Doukas by Demetra Georgiou

Chapter 17

 

“So, you’re coming to work like nothing’s changed,” I say to my self-assigned bodyguard nearly two weeks later.

“Nothing’s changed, Ria,” Harmonia says as she continues to glare at my bartender, Peri.

He’s yet another one of her classmates that refuses to leave unless I find a suitable replacement.

“From what I understand, baby, she has a bet going on,” Doukas says as he tightens his arms around me.

I roll my eyes. Of course, I know about the stupid bet. As part of a school project, Peri has written a play, the Changing Body. In short, a girl gets killed, and her body seems to be constantly changing dresses while the police try to find her murderer. Judging by everyone’s behavior, I’d say it’s a highly coveted part, and they all want to get it, with my little Harmonia first.

“I can always tell my brothers that you’ve asked me for sex in exchange for the role,” Harmonia says, and Doukas’s arms tighten around me.

“You wouldn’t dare,” the boy counters without batting an eye.

If I were him, I’d certainly keep my mouth shut. My Doukas might be a bit more logical compared to his siblings, but that doesn’t mean he can’t beat the poor boy to a pulp. It’d be a pity because Peri seems to be a promising young man. Certainly, Harmonia’s classmates think so.

“Wouldn’t I?” she asks, but then she frowns. “You’re right. Why involve others when I can take you out myself?”

“I told you, I don’t hit girls,” Peri says, nodding respectfully at Doukas.

Harmonia shrugs and focuses on her phone once again. “Suit yourself.”

“Cut it out, you two,” I say. “The way you’re behaving, you’ll ruin all the fun of the project.”

“Here, here,” Doukas says and gets up from his stool, taking my hand. “Walk me out, baby.”

He’s spent the last two hours here with me, working from my office, but now he’s got an appointment to get to. We’re staying at my neglected house tonight, and I can’t wait until it’s time to see him again.

Things are starting to get back to normal after Fanaris’s last attempt. I haven’t met the Royals, but seeing the Lords’ reaction to that phone call, I got anxious. From what Doukas has told me, they ordered both sides to fuck off, and that’d be the last warning.

As Doukas explained, the Royals don’t like loose ends and are very fond of making examples of others.

Security at my place is heavy, with members of my new staff carrying guns. That includes Peri, the sweet eighteen-year-old boy who bartends for me. I think he’s smitten with Harmonia, but she doesn’t seem to notice. He has potential, but I doubt he can handle a girl like her.

“I’ll try to be back in a couple of hours,” Doukas says and wraps me into a loving embrace.

I should be used to his kisses by now, but I’m not. The way he holds me tightly to him a moment before his lips meet mine makes my toes curl every time. As always, the need to breathe wins, but I don’t want to leave him just yet.

“As long as you come back.”

People are walking beside us, talking and laughing. Music surrounds us, and yet we’re encased in our own space where only we exist.

Every day with Doukas is like moving farther away from a perpetual winter to an effervescent summer. It’s hard to explain, but I feel like myself and—most importantly—I’m not afraid to be myself. He respects my little quirks and hang-ups without making me feel embarrassed.

“If I finish early, can I take you out for a drink?”

“I’d like that,” I admit with a grin. “I miss walking next to you.”

“It’s a date then.”

His guard, or whatever he is, Kostas, opens his door for him, and Doukas slips in the back. Gone is my tender lover. His face is a mask of a ruthless and unyielding man.

Such a far cry from my Doukas.

 

 

Sometimes I cannot understand how I’ve been so lucky. I’m sitting in a far corner of my taverna’s bar, overlooking the whole room, and I can’t believe my eyes.

Over the years, there have been all sorts of people and events coming and going, but this is the first time we have a steady customer flow day after day. I keep calling it luck, but it isn’t. Everything changed the moment I met Doukas.

Never before did I have a person so unconditionally on my side, and I feel cherished and loved. His whole family has enveloped me with such affection that it’s hard to believe. Even Giorgos and Victoras, who are a bit standoffish, have treated me with respect from the very beginning, and little by little, in their own grouchy and high-handed way, they’ve warmed up to me.

