“Just keep me updated. When are you going to have the first pages? I’d like to read them over.”

  “You’re not my editor.”

  “I need to know how damaging the article might be in case I need to develop a plan.”

  I glared down at the phone. “What plan?”

  “You know, to find someone to rescue you from the bowels of hell where one of the Nomikos clan might shove you.”

  “Very funny. I’ll be fine. I’ve done this before.”

  “On home turf, girl. And remember, you almost found yourself in a dangerous moment.”

  I rolled my eyes and fluffed my hair, twisting and turning so I could catch sight of both sides of the dress. Yes, it looked damn good. “It was a misunderstanding, nothing more.”

  “Having a weapon shoved in your face is more than a misunderstanding.”

  “Jacob. I appreciate your concern, but you’re my agent, not my protector.”

  “I feel like I should be.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” I spritzed on a little perfume, chiding myself for doing so. Did I really think this was an actual date? The deal was strictly based on business needs. Maybe I could drown him in Obsession.

  He sighed, but didn’t answer.

  “Jacob.” My agent had once lived a former life doing exactly what my father continued to do. He’d been a US Marshal, forced to choose another career after killing an innocent bystander. He’d been cleared of any wrongdoing, but the death had affected him tremendously. Thankfully, he’d gone into opening a celebrity agency firm. Not that I was a celebrity by any means, but given he’d known my father, he’d taken me on as a client without hesitation.

  I’d forever be grateful for his support, his constant concerns, and his usual fatherly pushes. My dad also trusted him implicitly not to place me in harm’s way. I had a bad feeling my father would be miffed I hadn’t told him I’d be leaving the country.

  “I made some inquiries to some old sources of mine,” he finally answered.

  “Meaning what?” He’d worked inside the United States his entire career, yet he’d amassed contacts all over the world.

  “Just that their reports paint a much more dangerous and deadly picture than I’d originally discovered.”

  “What are you telling me, Jacob?”

  “I caught a television show produced in Athens. I’ll send you a link. I’m simply reminding you to be very careful how you handle yourself and what you ask. I don’t want this to be your last assignment.”

  “Thanks for the pep talk.” There was genuine anxiety in his voice. It was time to change the subject. I wasn’t going to be talked out of this. Danger I could handle. My father had taught me a whole lot of what he’d learned while in training. “Have you heard anything from the networks?”

  “It’s been two days since you asked. The answer is the same. No. The studios executives take longer than God to make a decision.”

  All I needed were my heels and I was ready for this atrocious date. At least it would be over with quickly. I grabbed my phone, heading back to my laptop. “I know you can work magic. Now, I need to run.”

  “Hot date?”

  If I dared tell him what was going on, I’d never hear the end of it. “Preparations for tomorrow’s interview. You know how I am.”

  Jacob huffed as he usually did when he was about to make fun of me. “All work and no play have made you a dull girl. Try and remember you’re still young.”

  “Try and remember you’re very old.”

  “Yes, I am. You make me feel even older. I’ll talk with you in a day or so. Just promise me you’ll be careful and come home if your instincts kick in there’s something wrong.”

  “Yes, Dad.” I’d started calling him Dad several months before. Maybe because he reminded me of my own father. Gruff around the edges, but a softie inside.

  I had a glass of wine poured and had at least thirty minutes to myself. I’d insisted on meeting Havros at his apartment instead of him coming to me. Of course, I had no doubt he could easily determine where I was staying, but by offering him the name of the hotel, it would be as if I was inviting him to come inside and stick around for a while. That was the last thing on my mind.

  Plus, I’d never been inside the residence of a crime lord. That would add an entirely different level of depth to my story. Now to continue doing a little research.

  My curiosity had been on high alert since we’d talked about the two clubs. I’d made note of them, but hadn’t bothered to learn any details.

  With what Havros had said, or more important, what he hadn’t said about the clubs, I was more curious than ever. Both websites were easy to find. They were both gothic in design, their layouts unlike anything I’d seen in New York, yet there was no sign either one was anything other than designed for dancing and drinking.

  Huh. It was apparent Havros had only been trying to crawl under my skin. He’d almost managed. I googled the club name and found pictures of celebrities, famous actors along with musicians, and even well-known sports stars partying. I scrolled the page, telling myself I’d check one more before shutting everything down.

  On page two, the lead story caught my eye. I clicked on it and shivered from another tingle of anticipation.

  The article was on a shooting a few months before. His brother had been killed. I had no knowledge of the reporter or what country the story was written in, but the man had alluded to the fact it had been a revenge kill. Another series of shivers drifted down my spine. This had to be the reason for the extensive NDA. I was positive of it.

  A blip on my computer indicated a new email. Jacob had sent the link. I hesitated before pressing it. A man appeared, nicely dressed in a suit. He was all alone, no guests. His English was very good and as he spoke to the camera, various photographs popped up on the screen. Some were depictions of crime scenes. Others were of various men, one including Havros.

