“Diamondis winery.” The name was vaguely familiar, but I couldn’t remember why. The nagging inside my brain continued, insisting I figure out the mystery. Why did I have the distinct feeling Phoenix wanted me to recognize it as well? I had a sense he was continuing to test me, determining whether I could be trusted.

  “I don’t know it.”

  “Really? What a shame. They have several award-winning wines. I thought you’d enjoy this one.”

  “Yes, I do very much.” I took another sip, nodding as my mind attempted to play tricks on me. Had I seen Phoenix before? Did I know him from a past experience, a possible business arrangement? I met dozens of people a week, so it was entirely possible. If he was telling me the truth, and he was a very wealthy man, then he could be on my client list. No, I certainly would have remembered him. “I am curious. What kind of business are you in?”

  He smirked as he leaned forward. “Is that what you really want to know?”

  “It’s not too personal but will tell me a wealth of knowledge about you as a person.”

  He lifted his eyebrow, enjoying my torment. “Will it now?”

  “You must give me a hint about what type of profession would bring about multiple enemies.”

  “That’s not our agreement.”

  I gave him a sly smile. “Agreements can change, codicils added.” I enjoyed the bubbly as he kept his heated gaze centered directly on my face, his debate as to whether to tell me almost amusing. What are you hiding?

  “Well, that is true.” He threw back half the champagne.

  “Will you tell me if I guess?”

  He swirled his crystal flute on the table, thinking about my question for a few seconds before giving a single nod.

  “Let me see,” I said as I purposely dissected him with my eyes. “Stockbroker. You have that ruthless look about you, nerves of steel.”

  “While I’ll take that as a compliment, I don’t excel in the numbers game.”

  “Everything is a game to you. Isn’t it?”

  “Not everything, omorfiá. Some things I take very seriously. Try again.”

  “Hmmm… You own a company, one that’s extremely profitable. That allows you the flexibility of time.”

  His eyes lit up. “Very well done. You’re on a roll. I’m curious what else you’ll come up with.”

  I purposely drained my champagne glass then allowed my eyes to drift to the bottle. “You own a winery.”

  He laughed. “As a matter of fact, the family does own a winery, but my sister handles the full operations, refusing to allow me to have anything to do with it.”

  “A hardhead like you.”

  Everything I said seemed to amuse him. “More so. She’s Greek through and through.”

  “You dropped another hint. Mmm… A Greek family corporation with multiple businesses underneath the umbrella. You’re powerful. You’re savvy and you take control of every situation you’re in. Then that would make you head of a crime syndicate.”

  As had occurred during our dinner, our banter had become another aspect of our wicked game. He burst into laughter. “Is that what you think?”

  “It makes sense. You have a glamorous job with unlimited vacation, several estates, and yachts. Yes, at least three yachts.”

  He grabbed the bottle of champagne, expertly refilling our glasses. “Unfortunately, my life isn’t all that glamorous. But you were correct in that the family owns a corporation with several different types of businesses run by different family members. I’m the CEO of a commercial construction company.”

  “Ah. No wonder you have so many enemies. The real estate business is dog eat dog.”

  “Please don’t tell me the lovely lady is into real estate.”

  “Development. And yes, I would consider myself fraught with many enemies as well. It must make your life stressful.”

  Phoenix laughed. “You have no idea. Now, I deserve to learn something very personal about you.”

  As he leaned over, a wildfire spread through every blood cell. “I’ll consider it since you’ve been a good boy.”

  The quirky way his lips turned up was a beacon of sin. “I think that is highly debatable. Your first name.”

  I pondered his request, taking a few seconds to answer. “Whitney. Is Phoenix really your first name? It’s very unusual.”

  “It is on both counts. My mother had a difficult birth, the doctors warning her that she could die in childbirth given her high blood pressure. She refused to terminate the pregnancy and had a small stroke during the cesarian section she was forced to have. My father said I’d risen from the ashes.”

  “That’s… touching. Did your mother survive?” I could tell by the slight look of sadness in his eyes the story was true.

  “Oh, yes. She had four additional children against all odds. She’s a truly formidable woman, the only one who could tame my father.”

  Laughing, I realized how comfortable I was around him. “That’s a wonderful story.”

  “Well, I often wonder how she tolerated five bratty kids. I assure you that strict rules were in order.”

  “Ah. That’s why you’re a disciplinarian.”

  He seemed to think about what I was saying, a wide smile crossing his face. “I never thought of it that way. Yes. You’re right. Now, what about your family?”

  The question shouldn’t have caught me off guard, but it did. I looked toward one of the fountains, admiring the flowers floating in the water. “Sadly, there’s not much to tell. I don’t have any siblings and never knew my grandparents. They died when I was very young.”

  “And your parents. Are they still happy and fighting in suburbia?”

  “They’re both dead.” I didn’t try to sugarcoat it. Why bother?

  “I am sorry, Whitney. It’s a terrible thing to go through life without anyone by your side.”

  “I don’t need anyone, Phoenix. I’m not built that way.”

  He narrowed his eyes. “You’d be surprised how having a very close family can help in times of crises.”

