Page 23 of The Enforcer

I continued driving, enjoying the feel of the engine as it roared around the curves. The restaurant was in a part of town that allowed me to enjoy a section of the countryside as well. “Does that frighten you?”

“You’re not denying it.”

“I’m a businessman just like my brothers and my father, my grandfather and his father before him. We come from a long line of importers and exporters and with the creativity of my brothers, the three of us decided to expand our realm into nightclubs. They are extremely popular when done right.”

“I must admit, Christos, you are a master at talking out of both sides of your mouth. Have you ever considered being a politician?”

She had me laughing again. “You don’t take crap from anyone.”

“No, I do not. In a world where a significant number of cardiologists are men, it’s in my best interest to remain sharp about everything, including my personal life.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“You should. I don’t like liars, thieves, or anyone who abuses animals and not necessarily in that order.”

“But murderers are fine with you?”

“Are you trying to tell me you’re a murderer?” She turned her head to stare directly at me. Her question wasn’t meant in jest.

I was forced to slow down as we entered the city once again. I made a couple of turns and easily found a parking spot on the street. That surprised me. I had the gear in park, my seatbelt unfastened before I answered her question. “Why don’t you ask me what is at the forefront of your mind so we can get that out of the way?”

“Are you a criminal?” She asked the question with no hesitation.

“Have I been involved in criminal activity before? The answer is yes. Is that what our corporation is namely about? The answer is no. We are determined to get out of the business that you seem concerned about, but the old methods are difficult to break. My father is still alive and does have a hand in what we do and the decisions we make. We are a tight family.”

“Hmmm… The other men who were shot and brought into the emergency room. Were you or your men responsible?”

“Yes.” There was no reason to lie to her.

“One last question.”

“Of course.”

Valencia unfastened her seatbelt and shifted her body so she could look directly into my eyes. “Should I be frightened of you?”

No woman had ever asked me that question before. It struck me harder than I could have imagined. For her to believe I’d dare hurt something so fragile, so incredible troubled me all the way to my core. While she also didn’t flinch when I lifted my arm, her lips pursed as if prepared for the worst.

I folded my fingers, tenderly rubbing a strand of hair away from her eyes. “I would never hurt a creature so beautiful and disarming under any circumstances. There is no need to be afraid of me, angel. That much I can promise you.”

The woman was reflective, something I both admired and appreciated about her. I’d enjoyed the company of many women in my playboy life, but none had been as professional or thoughtful. She was the entire package, brains and beauty. That likely made me some chauvinistic asshole, but it was the truth, which I’d happily share with her if the time was right.

Only the flowers had stretched it as far as she was concerned with attempting any kind of romance.

While I’d yet to discover even why she was in town, perhaps we’d manage to slip in some additional time together.

“Then I think I’ll enjoy dinner,” she said, immediately reaching for the door handle.

“Not so fast. I’ll come and release you.”

She looked at me with clear amusement in her eyes. “You’ll release me?”

“Yes. I don’t know what kind of men you’ve been dating, but I’m thinking Neanderthals.”

Her laugh was genuinely full of surprise. “Maybe that’s the problem. Dating is a bust. I don’t do it very well.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.” I shook my head as I climbed out, taking the time to button my jacket as I scanned the street. Both Elias and Luca had already taken their positions as lookouts. While I wasn’t concerned about the Americans finding me, the entire family had learned the hard way that taking any time spent in this life for granted was akin to a death wish.

I nodded to Elias, the man clearly concerned I’d brought my time spent in New York with me. Chuckling, I walked to the other side of the car, opening her door and immediately reaching inside for her to take my hand.

---