Page 136 of The Enforcer

The man was so certain I was going to take him up on his offer. He eased Magnum away and I witnessed the most forlorn look on his face I’d ever seen.

But he was offering me freedom.

“I have a couple phone calls to make and maybe we’ll go out for dinner. I know a couple dog-friendly restaurants.”

“I’d like that,” I told him, reeling from his offer. My job, the one I’d fought so hard to obtain. How many interviews had I gone on? How many people had I been up against? I lowered my feet onto the floor, raking my hands through my hair after he’d walked out. I was sick inside, uncertain what was best.

“What do you think, Magnum baby? Should I stay or go?”

He lifted his precious head, his tail thumping on the cushions. When he offered me his paw, I almost burst into tears. A few seconds later, I rose to my feet, holding my arms as a chill tore through me.

My laptop was on the credenza where it had been for days. I’d had no interest in reading the news or worrying about what was happening in New York. I’d begun to wonder if the city was even my home any longer.

I pulled the computer into my hands, returning to the couch. After sipping some wine, I opened it and turned it on. As it whizzed to life, I allowed my mind to process everything I’d been through since meeting Christos one fateful night in a corridor of a hotel. The good, the bad, and the amazing.

Tingles brought a smile to my face. I shifted to the internet, taking a deep breath before typing in a phrase on Google.

“Well, baby boy. It’s now or never. Most of all, I love you with all my heart. I hope we’re doing the right thing.”

I found Christos in the kitchen. He was standing in front of the huge window staring out at the backyard. Somehow, I had a feeling he wasn’t seeing anything. Just staring off into space as I’d done more than a couple of times.

He’d even left our bed in the middle of the night and I’d felt such an intense loneliness that even Magnum hadn’t been able to fill. He was dressed for the early afternoon event in light-coloredtrousers and another tee shirt. With his loafers and no socks, he gave meMiami Vicevibes.

I placed my purse on the counter, checking to make certain the cute summer dress I’d chosen looked as perfect as possible.

He sensed my presence, but didn’t turn around. Yet his shoulders highlighted the tension he felt.

“So, I was curious. Do you think you’d have time to teach me Greek?” The question caught him off guard, but he still only tilted his head.

“Why?”

I swaggered closer, trying to keep a smile from my face. “Well, see, here’s the thing. While I don’t think I’ll have any issue having my medical degree certified by the Greek Ministry of Education and I certainly believe I’ll pass the medical counselor’s licensing exam, or at least I damn well better, I also need to be proficient in Greek and I think I know maybe twenty words?”

When he didn’t react right away, the knot I’d only lost after taking a shower had returned.

Very slowly he turned to face me. The way his brow was furrowed created the dark and dangerous appearance I so adored.

“I…” He stumbled on the single word.

“Well, well. You’re never at a loss for words, Christos. First time for everything.” I inched closer and he was shaking his head.

When he jerked me toward him, I laughed.

“You’re staying,” he growled.

“If you don’t mind.”

“My angel, I was still contemplating keeping you locked in a room.”

“Maybe later.” I threw my arm around him, the rush of adrenaline I’d felt since making the decision keeping me trembling all over.

“God, woman. I love you.” He pulled back, his smile turning into his infamous smirk. “I made the right choices.”

“For what?”

“You’ll see, but you need to stay right here.”

“Aren’t we supposed to leave for the opening soon?”

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