This afternoon, a van full of wine cases arrived with expedited delivery from Giorgos’s winery. Only last night, I asked him for a quote, and all I got was a glare as he reached for his phone and told me to expect delivery today.

I know I should be working in my office, ordering supplies, and looking at the books, but I want to bask in the sight of what’s before me. My new servers seem to be doing fine, but the star of the show is always Harmonia. Every night there’s something different going on with this girl, and I’m thoroughly amused.

“There’s a man at table five that wants to speak with you,” one of my new servers informs me.

I’m a horrible person because I haven’t learned the server’s name yet. In my defense, this week alone, I have hired three people named Giannis and two Giorgos.

“Did he ask for the chef?” I ask, trying to understand what my server is going on about. My customers often want to congratulate and meet the chef. Up until a few days ago, I was that person, but not anymore.

Two men are sitting at the table, both tall and rather well-dressed. They both seem serious, and I frown as I shift on my stool, trying to get a better look. But I can only see their backs.

“No, he asked for you by name.”

Nodding at my waiter, I don my best business smile and near the table. It’s not a hardship to smile these days.

“Good evening,” I greet the two men sitting at the table. “I’m Ria Vamou. I understand you wanted to see me.”

They both stand, and the taller buttons up his suit jacket before offering me his hand. Interesting. Broad shoulders, jet-black hair, and a suit that costs more than my education. If I could hazard a guess, I’d say he’s a little older than Doukas. He’s handsome in a somber kind of way, but what is most noticeable is the aura of danger and power he exudes, giving me all kinds of shivers.

“Indeed, thank you for accepting my request,” he says in a calm and steady voice, and I want to recoil from his searing gaze.

He motions for me to sit before doing the same.

The black-haired man turns to his friend. “Please leave us, Milon. Miss Vamou and I have important things to discuss.”

Wordlessly, Milon does exactly that and, seconds later, we’re all alone.

“How do you know my name?” I ask, trying to sound confident rather than spooked.

A lot of people know my name. My business is often spread through word of mouth, but somehow, I don’t think he’s here to book an event. Fanaris springs to my mind, and I hold my breath. This man seems infinitely more dangerous than Fanaris. My hands itch to get to the phone in my pants pocket.

If anyone knows what’s going on, it’s Doukas. Perhaps I should alert Harmonia, but I might be wrong. After all, she just took their order and didn’t seem alarmed.

“I know a great deal about you, Miss Vamou,” the man drawls in a husky voice. “I know that you’ve inherited a failing business and refuse to pay protection to Makis Fanaris. Also, if memory serves right, when you were three or four, you caught severe pneumonia that almost cost you your life.”

I’m in shock. This man is a different class of intense. He sits calm and unaffected in front of me, telling me all those things as if he’s reading a list.

“Who are you?”

“I’m sorry. That was rude of me. I’m Rigas Pechlivanos. Pleased to meet you.”

The name rings a bell. I have certainly heard it mentioned before, but I can’t recall why or in what context. He stares at me as if I’m supposed to know that, but I don’t. Someone says something, followed by Harmonia’s curt voice.

‘One day, I’ll tell Rigas Pechlivanos and his brothers how things should be.’

Word for word, Harmonia’s threat comes to mind, and everything falls into place.

“A Royal,” I whisper, unable to take my eyes off him.

He’s Doukas’s boss.

His lips twitch. “Ah, I see you’re informed. Nevertheless, I don’t like upsetting situations where I have to step in. And you, Miss Ria Vamou, have become a situation blown out of proportion. So, I wanted to see for myself what kind of person could wreak such havoc among my manpower.”

He takes a sip of his wine, glancing casually around the room. “My people tell me that nothing of this would’ve happened if you paid protection.”

“That’s not true. Doukas or not, I would never pay protection to that man.”

