Page 54 of The Lieutenant

“Next time, handle it your way.” I walked closer, allowing my rage to show entirely too much. I’d broken the only set of rulesI’d followed religiously. I’d allowed my emotions to get in the way. “And you will be required to handle it. Time for you to step up to the plate.”

CHAPTER 16

Kara

The art of running a major corporation is itself a well-played game. A winning hand needs cunning abilities along with keeping abreast of the competition around you. That’s what you will find in dealing with the family running the Nomikos Corporation. They are brilliant negotiators, highly respected businessmen, and keenly aware of their competition. They also have a much darker side, elements that could be considered crossing into the gray area. Right versus wrong. Good versus bad.

They do so with eloquence and intelligence while keeping a firm hold on their financial status at all times. Do they routinely cross the line? It’s my opinion they do.

I sat back, reading what I’d just typed on my screen. This was just a partial rough draft, earlier pages regarding Havros’ personality and the respect I’d already witnessed at his office sent off to Jacob for his thoughts. My gut told me I neededto be very careful with the words I chose. My concern wasn’t just based on what Havros would say or demand be removed, but also to maintain his staunch privacy and the security of his company.

For about a million reasons, I was having difficulty metaphorically putting pen to paper. I couldn’t seem to find the right words to adequately express the power I felt by just being in a room with him. I’d sensed his ruthless addiction to his work the moment I’d walked into his office. It was uncanny the way he seemed to know what I was thinking before I opened my mouth. That was disconcerting, but provided me with an insight to the man himself.

After rereading what I’d just written, I was ready to start all over. I doubted he would want me to highlight much of his personal life. Then what the hell could I write? The former organizations I’d worked with had seemed almost eager to provide a full understanding they were dangerous people.

Havros seemed almost insistent that times were changing, that his family was no longer in the former ‘business’ they’d been accused of. It was going to be a delicate balance. Groaning, I dropped my head into my hands. I’d made it that much more complicated by falling into his arms. What the hell was wrong with me? I knew better than to get involved with anyone I’d written an article about. That was a huge no-no in the industry.

Especially when the man in question was considered a monster in so many eyes. That was another discrepancy that was tough to overcome in writing the piece. It seemed Greece loved the man. I’d also sensed that easily. Maybe the meeting I was attending with him would help clarify the position I needed to take.

Right now, it was impossible to think professionally although I couldn’t seem to get him off my mind. I’d let go the night before, utterly and completely. I’d allowed the bad girl to surface. What the man must think of me.

I knew what I thought about myself.

If I didn’t place the boundaries right now and stay firm with them, I might lose all sanity. So much was riding on this. My career. My future. Hell, the biopics.

As soon as I closed my eyes out of frustration, his face popped into my mind, the image vivid and daunting. Immediately, I was aroused all over again. After he’d left, I’d lain awake the rest of the night, mulling over what I’d done.

Finally, I’d crawled out of bed around four, sucking down every packet of coffee in the room while I attempted my first pass with the article.

I’d been awake when Havros had dressed. I’d been able to tell he hadn’t wanted to leave. He knew as well as I did that this wasn’t going anywhere. Other than great sex, a beautiful memory, we’d both need to let it go.

I envisioned the man’s stunning body as he’d taken me so roughly. Every square inch of him was so rugged, his skin displaying his dangerous lifestyle. The scars and ink added to his persona and I found that terribly attractive. Let alone the way he kissed had been entirely too intimate and amazing.

Shuddering, I licked my lips, almost still able to taste him.

The sharp ring of my phone brought me out of my moment of revelry. I threw a glaring look at the screen before yanking the phone into my hand. Jacob. I cringed before answering.

“Hi there. How’s New York?”

“Not nearly as nice as Greece. What the hell did you send me?” he asked, half laughing and half grousing.

“It won’t be the start of the article, but I wanted readers to feel how the man handled himself, the way he conducted business as well as aspects of his personal life.”

“This reads like a goddamn romance novel. If I didn’t know you better, which I do, I’d say you crossed some line with him. I find that difficult to believe since you yourself told me there’s so much riding on you being able to finish the series.”

I slumped down into my seat, absently glaring at the television I’d had on for company for a few hours. I’d allowed myself to be dragged down the very rabbit hole I’d resisted my entire life. Ever since the death of my mother, I’d fought hard to become a woman of grit and merit. I’d told myself that I didn’t need a man, but had obviously lied.

I’d also said I had a heart of steel. Boy, was I wrong. Right now, I’d call it mushy like freshly mashed potatoes.

Oh, great analogy.

My father had even warned me to have fun while I was young, but I’d plowed into my work with a vengeance. He was the only person who truly understood why I was working so hard. Jacob had an inkling, but he’d never asked me directly. I’d kept myself closed off from almost everyone, rarely if ever making any friends. I’d been forced to since Dad had also buried himself in his cases once he’d switched jobs. I’d learned to care for myself from the tender age of thirteen.

I couldn’t break my oath to my mother’s memory now. Not for anything.

Or because of anyone.

Why was I sitting here suddenly feeling sorry for myself? Because Jacob hadn’t thoroughly enjoyed my piece like I’d hoped he would? That he’d gotten out of the gate with a criticism?

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