The Summer Deal

by Aleka Nakis

“Good. Have fun getting ready. And since big brother gave you the go ahead, don’t hesitate to use the corporate account.”

  “Okay.” What a peculiar call. A driver and the corporate account for my personal needs?

  She shrugged and replaced the receiver on its stand.

  “Benefits of working for the Lakis brothers,” she whispered as she entered the elevator.

  Chapter Four

  Saturday morning, she took the N train into Manhattan, determined to give her credit card a workout. The typically reserved Samantha let go and vowed to make it a memorable trip.

  One shattered personal credit card, five hours, and four shopping bags later, she returned to Astoria and walked the two blocks from the train to her favorite café. Leo, her usual afternoon waiter, automatically brought her a frappé, the Greek version of a creamy iced coffee. She added the adorable mouse-shaped chocolate pastry she splurged on for special occasions. It had to be the cutest animal styled dessert in the world. Especially the dark chocolate tail.

  “So what are we celebrating my little red-haired siren?” Leo asked, straddling the chair opposite hers and placing the pastry in front of her.

  “I’m going to Greece next week. I’ll be spending the whole summer there.”

  “You are going to knock those Greek men off their feet. Just remember a few safety precautions.”

  Oh, no. A scene from Summer Lovers played in her mind. What was he implying?

  “Sunglasses and sun block are a must. Your light skin and big green eyes are no match for the Mediterranean sun. It’s very strong.”

  Samantha let herself exhale. Reaching into a big red shopping bag, she pulled out a Prada eyeglass case. She put the dark glasses on and allowed them to rest on the end of her nose, tossing her hair side to side.

  “What do you think?”

  “I think you aren’t going to knock those Greeks off their feet; you’re going to cause a series of heart attacks. You’re stunning.” He laughed and grabbed for his heart.

  Enjoying the teasing, she smirked at his little act, and blew him a kiss when he stood to return to work.

  “Your afternoon treat is on me. Be sure to stop by and say adio before you go.”

  “I will. Thanks, Leo,” she said, and flashed him what she hoped was a smashing, don’t-forget-me smile.

  Taking a bite of the chocolate mouse, she allowed the decadent sweetness to roll in her mouth before swallowing the added calories to her daily allotment. A sip of the frappé to chase it down, and she was in heaven.

  Why can’t life always be this simple?

  If only she could feel confident with other men. Maybe even for something physical. Why couldn’t she just go with the flow, and then, maybe, she’d be able to stop dreaming of Demo? One night of hot steamy sex with her dreamy boss might satiate her fascination. But no, she’d never thought of it as just having sex with him. It was always so much more.

  She had to stop thinking about him in this way. Period. Demo was the employer, she was the employee, and theirs was a relationship she valued. Her ex, Brad, had taken care of the rest. He had beaten her self-esteem into the ground an inch at a time.

  Two more bites of the mouse, one more sip of frappé, and then a whole summer of fun. She’d focus on Greece.

  Her cell phone chimed “Hard Days Night” bringing her back to the here and now. Rummaging through her bag, she found and retrieved the pink contraption. She checked the caller ID: private. Perhaps it was Demo calling from a landline. She eagerly flipped it open.

  “Hello?”

  “What is my little tramp shopping for today?” The icy threat in the ruthless voice settled on the back of her neck. “Come on baby, what pretty thing did you buy that I’ll have to tear off that priggish little body of yours?”

  “Go to hell, Brad!” She slammed the phone shut, looked about the café and, satisfied he was not around, let herself breathe. Her teeth bit into her trembling lower lip, but even the taste of blood couldn’t stop the tears.

  When did he see her? He didn’t know were she was, or he would have made some cocky remark about her coffee just to terrify her. Good old Brad, he always found some way to place a dark cloud over her head.

  Maybe she should call the police. No, it wouldn’t help. They’d just ask too many questions she didn’t want to answer. And what if they looked into the hospital records? Put two and two together. No, she couldn’t call them.

