Harbor in the Storm: The Greek Isles Series, #6

Harbor

in the Storm

A novel of

The Greek Isles Series

––––––––

Angel Sefer

Copyright 2017 Angel Sefer

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Attribution — You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor (but not in any way that suggests that they endorse you or your use of the work).

Noncommercial — You may not use this work for commercial purposes.

No Derivative Works — You may not alter, transform, or build upon this work.

––––––––

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to similarly named places or to persons living or deceased is unintentional.

Dedication

In memory of my late mother, Helen, a wonderful mother and my best friend, who will always be remembered for her love, kindness, and wisdom. She will live in my heart forever.

In memory of my late grandmother, Lili, whose unconditional love and encouragement inspired me throughout the years.

Dedicated to my beloved family in Greece and the USA for all their love, guidance, and support—especially to my wonderful husband, Bill; my loving father, Dimitris; my amazing Aunt Angie; and my adorable son Dimitris.

––––––––

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Epilogue

About the Author

Chapter One

The moment Natalie Asimakis stepped outside the sliding doors of the Atlanta airport she stopped dead in her tracks...

Is that him? Her heartbeat accelerated, and her mouth went dry.

Daniel McKenzie was standing only a few feet away, more delectable than ever. Dressed in a dark gray Armani suit that showcased his muscular body, the thirty-two-year-old attorney was speaking on his cell phone.

Natalie drew a deep breath, staring at his shiny dark brown hair, almost feeling its silky texture between her fingers. Dark sunglasses hid his amazing blue eyes, but as her gaze rested on his sensual lips, memories of fiery kisses made her go weak at the knees.

Panicking, she felt the urge to flee before he saw her but it was too late... Daniel had ended the call and was now staring at her, intensely. Even though she couldn’t see his eyes, she could sense his gaze burning into her skin.

Hello, Natalie. His deep, masculine voice made her body ripple with desire.

Hello, Daniel, she said, her voice no louder than a whisper.

You look stunning. His eyes roamed all over her body.

Thank you. You don’t look bad yourself, she replied and boy, that was a major understatement. He was drop-dead gorgeous.

Coming or leaving? he asked and removed his sunglasses.

What? she inquired confused, mesmerized by the blue ocean of his gaze.

I said, are you coming or leaving? he repeated, his lips parting in a sexy smile.

I hope I’m not drooling, she thought, furious with her body’s reaction to his mere presence. Coming, she managed. I just got back from Ford Lauderdale.

Gone to see your aunt?

Yes, she replied. What about you?

I just got back from Chicago, he replied as a black limo pulled up next to them.

Daniel opened the back door and turned to Natalie while the driver put his suitcase in the trunk. Do you need a ride?

Well... Yes, I do, she admitted as anger for her unreliable husband washed over her. Where the hell was he? He was supposed to pick her up hours ago.

She gave the driver her suitcase and climbed into the luxury car, blissfully sinking into the soft leather seat. Daniel followed her inside. As soon as the door closed, his aftershave and manly scent tickled her nostrils like an aphrodisiac. Natalie drew a deep breath as forbidden images of passionate love making flashed before her eyes, making her body tingle.

I don’t want to put you out of your way, she mumbled.

Natalie, relax, he urged her, tenderly pushing an unruly curl away from her face. You don’t put me out of my way... And even if you did, I wouldn't mind.

Unable to bear the heat of his gaze, she glanced out the window as the limo took off.

I live at—

I know where you live, he cut her off and gave the driver her address.

Natalie stared at him surprised. So he kept track of her all those years. And she thought she was the only one keeping up with his life... Only the business side of it, however, since the personal side of his life would be too painful to endure.

Not knowing what to say, she kept quiet, staring out the window as the limo flew down the highway. Daniel remained silent as well, but Natalie could feel his gaze fastened on her intensely.

So, how have you been? she asked a few minutes later, unable to bear the silence any longer.

Fine, he replied, flatly. How about you?

I’m okay, she lied and immediately tried to make up for the lack of enthusiasm in her voice. I’m happy with my job. It’s going great.

I’m glad to hear that, he said. "How about your personal life?"

Now, that was the hard part. How could Natalie explain to him that her marriage to James Cassidy was a grave mistake, and she regretted it every single day? Then again, lying about been happy wasn’t that easy—especially, when talking to Daniel who knew her better than she knew herself.

Why on earth did I ever give him up? she wondered and dared a glance toward him. Big mistake... His mesmerizing gaze captivated her, and Natalie swallowed hard unable to talk.

Why? he asked.

Why what? she inquired, even though, she knew exactly what he was asking. He wanted to know why after two years of a passionate relationship, she dumped him as soon as she went to UCLA to study Business Economics. The nerve of him to ask why since he was the one fooling around with his secretary, Monica.

Daniel remained silent, obviously knowing that he didn’t have to clarify what he meant.

How is Monica? Natalie asked instead of answering his question.

Monica? His handsome face seemed puzzled.