A faint smile appears on his lips, somewhat relaxing his serious features. “So, the real issue is Fanaris?”

Heat rises over my cheeks. “No, Mr. Pechlivanos. The thing is that I shouldn’t have to do that in the first place. I’m not going to debate about how immoral and stupid it is to pay for protection to the person who threatens to destroy your business in the first place. What tells me that he would stop there?”

I take deep breaths trying to control my temper. Rigas reaches for the carafe and pours a glass of water, offering it to me. That’s strangely kind of him.

“Thank you,” I say, taking a generous gulp of my water. “That family promised a long time ago not only to protect this taverna but to exclude it from any dealings. How do I know that they will only ask for protection money?”

“According to Heraclitus, the only constant in life is change. Situations do change, Miss Vamou.”

Oh, now we’ve brought ancient philosophers to the table. Too bad.

“That’s absolutely true, Mr. Pechlivanos. Aristoteles, on the other hand, mentions that habit is second nature. So, if the person is in the habit of changing his loyalties, how can you ever trust that person?”

If possible, the Royal’s eyes become more intense as they turn to me, and I fight the urge to look away. Perhaps I should shut up. Even if a sliver of the rumors is true, then this man is capable of anything. He doesn’t seem like the violent type, but appearances can be deceptive.

“I appreciate your candor, Miss Vamou. I have to admit that you’ve come as a surprise. Naturally, I was acquainted with both your father and grandfather, but I wasn’t aware of how close the apple had fallen from the tree. You don’t back down from a fight, not if you believe your cause is just. Your grandfather was like that.”

“You knew him?”

Honestly, I don’t know why I ask him about that. It isn’t important, but he makes it sound like that. Before everything happened, I had this image in my mind wherever mafia, organized crime, and gangsters were concerned. Learning the truth about dad and grandpa was a blow. Somehow, I couldn’t picture them robbing people off the bat or murdering left and right. I guess, in my mind, they resembled Fanaris and his goons, but ever since I met Doukas and his brothers, and now Mr. Royal, something is different, urging me to re-evaluate my stance.

His faint smile somewhat relaxes his solemn face. “I did. They were good men. Loyal and caring, with qualities you rarely encounter anymore. I understand you recently discovered the truth, but you have to understand that nothing in our lives ever came easy. We all do whatever it takes to survive and thrive. So, no matter where you stand with your current situation, don’t be ashamed of your family, Ria.”

I nod. I wouldn’t know what to say anyway. Admittedly, learning I’ve been lied to my whole life was a shock, but deep down, I felt more betrayed than ashamed. Like, all of a sudden, a huge chasm has been created, highlighting the fact that I’ve been alone in my ignorance.

Taking deep breaths, I try to contain the sudden rush of emotion. It’d be so uncool to tear up in front of Mr. Royal. I watch the other tables. The new guy is setting up a table while Harmonia serves another a few feet away. I note that she lacks her usual vivaciousness, and I wonder why. It’s strange that she didn’t mention Rigas being here.

“Still, I have to say, Miss Vamou, that you seem to have completely transformed the place. Granted, it’s four or five years since I’ve last been here, but the improvement is noticeable. New décor, quality food, efficient waiting staff,” Rigas remarks, eyeing Harmonia.

“Efficient?” I ask with a frown.

Rigas nods at Harmonia. “Quite. Our waitress has been exceptional. Competent, courteous, and unobtrusive.”

Our waitress has been exceptional?

Wait a minute. Don’t they know each other?

As if looking for an answer, I glance in Harmonia’s direction. Odd. She seems mad at something the man is saying to her. I can’t see him very well because we’re somewhat concealed by the plants on this side of my taverna. Harmonia isn’t the person to cause a scene just for the hell of it, but if she feels threatened, she lashes out.

“I find that I’m quite fond of making an example out of certain people, Miss Vamou. Take that table over there, for example,” he says, nodding at Harmonia again. “Do you know those men?”

“No, I don’t.”

