Page 16 of The Enforcer

“I’ve talked with Marinos’ wife. She will be well cared for.”

“At least he didn’t have children. It’s terrible to grow up without a father.” Havros sighed and reached down, lifting his son into his arms. “I will never allow that to happen.”

“What is the American expression?” I mused. “Never say never.”

Havros threw me a dirty look. “What are we doing with this, Dimitrios?”

The man considered the boss of the organization took a few seconds contemplating the answer. “It would seem the Americans do not want us in their lovely country. So we wait. We spend our time on our other ventures.”

When I started to object, he threw up his hand.

“I didn’t say for how long, Christos. We lie in wait. We listen. We learn. Then we attack when the time is right. Until then, it will appear we are concerned about the possibilities of the future.”

“Why in the fuck would you do that?” I almost apologized for using a bad word as soon as Willow gave me a hard look. The kid was one year old. What the hell was he going to remember? I took a gulp of my drink, still aching all over from the attack. Yes, I knew I was damn lucky to be alive.

“Because we are like panthers in the night,” Dimitrios answered. “Plus, we’re highly intelligent businessmen. We will get what we want.”

“Revenge,” Havros added.

Pops looked from one to the other of us. “Your brother is right in being careful. The American crime lords aren’t very bright, but they do hire skilled individuals disguised as business associates or thugs. Both groups are considered highly dangerous. They will not stop until they achieve their goal.”

“Which is?” I asked.

Havros smirked. “Our elimination.”

Our father nodded. “If we do nothing, they will eventually crawl out of their scum-infested holes.”

“I don’t like waiting, but I see the value in what’s been said. Between the club opening here and the one finally prepared to open in Milan, we’ll have our hands full.”

“The one at the beach is completely under control,” Willow said. “My control.” As a wedding gift, Dimitrios had given her full control of the restaurant and traditional tourist-style club located on a beach front property that had been in our family for generations. It had been her baby. Her dream coming alive.

“And Milan?” I asked, already needing a second drink. Elias and Luca remained outside, watching the perimeter like hawks. Although we all doubted anyone from the United States would be stupid enough to travel to Athens, we had to be careful.

“Club Scandal already has a buzz. You’re going in two weeks for the opening nights.” Dimitrios pointed his finger at me and I laughed.

“I’ll be happy to do so.” My entire family knew I was the biggest playboy of all, even though Havros had attempted to claim the title over the years. I could see how that had worked out. He almost never allowed Kara out of his sight.

“You’ll be the first person to stay in the villa we purchased,” Dimitrios added. “Hopefully, anyway.”

“What does that mean?” I laughed after asking seeing the strange look on his face.

He swirled his glass and settled further into his seat. “Let’s just say I had to fire the original contractor.”

I lifted my eyebrows, glancing at Havros.

“It would seem he was working for the Italian prime minister, caught in the process of installing security cameras. I just happened to drop by the villa unexpectedly before a wall was closed.” Havros grinned. “He learned fucking with us wasn’t an option.”

“What the fuck is the beef with the prime minister?” I asked but knew the answer. “He doesn’t appreciate we’re friendly with the Sicilians.”

Dimitrios nodded. “Not in the least. I think the Italian president is fearful of the wars we can start on their home turf as well. Perhaps you can initiate a meeting with him while you’re spending time in the lovely country.”

“I look forward to it. Perhaps I’ll invite President Marino to the club opening.” I grinned when Dimitrios grunted.

“Not a bad idea,” Pops muttered. “That will put Prime Minister Caputo on notice we have the favor of the most powerful man in the country. He doesn’t like to be pushed. Do it, son.”

I nodded.

“But carefully,” Dimitrios added.

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