My father nodded in agreement. “You saved my son’s life,” he said, his accented English carrying the weight of sincerity. “You’re welcomed to stay here for as long as you like.”
“Thank you all very much.” Tia’s eyes were bright with unshed tears, making me inexplicably want to pull her into my arms. “I promise to be out of your hair as soon as possible.”
“Let’s go retrieve your belongings,” I offered immediately, seizing the opportunity to make amends.
We made our way outside, through corridors of marble and ancient mosaics. The sun greeted us with blinding intensity, forcing me to shield my eyes as we approached the sleek black SUV sitting idle in the driveway.
We climbed in and I started the engine. The drive passed in silence, the quiet between us neither comfortable nor uncomfortable.
When we drew up to the ornate wrought-iron gates of Katalina’s family residence, I rolled down my window and motioned to the security officer in the booth.
The man approached with slow steps. I leaned out, speaking in Greek while the guard’s face remained impassive. He informed me the family left early that morning and wouldn’t be in residence for a month.
I settled back into my seat, turning to relay the information to Tia who struggled to quell her panic.
“Can I at least be allowed in to collect my things?” she asked.
I passed this to the guard, who shook his head. He wouldn’t let strangers in his boss’ home without their permission, which was understandable. But it didn’t make the situation any less infuriating.
“Everything I own is in there. My purse, my passport, my cards—like, I can’t even call an Uber.” She began gnawing on her lower lip again, the skin reddening under the assault.
I felt a flash of irritation at Katalina, who’d clearly left strict instructions with the guards. How she must be gloating at the discomfort she was causing her friend.
This was bullshit. But I knew from experience that pressing the staff wouldn’t do any good. They’d never risk their jobs.
I reversed the SUV from the driveway, glancing at Tia’s worried expression. After parking under a massive tree that partially obscured us from the security cameras, I unbuckled my seatbelt.
“There’s a way to get your things,” I said, studying the high stone wall surrounding the property.
Tia followed my gaze. “What are you thinking?”
“See that large oak branch hanging over the wall?” I pointed to where a tree limb stretched across the barrier. “I scaled it many times as a teenager. The guest room windows are usually unlocked.”
Her eyes widened. “You want to break in?”
“It’s not breaking in if we’re retrieving your belongings,” I shrugged. “Besides, I know the security blind spots like the back of my hand.”
“Are you insane?” she whispered, grabbing my arm as I reached for the door handle. “That’s trespassing!”
“Only if we get caught.” I flashed her my most confident smile. “And I never get caught.”
She shook her head firmly. “No. Absolutely not. I can’t let you do that.”
“Aggelé mou,” I leaned closer, “your passport and phone are in there.”
“I get that,” she said and slumped back against the leather seat. “But I’m not trying to end up on a ‘Locked Up Abroad’ episode. I’m good.”
I hadn’t considered how different this might look for her compared to me, with my family name and connections.
“We’ll figure out another way,” she said, softer now, her hand briefly touching mine. “Your family’s already helping me more than I expected.”
The way she looked at me twisted something inside. I’d always been the act now, deal with fallout later guy. Her cautious approach was unfamiliar territory.
“You’re right,” I admitted. “It was a stupid idea.”
Tia’s lips curved up in a grin. “I’m shocked you think so,” she said, her voice soft and playful.
“Want to know something not shocking, aggelé mou?”
