Page 66 of The Lieutenant

“Perhaps her father was in a position to help whatever happened disappear,” I suggested. What had my little kitten really been up to all this time?

Christos slumped into one of the two other chairs. “Sending a reporter to another country to help the Cosa Nostra. Seems a bit farfetched. Did you discover anything else out of the ordinary in her records?”

Dimitrios looked at me first. “Her mother’s death coincided with her father leaving his position. There are also no notations as to why, but six months later he appeared as a US Marshal.”

“From what I’ve heard, they often work with international law agencies when a fugitive from another country steps foot on American soil.” I was musing more than anything, but an ugly picture was being formed in my mind.

“Interesting. You need to spend more time with her. I trust you can break her.”

Christos threw his head back, staring me in the eyes. “I don’t think he’s going to have any problem with your request, brother.”

“Don’t do that! Currently, she’s busting my balls. That’s the issue. She’s determined to discover all our dark secrets. The news broadcast about Theo’s murder had her reeling. She asked me point blank if I killed him.”

“Smart girl, and as far as busting your balls, somebody needs to do that.” Dimitrios laughed. “It’s good to see you spending time with someone. But you should be very careful. She could be the best kept secret and mole we’ve ever encountered.”

“You asked me to take over the interview on purpose. Didn’t you?” I pointed my finger at him.

“Let’s just say I know your tastes in women. I figured it couldn’t hurt. Besides, Willow has been bugging me to death about finding the right woman for you. Now, I almost regret my decision. With you being single, she had another way of gaining information.”

“Since when has your wife been allowed to play matchmaker?”

Christos shook his head. “Since he finally accepted Willow has him wrapped around her teeny pinky finger.” He wagged his for emphasis.

“Very funny,” Dimitrios barked. “But she’s right. We’ll thrive if we have another life. That means the two of you. I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”

“Boasting much?” I snapped at him playfully. “I’m not looking for a relationship and trust me, that woman is only interested in skewering my balls.”

“I knew you sucked in bed.”

I made a fist at Christos, pretending to give him several brutal blows. It was good that all of us had finally started to laugh and joke again. It had been tough for a long time.

Dimitrios was staring at me, or as he usually did, right through me. Just like Kara had managed to do in two short days.

“I assure you I can handle her interrogation tactics. I’m the master of doing so.” I was itching more than ever to have her wiggling underneath me. She would eventually break. I would see to that.

“You like her. I mean really like her.” Dimitrios’ expression was almost sad.

“Don’t worry, brother. If she’s not who she reports herself to be, I will handle the situation.” How, I wasn’t certain at this point.

“I know what you’re capable of, Havros.”

As our mother had often told us. She’d raised four boys who enjoyed displaying emotions. We’d been forced to learn how not to over the years. “She’s something else, I will say that, but it’s bad timing.” And it was. My instincts had been on high alert since learning about Theo’s murder. I had the sense some additional crushing blow was going to come down on us.

“I understand that you don’t want to be seen as a weakness, but you can’t live your entire life under that suffocating rule you’ve placed on yourself. You can balance the two worlds. Just make certain she’s not out to destroy our family and you certainly have my blessing.”

It was true that my older brother had successfully done that, but I wasn’t the best at juggling various items on my plate. Inmarrying his best friend’s niece, he’d added a forbidden concept to his personal relationships, but they were blissfully happy and in truth, I was envious as hell.

“How could I make that happen? By surrounding her with guards?” I asked.

Dimitrios lifted his glass. “You do what’s necessary to enjoy every minute spent together.”

“Kara would refuse to live that way. Besides, we all need to concentrate on business. Pleasure will need to wait.” Except I would use pleasure to gain what I wanted, just like she’d done with me. I’d been sucked into her deep blue eyes and stunning voluptuous figure. While our passion hadn’t seemed faked in any way, there were definitely women posing as femme fatales who were capable of playing the good actress.

Just like she’d done today.

Dimitrios rolled his eyes. “Lighten up. This rivalry has gone on for years. You’ve confirmed Bernardi’s involvement in Leandro’s death. At least that’s one aspect of business that’s off the table.”

“You’re suggesting this vendetta is completed?” I wasn’t certain he would answer me.

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