Chapter 15

Before I could react, Austin swooped me up in his arms then put me down, staring deep into my eyes.

"I thought this might be a nice surprise."

I felt conflicted, confused. "Ah—yes it is!" I plastered a smile on my face and warily glanced at Will, who looked like he had turned into stone.

"I'm so surprised!" I said. I was so glad to see him, but I didn't want Will to see it. He had enough problems to deal with and I needed his help finding the safe if I couldn't tell Gio for the time being.

"I brought some food." He held up a bag of Chinese. I smiled. It was so late, but that Greek sandwich earlier didn't completely satisfy.

"Where are your bags?" I asked.

"I have a room here just down the hall." I nodded and thought for a moment, leaning against the desk chair.

"How did you know I was staying here?"

He stopped for a moment. "I have my resources." He winked. There he went with that word again. If it was Gio that told him to say that, I had a mind to tell him off when I got back.

I could smell lettuce wraps and General Tso's chicken coming from the bag and I had to tame my carnivorous will to dig right in. He emptied the contents of the bag and sat on the couch, indicating I sit beside him.

I glanced over at Will. "Would you like some?"

"No thanks." The playful Will was gone again. He looked even more serious than ever. He took one glance at Austin and headed for the door. "I'm going to keep watch with Joe." Then he left.

I didn't know what to think, all I knew was that he was upset. I sat beside Austin, leaning into his open arms. He was more relaxed around me than even Holly.

"Is everything okay?" He nudged me lightly with his hand. I gazed into his blue eyes. Oh, there is so much I want to tell you. So much, but he just wouldn't understand.

Maybe it was Will behaving the way he did or the effects of the glass of wine I drank, but I needed to let everything I was feeling out. I dived right in and gushed about the danger I was in to him, everything about how I felt I was losing WWM and about my Father's safe and about how someone was trying to kill me possibly because of it. I didn't mention how I thought it could be his rich uncle. Probably best to leave that bit off for now.

He was extremely patient and understanding. He kept nodding until I finished my story.

"So that's what's been going on this whole time?" He looked like he was thinking deeply. I nodded, feeling guilty that I hadn't told him sooner, but he didn't react the way I thought he would. He didn't seem surprised.

"And you said you found some sort of map and there are people trying to get to you for it?"

"Yes—Well not really a map, it's a poem from my Mom, but apparently it's important." I reached in my sweats pocket. "Would you like to see it?"

"No!" His abrupt reaction surprised me "No..." He repeated in a softer tone. "I'd rather just enjoy this moment... with you."

His eyes looked pained about something. I thought to ask him, but instead just laid my head on his chest, listening to his deep breathing. We sat there curled on the couch for a few moments. My eyes wandered toward the front door, wondering what Will must be thinking. I still didn't understand why I had feelings for him. He was obnoxious in every sense of the word and he lived the dangerous life of a security detail/ex-gang member, which surprised me the most. I shuddered when I thought of the tattoo. Austin was the right one for me, all of the signs pointed to it. But Will was so passionate and mysterious in an exciting sort of way. Two completely different men living opposite lives. I sighed and buried my head deeper in Austin's chest. He smelled like aftershave and something else wonderful.

"Eva?"

"Yes?" I tilted my head up, trying to read his face—his furrowed bushy blond eyebrows, his long beachy hair framing a firmly set jaw.

"You held off telling me all of that because you weren't sure what I would think, right?"

"Mm-hm." I nodded. He raked his other hand through his hair.

"Well, I just hope that no matter what either of us say to each other, that our feelings never change."

I was slightly confused but I nodded along. "Of course. I think we should be completely honest."

Well, that was slightly misleading. If I was being completely honest I would tell him about Will's feelings for me, and maybe the ones I had growing for him. I sighed deeply, hearing the words of my Father, Holly, and Gio ring loudly through my ears. Oh Eva, will you ever learn?

He nodded and my head returned to his chest. Something was feeling different on both our ends, and I didn't feel like it was a good sort of different.

