Page 48 of Lord of Ruin

I was embarrassed as hell. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to insinuate anything.”

“Stop taking me so seriously. I am blessed that my mother and father did well in business both before and after they arrived in the United States, and before you ask, mostly legitimate, especially now. However, it was my dream to own a winery. Now I own two. One in Washington State and my newest baby right here outside of town.”

“That’s wonderful. I would love to see it one day.” And I wasn’t lying.

“Oh, I’m sure we can make that happen.”

I was surprised how vibrant the city streets were. “It’s beautiful here. Not what I would have thought.”

“What did you think? That it was dark and wet, completely devoid of flowers and trees or color for that matter and everywhere you went you heard the theme song from Rocky?”

“Well, yes. If you want to know the truth.”

We both burst into laughter. “Everyone thinks that. While the movie franchise brought a lot of attention to Philly, not all of it was good.”

“Which do you prefer? The Pacific Northwest or the East Coast?”

She wrinkled her nose. “I’m not sure, really. They both have their perks, but if I had to be honest with you, I enjoyed living far away from my oppressive family.”

I stopped short outside a restaurant, placing my hand over my heart and acting as if I was going to collapse.

“Oh, stop. It’s not just about my family’s reputation or my three brothers taking the helm, making names for themselves. It’s about my big, fat, happy Greek family. Opa!” She threw open the restaurant door and the smile I had on my face was huge. The woman was channeling one of my favorite movies of all time.

When the host at the front desk obviously recognized her immediately, grabbing menus as if Elena was going to be angry for waiting two seconds, I had to admit I was impressed. “Just how powerful is your family in this town?”

I was trailing behind her, trying to keep from feeling like an orphan being led to a bowl of porridge.

“Let’s just say we own half the people.”

People. Not estates or commercial buildings. People. It was a reminder that whether or not I liked Elena or the rest of her family, they were dangerous individuals that would ruin everything I’d worked so hard to achieve.

We were led to what appeared to be a mezzanine or greenhouse attached to the building, only a few tables in the smaller space. It was also quieter than the main room, which had been deafening with clanging silverware and loud voices, laughter and thumping music. I wasn’t certain any longer what day it was but very few tables had been without glasses filled with wine or other alcohol. Who lived like this?

As we’d walked through, almost every person had glanced in our direction. Now, as we sat down at a lovely two top nestled against the panes of glass, I felt conspicuous. They weren’t ugly looks, just ones full of curiosity.

We were both handed menus and almost immediately, Elena ordered a bottle of wine. As an afterthought, she glanced at me, perhaps surprised she’d been so forward.

“I’m sorry. I’m not used to having anyone joining me. Please tell me you like cabernet.”

“My favorite.”

“Oh, thank God, because I had my heart set on a very special bottle. Okay, so it comes from my vineyards, but shush. Don’t tell anyone.”

“Your secret is safe with me. What do you mean you’re not used to having anyone joining you?” I glanced at the menu, shocked at the prices for lunch. I’d thought New York was expensive. Granted, the extent of me going out to eat had consisted of pizza that I’d stretched for three days eating, Chinese food, and the coffee shop where… Whew. Why was it my thoughts continued to drift back to Stavros every third minute or so?

“I really don’t have a lot of friends,” she said in passing.

“And you’re not married.”

“Oh, God, no. First of all, I witnessed how my parents acted when Phoenix got married and he’s their son, not one of their precious, vulnerable daughters. I would be horrified at the fawning and primping, requirements, and parties that I’d be subjected to. I thought the poor girl he married who was definitely not used to such a large family would run away, it was so suffocating.”

Water was poured into our glasses and I hadn’t realized how parched I was. “Is there another reason?”

“Other than I’d eat my husband alive? No.”

We both had another laugh and I was surprised all over again how quickly a young man brought over our wine. He seemed flustered as hell by our presence. It was as if Elena was a movie star instead of a mobster’s daughter and sister.

“You must have dozens of boyfriends.”