Page 62 of The Boss

Oh, God. I was getting married.

I’d agreed to it. No one could ever accuse him of forcing me. Not really anyway.

He roared into a driveway and I suddenly couldn’t wait to see the gorgeous setting all over again. There were happy memories that I refused to lose, no matter who he really was.

Or the violence he’d perfected.

Seeing the way he’d been with one of his own men was a clear indication of how he’d be with any enemy.

Including my brother.

The deal I’d made with him would be laced with blood.

I shoved the thought from my mind as the house came into view. While it appeared similar to the smaller Greek homes and businesses I’d seen throughout Athens, there was a special more Mediterranean flair that provided a lush look about every detail. From the arched windows and doors, to the vines with shades of crimson and violet draped halfway down to the mermaid fountain in the driveway, the several-story buildings and grounds were exquisite.

Even the iron gates allowing admittance to the grand entrance were spectacular, not suffocating. The house was on a private cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea, winding steps leading down to the soft white sands of the beach. And unless the entire interior had been renovated, every room offered vibrant comfort, with accent walls and vividly colored paintings adorning them.

I was still leaning forward as he pulled the car directly in front of the main doors. I remembered several separate buildings including a six-car garage, a maintenance shed, and an outdoor kitchen that would rival any fancy restaurant. There was also an office-studio combination.

“Is the ballet room still here?” I asked, feeling instant tension crawling inside the man.

“How do you remember that?” He turned off the motor, remaining exactly where he was.

“I wasn’t a good girl back then. Don’t you remember? You found me dancing in the room. You were so angry.”

“I didn’t scold you,” he said. His voice was also entirely different.

“Your eyes did. You know they’re reflections of your soul. Yours were screaming pain and hatred. But even as a little girl, I knew you weren’t really angry with me. Who were you angry at?”

When he didn’t answer right away, I turned my head, noticing his jaw was clenched, one hand wrapped around the steering wheel with tremendous pressure.

“Listen to me, Willow. This house is now your house. You will be free to come and go within the noted guidelines, but you may not enter that room again.”

His mandate surprised me. “Why?”

“Because I said so. There are some things meant to be left in the past. Remember that.” As he finally turned his head in my direction, I sensed I’d crossed some invisible line. One of sorrow and self-loathing.

He held his own terrible secrets. How soon would they come back to bite him?

And his soon to be wife?

CHAPTER 16

“We do not have to rely on memories to recapture the spirit of those we have loved and lost—they live within our souls in some perfect sanctuary which even death cannot destroy.”

—Nan Witcomb

Dimitrios

Seeing Willow’s face as she explored a house that remained in her memories was both fascinating and disturbing. I hadn’t understood that bringing her into my home would dredge up so many memories that I’d fought to keep locked away. Her face still held the sense of innocence and wonder she’d had at a young age. I found that beautiful and refreshing.

And damning.

It had been far too long since I’d been to the house, mired in business activities and trips to Italy, Spain, and even New Zealand. At least half my clothes were now located in the walk-incloset at my parents’ estate, but this was home. This was the one place where my heart remained.

Although there were those who would swear I had no heart, no ability to grow a new one. Or that I’d lost it years before just outside that dance studio. In spending time with Willow, I’d wondered if they were right. Caring for her was possible; love was something else.

With the security cameras checked denoting there’d been no unauthorized entries, I closed the door behind us, placing the bags near the door.

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