******

I woke the next morning feeling like I had a hangover. The dress I had on for the wedding looked great in the mirror, but I didn't. The dark circles under my eyes looked a little darker and the bruise still under my left forearm looked like I had been ferociously abused. The circles exposed the emotional rather than the physical—of too many nights lying awake. But then, as my Dad used to say There are people out there wishing for your bad days. I nodded to myself and adjusted my braided bun. I tried to straighten all of the fly-aways, but that just wasn't going to happen today.

I breathed in deeply. I was going to be meeting Austin's sister today and probably Mr. Plymouth, which I dreaded. Part of me wondered if I should have said anything at all about Dad's safe and the poem to Austin, but he didn't even want to know that much about it so it didn't seem to matter all that much.

I peeked out of the bathroom. Will was standing like a statue by the front door, tall and erect. Things between us only got more awkward as the night went on.

Austin left at around 3 am, but with Will watching our every move I felt I couldn't even kiss him goodnight. It was bodyguard nightmares on prom night all over again. I crossed my arms in frustration. I was a smart business woman with a promising career—albeit the trust issues within WWM and the fact I left the company I had only begun to work for—but I could certainly handle a man like William. I sighed. Speaking of careers, maybe an email to Mr. Jeffries was in order. Once all this mess gets figured out I had half a mind to move back to L.A. I missed it so much it hurt.

"Ms. Westfield?" The other bodyguard, Joe, called from the other room. I walked out of the bathroom. He held up his cellphone.

"Message from Gio."

I took it, wondering why he didn't text me on my phone.

Hey Eva, I didn't text you on your phone because I think Plymouth has yours bugged. Be careful what you say to ANYONE. I'm still following an important lead in Russia, see you back in Athens two days from today. Let me know if you found the safe. Use secure line 554 at rendezvous point 7. Will knows what I'm talking about. I'll be waiting for your call at 7:30 pm.

I sighed. Well that explains why he didn't use my phone. Now I wondered what he was still doing in Russia.

"What's the matter?" Will watched me expectantly.

"Read this." I handed him the phone and watched him read it.

"Do you know where rendezvous point 7 is?"

He nodded slowly.

"It's a secure phone booth in Santorini by a fishing shop. Not too far from where we were by the beach." My phone buzzed in my purse. It was a message from Austin asking if I was ready. I quickly replied yes. Pretty soon I wouldn't be able to talk freely with Joe and Will until the wedding was over. There was a knock on the door. That was fast.

Austin's eyes lit up when he saw me. "I hope the bride doesn't get too jealous." He winked. I blushed slightly in turn. I know this wasn't one of my better-looking days but I had to admit the floral-toned dress suited my figure nicely. He held out his arm and I took it, secretly admiring how good he looked in an Armani tux. Who would have known a surfer from Australia could have such class? Holly would have lost her marbles if she saw him now. I purposely avoided eye contact with Will as we strolled down to the car. He said he could tell I really liked Austin by the way I look at him.

"You seem a bit distracted." Austin said. With the help of his hand I sat in the middle of the Cadillac SUV.

"Oh? It's just been a long weekend." Will sat on the other side, sandwiched me between him and Austin. I should never have complained about the time my temporary high school boyfriend, Jeremy was tased by Charles accidentally because he tried to sneak in my room at night. This was ten times more awkward.

We drove along the countryside and the scenery was even more beautiful than in the city. We arrived at a vineyard called Santo and I marveled at the beauty of it. What a divine place to have a wedding! The building itself was stone-foundation surrounded by beautiful floral plants and Ivy winding up the wooden structures. There were several identical buildings surrounding it. We parked at a spot where I could see the white arbor that had been set up and where Austin's sister and her fiancé would become man and wife. It was right next to an over-look to the ocean. The spectacle made me catch my breath.

"My sister will love you." Austin smiled reassuringly. I was at the point where I was liked by Austin and yet despised by his uncle. At this point I only hoped to reach 50/50 with his sister.

I stepped out soaking in the smell of wine and fresh sea air.

"It's beautiful." I commented breathlessly.

"You think so? I hope one day to have my wedding here." He looked into my eyes purposefully. I blushed crimson and my gaze fell away, back to the view.

