Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 84544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84544 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 423(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 282(@300wpm)
“Athena’s residence was Boston while she was in school, but for the past year, she’s been living in the family home in Athens. She’ll be moving to California later this month to start graduate school. My assistants and bodyguards have been kept up-to-date with her schedule, so we can more easily figure out when we’re able to meet up,” Isidore filled in.
“I’ll need a complete list of names for your bodyguards and assistants, as well as anyone who was likely to know where you were going to be on the day you were kidnapped,” Kairo said.
There was no stopping the frown that formed on his face. Could this really be someone he knew and trusted? How could anyone do that to him? To his sister?
Kairo’s hand landed on his wrist and wrapped around, squeezing lightly. “I’m sorry. I know this hurts, but it’s better if we check. If we’re lucky, I’m wrong. But if I’m not…”
Isidore nodded, the smile he forced on his lips stiff and awkward. “No, you’re right. We need to be sure that Athena is going to be safe when she leaves for school.”
“We need to be sure that you’re both safe,” Kairo corrected. Isidore lifted his gaze to meet Kairo’s intense stare. His heart wanted to believe that Kairo cared about whether he was safe and happy, but his brain argued that the beautiful man was just doing his job.
He had to swallow hard to get out a soft “Thank you,” but too quickly Kairo was releasing his arm and turning his attention to the others.
“Once I get the list from Isidore, I can start running the background checks as well as dig into Vanko. It’s going to take me a few days to gather all the data,” Kairo announced.
“This Vanko ass sounds like a goon-for-hire at best. I can reach out to my handler and see if she can dig up anything on an old contract for a kidnapping. She might also have heard of this Vanko,” Alexei offered.
“Tomorrow,” Charlie said firmly. “You three look like you could use a good meal and a good night of sleep. We can begin our digging tomorrow. We also need to get Mr. and Ms. Panopoulos some clothes and supplies.”
“We picked up some basics such as shampoo and deodorant, but I’m sure you’ll want some particular things,” Will chimed in.
Athena waved a hand at them. “I’m happy to run out and pick up stuff for Izzie and me if someone could loan me some money—”
“No!” Isidore and Kairo said in unison. They looked at each other and smirked.
Kairo continued, “We need you and Isidore to lay low here for a while. Just make a list, and one of us will grab stuff for you both. We can cook up a disguise so you can go out with one or more of us later.”
“I’m sorry to trap you inside, Athena, but it’s just safer,” Isidore apologized.
His sister made a dismissive sound and waved a hand at him. “I know, I know. This isn’t your fault. I just wanted to save people the trouble of shopping for us. You’re right. We’re in hiding until these bastards are caught.”
A deep sigh of relief slipped past Isidore’s lips and he slouched on the love seat, his shoulder bumping Kairo, who smiled at him.
“I’m sure you’re anxious to get back to work and the rest of your life,” Kairo continued.
Isidore could only smile. It wasn’t like he could just say that he had no interest in returning to work and his normal life. That this needed to be his life now. Yeah, that wouldn’t sound insane or creepy at all. So, he just smiled and bit the inside of his cheek.
He was so screwed…
9
KAIRO JONES
While Athena was helping Ed and the others figure out what to order for dinner, Kairo took Isidore up to the second-floor bedroom he’d be sharing with his sister. They’d lucked into a place with five bedrooms and Charlie was feeling generous, giving Kairo the solo room while forcing Ed and West to bunk together.
Charlie had described the room as existing in the center of the sun, and Kairo immediately understood what he meant. Bright-yellow paint covered the four walls while white-and-yellow striped curtains hung in front of the windows. There was a queen-sized bed, a dresser, a mirror on the wall, and a few other knickknacks to give the place a homey feel.
Kairo walked over to the dresser, opened the top drawer, and pulled out the bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries Will had placed inside. “This should hold you over until we can find what you’d prefer.”
He turned back to the room and frowned as he tried to see it through Isidore’s eyes. The man had been born to money, so he was likely accustomed to high-end furniture, luxurious thread-count sheets, and breathtaking vistas out of a window.