  Dropping the phone into her bag, she placed a tip on the table and gathered her things. She stood and exited the café. She was only two blocks from home, where she would be less exposed and vulnerable. Putting on her new glasses and tucking her chin low against her chest, she walked, scanning each doorway and side street for glimpses of Brad. She doubted she’d even breathed during the short jaunt.

  Samantha rushed into her building, and a sense of calm washed over her as the heavy security door clicked shut. She was safe inside with the people she saw day in and day out.

  Then a chill ran down her spine. Looking at the door of the lobby apartment, she shook her head. “Nah, the idiot is too cheap.”

  She’d never seen the tenant who lived in that apartment. But it couldn’t be her ex. She would’ve known. Wouldn’t she?

  Growing more nervous with every moment that passed, she opted to take the stairs to her third floor apartment.

  Letting herself into her private sanctuary, she turned three deadbolts and secured the door. She dropped her shopping bags and walked around the small space making sure no one was there.

  She was alone. Samantha couldn’t breathe, and it dawned on her: she was most vulnerable when she was alone. Her legs grew weak, and she sat at the kitchen table. Staring at the deadbolts, tears filled her eyes. With trembling hands, she picked up the phone.

  She dialed the police.

  *****

  “You understand we can’t do anything if Daniels hasn’t actually hurt you?” the officer said. “Do you have a place to stay until you feel better about this?”

  She slowly nodded as she saw the concern on his face. “It won’t be necessary. He doesn’t know where I live.”

  “Just to be on the safe side, go somewhere else or have a friend stay with you.”

  “We have a video intercom system and a new security door at the main entrance. I’ll be okay.”

  The officer handed her a card with his personal beeper and told her not to hesitate to call the police. “You can call me directly if you wish. I’ll be in this area all week.”

  Samantha opened the door to let him out. Her stout, silver haired neighbor, Mary, walked in. “What is happening here? Are you all right, sweetie?”

  Relief flooded over Samantha as her friend took her hand and rubbed mothering warmth into it. Mary’s eyes urged her to speak and unburden herself.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Have a seat on the couch while I let the officer out, and then I’ll make some tea.”

  In the excitement of preparing for the trip, she’d forgotten it was Scrabble night with the elderly neighbor. Mary was close to eighty years old, but her memory was sharper than a twenty-year-old’s.

  “I’ll have the board set up in no time.”

  Thanking the officer, she locked the door behind him. Mary became her shadow and moved into the kitchen with her. Samantha remained quiet, considering how and what to tell the neighbor. She didn’t want to frighten her friend and add to the upset.

  “Honey?” Mary raised a silver eyebrow in question, and motioned for Samantha to sit while the older woman went to put on the kettle. With a hug and well-practiced encouragement, Mary had the younger woman confessing the day’s events.

  “Oh sweetie, I’m glad you called the police. You should’ve gotten a restraining order against him when he started acting so irrationally. And, I don’t care if he doesn’t know where you live. You’re not staying alone tonight.”

  “I’ll be good in the morning. I just need to rest, and then I’ll pack for my trip.” Her hand shook as she raised the
hot tea to her mouth.

  “Now that young man you work for, he’s the type of man you need in your life.” Mary placed a warm hand on Samantha’s knee and applied the slight pressure her age-worn fingers would allow.

  “Mary, you’ve never met Demo. How could you say that?”

  “Sure I have. Remember that night you spent with him?”

  “I’ve never spent the night with him.”

  Smiling coyly, Mary patted Samantha’s knee. “Keep your knickers on, sweetie. I don’t mean spent the night, spent the night. I’m talking about the night you stayed with him because Mr. Good-For-Nothing was threatening you.”

  “Oh, that’s right. You saw Demo in the hall when he brought me home in the morning.” Heat rose to her cheeks as she remembered her neighbor giggling like a school cheerleader when she’d introduced them.

  “Yes, dear. And I told you that same day what I thought. I told you, he fancies you.”

  “Mary, you know better. He’s my boss. That’s all.”

  “A that’s all boss doesn’t invite you to spend the summer with him on an exotic island.” Mary’s eyes twinkled as she poured the remainder of the kettle. “Finish your tea, and then you’ll show me what you bought today. We’ll pack together.”