  “I’m certain that’s true in some families. Just not mine.”

  “Well, it appears your parents did an amazing job of raising you. You’re an incredible woman.”

  While it seemed his words were heartfelt, they pulled at my anger once again. “I didn’t know my father and in truth, I couldn’t care less about him.” Just saying the words was painful, my memories of all the years I’d wanted nothing more than to spend time with him weighing heavily on my mind.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up a difficult subject.” When he reached over, brushing his finger across the top of my hand, I almost pulled away.

  “Some of us are lucky to have a family we can depend on. My father wasn’t one of them. It’s a chapter now closed in my life, his recent death putting an end to wondering why he abandoned my mother soon after I was born. I refuse to dwell on what I didn’t have growing up, choosing instead to make a life I’m proud of. I’m glad you have a close family. I never will because now, I choose not to.”

  He studied me intently then looked away. “Death is a necessary evil in life, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy.”

  “Death is often a result of bad decisions made. My father chose a life of greed instead of family in his search for happiness.”

  “How sad, Whitney. Everyone deserves happiness but if destroying another person’s life is part of that decision, it should be weighed carefully against the consequences. There are so people who aren’t wired to value either human life or the responsibility of taking one.”

  “As in playing God. It sounds like something you’re very familiar with.”

  His laugh sounded hollow. “We’ve all made decisions we aren’t necessarily proud of.”

  “That’s a very interesting choice of words, Phoenix. Is this because you’re a very bad man?”

  He leaned forward so quickly and so close that I was taken off guard. As his hot breath trickled against my face, my heart fluttered. “I didn’t lie to you, Whitney. I am many things, but a liar isn’t one of them.”

  The way he hovered a few centimeters away seemed a test of will. I longed for him to kiss me, capturing me in the essence that had captivated me for hours. After a few seconds he smiled again, issuing a low, husky growl before sitting back. His look remained powerful, more possessive than the night before. He’d been taunting me with his words, pushing my buttons like I’d pushed his.

  All part of a very intricate game that kept me on edge.

  Right where he wanted me.

  “You deserve to be very happy, Whitney. I can tell you’re a special woman.”

  Blinking several times, I pulled away, lifting my glass. “That doesn’t mean it needs to be with a man or children for that matter. I’m not wired that way.”

  “Perhaps you’ll change your mind one day,” he offered.

  “Not a chance. I’m happy where I am in my life.”

  “So very much in control but longing for a firm hand.” His eyes twinkled in the lights.

  I shook my head. “Only to fulfill a fantasy. I will never fully surrender to any man.” His expression shifted to something much darker, as if I’d just issued him a challenge. I decided this was the best time to snap a photograph of both of us. “As I’m still in the middle of the fantasy I mentioned, it would be lovely to capture it. A picture perhaps?” I tugged my phone into the light, pursing my lips.

  He eyed me warily then scooted closer, leaning over the table. When he wrapped his arm around my back, I shuddered, not only given the electricity soaring between us but from the dangerous aura that continued to surround him.

  As I snapped the single photo, a trickle of fear drifted into my veins.

  “Be careful what you do with that,” he cautioned.

  “I’m not into social media other than for business. My personal life is of no concern to anyone else.”

  “Your personal life is of interest to me, but not in the way of social media.”

  “Are you flirting with me, Phoenix?”

  “Do I need to, my omorfiá? My guess is that I don’t. You sacrificed yourself to me willingly.”

  “Always the arrogant man.” His choice of words was fascinating.

  As his phone rang, he offered the same sexy grin I’d seen several times before, even giving me another heated onceover. The man’s smile alone could melt icecaps.

  His expression changed completely as soon as he tugged his phone from his pocket. After taking a deep breath, he lifted his gaze. The change in his eyes was startling. “You’ll need to excuse me for a moment. Often business interferes with the happiness I’m seeking.”

  “Of course.”

  He didn’t go far, heading toward the back of the patio. I was still able to catch a glimpse of his face as he answered the phone. Within seconds, I could tell whoever he was talking to had irritated him, the snarl shadowing his face completely.

  Swallowing, I glanced at my cellphone and the photograph I’d taken, fingering the screen. As crazy as it sounded, we seemed happy and perfect together.

  But I was smart enough to know looks could be deceiving.

  I quickly emailed it to Elizabeth, praying her cop friend didn’t come back with anything horrific like he was a wanted criminal.

  While I knew reality was only a few days away, I truly wanted to keep the fantasy world going a little longer.

  Why did I have a feeling that wasn’t possible?

  CHAPTER 8

  Phoenix

  Enemies.

  I’d mentioned my enemies to Whitney, but she hadn’t seemed too concerned. Neither had she batted an eye when she threw out a cautionary and very correct guess about who I was. And lastly there was no spark of recognition in her eyes about the winery or the last name.

  As I glanced in her direction, the twinkling lights on the trellises playing off her hair created several shimmers of gold. I had to keep reminding myself that she’d been added to the list of known enemies. My problem was that I genuinely enjoyed spending time with her.