  The man on the television was saying in no uncertain terms that the Nomikos family had been involved with drug trafficking and the sale of illegal weapons for years, the clubs nothing more than a coverup. Maybe for laundering money. I wasn’t entirely certain why Jacob was so bent out of shape. This was a typical operation, although two in the United States I’d interviewed hadn’t minded flaunting their illegal side.

  Still, I’d keep the information in mind. I was certain the program had pissed Havros and his family off.

  I had to ask myself the most intelligent question so far.

  What had I gotten myself in the middle of?

  CHAPTER 7

  Havros

  The devil.

  Kara had used the phrase in both articles. While her references were subtle as well as accurate, I was somewhat surprised she’d used that term.

  Granted, I was fairly certain all of the men within the Nomikos family had been called that quite frequently over the years. Her view was definitely not on the positive side.

  One thing was without question. The enchanting woman preparing to shadow my life could certainly write. In fact, her articles represented the lifestyle eloquently and without emotion while keeping it generalized enough that she hadn’t gotten herself in hot water.

  Yes, what I’d said to her at the end of our conversation did apply. I would have significant difficulty letting her go. The fact she’d moved from dislike to hatred of me only made the thought of tasting and fucking her that much sweeter.

  My thoughts were filthier than normal. Maybe that’s why my cock had been aching since she’d stormed out of my office with her head held high and her heels clipping the wooden floor.

  It was pretty ballsy of her to pen articles on organized crime in the first place. She’d been lucky she’d walked out from the interviews alive and unhurt. Yet however formidable Kara had managed to be in her demeanor, she’d taken significant risks. Why? What was the real reason behind her insistence on providing the world with an accurate look inside the world of mafia regimes?

  Maybe I would eventually ask her.

  She hadn’t glorified the existence or nature of the business either. Using creative techniques, she’d highlighted the pitfalls of being involved with a syndicate and in becoming the enemy of one. All without accusing a single member of murder, extortion, or other atrocities most were known to participate in.

  One thing she had insisted was the mortality level was high, our life expectancies low.

  I nursed my drink, also indulging in a cigar as I waited for her to arrive. With the file Jonas had amassed on her quickly, I had more of an insight into her qualifications as well as her intentions. So far, two articles on syndicates had been printed, one in the New York Times, the other in a District of Columbia newspaper. But there were others, including highlighting aspects of white-collar crime as it related to hacking. I’d enjoyed it tremendously.

  Her writing style was captivating, the insight she provided fascinating. Why did I have the distinct feeling she was digging through rubble to find something?

  The other fascinating aspect of her life was the fact her father was a US Marshal and had been for years. Prior to that, he’d been a US ambassador stationed in Italy. The switch in careers was highly interesting. Perhaps that’s why she’d chosen the path she had, although she seemed strong willed enough she’d choose her own destiny without anyone’s influence or interference.

  One question that remained in the forefront of my mind was why she’d selected the Nomikos family when there were dozens of other crime syndicates throughout the world. There was always a reason for everything anyone did. This time was no exception.

  While the weather was absolutely gorgeous with highs in the seventies, warm enough I had the French doors open through the flat, she hadn’t come here for the weather.

  Or the scenery.

  I took a sip of the chilled Stoli, enjoying the mild burn more so than usual. As I puffed on the cigar, I placed the file on the side table and stood, heading outside onto one of several balconies. The city was alive with activity much as it had been the night before. With usually only one day of rain during the month, outdoors activities and sidewalk bistros were all the rage.

  Kara had been cautious, refusing to allow me to pick her up at her hotel. Of course I’d found out the location with a single phone call. I wondered how she’d feel when she realized it was within walking distance. I laughed softly and studied the street below. While this was the penthouse, the building was only eight stories tall. That allowed me to still enjoy being in the heart of the city while able to see the sweeping view of the ocean on either side.

  I leaned over the railing, yet to determine what locations I would allow her to visit. With few exceptions, I could take her with me to most meetings that were on the books for the next couple of days. Sadly, I didn’t think doing so would provide her with the juicy kind of article she was hoping to achieve.

  Or maybe I’d do just that.

  But not before enjoying spending quality time with her. Call it a perk of the business I was in and of the deal she’d entered into.

  Admitting I would enjoy the challenge, perhaps even the chase, hadn’t been difficult. It had been so long since any woman had intrigued me as much as Kara had done that I was looking forward to the opportunity. It would be interesting to continue making her squirm.

  Inhaling, I could almost gather the delicate whiff of her desire that had been awarded to me during our mind game. She’d held her own, but I was the master of peeling away layers. What she didn’t know was that I had no intention of glueing them back together.

  My cock ached from the thought. More than a taste would be needed. I noticed a young woman walking down the sidewalk, studying her phone as she did. My instinct told me immediately my dinner date had arrived.

  Even from this distance, I was floored by the sight of her. As my brothers would tell me, it had been far too long since I’d enjoyed the company of a woman in bed or otherwise. I kept my eyes on her as she approached, finally stepping into the light. As soon as she did, it was obvious she sensed she was being watched.

