Authors: Aleka Nakis
“Sure, sweetie. Just take care of our girl.”
“I will, ma’am.”
Samantha stepped out of the shower and dried off. Toweling her hair, she saw the dark circles under her eyes. Her usually pink complexion was pasty and pale.
She wasn’t looking forward to being out and about today and possibly running into Brad Daniels. She wished she were already in Greece. She’d be half a world away, and he would never know where to find her. Even if he did, he wouldn’t bother.
Would he?
She resigned herself to three more days of looking over her shoulder and began to dress. A comfortable pair of jeans and her favorite t-shirt would make her feel better.
Samantha heard the doorbell buzz and wrapped her hair in a towel to answer it. She passed Mary, finally asleep on the couch, and smiled as she heard a soft snore escape the woman’s lips. Her elderly neighbor had been so worried last night, she’d refused to go home and rest, and she’d refuse to take Samantha’s bed. The poor woman had spent the night on the sofa.
Another buzz. Samantha put her eye to the peephole and saw Anthony Lakis checking his watch. She wrinkled her forehead, and unbolted the locks, opening the door.
“Good morning.” Anthony stepped inside, giving her an easy smile, and strolled over to her neighbor, who was now rising from the couch, as if he visited Samantha’s apartment every day. “You must be the lovely Mary my brother told me about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Mr. Lakis, why are you here?” Samantha was dumbfounded. How did he know Mary?
“Tony, call me Tony. Mr. Lakis is my father.” He looked so comfortable in her home, hugging her friend. “Demo phoned and told me what happened last night. He wants you to leave for Greece tonight. He’ll have a plane at JFK for you in a few hours.”
“I can’t. I’m not ready.” Samantha protested. “I have work to finish, and I need to pack.”
No one would tell her what to do. No way was she giving an inch of control to a man. She’d been there and done that, and the result was the predicament she was in today. No, she wouldn’t do it—regardless if she agreed with
the order
.
“We packed last night, dear. I’m sure Tony won’t mind if you take a few minutes to throw your toiletries together.” Mary pulled him down on the couch with her, and patted his knee. “Would you mind, honey?”
“Of course not. Mary and I could have some coffee and get to know each other better while you finish up.”
Tony looked funny on her pastel colored couch. It was as if he was sitting on a toy. He was so much like Demo, only more relaxed and casual. If you looked up tall-dark-and-handsome in the dictionary, you would find both Lakis brothers pictured there.
Nerves frayed, and knowing she should be jumping at the opportunity, she was nonetheless unable to accept the offer. Samantha wanted to scream, but instead she laughed. “You two are mad. I can’t, and won’t, leave tonight. I have things to do.”
“Sweetie, please don’t argue with this nice young man. I don’t think I could sleep if I don’t know you’re safe.”
“Mary, I’ll be just fine. Those where empty threats.”
Tony’s gaze flared with emotion. Any comfortable, relaxed, or casual style disappeared. “Threats are threats Samantha. You never know what a man is capable of, especially one under the influences consuming Daniels. Don’t be stubborn for no good reason.”
“I have good reason,” she said, raising her voice.
I can’t. I won’t. Never again will I give up control of my life.
Taking a deep breath, she scrunched her nose and crossed her arms over her chest. “I need to prepare. I have work to do, and I need to say goodbye to a few people.” Samantha paced the small living room, determined to appear confident. “Thank you, Mr. Lakis, but I can’t go tonight.”
Tony stood and strode to where she stood. He lifted her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. “You win, Little Red. We’ll go to the office, and you can work all you want. Today.” He released her chin and gave her an assuring smile. “I’ll have a car escort you to your mother’s, and you can finish your errands. You’ll stay in the penthouse tonight; the security is better there. You and Teddy will fly out tomorrow.”
“Teddy? Why does your brother need his top bodyguard in Greece?” Everything was happening too fast. She wasn’t comfortable relinquishing control or deviating from her plans and routine.
