom, their love blossoming into something more than a contract had left a bad taste in the mouths of my extended family. No one from our clan, as we’d been called, would be welcome anywhere in Greece.

  Yet my father had still preached the benefits of the past. I refused to allow a single sibling to be forced into a union they despised. But I also couldn’t allow them to enter into a contractual agreement that wasn’t protected.

  “That was the man’s ugly attempt at clawing his way into power, brother. His offer wasn’t even a consideration, and you know it. Why the hatred?”

  He leaned against the foyer wall, tapping his head on the surface several times. “This is getting out of hand. The Feds are eventually going to come knocking if the bloodshed continues.”

  “I know that. With any luck, we’ll have what we need to destroy Zakaryan.” I sensed he didn’t think that would happen. “Don’t worry, brother. Your playboy lifestyle won’t be disrupted.”

  “That’s not fair.”

  “Isn’t it?”

  As he did every time, he knew I was right; he turned his head, his brow furrowed. “Fine. I’m a fuck-up. Just say it if that will make you feel any better.”

  “You’re not a fuck-up. However, you need to make a choice. Either you want to help lead us into the next generation or you don’t. But once you commit either way, there will be changes made. Think carefully about your decision, brother.”

  “Fine, big bro. I’ll get right on that.”

  God, his arrogance irritated the hell out of me. He had the knack for picking the worst times to have a conversation about whatever was bothering him. “Remember what I said.” As I reached for the door, he grumbled under his breath. “What?”

  “If Jonas had anything to do with this, we need to deal with it quickly or our reputation will take a hit.”

  “Our reputation? Don’t you mean mine? Just like what happened to our father because I was stupid enough to fall in love with an elementary school teacher? Are you worried about your trust fund, brother?”

  “That’s not what I meant. I know what you went through when she was killed. And I’m not worried about the money. We’re strong as a corporation and as a family. I’m worried about you.”

  For the first time in as long as I could remember, I believed him. I rubbed my eyes, the tension I’d felt leading to a bitch of a headache behind my eyes. “The two situations are entirely different, but Whitney is in my life. Period.”

  “Then I hope you can handle the aftermath if things go south.”

  “I guess I’ll need to. Alone.”

  Scowling, he said nothing, but I sensed he wanted to launch into me as he’d done before.

  “You might not like my style of leadership, Stavros, but you’re required to follow my directions without question or hesitation. I’ll handle Jonas if necessary. But I’ll do it when the time is right and that’s not at this moment. Am I clear?”

  “Oh, you’re clear, which you’ve always been. What bothers me is that since meeting that woman, you’re going soft.”

  “Soft?” All I could do was laugh. I shoved my hands into my pockets, curtailing my anger. He was intentionally pushing me, trying to start a fight. He’d done that since the day he’d turned ten. “What’s really bothering you?”

  He looked away, the light from outside barely reflecting his expression but I sensed he was holding something back. “I don’t like this. It’s too practiced. Someone took time to set us up, figuring out what would make us most vulnerable. Whoever it is knew that you’d come to Elena’s defense without thinking twice, allowing your anger to fuel your decisions.”