Page 68 of Taken By the Underboss

I didn't answer as I opened my safe and pulled out a large stack of bills. “Go pack while I make arrangements.”

“Why are you in such a hurry all of a sudden? And what's all that money for?”

“Just go pack,” I said with more bite than I’d meant to. It was hard enough, knowing that I’d never see her again, but I also needed to ensure that she was safe because I didn’t think I could bear it if something happened to her.

Sienna reluctantly went to her room and started packing her things while I made a few calls. When I went to check on her progress, there were tears in her eyes, and she stopped packing to look at me.

“Was this your plan? Were you wanting to get rid of me?” She almost choked on her words.

I grabbed her by the shoulders making her face me. “Of course not. I want you to stay but only if that's what you want. If there's any doubt in your mind then I want you to have the freedom to make your choice and live your life the way you want to.”

I led her to sit on the edge of her bed and handed her a large stack of bills. “I want you to take this money. You're going to go on a long vacation with your father before you return home. You’re not going to tell me where, and you're going to stay gone at least six weeks.”

“My father can't travel for that long.”

“Then find a little place to rent short term, somewhere other than where you usually live.”

“Why?”

“I can't explain. I just need you to do this, please?”

“Okay.” She nodded and reluctantly took the money.

I grabbed her bag. Quickly ushering her out of the house and into the car.

Chapter 26

Sienna

Alessandro stayed with me and my father at the airport until it was time for our plane to board. I still didn't know what was going on or why he seemed in such a hurry to send me away. Part of me wondered if he had had second thoughts about our relationship and knowing that I wouldn't pass up a chance to go home, he set me up so that I would be the one to leave. Something didn't quite seem right with that either, and I was left the entire trip racking my mind for a reason behind his actions.

Luckily, my father was having a good day and we were able to enjoy the whole flight without incident. We arrived on the Greek coast and took a taxi to our quaint little beach house. There were several others all rented out by the same company, but they were spread out for privacy. It was the perfect little spot for a quiet retreat with my father. I just wished I knew why Alessandro had insisted on it.

I finished unpacking my father’s things, and turned to him as he stared out the window in wonder.

"Are you excited for our vacation, Papa?"

"Oh yes. It's been ages since you took time off of work." I smiled in amusement because he didn't realize that I had taken off quite a bit of time from work already and was probably going to return to find my position filled.

"Are you excited about some time on the beach?"

"You know how I love the sound of the water crashing on the sand and walking at sunset."

"Well, now that we’re all unpacked, how about we take a little stroll and stretch our legs before we go to dinner?”

“Oh yes. I’d love that.”

“Good. Come on.” I looped my arm with my father’s and led him out the back door which led to a porch overlooking the ocean.

A few minutes later, we were barefoot, carrying our shoes as we listened to the soothing sound of the ocean. After a long stroll, we were both tired and I was getting ready to head back to the house, when we passed another rental house that looked almost identical to ours. A man sat out on his porch with a drink in his hand, and his feet reclined, looking the picture of relaxation.

He waved as we got closer and stood to hurry down the stairs into the sand. "Kaló mesi_méri,” he greeted us in Greek, but his accent was Italian. “Are you two new arrivals?" he asked with a friendly smile.

"We are. Is this your house or are you visiting as well?"

"Oh, I’m on an extended vacation, but I’ve only been here a few days. Can I offer you a drink? I was just enjoying a cherryvyssinathawhen you came by. It’s a local favorite.”

I glanced at my father. He’d been doing so well that we’d walked farther than I’d meant to, and a refreshment would be nice before our walk back. “Sure.Grazie.”

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