  “He is my boss, and I respect that. Besides, you know that men like him marry within their small circle. I’m not up to being a toy for a Greek tycoon. I deserve more.”

  “Honey, I don’t think he’s the type of man to play with your heart.” Mary stood with the tray in her hands.

  “That’s what I mean. We never know how people really are. They’re not always what they appear to be. Do you know he has a different girl on his arm every week? Women swoon over him.” Samantha raised her hand and swatted at the air. “The only woman he’s been pictured with more than twice is Zoe Markos, a long time family friend. People say their marriage has been arranged since kindergarten.”

  Chuckling, Mary shook her head. “Oh, dear, do you really believe that? Do you think we live in the middle ages? Young people today don’t do arranged marriages.”

  “Maybe not most, but they’re Greek. He’s sowing his oats before he settles down with the proper wife. He may be nice, but if I—no—I could never just let him use me.”

  Unfortunately, he had changed from her amicable employer to the leading man in all her erotic dreams.

  No, no, she’d already decided she wouldn’t think about him. Looking into Mary’s eyes, she took a deep breath. “No man will ever have such power over me again. I don’t need them anymore!”

  *****

  One ring…Two rings…Three.

  “Hello.” A mature woman’s voice sounded in Demo’s ear.

  “I’m sorry to disturb you, ma’am. I think I might have the wrong number,” he said, hoping he didn’t wake her.

  “Who are you, and who are you trying to reach?”

  “I am calling for Samantha. This is Demosthenis Lakis.”

  There was silence on the line. Did she hang-up?

  “This is Samantha’s neighbor. Could you tell me where you are, and what you had for dinner?”

  He pulled the phone from his ear and stared at it. What was this? The third degree?

  “Please, humor an old woman,” she insisted.

  “I had souvlaki and a salad at a taverna in Greece.” He couldn’t refrain from laughing and had to ask, “Are you Nancy Drew?”

  “I’m Mary. Samantha is already in bed.” The older woman chuckled. “No wonder I liked your voice. I knew you’d be a polite young man with proper manners and diction.”

  “Why, thank you,” he replied, grinning at Mary’s statement. “There is no need to wake Samantha. I’ll call in the morning.”

  “Mr. Lakis?”

  “Yes?”

  “Do you know what has happened today?”

  He didn’t like the infliction of her tone in the question. Something was wrong. “No, Mary. Please tell me.”

  “First, one more question, sir.” Mary breathed heavy into the phone before naming her terms. “What is the nickname your brother gave Samantha?”

  “My brother?” Demo rubbed his chin. What did a nickname have to do with anything? “Tony calls Samantha Little Red.”

  Mary sighed. “Good.”

  Satisfied he was who he claimed to be, the woman told him why she was in Samantha’s apartment and the events of the day.

  “Please keep her there. She’s safe inside the building. Don’t let her leave, and I’ll send someone to pick her up. She never takes his threats seriously, and we don’t know if he means it this time. I’m glad she finally called the police.”

  “I told her to do that the first time I learned about Bradley’s threats. You remember, the night when she couldn’t leave the office because he was outside. I think she stayed with you then,” Mary said in a shaky voice.

  “Yes, I do. I’m arranging for someone to come over as we speak. Just don’t let her leave.”

  “Okay, I’ll try to keep her home. But you know how stubborn she is.”

  “Thank you. I look forward to meeting you in person. As soon as things settle down, we’ll all go to dinner.”

  “Sure, sweetie. Just take care of our girl.”

  “I will, ma’am.”

  Chapter Five

  Samantha stepped out of the shower and dried off. Toweling her hair, she saw the dark circles under her eyes. Her usually pink complexion was pasty and pale.

  She wasn’t looking forward to being out and about today and possibly running into Brad Daniels. She wished she were already in Greece. She’d be half a world away, and he would never know where to find her. Even if he did, he wouldn’t bother.

  Would he?

