Page 9 of The Lieutenant

We’d been far too forgiving to a number of people, those involved in Leandro’s death excluded from the illustrious group. That wasn’t in my nature. Yes, I would temper my reaction to Theo, but he would learn that fucking with the Nomikos family just wasn’t a very good idea.

Somehow, the single article had afforded him a job offer, the man shifting from writing to starring in his own highly popular news program. It was apparent Theo didn’t know when to quit.

He’d also made the critical mistake of badmouthing our corporation on his television program. He’d tainted our reputation by highlighting criminal activities. Worse than being called out for what you did do was when lies were presented in such a way they sounded believable.

Theo was damn good at doing just that.

The Boss, my brother Dimitrios, had strongly suggested I attempt to drill some sense into him verbally and without any bloodshed. The fact he hadn’t made the agreed-upon meeting at the very bistro and bar where I’d met my sinfully gorgeous woman meant we would do this my way.

“You looked like you found something to keep you occupied,” he said. Not only was Jonas in charge of several teams of security, he was also someone I considered a friend. Although every once in a while, he crossed an invisible line.

“Maybe spending time with a beautiful woman is something you should consider in your future.”

“Not a chance. Women are the bane of men’s existence.” He started the engine and I could tell he was studying my reaction.

I wasn’t certain why I’d gravitated toward the woman, a stranger no less, and someone who wanted nothing to do with me. Yes, there were sparks, a chemistry we’d shared that couldn’t be denied, but she’d had nothing but animosity in her eyes. And she’d toyed with me. No one did that. Anyone who knew me realized it wasn’t in their best interest. Even Lurch… Jonas.

Shit. The woman had rubbed off on me.

“So when do you plan on seeing her again?” he asked casually.

“I don’t know her at all.”

“Well, I heard what you said.”

The scent of her perfume lingered, the notes of vanilla, spiced mandarin orange, coriander, and jasmine mixing with a hint of sandalwood. I took a deep breath, holding the fragrance in my lungs. “What are you talking about?”

“You said ‘until we meet again and I assure you we will.’ Don’t tell me you don’t remember? Should I worry about early onset dementia?” His laugh boomed into the small space as he rounded the corner.

As I pressed my elbow against the window, I rubbed my index finger across my jaw. “Have you ever experienced a feeling that someone had been brought into your life for a reason?” That was oddly the truth.

I’d come close to allowing her to experience what I was really like when I decided to take control of a situation or a person. My thoughts had turned from amusement and slight irritation tothe desire to devour her in less than a minute. Women of every nationality usually hung all over me.

She’d pulled away on purpose, acting as if she was a very good girl. Oh, I was certain she was, but in an entirely different way. There’d been something about her that had alluded to the darkness lurking just below the surface.

Not the obsidian blackness that had captured my soul long ago, but a sharp longing to surrender to her deepest carnal needs. Only no one had found the right key.

“Only those I’m determined to erase from this world.”

My soldier could cut through the vilest fantasies in a heartbeat. “You’re one-track minded, Jonas. You need to experience life. Enjoy hot sex with several women, go dancing. Go sailing. Hell, pick up a hobby.”

“I live vicariously through your eyes, remember? I’m the one who keeps you alive.”

“Hmmm… You just think you do.”

Jonas drove in silence while I did nothing but think about the stunning dark-haired beauty. I could have easily pulled her into the tiny bathroom, ripped off her panties, and fucked her like some wild animal. If I’d had more time. Lately, it seemed nothing personal had worked out the way I’d wanted it to.

Perhaps my luck would change and I would have an opportunity to see the lovely American again.

“That’s Theo’s house over there,” Jonas pointed out. The smaller home was set on a hilltop as so many were. Theo had recently moved from the northern part of Greece to be close to the television station. The homes were all very close together,which was a hindrance when interrogating someone. I’d have to be careful in my actions. I also noticed Marco was smoking, standing close enough to a single streetlight he was easy to spot.

Either he didn’t care about being seen or had lost his touch since leaving his former post. If he had a death wish, why should I care?

Jonas found a parking spot a block away on the street. By the time we’d exited the vehicle, Marco was headed in our direction, scampering across the street while flicking his cigarette.

“Greetings,” he said, his Italian accent as thick as the day he’d moved here.

“Don’t you know smoking is bad for you?” I asked, glaring down at him.

---