  Kara slowly lifted her head until she found me. The connection was distinct, the electricity even from afar capable of lighting up the sky. I was becoming more intrigued than ever, uncertain I’d ever been this attracted to a member of the opposite sex.

  I took a puff of my cigar, enjoying the way the light breeze helped it float toward the vision of beauty.

  She didn’t wave or acknowledge me in any way. I was certain she was smirking. Yes, this should be a fascinating and delicious evening. I waited as she entered the building before heading inside.

  After putting out my cigar, I polished off my drink before I finally heard her light knock. Either the elevator had taken a long time, or she’d considered changing her mind.

  I wasn’t the kind of man to think any woman could actually take my breath away, but on this night, I was proven wrong. Kara was a creature of absolute beauty, although she either refused to see, admit, or allow herself to be thought of that way.

  Yet here she was standing in my doorway in a ‘come fuck me’ dress that immediately had my balls in a tight pinch.

  “Don’t you know smoking is bad for you?” she asked. I did adore her demanding tone.

  “We’re all going to die of something. I might as well enjoy myself along the way.” Perhaps Marco was right about something.

  “That’s a very sad way of looking at your life.”

  “Yes, but realistic, and that’s something you should already accept since it’s clear to you we all die at an early age.”

  I’d embarrassed her. Although she tried to hide her emotions from me, the blush floating across her porcelain skin was a dead giveaway. “You’ve read my articles.”

  “Two of them. They’re quite entertaining.”

  “And accurate.”

  “To a point. Please come in. I hope you’re prepared for a very enjoyable evening with the devil.”

  CHAPTER 8

  Kara

  Havros was the devil reincarnated. But then they all were. All the men and even women included in the illustrious work of an entirely different kind of darkness.

  What I’d learned could make the ordinary person’s skin crawl. Not this girl. I was fascinated by everything I’d learned and read over the years, including some outlines of cases my father had worked on.

  “I guess that remains to be seen,” I told him.

  He was even more debonaire than the two other times I’d been in his company. Tonight, he’d chosen to wear dark slacks and a flowing white shirt halfway open on his chest. With his sleeves rolled up, the ink on one of his muscular arms caught my eye. The dagger appeared lifelike, the rose with a pool of blood cathartic. His arms were tanned, his fingers long and just as muscular as the rest of him. There was no tie, no hundred-thousand-dollar watch on his wrist; instead he was wearing a diver’s watch. I could recognize one easily since I owned one myself.

  One of my few hobbies was enjoying the silence of the deep blue seas.

  What struck me was how relaxed he seemed and not just because he was inside his own apartment. As if he didn’t have a care in the world. The other men I’d spoken with in similar positions inside the US had been tense, so much on edge that after every sound they’d reached for their weapon.

  “What would you like to drink?” he asked, his politeness catching me off guard.

  “Whatever you’re having.”

  “Alright. Stoli it is.”

  “Russian vodka?” I asked as he led me further inside. I was honestly shocked at the interior.

  “Believe it or not, I do enjoy the fruits and labors from other countries. Please, make yourself comfortable. Look around.”

  “Does that mean you have nothing to hide?”

  The look he gave me was extremely commanding. “Try and remember, Kara. I’m not your enemy and you requested this meeting.”

  “Yes, you’re right.” I watched as he headed for a bar in the corner of a massive room. The apartment was gorgeous, the attention to detail similar to the apartment my parents had rented in Italy when I was a little girl. A pang hit me, the ache of missing my mother tough. She would love Greece. “This is the Palazzo style, right?”

  “Very good. Yes, the apartment was built in the nineteen thirties, this apartment painfully restored to most original details. It was a labor of love.”

  As I walked further into the room, I was floored with how beautiful everything was. With plaster ceiling reliefs, carved wood coffered doors, a marble fireplace, and arches over every window with exposed Tinos columns, the gothic feel reminded me of the years I’d lived in Milan. “Exquisite.”

  “I’m curious how you know the style.” He pulled a bottle of vodka from a small fridge, pouring two glasses.

  “If I had to guess, I’d say you already have a full and highly detailed background on me and my entire family. If so, you’re well aware I lived in Italy for a few years of my life.”

  His chuckle was easy and sultry at the same time. “As you managed to do when you left my office today and yes, I’m aware. Just like you, I do my homework on anyone I meet with. It’s vital for my existence.”

  “Touché.” As he headed toward me, I allowed myself to truly take a look at the man. In his office, he’d been unapproachable, a man on a mission to break my nerve. He’d seemed ultra powerful behind his desk, basking in the glory of being in charge. But tonight, he was entirely different. “You were educated in England.”

  “For several years, yes. I’ve also spent time in Italy as well. Il cuore di Milano è la squisita arte fornita da artigiani altamente qualificati.”

  The way he spoke Italian was absolutely beautiful. “The heart of Milan is the artistry provided by highly skilled craftsman. Yes, I would completely agree. Although I must admit the food was also a favorite of mine.”

  His smile could light up a room. “I’ll give you a little secret even my mother doesn’t know.”

  “What’s that?”