I’m determined to leave him behind in the US and just focus on healing and spending time with my guy, trusting the FBI to deal with Lawrence while we’re gone.
SSA Clement thinks me leaving might push Lawrence into making a hasty decision that will lead to his eventual arrest. He was supportive of Keven’s plan and has agreed to let him work from here. He’s my official FBI bodyguard while we are in Greece, and he’ll also be using his technical know-how to dig deeper into Lawrence’s world. To hopefully find something they can use to put the bastard away.
While it’s hard for me to put my faith in the authorities, because they have failed me so far, I trust Keven. And I trust Keanu.
And leaving the US was the right decision.
So, I toss all thoughts of that monster from my mind. Because he’s not ruining this experience for me. For us. I’m going to make the most of my time while we’re here.
We’re both able to watch videos of the classes we miss, and we can submit assignments digitally, so schoolwork should only take up a few hours a day, leaving us plenty of time for fun.
“Wow,” Cheryl exclaims as we drive through the gated entrance to the property a short while later.
We climb out of the car, gawking at the beautiful villa in front of us.
Situated on the cliffs of Oia, it occupies a coveted position on the edge of the caldera, and it’s not that far to the historic town. The capital city, ferry, and airport are all in proximity, should we need to make a fast exit. This place offers us privacy while still being accessible, so it ticked all the boxes.
Oia is the most historic town on the island, and this property was built on the grounds of a former captain’s house. It was owned by a wealthy shipowner back in the day. The current owners have expanded and modernized the house, and it is simply stunning.
The one-story whitewashed villa is set on an expansive plot. It has five en suite bedrooms, four reception rooms, including a home theater, and an abundance of outdoor space. It offers sensational views of the caldera, the volcano, and the Aegean Sea.
“C’mon.” Cheryl takes my hand. “Let’s investigate.” We all but skip around the side of the house, slamming to a halt at the spectacular view awaiting us.
“Oh my God. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.” My heart is in my throat as we walk toward the massive infinity pool disappearing over the edge of the cliff.
Gray slate tiles cover the entire outside space, and there are multiple seated areas. On the far left, in a little alcove, is a long dining table and chairs with a full bar at the back. Over on the other side is a separate section with outdoor beds covered with flimsy white drapes and a covered seating area resplendent with potted plants and patio heaters. Another bar completes this space, and I’m already imagining nights out here, cuddling with Keanu under the peaceful starry night sky.
“I thought I was used to the Kennedy opulence, but this place is something else,” Cheryl says, as we stand side by side staring at the breathtaking view. The sea is placid today, barely a ripple in the water. A couple of boats linger in the distance, and I wonder if that might be something we can do while we’re here.
“Hey.” Keanu pokes his head out a window at the back of the house. “Come inside. It’s every bit as impressive as the exterior.”
We walk inside, our mouths trailing the ground at the pristine white walls and matching white furniture. The only color in the space is the gray and blue accents used for fittings and furnishings.
“Our bedroom is this way,” Keanu says, appearing from a hallway and taking my hand. “Yours is on the other side, Cher bear.” He jabs his finger in the opposite direction.
“Cool.” She gives me a quick hug. “I’ll just unpack, and maybe, we can head to the store then.”
“No need,” Keanu says. “The housekeeper already stocked up. I emailed her a list. We’re good.”
Cheryl ruffles his hair. “You’re so organized. And so thoughtful.”
“He really is,” I agree.
Keanu shrugs, but I can tell he’s happy with the compliment. We separate, leaving Cheryl to catch up with Keven while Keanu shows me the huge open-plan kitchen and living room, home theater, small gym, and dining room.
“What do you think?” he asks, opening the door to our bedroom. It’s not the biggest bedroom I’ve seen, but it’s perfect. The king-sized bed is dressed in crisp white linens, and there is a large en suite off to one side and a walk-in closet on the other. But it’s the area outside the double glass doors I’m most interested in.
“I love it,” I exclaim, stepping outside, my mouth hanging open again. We have our own private plunge pool, a Jacuzzi and two loungers. “This feels like a dream!” I whirl around, falling into his arms. “I’m so happy we’re here.”
“Me too,” he agrees, pressing his velvety soft lips to mine. “And I promise you’re safe. The guys are working shifts. Three on daytime. Three on nighttime. They will sleep in the small gatehouse we passed at the entrance. Those on night duty will guard the house and the entrance gate, and Kev and I have guns too. Cheryl also knows how to shoot. So, you are well protected.”
“Thank you. I love you.” I kiss him for a few minutes before pulling away. “I promised Mom I’d FaceTime her. She wants to see the place.” I check my watch, mentally calculating the time difference, happy I can catch her just before she leaves for work.
* * *
The next coupleweeks fly by, and we settle into a comfortable routine. We get up early, attending to classwork by lunchtime, so we have the afternoon free to explore the island. Cheryl takes off most afternoons to photograph different places, and we usually tag along. She’s been teaching me how to use her camera, and her enthusiasm is rubbing off on me. I’m seriously considering getting my own camera.
At night, we either eat out at one of the local restaurants or cook on the outside grill. But we always end up outside, sipping sangria, with the pool lit up and the dark sky littered with strips of orange and violet creating a vibrant canvas overhead.
