Page 51 of Reaper’s Wrath

“Happy to help. Also, I wanted to remind you about Evie’s birthday. I have that dinner set up if we’re still good to head back to the city. She’s been so isolated on the boat. I’d really love to let her see her friend Sofia.”

“Yeah, we can do that, though we’ll need to keep the boat offshore. Kairos should be heading back to the island today. We can turn north once he leaves.”

“You’re welcome to invite him to come along.”

“He’s got his own plans,” I mutter, wishing I knew what he was up to regarding Stavros. I should be glad. Whatever he’s doing will keep him away from Isa, which I prefer. I don’t want her near any other man until I’ve made her mine.

Last night went a long way to soothe those fears. We’re making progress. Regardless of the past, she’s drawn to me and allowed herself to be vulnerable around me. If I had a little more time with her, I know I could bring her around. She’ll see that we were meant to be together.

A life at sea may not be what she expected for herself, but I can attest better than anyone to a person’s ability to adapt. Sometimes life throws curveballs. Survivors learn to adjust their swing; it’s as simple as that. And I know she’s a survivor. All I have to do is look at her scars to know she’s overcome nearly as much as I have.

CHAPTER 26

ELIO

Twenty Years Ago

“Please, if I can contact my parents, I know they’ll come get me. I’m sure they’re worried sick.” The first time I woke up, I was passed out again in minutes, but this time, I’m feeling more functional. Aware enough to try to get home, though still a little groggy.

“How old are you?” the Greek asks me in his heavy accent.

“Seventeen.”

“Big for your age. And you still live with your parents?” He studies me almost skeptically. I’m not sure why, except that finding me bleeding out, he may have assumed I was living on the street.

“Yes, sir. I’m a senior in high school, and I was kidnapped. I don’t know how long it’s been—maybe a few days ago?”

His hooded eyes narrow. “Who kidnapped you?”

“I don’t know. Someone who wanted to ransom me.”

“How much did they ask for?”

I pause, not sure why he’s asking. “Five-hundred thousand.”

“Your parents—they have money?”

I start to shake my head, then cringe when I remember my neck is shredded. “No. It was a misunderstanding.”

“They couldn’t pay? That is why you were discarded.” He says the words as though coming to a conclusion even though he’s asking a question.

“No,” I bite out, growing frustrated. “They would have paid whatever they could. I know they would have if they had enough time.” I stop and watch the man—truly take him in—and begin to wonder why he hasn’t offered me a phone. “Why am I not in a hospital?”

He waves a hand dismissively. “They charge too much. I do just as good a job.”

I can’t imagine the old motel room we’re in is remotely comparable to an operating room, but I don’t want to argue and seem ungrateful. He did save me.

“Do you have a phone I can use?” I’ve already eyed the nightstand and discovered this place is too cheap to have a room phone.

“You truly believe they want you back?” he asks slowly.

“Of course, I do.”

He nods and takes out his phone. “What is the number?” He types in the numbers I give him and waits. A man answers the call, though I can’t hear enough to understand or recognize the voice.”

“This is Mr.…” He looks at me questioningly.

“Farina,” I tell him quickly.