  Let alone sinking my cock into her tight pussy.

  I’d already become possessive, so much so that any man even glancing in her direction pulled out the beast from deep within. I’d already sized up three men I wanted to toss against a wall, reminding them that she belonged to me. My pulse continued to increase, my need for her something I couldn’t deny.

  While she seemed innocent of knowing anything about her father, I sensed she knew more than she was telling. She was a smart girl. Too smart for her own good. She was attempting to dig through the layers of protection to find out the truth. She could be nothing more than a consummate actress, every word out of her mouth about hating her father a lie.

  But goddamn it, a part of me wanted to believe her.

  Why?

  Why the hell would I risk my entire organization on the chance possibility that she had no idea what the fuck her father had been doing for months?

  “Stavros,” I said as I leaned against the stone wall. “I take it that your call means there’s news.”

  “Elena is home and safe at Pops’ house. However, our parents have cut their trip short,” he said, knowing how much it irritated me when our father interfered with my business. However, he’d been looking for a reason to exact his own personal level of revenge against the Armenians for years. While starting a war wasn’t in anyone’s best interest, there would be a time when it was necessary in order to lay down the law to every other syndicate thinking about muscling their way into a territory.

  Something else my father had taught me over the years.

  However, my patience was being tested, the Armenians pushing. And I didn’t like to be pressed under any circumstances.

  “To be expected,” I told him.

  His laugh came close to pissing me off. “Maybe for you but when Pops comes into town, everyone is suddenly on edge.”

  “Relax, brother. Arman Zakaryan is an old enemy our father wants dead at any costs.”

  “Then why not put a bullet between his eyes?”

  “Because it’s not protocol.”

  “Fuck protocol.”

  His fuming bouts were starting to get out of hand. I allowed him to calm down without berating him.

  “What else? I can hear it in your voice.” I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off Whitney. I was surprised she’d admitted her real name as well as personal details about her life. Either she was using it as a ploy to bring me out in the open or she was telling me the truth.

  “The word on the street is that a weakness has been discovered in the great Diamondis operation.”

  A weakness.

  I was no fool. Neither was Arman Zakaryan, the aging Armenian mob boss who until recently had laid low in Philadelphia. I’d known for years it was only a matter of time before he reared his ugly head. The push was becoming toxic. Perhaps the best thing to do would be to cut off their heads before they made an official challenge. What troubled me more than anything was that if Theodore had placed his daughter in the middle of a war, she wouldn’t survive.

  Again. Why did I care?

  As long as I retrieved the information before Arman got a hold of it, I could avoid the kind of blood war that would leave every morgue filled to capacity.

  When I said nothing, I heard my brother’s exasperated sigh.

  “When the fuck are you coming back here? We need to made decisions,” he demanded.

  “You’re not in charge, Stavros. What I’m doing could stop the war you’re so worried about.”

  “I hope this woman is worth risking your family.”

  “This woman is quite possibly the key to keeping our family intact. I suggest you remember who you work for.” We’d butted heads for years. We’d been born into a world where the children weren’t allowed to choose who and what they wanted to be for the rest of their lives, especially the oldest son. I’d been provided the finest education, including Harvard, but that was all in preparation of taking over from our father.

  Stavros had remained in my shadow, provided the same training, the same education, all in case I met my demise. He’d hated every minute of it, often taking his aggressions out on anyone who stood in his way.

  But he knew better than to issue a challenge, which meant the threat was greater than usual.

  “Skéftesai móno me to poulí sou,” he hissed. You’re thinking only with your cock.

  Rage pounded against my temples. “Fovásai óti tha anankasteís na igitheís, aderfé? Fováste óti tha chreiasteí na vreíte tis báles sas?” The words needed to be said.

  Are you afraid you’ll be forced to lead, brother? Are you terrified you’ll need to find your balls?

  He cursed under his breath but understood his disrespect would cost him. No man, family or otherwise, challenged one of my decisions. I was finished with his antics and lack of attention to detail. Most of all, I was tired of carrying his weight. Exhaling, I sensed several customers paying far too close attention to me.

  While he remained on the call, he was attempting to goad me into backing down with his silence. When I spoke again, I did so through gritted teeth. “Sweep the streets. Find out everything you can. Take Nico with you.” Our younger brother had avoided much of the family indoctrination, but it was time he learned his place as consigliere, especially since he’d recently passed the bar exam.

  “Fine. Boss. Have it your way.” Now he chose to hang up on me.

  Hissing, I closed my eyes as I did what I could to curtail my anger. My temper was legendary, often resulting in thousands of dollars of damage when brought to the kind of rage I’d felt over the last few days.

  I took a deep breath and held it. My lovely companion didn’t need to see a grown man throw a tantrum. After glancing in her direction, I realized she was captivated by something on her phone, not paying any attention to me. I dialed Jonas. Hopefully, he had some additional information. I turned away from her to finish my business.

  “Phoenix,” he said, strain in his voice.

  “Elena?”

  “She’s fine. Not happy and I’m certain you’ll hear about your decision to force her home when you return, but she’s here.”