Your secretary turned wife, Monica.

The shock in his eyes was almost genuine. Damn, he’s good at lying.

I have no idea how Monica is doing since she’s not working for me anymore. And what do you mean my wife?

You got divorced?

Divorced? I never got married, he burst out. Whatever gave you that stupid idea?

Natalie’s breath caught in her throat. What the hell was he talking about? Wasn’t that Monica who picked up the phone at his house that fatal night and asked Natalie to stay away from her husband?

Tormenting memories of that night came crashing down on her, and she lowered her eyes to her hands clasped together on her lap. I’m sorry, I don’t understand, she murmured, feeling a lump in her throat.

Daniel reached over and cupped her chin, making her turn to face him. What are you talking about? he insisted. Whatever gave you the idea that I was married to Monica?

She did.

Monica? How? When?

"About a month after I left for California... Having forgotten the time difference, I called you in the middle of the night, and she answered your phone."

Monica answered the phone at my house? I don’t understand.

Yes, Natalie insisted as bottled-up feelings of hurt and anger emerged to the surface. On the night of October 20th, seven years ago, she burst out, and as soon as she said it, she bit her lower lip. Now he knew how heartbroken she was as the exact date had burned itself indelibly into her mind.

Daniel stared at her, intensely. "You remember the exact date?"

Yes, Natalie admitted as embarrassment heated her face.

Let’s see, October 20th, seven years ago... Oh, yes. That was when I was away to Las Vegas at that convention I’d told you about.

Convention? she asked confused.

Yes, the attorney convention taking place from October 20th to the 24th. Don’t you remember? I’d told you about it before you left for LA?

Yes, you had, she admitted, feeling the earth shaking beneath her feet. Could it be true that Monica had lied? Then again, she answered the phone at his house in the middle of the night. What the hell was Monica doing at your place at three o’clock in the morning?

I have no idea, he replied puzzled. I kept an extra set of my house and car keys in the safe at my office. But I can’t believe she would use them to get into my place while I was out of town.

Well, she was there all right, and she answered your phone.

I must admit that I’m shocked. I knew Monica had a crush on me, and when things started getting out of control, I had to fire her. But it never crossed my mind that she might have broken into my house.

Natalie was left speechless, trying to comprehend everything she’d just heard. Was it possible that Monica had fooled her to make her stay away? How stupid could I be? she wondered, her temper rising. That phone call had changed her entire life. After moping about his betrayal for a whole year, she met James and fell right into his arms and an unhappy marriage.

A deafening silence stretched inside the car for a few minutes as both of them were at a loss for words.

Here we are, sir. The driver’s voice brought Natalie back to reality.

She glanced outside and saw that the limo had stopped in front of her apartment building. Devastated and confused, she opened the door to get out before Daniel, or the driver had a chance to get it for her.

As Daniel walked around the car and stood in front of her, she raised her face to stare into his adoring eyes. What can I say now? What else is there left for us to say besides the fact that I’m the biggest fool anyone could ever be?

The driver took her baggage out of the trunk and set it on the pavement.

I’ll get that, Daniel said and picked up her suitcase before she had a chance to reach for it.

You don’t have to do that, she protested. I can manage from here.

I’ll escort you upstairs, Natalie, he said, seeming unwilling to take no for an answer.

Thank you, she replied, all numb inside.

Walking up the front steps, she searched her purse for her keys. Daniel’s gaze on her back didn’t make things any easier.

Natalie opened the front door to the building and walked into the elegant lobby. Daniel followed her to the elevator and remained silent as they rode up to the third floor. The doors opened to a wide hallway with burgundy carpet and two doors on each side.

Absentminded, Natalie walked to her apartment door—the last one on the left—and fumble with the lock to open it. On the third try, Daniel took the keys from her hand and opened the door.

They walked inside, and Natalie dropped her purse on the polished, white counter separating the kitchen from the living room as Daniel set her suitcase down by the front door.

This is a beautiful place, he said, letting his gaze roam around the spacious living room. Ceiling to floor windows provided a magnificent view of well-maintained gardens and a kidney-shaped swimming pool. The floor was covered with cream-colored carpet, so thick it muted any sound. A cream-colored couch with chocolate pillows and two armchairs furnished the living room while a beautiful fireplace took up the entire wall to the right. On the left, adjacent to the living room, was a fully equipped kitchen with cream and white tiles and polished, oak wood cabinets.

Yes, it is, Natalie replied, feeling a little awkward having Daniel in there. His presence seemed to fill the entire place and make her spacious apartment seem cramped. Come in, she added, seeing him hesitating at the door. I hope James is not here, she thought, even though dead silence stretched inside the apartment. The place was tidy and clean as she had left it—clear indication that her messy husband wasn’t home and hadn’t been since she left for Florida, five days ago. Where the hell is he?

Maybe, I should be going. Daniel’s voice drew her from her thoughts.

She turned to glance at him.

Okay, Natalie agreed, unwillingly. After the startling revolution