Page 52 of About Love and Revenge

“Yeah.”

He comes close and gives me a light kiss on the lips. I don't hug him this time, and I don't even kiss him back, because it scares me how much I don't want him to go away.

“Good night, Elina.”

Before I can respond, he leaves the room.

Odin

CHAPTER NINETEEN

During the flight

“Who’s looking after her?”

I'm almost in Greece, and I spent practically the entire flight awake. Having my mind always overloaded with information is normal for me, but today it’s evenmore so.

Until about ten days ago, my concerns were all about avenging my family and my cousin. I tried to believe that, at some point, when it all came to an end, I would be able to move on, freeing myself once and for all from the pain and hate that seems to pump through my body with a force stronger than blood.

Finally, to be able to rest.

But the more time that passes, the more it seems like a distant dream.

I replayed everything over and over last night. In fact, every day since I’ve had her with me.

Am I tarnishing my family's memory by getting involved with an Argyros? I know consciously that she's not to blame for anything. Elina, contrary to what I thought, was just another pawn in the dirty game Leandros was playing.

I don't even believe that his wife is the keeper of his affections. He’s had several extramarital affairs.

I'm rational enough to separate what I'm experiencing with Elina from my plans of revenge. The problem is that I know that, at some point, those paths will cross.

She's agreed not to ask me about her father anymore, which could mean a kind of escape for her or that she just doesn't care. From what I know of my blonde now, I'd bet on the first option.

In the past, I might have believed that she has been playing with me, focusing only on her own livelihood, perhaps because I used to believe that a fruit never falls very far from the tree. My opinion of the Argyroses has never been worse.

However, I now know that at least two of them have almost none of the bastard's personality: Theodoro and Elina.

A message from Grigori lights up on my cell phone, informing me that Naim arrived in the States last night, which makes it clear that he knows I brought her with me. While I had no doubt he would have the means to find out, I didn't think his obsession with her would lead him so far as to risk coming into my territory to get her.

“Six men,”my head security replies.“But Grigori is ready for any eventuality.”

That doesn't reassure me.

I'm not someone who lets my guard down under regular circumstances, let alone when real danger is lurking nearby. The idea of not having direct control over her safety is making my mind race.

I feel torn about what I know is my duty to my family, which is to punish Orien's killers, and my urge to keep her safe.

But Aristeu deserves an answer.

Whatever happens, today I'll find out my cousin's whereabouts. I don't care what has to be done—everyone responsible will pay. Aristeu has the right to at least know where his son's body is.

I pick up my phone and decide to text her. I've held back so far, trying to impose some distance to keep myself focused, but I need to make sure she's okay.

Texting, chatting during the day...I don’t normally do any of thatwith my women, but I've given up trying to fit Elina into any of the categories from my previous relationships.

Remember what we talked about? Don't run away from security. It will cost them their jobs if they lose sight of you.

I hit send while trying to imagine whether she would roll her eyes upon receiving it. I would be a liar if I didn't confess that her quarrelsome way turns me on, but this time I would like her to actually obey my request.

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