A man came from the inside of the building and escorted us back through the tall wooden doors. The whole place was eclectic, giving of a barn sort of feeling and the inside show-cased hundreds of old barrels and wooden blocks covered in plates of cheese and condiments. I had a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, but my stomach was already growling. I smiled. Woody would have a field day here showing off his wine-and-cheese-pairing knowledge.

I was being pulled in a hundred different directions by the staff to show me various wines and foods. By the time I had a chance to stop and breath I had already sampled more wine than I should have. A woman in a long white gown entered the room from the side. She was a tall blond who bore a striking resemblance to Austin. My breathing hitched. She looked so beautiful in the elegant crystal-studded gown, I almost dropped my glass of wine. Austin ran up to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Sis, I have someone I want you to meet." I smiled as she approached. She had crystal blue eyes and glowing skin. I definitely did not feel equal in her presence.

"Eva meet my sister Georgia. Sis, meet Eva Westfield." He paused "My girlfriend." My eyes widened and I could hear someone choking behind me. Girlfriend!? Before I could react, she opened her long toned arms and embraced me. She smelt like lilacs and some kind of light perfume.

"Austin's told me so much about you! I'm so glad you could come!"

I felt like I was going to faint. We'd only known each other for a handful of days.

"Did someone say girlfriend?" Mr. Plymouth appeared out of nowhere. I could feel the color draining from my face. Did he know my personal assistant was in Russia trying to uncover more about him? At that point, I could have jumped off a cliff and felt better.

"Yes!"

"Eva! So good to see you again!" Austin winked at me and I plastered a smile on my face as Mr. Plymouth came up and shook my hand. His hands felt shaky, especially once he noticed I was wearing the diamond necklace Austin gave to me.

He quickly grabbed a cigarette from his pocket. Georgia rushed over to him.

"Uncle, what did I tell you about smoking in here?"

He smiled. "I'm sorry, my dear. I'll take it outside." With one painfully long stare at me he walked toward the back door.

"I see you're wearing the Kretsky necklace!" Her eyes lit up when she saw it and she winked at her brother.

"Is that what it's called?" I could feel my voice go up an octave. All I knew was that I needed some air.

"The ceremony is going to start soon. I've been trying to hide from Joel—it would be really bad luck if he saw me." She was all smiles, as she should be. I waved her off. "I'll see you after?"

I nodded. "Good luck!" After a hug from Austin she scampered off to greet some of her bridesmaids at the back door.

"She's lovely." I said, breathless. Austin nudged me with his elbow and gazed at me with those crystal eyes.

"Yes, but then you didn't have to grow up with her. She was a regular Tasmanian devil." He whispered. I smiled.

The ceremony was beautiful. An orchestra played as the bride walked down the aisle to a handsome dark curly haired man named Joel. If it wasn't for the strong ocean breeze it would have been just perfect. I stood beside Austin next to the white arbor as Georgia and Joel spoke their vows. I couldn't help noticing Mr. Plymouth's scowls as he watched us, and in turn I noticed Will watching him carefully, protectively. I wasn't ashamed to glare daggers back. Somewhere among these islands he was harboring secrets from WWM into his own facility and I hoped Gio finally had found enough evidence to throw him in jail, if indeed that's what he was searching for. Austin didn't deserve being related to him.

Will moved to stand next to Joe across the way and his eyes wouldn't leave mine for the longest time. I determinedly focused on the bride and groom until the ceremony ended.

Everyone headed back inside for the reception.

"Mom and Dad would've been so proud of you." Austin embraced Georgia arms wide. I smiled and couldn't help but wonder if my parents would've been proud of me, if they saw where I was today. The thought only made me somber. I put my hand in my purse and felt the velvety note carrying my Mother's poem with my fingers. To my surprise, Georgia took my other hand and led me away from the crowd. I looked back to Austin for help but he smiled and shrugged in that I-have-no-control sort of way.

Once Georgia had me all to herself she spoke in a low voice, even though we were far enough from being heard by anyone.

