Page 26 of The Wrong Guy

“Stavros! It’s so good to see you!” Sheri squeals and throws herself around me.

I hugged her back, but it isn’t the same warm embrace she gave me. I don’t trust someone like her, and I don’t know what she’s planning.

“Yes, hello. Is my father home?”

“He’s in his office. Did you want anything to eat or drink?”

I fight the urge to say something about how she would poison me and decline.

I don’t make it to his office because my father is standing in front of me in the foyer.

“Son. What are you doing here?”

Andamos is a larger-than-life man who has earned every reputation he has. He’s the head of a multi-million-dollar family, and nothing happens in this city without him knowing about it. He’s aged quite a bit, but that’s probably because of the hard life he chooses to live.

He should have retired years ago and probably could have if I had agreed to take the oath.

“I need to know all you know about a man. He’s involved in some shady shit, and the shit he’s involved in, I can’t access. I need you.”

We’re standing about a foot away from each other and didn’t make one move to get closer to close the gap between us. Andamos is a dangerous man, and I know what he is capable of doing. I know what kind of punishment he hands out when he feels as if he’s been disrespected.

Even though I politely declined to take over the family, I have been disowned by my father. I know he’s never forgiven me for turning down this spot and going straight.

I would be surprised if he helps me without wanting something in return. If he doesn’t want something and helps me, he will hold on to that favor and call it in when he needs me. He’s done that before with others.

He’s an intelligent man who has earned his spot at the top of this organizational background.

“You’ve been away from the family for this long and come back because you want something?” His words are concise and pack just enough malice for me to know the favor will come sooner rather than later.

“Dad, I know I’ve been gone for a while. I’ve been working on my business.”

He holds his hand up to stop me. “You’ve been working on your business? That’s funny. I’ve been working on the same business that got you through school, got you through law school. Or did you forget not having debt when you graduated?”

There is nothing else I can say or do. I know what I’m about to ask will pull me back into the life I have always wanted to avoid.

“I’ll do what you want.”

He nods. “You’ll join the family and stop with this bullshit where you think you’re better than us. This is your family, Stavros. We’re the same family that has been there for you.”

“I know, Dad. I need help.”

Andamos struggles with balancing his following words and statements.

Chapter Seventeen

Audrina

The night is cool enough outside to open the windows to get fresh air into my stuffy apartment. Britney left about three hours ago because she was mad that Andreas didn’t come over.

I don’t see why she likes him because I think he’s an asshole to women. It is her life, but my brother will never settle down.

I’m crawling into bed in just a pair of booty shorts and a tight tank top so my boobs don’t come flopping out while I sleep. My hair is in a rat’s nest on my head, and my face is freshly washed.

I yawn and stretch a little before sliding into the cool sheets. I considered calling Andreas to see if he found out anything but decided against it because I didn’t need another reminder about how dangerous Derek could be.

I’m not dumb.

I’m somewherebetween sleep and dead asleep when I hear something crackle. An immensely smoky smell takes over myapartment making me immediately feel like I’m choking. I’m trying to breathe while I figure out what just happened.

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