The little bell over the door rang as soon as I walked inside, the clerk looking up to see who’d walked in. I waved as I headed for the aisle, finding a huge bottle of pain reliever easily enough. As I reached for my wallet while heading to the counter, I passed a row that caught my eye. Stopping short, I studied the four shelves full of boxes, taking a deep breath the entire time. On a whim, I yanked one into my hand, taking both items up front.

  The girl said nothing, merely eyeing me cautiously as she waited for me to scan the credit card. I was certain I looked haggard at this point. Tonight I wouldn’t allow anything or anyone to bother me.

  As soon as I left, a crash occurred on the other side of the street and I jumped. What the fuck? On top of everything, I was a nervous wreck. I even dropped the bag of purchases. At least a laugh bubbled to the surface. I bent over and the earth around me suddenly shifted. Oh, shit. I felt faint.

  After taking another deep breath, I rose to a standing position more slowly than I’d gone down. A man standing on the other side of the street caught my eye. Was he staring at me? Hell, yes, he was.

  Inching closer to the edge of the sidewalk, I dragged hair behind my ears and shielded my eyes from the late afternoon sun. A bus rolled by, doing its best to avoid the collision.

  When the huge vehicle passed two seconds later, I blinked several times.

  The man wasn’t there. After searching both sides of the street, I had to face the fact I needed a long night of sleep. I was jumpy for no reason.

  Laughing at myself, I hurried into the brownstone, deciding to take the stairs.

  Big mistake.

  By the time I made it to my floor, my nervousness from before got the better of me. The small lunch I’d dared myself to consume came roaring into my throat. I barely had time to unlock and throw open the door, racing into the bathroom and dropping onto the floor with a hard thud before I lost every bite I’d eaten.

  Maybe this would be the final release of fear and apprehension.

  After flushing the toilet, I remained crowded against the wall, slowly finding the energy to reach for my purse. I hated what I was doing to myself, the doubts that I’d never had before. But they weren’t about my work. With the first article ready to be printed, I was more confident than ever at my accomplishments.

  Even if I’d had to forgo the truth.

  Over four weeks later and I’d yet to hear anything from the Cosa Nostra Don. I pulled out my phone and leaned my head against the wall as I thought about calling my dad. I loved him and missed him, but we weren’t on the same page any longer.

  He had left two voicemails. Had I subconsciously ignored them? I wasn’t certain. I had my finger on the redial button, but shifted to my photographs, easily finding the one I’d snapped quickly under the Eiffel Tower.

  The photograph was almost goofy, enough so that looking at it all over again made me laugh. Havros couldn’t take a bad picture. I traced his face and brought the phone against my heart. I missed hearing his voice almost as much as being in his company.

  I noticed the bag I’d flung onto the floor and snagged it before trying to stand. Just looking at myself in the mirror was painful. I had dark circles under both eyes, my hair no longer shiny. Maybe I needed vitamins.

  Maybe I needed a CAT scan. I pulled out the two items, hesitating when I held the long box. I don’t know what pushed me into buying the kit. Maybe nerves. Maybe guilt. I almost tossed it under the counter when the little voice inside my head told me to take it. Just do it, the inner voice kept whispering in my ear.

  Why not. It was quite possible it would alleviate some of the worry.

  Or not.

  I did my business, placing my purchases on the counter and washing my hands. After grabbing my phone, I headed for the kitchen, almost bumping into the wall from paying attention to the blank screen instead of where I was walking.

  After grabbing the open bottle of wine and a glass, I took everything to my tiny living room. A glass in hand, I debated calling my father for a few seconds, but I knew he’d keep calling until I answered. He deserved to know his daughter was going to be successful.

  I took a sip of the cabernet before dialing. He answered on the third ring. “Hi, Dad.”

  “I was worried about you.”

  “I’m fine. I’m doing very well. I have news.”

  “I heard all about the movie you’re making,” he said gruffly.

  “It’s not a movie. It’s a biopic where the people involved are on the screen. They talk about their lives and there’s a narrator and some photographs. You know. That kind of thing.”

  “But mafia? You know how I feel about the subject. What possessed you to put yourself in so much danger?”

  “You know why, Dad. Because no one ever solved my mother’s murder. That’s why.”

  “What did you hope to gain in doing this? You could have gotten yourself killed.”

  Huffing, I took another gulp to keep my mouth busy and not spouting off what I wanted to say to the man. “I was careful, but it was something I needed to do.”

  His sigh was heavy just like my heart felt. “I wish you’d mentioned the subject matter to me first.”

  “You would have just tried to talk me out of doing the project.”

  “There are several ongoing investigations regarding the New York and Chicago mafias. DEA. ATF. CIA. You name it.”

  And he was likely behind pushing the investigations into fruition.

  “I know that, Dad. I did my research. You know how thorough I am.”

  “I know you are, Kara, but that doesn’t mean I won’t worry.”

  “Well, I’m home in New York now working with HBO. I’ll be busy pretty much every day with no time for travel or any other investigations at this point. So stop worrying.”

