Page 62 of The Lieutenant

Before it was too late.

He was a cruel man with his seductive smile and the way he brushed his hand through his hair. He’d truly thought I’d agree to having lunch with him, which he would think would lead to something else. Sex. Passion. Kisses.

Lingering touches.

Why was I doing this to myself?

At least with the Uber, I didn’t need to talk to the driver. He knew exactly where he was taking me and I was already prepared for the price of the fare. While I wouldn’t be staying at the club for long, I only hoped I could get an easy ride back. I also prayed to God I wouldn’t run into Havros or any of his family while I was there.

Playing with fire seemed to be my recent method of gaining information. I had to face the fact I was doing this because I didn’t trust Havros entirely.

Or maybe the ugly truth was more about not trusting myself.

I sat back, trying to relax. The day had been a shitshow, although more for Havros than it had been for me. Threatening public officials? I wasn’t naïve. I was completely aware either devious alliances were made with politicians, officials, and law enforcement members. If they weren’t inclined, blackmail was used.

A part of me preferred the use of blackmail instead of thinking every government official was a con man or woman. In New York and Chicago, more palms were greased than pigs in slop. Should I call that an honest trait in Havros?

I snorted and pressed my hand over my mouth to try to stay quiet. He’d been so calm and collected when the police had arrived, as if the man was experienced being accused of a heinous murder several times.

It was probably true. He’d known how to handle them with ease and sophistication. But… But I’d seen both the look of relief and gratitude on his face. I just hated the fact I couldn’t be certain he hadn’t ordered the hit or hadn’t had a part in the man’s murder himself. He’d never explained the blood.

Technically, I hadn’t lied to the Greek police. I just hadn’t told them the full extent of our meeting with good reason. I knew if they learned of our affair, my alibi would be tossed out the window. That I’d bothered jumping in continued to haunt me.

I’d tried to tell myself what I’d said to Havros was accurate, that I didn’t want him going to prison for something he didn’t do.

Through both meetings, I’d found myself staring at him. His lips, his chiseled jaw, his watch. Another expensive watch. How many did he own? Pompous jerk.

Somehow, I’d managed to push Havros away, telling him I needed to work. He’d fallen into silence, picking up speed as he drove, even weaving around other drivers before jerking to a halt at the hotel. He hadn’t bothered to walk around his pricy toy, opening the door for me either. He’d just sped away the moment I’d slammed it shut.

His only words? That he’d pick me up at nine a.m. sharp. “Don’t be late.” Well, fuck him. Maybe I’d sleep in. I licked my lips, remembering just how rough the kiss had been earlier in the day. His lips had become distracting in the first meeting. The way he’d formed words had been sexy as hell, the clearenunciation of them sublime. Every time he’d smiled just to piss them off, I’d imagined him crushing those hot lips over mine all over again.

Even when he steered, his mouth was captivating. I hated him. That was final.

Why couldn’t I get him out of my mind? Was it possible I craved his overtly dominating side? Or the fact he enjoyed pushing my buttons as much as I did with him? I was getting tired of asking myself question after question with no decent answers on the horizon. Maybe a couple of drinks inside a dark yet festive atmosphere would do me some good.

My plan was simple and lacked any great risks. I’d ask a couple of the bartenders some questions. Maybe I’d sweettalk one of the bouncers into telling me who their latest celebrity guest had been. That would add some verve to the article.

Why worry about verve when I had the grit? Garlic potatoes with a side of blood-red meat. I bit my lower lip to keep from giggling. I’d downed a glass of wine before leaving the hotel, hoping to increase my confidence. I’d yet to determine if it had worked or not.

But I’d worn another one of the sexy dresses I’d purchased. Bright red in color. Maybe I’d be mistaken for a femme fatale.

“Miss? We’ve arrived at your destination,” the driver said. He was peering into the rearview mirror and since he’d pulled the car to the curb near a streetlight, I was able to catch a partial glimpse of his face. Whew. The scar that had almost taken out one eye was terrifying.

After using my credit card to pay for the ride, I climbed out before I shuddered from seeing his appearance. When I was afew feet away, my skin began to crawl. I stopped before crossing the street to look back. Great. The guy was staring at me. Was it because of the slinky dress I was wearing or the extra fluff I’d put in my hair?

I didn’t stick around to find out, scurrying to the other side of the street, keeping my head down as I headed toward the club’s entrance. The music was already blasting out into the street, but the line was much longer than I’d thought it would be. I’d come early on purpose because I’d heard the crowd didn’t get fully energized until after midnight, but I hoped to be fast asleep by then.

I was a boring woman living a lackluster life.

Great. It was likely it would be hours before I got in, if that was even possible. I wasn’t good at waiting and it was chilly outside.

Ten minutes passed easily and the long line had moved maybe a foot.

Standing at the very back, I tried not to make any eye contract, but I was observing people and their behaviors as I loved to do. There were way too many beautiful people in this country. So much so I felt dowdy. When I heard a squeal from a woman close to the door, I reacted like everyone else in line, leaning over to see what the girl was screeching about.

I wasn’t one hundred percent certain because of where I was standing, but I believed the man arriving with a bodyguard contingency of six was none other than the recent Academy Award-winning actor. Yes, I was a huge fan. No, I had no intentions of sidling up to the guy for his autograph.

They let him through after he stopped to wave.

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