"I'm so happy you guys are together, I just wanted to let you know what a great guy you're with."

I smiled. She reminded me of Holly in that fearless go-get-'em sort of way.

"I don't doubt that." I replied honestly. I glanced over at him. He was in a deep discussion with Joel about something. I didn't think the feelings between us could be called love, but I definitely felt something deep every time I looked at him.

"I guess he'll be leaving tomorrow." Georgia noticed me watching, turning my attention back to her. "I was thinking maybe you would be going with him."

"To Australia?" I gasped. It would be completely irresponsible if I left Gio and the crew to go adventuring off to Australia. An unpleasant thought struck me. Maybe he would forget about me while he was gone.

"Yes! He would show you how to dive and surf and-" She lowered her voice in a teasing manner. "Maybe one day we could be sisters. I've always wanted a sister." Somehow the air in my lungs felt like it was being sucked out of me. My hand held onto her silky forearm.

"Georgia, I don't know if he's told you this or not, but we've only been dating less than a week." I thought for a moment. "To be honest I'm a little overwhelmed that he called me his girlfriend."

Awe crossed her face. "Well then he must really like you! He hasn't had a real girlfriend in years!"

Somehow, that wasn't helping anything. There had to be a reason he was so forward. I was praying it had nothing to do with a rebound from an ex-girlfriend, maybe even one Georgia didn't know about.

"You know, I sort of get this strange feeling that your bodyguard likes you." She whispered. Stunned, I faced her.

"Why do you think that?"

"Well he stares at you a lot."

I noticed where she was looking. Will stood next to one of the barrels nearby watching us. I chewed on my lower lip glaring at him.

"He's supposed to watch me." I replied nervously. She had a point. Charles was always hidden when he watched me, Will was certainly more... obvious.

"Yes, but he looks at you differently. I can tell—He's cute." After a moment I was beginning to think she had a crush on him, then Joel came over and laid that theory to rest.

"Aren't we going to dance as man and wife?"

"Yes of course darling!" She smiled at him then kissed him passionately. As they danced, I walked over to where Austin was standing. After the charity ball I had little desire to stay, especially with his uncle present.

If he indeed was the man trying to get to my Father's "safe", he probably knew I had the supposed "map" and could be waiting until I am alone to strike.

Austin pulled out my purse from behind him, like a magic trick.

"You left it on the table." Shit. If that was one terrible habit I needed to get over, it was leaving my personal things everywhere. I nervously checked the pouch and breathed a sigh of relief when I felt the letter was still there.

"Could we take a walk?" I asked purposefully. Georgia's words were sinking in, and I felt I just needed to clarify a few things. Austin signaled for me to lead the way.

"My sister hasn't said anything awful about me I hope?" He teased.

"No." I replied, feeling my giddy smile spreading. It was so easy to feel lost in his presence. I could remember how I felt when I found myself in his arms after the accident in Athens. He was successful, charming, and handsome. What was not to love?

Will and Joe followed us out the back door and I turned to face them.

"Could you leave us alone for a bit?" Joe nodded but Will looked confused.

"Please?" I requested again firmly. "We're only looping around the back." They both headed inside without another word. I linked my arm through Austin's as we walked along the gravel pathway outside, silent as the stones quietly crunched under our feet. Idly I wondered how these beautiful plants surrounding us could grow in such rocky soil.

"We need to talk about what you said earlier." I said. He dropped a kiss on the top of my head as we strolled out towards the cliffs.

"And what might that be?"

"About how you called me your girlfriend."

He paused, then walked in front of me, facing me. His deep eyes held mine, filled with purpose. "Eva Westfield, sooner or later you're going to realize how captivated I am with you."

My breath caught. "Captivated?"

He let out a breath as if he'd been holding it. "Yes. And I don't care what my sister thinks or your PA or-" He paused. "Or my uncle. I only care about you." I sighed, wrapping the shawl I brought tighter around me. A few tendrils from my updo blew in my face from the breeze. Somehow, I felt, he needed to know the truth about Plymouth.