“He doesn’t. Teddy is for you—until you get to Crete. I doubt your ex will follow you, but if he does, Demo is there. He’ll take care of things in Greece. I’m coming over in a few days as well.”
There was nothing for her to say.
“Good, now that Tony is here, I’m going home to sleep. Have fun in Greece, and don’t forget to send me a postcard.” Mary kissed her cheek and walked out.
“It’s a working vacation,” she hissed in vain to a closing door.
“I know you feel uneasy with this, but it’s really much safer. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks.”
She sat on the sunflower rocking chair, and rested her elbows on her knees. “I guess you’re right. It just seems too extreme, too fast.”
“When Demo gets into these moods, I’ve learned to listen. Just go a few days early, and he’ll be happy. We won’t have to endure his lectures on responsibilities or unnecessary dangers.” He flashed a charming smile, and then laughed.
“You both are overbearing, even with your good intentions.” She shook her head and smiled. “Are all Greek men as headstrong as the Lakis brothers?”
“No, only the smart ones. We’re the only men that can handle women like you.” He teased. “When I get to Crete, I’ll introduce you to the beautiful doll attempting to tame yours truly. You two will get along well. She’s stubborn too, so I can feel for my brother.”
“That’s different. You have a personal relationship.”
He pursed his lips, nodded, then smirked, but didn’t say a word.
In truth, Samantha wanted to leave New York as soon as possible. She was scared and didn’t trust Brad. The horrific night she’d seen the monster in the man she’d been planning to marry had changed her whole life. She lost a part of herself, and she had erected a tall barricade around her emotions, allowing no one access. She knew what Brad was capable of and it terrified her.
She hurried into the bathroom and dumped half of the counter’s contents into a make up bag and was back in less than five minutes. “Ready.”
Tony gathered her two suitcases from the front door and waited patiently for her to lock up. Walking down the stairs ahead of her, he shook his head and lifted his shoulder as if agreeing with an internal thought. “Little Red, you’re going to love Greece.”
Settling into the back of the limousine, Samantha’s confidence and determination drained out of her. Reluctantly, she acknowledged feeling safe with Demo looking after her. She swallowed her pride, licked her parched lips, and asked Tony if the offer still stood to leave tonight.
“Of course it does.” He grinned and nodded. “Am I correct to assume you don’t really need to go into work?”
Patting her briefcase, she confirmed his beliefs. “I have everything Demo asked for right here.”
“Good. Then use the car phone to call your mother and tell her we’re heading over so you can say good-bye. We’ll pick up some fresh bagels on the way.”
Samantha looked out the window at the people lounging at the cafés lining the streets of Astoria. Soon, she’d be far from this and in the place that inspired it all. Safe, happy, and on the adventure of her life, she’d have control again and the opportunity to set her life straight.
After a few minutes, she turned to look at Tony. “Thanks,” she whispered sincerely.
Tony called Teddy and instructed him to meet them at the airport. Then he called his brother to confirm the flight details. When he was done, he tapped Samantha’s shoulder and passed the phone to her.
“Hello?” Her voice cracked as she fought back tears.
“Samantha, are you all right?” Demo’s concern was apparent in his tone. He spoke sharp and fast, requiring a quick reply.
Staring at nothing in particular, she attempted to focus. She was more shaken than she’d thought, but she’d find the strength to handle it. “Yes, Mr. Lakis. Tony came over, and we’re going to my mom’s now. I have all the files you’ve requested with me, so we should make it to the airport with plenty of time to spare.”
“I don’t care about the files, Samantha.” There was a long pause on the line. “Work isn’t a priority at this time. I care about how you are. You’re safe, and he can’t get to you.” Another pause. “I know it’s hard, but please trust Tony and Teddy.”
“I do trust them, and I appreciate your concern. Thank you for easing my mind and moving the trip forward.”