And I certainly don’t like where this conversation is going.

“They’re two nothings with ambition. If I recall correctly, they’re Fanaris’s recruits, doing the odd chore here and there, but I’d like to think they haven’t been sent here by him. Normally, I respect a person’s drive to succeed, but my orders were clear concerning you. It’s not often that a Lord asks me a favor, so when Doukas Tremes asked for your place to be spared, I agreed.”

My Doukas…

“So…is this a coincidence?”

“Not likely. Ambition is terrible when it defines an incapable person. I hope I’m wrong, but in all probability, those two will try to prove themselves as soon as tonight. Sadly for them, I happen to be here.”

“I have to alert security,” I say, unable to take my eyes off Harmonia.

I should have never allowed her to work here. Every day I put her life in danger, and she doesn’t even accept payment.

Rigas chuckles, and that grates on my nerves. Undoubtedly, he and everyone else in their midst think they’re above the law, but they’re not immortal. I note one of the men stands, laughing while speaking to Harmonia. As he shifts, something glistens under his jacket.

A gun.

Rigas stands and buttons his jacket. “That won’t be necessary.”

“You don’t understand. That girl is—”

“Because I’m Harmonia Tremes, and you’ll speak to me with respect,” Harmonia seethes, and I feel all the blood draining from my body.

It’s relatively late, so thankfully, apart from another table that I suspect are Rigas’s people since Milon is sitting there, the other patrons are on the other side, concealed from the scene here.

Still, I don’t think Harmonia will draw a gun. Not in plain sight.

Everything happens so fast. The man packing the gun tries to grab Harmonia by the elbow, but she evades him. Picking up the water carafe, she moves to bring it down on him, but before she’s got the chance, Rigas is at their table.

He says something in a low voice and then turns to an awestruck Harmonia. He’s still looking at her when he takes the carafe out of her hand and slowly puts it back on the table. An easy grin lurks behind his smirk.

Rigas then turns to the men, and I stop breathing altogether. I don’t hear what he says, but it’s undoubtedly a one-sided conversation, where the two men progressively lower their eyes and keeping their mouths closed.

Moving his hand on the small of Harmonia’s back, Rigas turns to usher her away from the table. But before they leave, he turns towards the person who tried to grab her elbow, cups his nape, and slams his head on the table so hard that a few of the glasses topple over. The brute’s friend takes a step back, trying to distance himself as much as possible.

Harmonia seems shell-shocked as they come towards me. Poor girl! I rush to her as Rigas helps her sit on my vacated seat. He pours her a glass of water and leans to her.

“Are you all right?” I ask, taking her hand.

Harmonia nods without taking her eyes from Rigas. He sits down next to her, and he seems to be studying her like she’s the most peculiar creature.

Someone clears his voice, and we turn as my bartender comes to us. “Do I need to call a doctor or someone else, sir?”

That’s odd. Why does he address Rigas when I’m standing right here?

“No, Peri, that won’t be necessary. Harmonia is just shocked, isn’t that right?”

“I wasn’t hurt,” she says with a nod.

“That’s good news,” he says and takes out his wallet. “You’ll have to excuse me. Something just came up that requires my immediate attention,” he states, eyeing Fanaris’s men.

I don’t know how high his bill is, but what he’s leaving on the table is at least double tonight’s earnings.

“No, please. You prevented something despicable, and for that, I’m grateful. Harmonia is more important.”

“Indeed. She is with the Lords,” he says deep in thought. “Be that as it may, thank you for your offer to cover our bill, but I’m not in the habit of being compensated for actions I feel strongly about.”

That man is intense. He seems to be laying everything down, plain and simple, but I feel every word out of his mouth to mean infinitely more than he lets on.

“Harmonia, please stay safe.”

“I will, sir,” she promises as she stands up, having somewhat recovered.

Rigas extends his hand. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Vamou.”

“Me too, Mr. Pechlivanos.”

“Peri, give my regards to your mother.”

“I will, Godfather.”