Page 78 of The Enforcer

“Sappy, huh? That’s because I had some amazing inspiration.”

“Oh, yeah?”

I gathered her into my arms, noticing the photographer was taking dozens of pictures of the loving couple.

“Definitely.” I scanned the outside, uncertain I liked the fact the couple was centered under a bright spotlight. So far, there’d been no sign of trouble, but with night settling in, that darkness made me that much more uncomfortable.

“I wonder if she’ll smash the bite in his face,” Valencia said absently.

“If I know Kara, she will. My brother deserves it too.” The happy couple was making their way toward the cake, stopping every few seconds for the photographer to get the perfect pose.

“Come on. We should get closer.” Valencia started heading toward where the massive cake was positioned.

“I’ll be right there. Stay close to the crowd and the house. Okay?”

“You’re worried something is going to happen.”

“Not worried,” I told her, trying to smile as if nothing was bothering me.

“You’re a terrible liar; next you’re going to give me your usual line about you being cautious. Do you want me to go with you?”

I couldn’t believe she was asking. “No. You’ll stay right here. If anything should happen, head for the house. There’s a bunker. In the kitchen, there’s a button under the kitchen island on the side of the refrigerator. Press that and get down the stairs.”

“You’re scaring me, Christos. I don’t like this.” She narrowed her eyes. I hated seeing the way her lips twisted from an instant flash of fear.

“I’m not trying to scare you,” I told her as I brushed my knuckles across her cheek. I’ll be damned if she didn’t pull away. She was right. This was no life for her. She didn’t deserve the worry and fear that she would associate with every celebration.

“But you are.”

“Just remember what I said. Try and get the others to follow you. Okay? Can you promise me that?”

“If you promise me that you’ll come right back.”

“I will. Don’t worry, baby. I always keep my promises.”

I hung back, noticing Luca was still on his perch near the back of the property close to the set of stairs leading to the beach. After watching her stop once to look back at me, I headed toward him, constantly turning my head from side to side. As soon as I approached, he stood taller, nodding to me immediately.

“Boss. Beautiful wedding.”

While the fucking twinkling lights were everywhere, the light was far too limited. “Yeah, it was. What have you seen? Anything?”

“A small tourist boat about an hour ago. It checked out.”

I’d shut down my earpiece, now returning the volume so I could hear the chatter. “Anything from the others?”

“Only that the Armenian dude showed up and left quickly.”

I was instantly placed on edge. “You mean Davit Ajernian?”

“Yeah, that’s the one,” Luca said. “I was back here so I don’t know what he said to Elias or anyone else.”

“Fuck.”

“What’s wrong?”

I clapped him on the arm. “Maybe nothing. But I’m going to head to the front of the house and check to ensure there are no issues. Confer with the soldiers at the lookout points. I want to know if any other ships are in the area.”

“Will do, boss.”

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