Page 34 of The Lieutenant

This wasn’t my home, but I felt good here. Comfortable. As if I was meant to live in Greece.

With no mirror, I closed my eyes, shoving the ridiculous thoughts aside while fighting the space and my mind to change. All I could do was drop my head, making sure all the naughty bits were covered. Thankfully, they were. I couldn’t stand to parade around in front of him in almost nothing.

Like I was just getting ready to do. I couldn’t put my dress on over this. And heels? Oh, God. I’d look ridiculous. This hadn’t been a well thought out plan.

I was frustrated, hemming and hawing for at least three minutes before accepting there was no getting out of this. After gathering my things, I walked out to the store, holding my breath the entire time.

What I hadn’t expected was to find him standing in flipflops and his swim trunks. Holy hell, his butt looked so good in them. He was leaning over the counter, casually chatting with the store clerk in Greek. They acted almost as if they were best friends. Whatever he was saying to her had already made her blush.

Was I shocked? I doubted much about the man could do that any longer. But I was a little miffed. Was he openly flirting with her? I padded forward and his incredible physique held my rapt attention. He was gorgeous from the back, every muscle sculpted to perfection. How was it even possible a man could look so good in shorts?

I was very quiet, yet he knew the moment I approached, turning so slowly, it was as if in slow motion. His eyes reflected his thoughts and I was floored. His expression was genuine and appreciative, so much so I noticed the bulge between his long legs had thickened.

Now I was the one embarrassed. No man had openly shown me this level of attraction before. As I walked closer, the clerk finally started bagging up the items he’d purchased, including two flashlights and what appeared to be two hunting-style knives in vibrant colors.

“What are the knives for?” I asked, selecting one and grimacing at the color matching my suit. In diving, they were a necessity in case you were tangled in a fishing line. But for snorkeling?

“In case we run into any predators along the way.”

“Aren’t you the predator I should be worried about?”

“Always, but there are different types, some with sharp teeth.” Havros moved closer. “Don’t worry. I will protect you.”

“With your big fat gun or are you also skilled in the use of knives?” Being this close to a half-naked man had its pitfalls since he was my client. But it also had its perks. If I wasn’t careful, I’d start swooning from the warmth and his intoxicating scent. The tattoo on his forearm was in full display, the beautiful creation a work of art.

“Do you really want me to answer?” He slowly dropped his gaze to his arm, flexing his muscles. “A family crest. Until death we prevail.”

I pulled the knife from the plastic sheath, twisting and turning the blade. “I’m curious about your family motto. Aren’t you afraid I’ll use this on you?” Maybe I was feeling my oats or pushing my luck, but I walked closer, pressing the tip of the blade against his neck.

He didn’t flinch, his only reaction yet another bright smile. “Go for it. That might make an interesting addition to your article.”He lifted his head, his actions making a proclamation. He was challenging me.

When he took the knife from my hand, I didn’t try to resist. There was no use in doing so.

Maybe that was the moment I knew without a doubt that I’d end up in the man’s bed.

Even if that were true, I made a promise to myself that he would never, ever be able to capture my will.

Or my heart.

CHAPTER 11

Kara

“This is without a doubt utterly… terrifying.” Maybe I was being a little overzealous, but we were standing on a beautiful, huge dock that led to the middle of nowhere. At least it felt that way. There were buildings on either side, but none of them were close. It struck me how strange it was having a lone dock that looked as if it was meant for partying on a massive piece of land directly on the beach in the heart of the city.

I heard music coming from several directions. We’d passed dozens of people enjoying the warm evening, including many lovers holding hands and kissing right there on the sidewalk. I’d had another twinge of jealousy.

“How so?” Havros placed the bag of items, including the canvas bag of wine and plastic tumblers he’d insisted on purchasing. He’d even favored my dare, heading inside the store in his dress shirt and swimsuit, the purchased flipflops on his feet.

That was the moment I’d gone from shocked to floored.

“Where are we? What is this place?” I wasn’t certain what to say or how to answer him.

I turned and watched as he laid out two of the four towels he’d purchased from the same scuba shop on the deck’s surface. Doing so had made me wonder if he had towels at home. Another ridiculous thought, but why make the purchases?

“My family owns the land. It took months of paperwork and finagling with officials, but we’re ready to start building a new restaurant and nightclub.”

“Kink on the beach?”

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