Page 50 of Lord of Ruin
“I didn’t mean to get so loud. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have anything to apologize for, Jenna. But you should keep in mind a couple of important things. I’ve already told you that we have enemies. Every family like ours does. That includes members of law enforcement, some crooked, some not. However, almost everything seems to hinge on political or financial gain. Anything and anyone can and will be used against us.”
“How can you live that way?”
“How? Because I don’t have an alternative. I’m blessed to have money and power, able to do exactly what I want to do in my life. I’ve eaten the finest foods, had the most incredible wines or enjoyed sipping champagne while lounging in front of the ocean waters, waiters fawning over me. I have a beautiful house much like everyone in my family does because my father and mother sacrificed for their kids, working their fingers to the bone. I have a huge extended family in Greece I miss very much. We are loving and truly care about each other. How can I say I don’t live a charmed life?”
I pointed to Bruno, who stood only a few feet away behind us, doing his best imitation of being a statue. “That’s why.”
“Have they bothered you? Have they hindered you enjoying today?”
I honestly thought about her question. “No, but?—”
“No buts. You could live as the most honest person in the entire world and get hit by a car. You live life to the fullest no matter what you’re handed. My mother taught me that years ago. I live it every day. Let me ask you a question.”
“Okay.”
“Are you happy back in New York, truly happy?”
“Oof…” I shook my head. “Not quite yet. I was happy being able to open my clinic, but I don’t know.”
“Life is what you allow to happen, the unexpected experiences and the people who come into your life as if karma sent them there. You came into Stavros’ life or vice versa for a reason. Did I mention I’m a fortune teller in my off time?”
Her personality was truly infectious. “I’ll be eager to hear more.”
“Good. Now, let’s order so we can continue shopping. Then I have a little surprise up my sleeve. No more talking business except… Let me offer you a sisterly piece of advice.”
“Sure.” As if I could stop her.
“Ask Stavros questions that have nothing to do with what you think he’s all about. Pretend that part of him doesn’t exist. You might find when you do that you really like him, as much as I can tell you’re fighting it.”
Another blush. Another moment of her being right.
“I’ll do my best,” I told her. Out of the blue I noticed a lone figure standing across the street staring in our direction. The creepy crawlies returned in full force this time.
“Good. That’s all I needed to hear. Everything is good here.”
I couldn’t get the strange sensations to leave, my heart racing. I was fearful my savior would need to save me all over again.
Only I had a terrible feeling that next time would be the last, the man losing his life to protect mine.
CHAPTER 15
Two hours earlier
Stavros
The Brotherhood.
As a condition of being a member, my brother had initially told me very little about the alliance. He’d only shared their basic mottos, which I’d initially found ridiculous but now understood more than ever.
Stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent.
Hide in plain sight.
Never compromise the Brotherhood.
That meant keeping activities of the members private, including the locations of the quarterly meetings. They were usually held in various host cities, moving from one to the other, but often in different locations.