"Listen, about your uncle." I said. "I've had the feeling-"

Suddenly a row of shouting came from inside the winery. A man burst out the back door and yelled "The bride and groom are leaving on their honeymoon!" My thought would have to finish another time. We hurried inside and waved them off on their trip to Fiji. The party dispersed soon afterward. One of Plymouth's security detail came up to Austin and said his uncle wished to see him immediately.

"Oh, what does the old fuss want this time? I'm sorry, Eva, we'll have to talk some other time."

I waved him off. "Don't worry about it, I have a call to make anyway."

His eyes found mine and I felt a sense of longing and sadness. His broad shoulders sagged a little. "Will I see you before I leave for Australia?"

"Of course, you will!" I assured him. "We can meet tomorrow in Athens." He nodded then came close to me. I could feel every eye in the room on us, no doubt a pair that was scowling.

"Until next time Eva Westfield." Then he kissed me. It was chaste and left my lips cold. He turned on his Armani heel and walked away. I don't know where it came from but I had the strange feeling it would be the last time I saw him.

********

Quietly, we left the vineyard. I couldn't help looking back on the beauty of it and hoping that someday my wedding would be at a place as nice as that, just as Austin did.

The drive to the fishing shop (also known as rendezvous point 7) was short. Will and Joe filed out of the car to check the area.

It turned out that rendezvous point 7 was a phone booth that stuck out like a sore thumb. There were none others like it on the entire island and that fact that it sat next to an old fishing shop as run down as this one looked even more misplaced.

Will went inside the fainted red booth and dialed a number he pulled out of his pocket while I stayed in the car, waiting for Joe's que. The whole operation seemed over-kill, but I wasn't willing to take more chances, especially since Plymouth had probably figured out I had the letters from the archive. I was still confused at what Mr. Plymouth could have to hide. If it were papers holding company secrets I would understand, but how he would have found out about them in the first place I would never know. Unless he tortured Dad into telling him before he was killed. My visions must have been the result of reading too many crime novels. I chewed on my lower lip.

Joe opened the door and escorted me to the booth. A few men in boats approached the docks as the sun started to set and watched us with interest. Was this the first time they'd seen a black Cadillac pull up to a phone booth that was about ready to be shipped off to the local museum? I covered my eyes. It's certainly not the most hideous situation I'd been in.

Will passed the phone to me and I nodded my thanks, closing the small door behind him. The windows were fogged by some sort of salt deposit, no doubt the indication of the years it spent next right next to the ocean.

"Hello?" A voice said on the other end. I closed my eyes with relief at hearing Gio's friendly voice. I pressed my ear against the cold metal telephone.

"Hi." I replied. "How's Russia?"

"Not too good." He responded. Something in his voice sounded different, stressed.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, my heart beating a little faster.

"Yes—yes it's fine. Did you find the safe?" He asked hopeful. I hesitated. I didn't want to tell him about the poem, at least not until I had the chance to take in what my Father had written about him.

"Ah—no, not yet, but I know where it is." It was a flat lie. I closed my eyes and laid my head back against the glass. I didn't know what else to do.

"Well that's good news at least."

"Why?" I asked. "Didn't you find anything?"

"Yes, I did." He responded. "But it's not good." My heart dropped.

"What do you mean?"

"It's not just Jeb with history in the KGB, Eva. I've been wrong to keep that from you, I've been wrong about everything." His breathing was getting faster. I shook my head.

"What do you mean?"

"Plymouth's not taking your Dad's company over for money. He's not even building a new WWM in Santorini, he's using it for something else." The phone clicked suddenly. I took it away from my ear, wondering if the click was on my side.

"Hello?" I checked to see if he was still there. "Hello?" Silence on the other end. I tapped on the receiver then checked again, my heart beating faster. What happened?

I heard a whizzing sound coming from outside. A pane of the salty glass in the phone booth shattered and I fell to the floor, covering my ears. It was a gunshot.

Author's Note

A day late with this chapter, but it's been a busy week getting ready for the new year! :D So many things to be proud of in 2018 including starting to publish this book! Looking forward to all that the New Year will bring. Happy 2019!!!