Page 22 of Walking the Bird

Nodding her head, Eleni picked up her things, tossing her bag over her shoulder and following Jordan across the deck and over the bow of the boat.

* * *

Tippingher glass to her lips, Eleni scanned the faces of the other wives sitting around the tension-filled table. Safe conversations filled with topics ranging from the new gym Harper’s brother opened last month, to how long it took Jordan to find the perfect dress for the wedding, cast a shadow on the fact the men were overdue to join them by more than a few hours. While Eleni was no stranger to being stood up, it was clear the others had no clue how to handle it.

“Do you and Aiden plan to have children right away?”

The question was out of Kennedy’s mouth before she could stop it. Her focus snapping across the table where a calm Eleni set her empty wine glass on the table.

“Oh, Eleni.”

The shrill ringing of a phone cut off Kennedy’s heart-felt apology.

“I’m sorry, I have to take this, it’s my office.” Pushing back her chair, Eleni slid her finger across the screen, grateful for the unexpected intrusion.

“Hello?”

“Eleni, its Autumn. I’m sorry to bother you, but I can’t get your father on the line.”

“It’s fine, Autumn. What’s the issue?”

“A Mr. Abernathy showed up, demanding his files and I can’t seem to locate anything for him.”

Eleni stopped in her tracks, a cold chill running up her spine.

“Is he in the room with you?”

Gordon Abernathy was a previous client and current leader of the Abernathy crime family. Their professional relationship ended not long after Eleni began seeing Alex romantically, and her ties to the Nakos family became too close for Abernathy’s comfort.

“No, I asked him to stay in reception.”

Checking the time on her watch, Eleni mentally calculated it was nearing midnight back in Florida.

“Okay, I’m going to send Nick a text—”

“Oh, Eleni. Please, anyone but Nick.”

“What’s wrong with Nick?” Eleni challenged. She couldn’t imagine anyone finding fault in her brother-in-law. Nickolas Nakos was easy on the eyes, a smooth talker, and held a high position within the Nakos Family, which meant he had money to burn.

“He hates me.”

Stepping through the entrance to the hotel, Eleni headed for the door labeled business center she’d visited earlier in the week. Waving her keycard over the security pad, she ignored the desire to find out what transpired between Autumn and Nick, focusing instead on sending a text to Nick for help.

“I doubt that, Autumn. Nick is a Nakos, and every single one of them loves women.” Eleni’s words died in her throat as she pressed the send button, asking Nick to see what Abernathy wanted. Maybe Autumn was right, perhaps Nick developed the same disdain Alex had for her.

When her card failed to open the door, Eleni moved to wave her card over the panel again, when something hard hit her from the side, shoving her body into the doorframe, causing the phone and her card to crash to the floor.

“What the—?”

“Move you stupid bitch.” A deep voice cut her off, the owner running down the hall with what appeared to be security hot on his heels.

Moving to retrieve her phone, a large hand covered hers, a familiar cologne filling the space around her. “Are you hurt, Eleni?”

Shifting her gaze between the men running down the hall and the warm eyes of Derek, Eleni jerked her hand back. “I’m fine.”

“Are you certain, I can call for a medic?”

“No, that won't be necessary,” Eleni begged off. “What’s going on?” She pointed to the commotion, her curiosity competing with her need to separate herself from the man beside her.

“It would appear an unsavory character has breached the resort.”

A chill made its way down Eleni’s spine in response to the way Derek's English accent sounded in her ears. Nothing good could come from her appreciation of this man. His kindness in danger of crossing a line, whether in her dreams or reality, she wasn't willing to breach.

Squaring her shoulders, Eleni turned for the door, waving her card over the panel. “Well, I hope you capture him.” Breathing a sigh of relief when the lock disengaged, allowing her to enter the room. “Good night, Mr. Silvers.” She bade politely before closing the door.

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