  He didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “I know you miss your mother. I do too. I long to find out exactly what happened, but that’s not in the cards. Not after all this time. She’d be alive if I hadn’t interfered in something I had no right to do. I don’t want that for you.”

  His guilt would be the death of him. “What happened wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything.”

  “But I did. Don’t be like me, Kara. Live your life. Find a man who will treat you as you deserve to be treated. Have a family. I’m not suggesting you eliminate a career, but do something that doesn’t put you in harm’s way.”

  I almost blurted out I’d found someone I cared about, but what was the point? “Maybe in the future, Dad. Why don’t you consider coming to New York for a visit.”

  The answer was always the same. “I’ll do that.”

  Which meant I’d ask him again in a year. “I love you, Dad, and stop worrying. Okay?”

  “I’ll try. Just remember what I said. Life is too short to miss out on the things that make you the happiest.”

  I opened my mouth to retort, insisting my work made me the happiest. But I wasn’t in the mood to tell a lie. “Okay, Daddy. Talk soon.”

  With the call ended, I tossed my phone on the coffee table, immediately bringing the wine to my lips. In my near meltdown by the toilet, I’d forgotten to take any Tylenol. Maybe the wine would help.

  I closed my eyes briefly, controlling my breathing. My father was hardheaded, which was where I’d learned it.

  A few seconds later, the inner voice prompted me I had something cooking. Groaning, I eased off the couch, grabbing another sip of wine before placing just so on the table for my return. I’d accidentally left the bathroom light on so when I walked closer, I didn’t need to bend down to have my answer. But as soon as I did, I picked it up, bringing the stick closer to my face.

  No. There was no way. No godforsaken way on this earth.

  How was this even possible? A horrible sounding laugh bubbled to the surface. I knew how, but I couldn’t believe my luck was this bad. A moment of utter panic set in. I had no idea what to think, but at this point it didn’t matter for shit.

  What in God’s name was I supposed to do now?

  CHAPTER 32

  Two days later

  Havros

  “Good job, gentlemen. The stock is soaring again,” Dimitrios said from his perch at the head of the conference room table.

  “With confirmation Bernardi is dead, suddenly other avenues of interest have opened up for locations of our clubs. I have a trip booked to visit Madrid next week.” Christos was proud of himself. “Havros’ idea, by the way.”

  “Madrid will be an excellent choice. The numbers are favorable. Are we certain Bernardi’s remains were positively identified?” I asked as I drummed my fingers on the table.

  We’d offset a board meeting for weeks in hopes we could regain lost footing. We’d worked long hours to make that happen, one or all of us appearing at various summer festivities, charity events, and even being more vocal on national television. Memories were short and people loved backing a winner.

  The time spent had kept my mind off Kara.

  She’d been gone for weeks, my thoughts and images of her keeping me awake at night. How many times had I thought about contacting her? More than I could count, but I’d honored her wishes of allowing her to return to her life and work without interference.

  And it was killing me.

  “We’re certain,” Dimitrios stated. “It took so long because the house was completely obliterated. There’s some sense it was an accident, the gas lines running into the house the reason. I heard there was a leak in the main lines, but I don’t buy it. They were able to identify him by his teeth. What a way to die.”

  “Along with half his remaining family and one Capo.” My words held no emotion because his death had given me no satisfaction. But at least the man was dead and gone. I’d yet to hear anything from the Sicilian Don. At some point, I planned on making another visit. The man owed me.

  “You don’t sound thrilled.” Christos lifted an eyebrow as he stared at me.

  “Just bored, I guess.”

  “You mean you’re missing that cute reporter,” Dimitrios teased.

  I shrugged and didn’t take the bait he was tossing in my direction. “She’s happy. That’s all I care about.”

  “Why lie to yourself, brother? You haven’t been happy since you put her on our jet.”

  Dimitrios was right as usual, but at this point, there was no use in lamenting.

  “Go to New York and bring her back.” Christos shook his head. “It’s the only way to fix this.”

  “I might be many things and I’ve done some terrible deeds in my life, but I’m not adding kidnapping to the list.” I laughed after making the statement since I’d thought of little else.

  The door opened and our two other board members walked in. At least they were all smiles.

  “Gentlemen, welcome and take a seat,” Dimitrios instructed. “We have much to celebrate.”

  Celebrate.

  I was happy business was going well, our suffering officially ending, but mine was ongoing. The thought of living without her wasn’t settling with me at all.

  As the men sat down, some small talk ensuing, my mind drifted off to the last thing she’d said to me before climbing the stairs onto the plane.

  “I’ll never forget the time we shared. You’re very special, Havros. Never forget underneath those layers of armor is a very good man, a loving man. I’ll miss you.”

  She’d kissed me on the cheek and never looked back. Meanwhile, I’d stood on the tarmac, waiting until I lost sight of her plane before walking away.

  I certainly wasn’t a good man, no matter how many times she’d insisted that I was. Yet with her, I was a decent man striving to learn how to live. She’d brought the light into my world. Now the darkness had returned.

  “Are you with us down there, Havros?” my older brother asked. The wry smile on his face was also one of knowing. My guess was the man could read my damn mind.

  “Right here. Let’s get started.”

