Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
I stare at him while his words make me feel a little stronger.
“Thank you, Tobias.” I walk to Knight, and taking the spare machine gun from him, I give it to Tobias as I sign of faith. “You report only to me.”
Tobias nods, his mouth setting into a grim line while pride shines from his eyes. “Yes, boss.”
I glance around the room at the other people and repeat the words Dad said to me two weeks ago, “Are you with me or against me?”
“What if we choose to leave?” Savvas asks. “My daughters have never been a part of the organization.” He gestures at the man and woman. “Neither have Arthur’s children.”
They’re Arthur’s family?
My eyes settle on them as I demand, “What are your names, and where’s your father?”
The man who can’t be much older than twenty-one steps forward. “My name is Andrew, and this is my sister, Alexa. Our father stayed behind. He said he was going to infiltrate the enemy to bring them down from the inside. I haven’t heard from him since he got us out of Athens.” Even though Andrew looks scared and unsure, he says, “I don’t have much training, but I can handle a gun. I’ll fight with you if Alexa can stay here. I don’t want her anywhere near Greece until the war is over.”
When I consider Andrew’s request, Savvas gives his opinion by saying, “We can use the extra man.”
“Okay.” I nod at Andrew. “Alexa can remain here.” My eyes flick to Savvas’ daughters. The twins are the same age as Kiki was, and I know they’ve been raised as socialites, so I say, “Along with Ophelia and Lydia. But we can’t spare any men to guard them.”
“I’ll give Alexa a quick lesson on how to handle a gun.”
Right after Andrew’s words, Cole steps forward. “I’m with you. So are Nico, Luke, and Jonas.”
The three men nod in agreement.
That gives me five men.
My eyes flick to Savvas, and his features tighten with emotion. “Of course, I’m with you, Cassia. You’re like a daughter to me.”
My throat strains, and I have to suppress the urge to dart forward and hug him.
Sucking in a deep breath, I look at the younger men and order, “You all report to Savvas. I have arrangements to make before we can return to Greece so lay low for the next couple of days.”
“How do we stay in contact with you?” Savvas asks.
My mind races, and remembering the burner phone in my bag, I say, “I’ll give you a phone you can use to contact me.”
I glance down at Michail’s body. I can’t leave him here, but I have to arrange a private jet and meet with the mercenaries before we can leave.
“I’ll take care of Michail,” Savvas says, his tone sad.
I meet Savvas eyes, wanting to apologize on behalf of Knight’s rash actions that cost us a valuable friend and asset but that will show a rift between me and my guard in front of everyone.
Instead, I just murmur, “Thank you, Savvas.” As I start to walk to the front door, I say, “Come get the phone.”
Tobias and Knight follow me and Savvas out of the house. I lean into Savvas, lowering my voice so only he will hear, “I’m sorry about Michail. Knight perceived him as a threat.”
“Still, Cassia. You need to control the man. He can’t just kill at will,” Savvas whispers. Giving me a worried look, he asks, “Can you really trust the man? You haven’t known him for long.”
I might be angry with Knight, but I know he won’t hurt me. I’m alive today because of him.
“I trust him,” I assure Savvas. “He has saved my life more than once.”
When we reach the SUV, I open the backdoor and dig the burner from my bag. As I hand it to him, I say, “Knight, give Savvas your phone number.”
Knight recites the digits, then tells Savvas, “Give me a missed call so I can get your number.”
I glance at Tobias and think to ask, “How do you feel? Have you fully recovered?”
He nods. “I’m good to go, boss.”
Knowing he was at the house, I hope he can give me some information. I step closer to him and ask, “Did you see what happened to my mother?”
His features tighten as he nods. “She came out to water the garden like she does every afternoon. She was one of the first who was shot. I managed to kill her shooter, but I was gunned down while trying to get to her.” He lowers his head, regret tightening his features even more. “I’m sorry, Cassia.”
My voice is no more than a whisper as I ask, “Did it look like she died instantly?”
He nods. “I don’t think she suffered.”
His words offer me some comfort because I’d hate for my mother to have bled out slowly in the garden she loved so much.