Chapter Eighteen
Shocked to see Sam waiting to talk after leading Stasia to her room and settling her there, Sophia stepped into the kitchen and stood by the door. She had no intention of getting anywhere near the guy.
Right now, her feelings were so fragile, she’d be an easy mark for the experienced womanizer. Having a man’s arms hold and comfort her would be a godsend right about now, but no way was it going to happen.
She’d already loosened her restrictions once tonight and blamed it on the residual alcohol. This time she’d have no excuse but tiredness, a sad heart, and the unsettling vibes tingling between them.
He waited for her to speak, and she did the same. Silence stretched and the tension built. If she had to describe the ridiculous sensations, she’d compare them to live wires simultaneously nudging at each other, igniting sparks. It was ridiculous, and she wasn’t having it. Not now for crissakes. She didn’t have time for any of this nonsense.
“You need to leave.”
“No, we need to talk.”
“Truthfully, I’ve had about as much talking tonight as I can take. Go.”
“I promised Stasia to be here for her. I meant it.” The stubborn expression on his handsome face let her know he was serious.
“She’s safe with me.” Sophia wished she could pull out her FBI shield as proof.
“For now.”
“For as long as it takes to get her help.”
“What do you plan to do?”
“I have connections in Rhodes. My grandmother knew many people in high places. I can go to her old friend the mayor.”
“Can you trust him?”
“Yes, of course, or I wouldn’t think of taking Stasia to see him.”
“You’re planning on taking her around the city? It’s dangerous.”
“We’ll be careful. Look, I can’t talk about this right now. Whatever you want to say will have to wait. She’ll be fine. I’ll be with her.”
“Oh, I see. So, will you also be bringing her along on the family barbecue?”
Son of a bitch!She couldn’t take that chance. Manos would be there, and she had a feeling this group of immigrants brought to Greece could be his doing. Didn’t Bruner tell her that they had confirmation that Manos Savas was implicated in this whole black market scheme?Fuck me… she couldn’t leave Stasia alone until she knew she was safe. And this island was a small place. People talked. Descriptions of a young girl she suddenly took in could bring results.
“Fine, come and check up on us if you wish. But leave now.” She saw the stubborn refusal on his face and added a beseeching request. “Please.”
It worked. His expression softened, and his grin gave her the answer she desperately needed. “Okay, sugar. But… I’ll be here tomorrow.”