Page 108 of The Boss

“Hmmm… You’re handling me, Mr. Greek Hottie. I’ll have you know I can tolerate walking much further. You see me as fragile still when I’m not.”

“I see you as no such thing.”

“Liar.”

She had me smiling all over again. “Cookies?” I teased.

“No, I think I’ve had plenty.” She walked closer, patting her tummy. “Is my uncle okay or did you two get into another fight?”

“He’s fine. Eager to find out who killed your parents.”

“Somehow, I doubt he’ll accept you as my husband. At least that won’t be for long. Right?”

I wanted to offer her the world, to share with her everything she wanted. I’d yet to discover what that was. “He’ll get used to it since our arrangement terms have changed.”

“Oh, they have?”

“Yes,” I told her, walking closer. “The contract is never ending.”

“I didn’t agree to that. I’ll need a much larger payment.”

“Oh, you will, huh? I guess I’ll see what I can do.”

She pushed her hands against me playfully, but I could tell she was still questioning my motives.

“Are you ready?” she asked, staring down at my shoes. “You’re going to get sand in your expensive Italian loafers.”

“Then I guess I’ll take them off in the car.”

“I guess you’ll need to. Let’s go. Don’t forget to grab a blanket.” After blowing me a kiss, she headed from the room. I felt another weight being driven against my chest.

Havros was right.

The all-American girl with the smile of a goddess had charmed her way into my heart.

“This is almost more incredible than your private beach on Corfu,” Willow said. She was standing with her bare feet in the wet sand, staring out at the waves. The breeze was intense, her long strands of hair skimming her flushed cheeks. The way her thin dress flowed around her legs highlighted her voluptuous curves. “How did you find such a secluded location in Athens? Why wasn’t it snapped up by some wealthy businessman for the site of a restaurant?”

I remained on the blanket we’d brought, a glass of wine in my hand and my eyes locked on her beautiful form. This was perhaps the most romantic place I could think of. Reading her poems had struck me with a tremendous amount of emotion.

She’d refused to push me on what I’d wanted to tell her. Although she’d fished for information with a half dozen questions about my preferred tastes.

What’s it like being the head of a crime syndicate?

What’s your favorite food?

What’s your favorite dessert?

What do you like best about me?

The last one had gotten to me. I’d bumbled around with my answer until I’d simply told her the truth with one word.

Everything.

“My mother used to bring us kids here. It was her favorite spot. And the property was scooped up about fifteen years ago.”

She twisted her body so she could see me. “You bought it.”

“I did. As a present for my mother.”