  The thirty-minute proposed meeting turned into nearly an hour. Three phone calls had dropped into my voicemail. While I hadn’t been rude and pulled out my phone, I was itching to get the hell out of there. At least when I was alone I could grieve in peace.

  Grieve.

  She was alive and healthy, living life to the fullest and I was grieving like some caveman.

  As soon as the meeting was over, I hopped up, not bothering to shake the board members’ hands. We’d worked together for far too long to care about such formalities. I headed out to the hallway, immediately reaching for my phone.

  Jonas had left a message. So had Alexander Dumas from Paris. Fuck him. I would never return to the city.

  Not without Kara beside me.

  Well, fuck. That wasn’t going to happen.

  I was taking long strides toward the elevator when I finally noticed the identity of the third caller. I was no longer shocked at my reactions when I heard Kara’s name mentioned or came across something that reminded me of her.

  She’d left a message.

  After almost five weeks, she’d made contact. And I’d been in a goddamn business meeting. I pressed listen, avoiding the elevator and turning down another hallway to have some privacy. The sound of her voice ignited the cool, dark embers.

  “Havros. It’s me. Kara. I just… Well, I hadn’t heard your voice and I admit it, I missed you.” She laughed, but I could instantly tell something was wrong. “Anyway, I’m coming to Greece. We need to talk and I don’t want to do it over the phone. I haven’t figured out what flight I’ll be on, but I’ll let you know once I book it. It’ll be good to see you again.”

  That was it. She didn’t say goodbye, but I did hear a glitch in her voice.

  “There you are, bro. I’m glad I caught up with you.” Dimitrios was right beside me.

  I said nothing, still staring at the transcript of the message she’d left.

  “Earth to Havros. What’s wrong?”

  Lifting my head, I broke out in a cold sweat. “She’s coming back to Kolonaki.”

  “Who? Kara?”

  I nodded.

  “For how long?”

  “I don’t know.”

  He clapped me on the back of the shoulder. “Brother. One piece of advice. Don’t allow her to get away again. You love her. Admit it to yourself and stop sulking. Woo her back. Kidnap and hold her hostage. I don’t care how you decide to do it. Just do it or you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting it.”

  “Wise words from a lovesick man.”

  “Try it, my friend. You might like it.”

  “What the fuck?” I pulled the phone away from my ear, hitting play one more time.

  “What’s wrong, boss?” Jonas asked.

  “Hi there. I’m on my way. I’ll be there around five your time. I’m arriving on flight number… And I… So if you…”

  “Goddamn it. Kara’s message is garbled.”

  “Do you have any idea where she’s flying into?”

  “None.”

  “I’ll check the flights into Athens coming in from New York,” he told me, immediately heading from my office.

  I jerked up from my chair, tossing the phone onto my desk and shoving my hands into my pockets. We’d missed each other in phone calls. I’d been planning on heading over myself in the jet, bringing her back and insisting she stay.

  Not being able to get in touch with her had kept me on edge for almost twenty-four hours. I checked my watch. It was already almost three-thirty. If I didn’t learn her flight within thirty minutes, I would head to the Athens airport, searching the entire goddamn bank of buildings until I found her.

  If she wasn’t on the flight, I’d keep trying to contact her. How had I missed the damn call? I was furious with myself. I was also excited about seeing her again. I’d made a few calls. She’d made a deal with HBO. I was so damn proud of her, I had plans on taking her out to dinner to celebrate.

  She deserved the attention and every accolade received. However, I’d taken what Dimitrios had told me to heart.

  I wasn’t the kind of man to allow something so precious to slip through my fingers.

  She was mine and not just for this trip.

  But forever.

  Kara

  Another perfect flight.

  Another beautiful day.

  As I waited for my bags to come down the carousel, I realized how nervous I was. Seeing him again had been the only thing I’d truly wanted, yet right now, the ache inside was only increasing. It felt as if I had a vise around my neck cutting off my air supply.

  I thought about calling Havros, but figured I’d surprise him. I’d managed to catch an earlier flight, even being bumped up to first class. I deserved it after all the hard work and long hours I’d put in.

  With my bags in sight, I glanced around trying to locate a rental car facility. I’d never rented a car in a foreign country, but I needed to continue stepping out of my comfort zone. I snagged the two bags, placing one on top of the other and pulling the handle. As I rolled through the airport, I continued thinking about the sound of Havros’ voice on the two messages he’d left.

  I’d heard excitement, but also apprehension. I’d meant what I’d told him. We did need to talk and doing so over the phone wouldn’t be fair to either one of us. I’d pushed off two meetings and had basically taken a short leave of absence, promising to return.

  Yet even now, I had no clue what I wanted to do.

  The airport was busy and I had to push my way through scores of people eagerly heading out or meeting with loved ones. I did want that more than anything. Just to have a family meant the world to me.

  I’d figure out what I wanted to do eventually, but it would need to be in the next couple of days. That was the fair thing to do. I headed down an escalator after seeing a sign for rental cars. Before making a left, I noticed a man standing outside holding a sign with my name on it. Several cars were lined up next to the curb including two big black limos.