“There’s nothing to thank me for,
koukla mou
. Things will be better when you get here. You’ll like it, and you’ll be able to relax.” His voice was now controlled and even. She could tell he was trying to reassure her and take her mind off the threats, but for once, she didn’t mind.
“I’m surprised you didn’t give my brother an argument about leaving early. I thought I’d have to come get you myself.”
She fought to suppress the smile forming on her face. How did he know? It didn’t matter, because listening to his strong voice calmed her nerves. She felt a blanket of security settle around her and the tears threatening to spill dissipated.
“I’m very excited to see Greece. It’s always been a dream of mine to walk on the same paths people used three thousand years ago.”
“We’ll make a point of seeing some of the better known places,” he promised. “The Acropolis and the Parthenon in Athens will be one of our first stops. We’ll go to Knossos in Crete, where the mythological Minotaur was held. And, we’ll hike into the cave where the ancients believed Zeus was born. That was here in Crete, too.”
If he was trying to distract her, he was succeeding. It wasn’t that she was fickle; it was that she was certain Brad would never confront her if she were with Demo.
“That sounds great, Mr. Lakis. I hope we get to do at least some of those things. But please don’t feel obligated on my behalf. You’re busy, and I don’t want to impose.”
“I’m looking forward to it. I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow. Now just relax and have a good trip...”
Did he hesitate in finishing the conversation? It sounded like he had more to say.
“See you tomorrow,” she said, flipping the phone shut. She sank into the seat, then turned back to Tony who looked at her with an amused smile. “What?” she asked.
“Don’t you think that ‘Mr. Lakis’ stuff has got to go?”
Samantha’s skin tingled, and she sensed him before she saw him. Just past the automatic doors from the customs area, Demo paced the marble floor with his hands tucked under his arms. He looked up, and she waved. He returned the greeting with a handsome grin.
Walking toward the arrivals hall, she could see there was something different about him, but she couldn’t quite place her finger on what it was.
“Welcome to Greece.”
His long legs quickly closed the gap between them as she exited the doors. He bent to rest a hand on the curve of her waist and placed a kiss on each of her cheeks. “How was the trip?”
“Fine, thank you, Mr. Lakis.”
“We’re not in the office, Sammy. We’re in Greece and there is no need for formalities. Please call me Demo.” His dark, enchanting eyes caressed her face as he spoke.
“If you insist, Mr. … uh ... Demo,” she stuttered. Just like that, Samantha became Sammy, and Mr. Lakis became Demo. “I’m surprised to see you in Athens. I thought Teddy and I were traveling on to Crete direct from here.”
He laughed and slipped the carry-on bag off her shoulder. The touch of his fingers sent ripples through her body and ignited a flame she tried hard to douse. He stepped behind her, further warming her back with his heat and extinguishing any of her fire-fighting attempts.
“Teddy is. I thought we’d spend a few days in Athens and take in the sights,” Demo said. His eyes sparked with mischief. “The Parthenon has been waiting a long time for you, and we have tickets for a concert at Herodotus Atticus on the south slope of the Acropolis tomorrow night.”
Sammy’s mouth fell open, and she felt like a little girl on Christmas morning. “Wow. That sounds amazing. But what about work?”
“Work can wait,” he said, and then turned to thank Teddy. “
Efharisto
, I appreciate it greatly. Say hello to your parents for me.”
“No problem, Demo. You sure you don’t want me to hang around for a little? Just to be on the safe side?”
“It shouldn’t be an issue. They have him under surveillance. Go home to the family and enjoy your vacation. We’ll see you for dinner soon.”
The two men hugged, and Teddy kissed Samantha farewell on each cheek. He left and hurried down the corridor to make his connecting flight to Crete.
“You know his family?” Samantha asked surprised.
“Of course, Teddy is my cousin. That’s why I trust him. When he left the military and accepted my offer for chief of security, I was thrilled and relieved. There is no better man for the job.”