  She resigned herself to three more days of looking over her shoulder and began to dress. A comfortable pair of jeans and her favorite t-shirt would make her feel better.

  Samantha heard the doorbell buzz and wrapped her hair in a towel to answer it. She passed Mary, finally asleep on the couch, and smiled as she heard a soft snore escape the woman’s lips. Her elderly neighbor had been so worried last night, she’d refused to go home and rest, and she’d refuse to take Samantha’s bed. The poor woman had spent the night on the sofa.

  Another buzz. Samantha put her eye to the peephole and saw Anthony Lakis checking his watch. She wrinkled her forehead, and unbolted the locks, opening the door.

  “Good morning.” Anthony stepped inside, giving her an easy smile, and strolled over to her neighbor, who was now rising from the couch, as if he visited Samantha’s apartment every day. “You must be the lovely Mary my brother told me about. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Mr. Lakis, why are you here?” Samantha was dumbfounded. How did he know Mary?

  “Tony, call me Tony. Mr. Lakis is my father.” He looked so comfortable in her home, hugging her friend. “Demo phoned and told me what happened last night. He wants you to leave for Greece tonight. He’ll have a plane at JFK for you in a few hours.”

  “I can’t. I’m not ready.” Samantha protested. “I have work to finish, and I need to pack.”

  No one would tell her what to do. No way was she giving an inch of control to a man. She’d been there and done that, and the result was the predicament she was in today. No, she wouldn’t do it—regardless if she agreed with the order.

  “We packed last night, dear. I’m sure Tony won’t mind if you take a few minutes to throw your toiletries together.” Mary pulled him down on the couch with her, and patted his knee. “Would you mind, honey?”

  “Of course not. Mary and I could have some coffee and get to know each other better while you finish up.”

  Tony looked funny on her pastel colored couch. It was as if he was sitting on a toy. He was so much like Demo, only more relaxed and casual. If you looked up tall-dark-and-handsome in the dictionary, you would find both Lakis brothers pictured there.

  Nerves frayed, and knowing she should be jumping at the opportunity, she was nonetheless unabl
e to accept the offer. Samantha wanted to scream, but instead she laughed. “You two are mad. I can’t, and won’t, leave tonight. I have things to do.”

  “Sweetie, please don’t argue with this nice young man. I don’t think I could sleep if I don’t know you’re safe.”

  “Mary, I’ll be just fine. Those where empty threats.”

  Tony’s gaze flared with emotion. Any comfortable, relaxed, or casual style disappeared. “Threats are threats Samantha. You never know what a man is capable of, especially one under the influences consuming Daniels. Don’t be stubborn for no good reason.”

  “I have good reason,” she said, raising her voice. I can’t. I won’t. Never again will I give up control of my life.

  Taking a deep breath, she scrunched her nose and crossed her arms over her chest. “I need to prepare. I have work to do, and I need to say goodbye to a few people.” Samantha paced the small living room, determined to appear confident. “Thank you, Mr. Lakis, but I can’t go tonight.”

  Tony stood and strode to where she stood. He lifted her chin so that she was looking into his eyes. “You win, Little Red. We’ll go to the office, and you can work all you want. Today.” He released her chin and gave her an assuring smile. “I’ll have a car escort you to your mother’s, and you can finish your errands. You’ll stay in the penthouse tonight; the security is better there. You and Teddy will fly out tomorrow.”

  “Teddy? Why does your brother need his top bodyguard in Greece?” Everything was happening too fast. She wasn’t comfortable relinquishing control or deviating from her plans and routine.

  “He doesn’t. Teddy is for you—until you get to Crete. I doubt your ex will follow you, but if he does, Demo is there. He’ll take care of things in Greece. I’m coming over in a few days as well.”

  There was nothing for her to say.

  “Good, now that Tony is here, I’m going home to sleep. Have fun in Greece, and don’t forget to send me a postcard.” Mary kissed her cheek and walked out.

  “It’s a working vacation,” she hissed in vain to a closing door.

  “I know you feel uneasy with this, but it’s really much safer. There’s no need to take unnecessary risks.”