Harley's Achilles (The Rock Series Book 3) (8 page)

~*~

Morning came all too soon. Achilles had us packed and ready for the airport. The band’s Gulfstream jet was waiting for us as we entered the airport. Achilles and I walked out onto the tarmac and he seemed to flinch as the doors to the jet opened. We climbed up the stairs and got settled into the plush couches in the main cabin. Achilles fastened his seat belt and stared at his hands as the jet began to turn around and head for the runway.

“Achilles?” I sat forward.

“Yes?”

“Are you okay?”

“I thought you were going to take your pills?”

“I will, as soon as we get up in the air and I get a drink. What’s wrong?”

“We have a little more in common than you thought.”

“Oh?”

“I hate crashing, too.”

I lifted my hand to my mouth to cover my grin. I took Achilles’ hand in mine and forced him to look up at me. “Why didn’t you say anything when I told you?”

“Because then you’d think I was only saying it to placate you.”

“That’s true. Are you going to be okay?”

“Could I…color while you sleep?”

“Sure.” I reached into my bag and dragged out my coloring books and crayons. Achilles took them with a shaky hand as the jet’s nose lifted and we were airborne. I squashed the feeling of sickness I got at takeoff and concentrated on trying to make Achilles more comfortable.

“I could stay awake? We could color together, if you want?”

“I don’t want you to stress out, you’ve had enough stress in your life already without adding me and my phobias.”

“How ʼbout we color for a bit and then I’ll take my pills. Sound good?”

“Okay, sure.” Achilles nodded.

I noticed he looked a little green. “I don’t think I remember you looking like this on our tour in Europe.”

“Because you were crashed out and I was in front with Axel,” Achilles pointed out.

“Ah.” I nodded. “Okay, well, let’s get you set up with a book. Which one?” I held up two coloring books, one with a jungle theme and another with different breeds of dogs.

“The jungle one.”

“Jungle one it is.” I placed the box of crayons down on the table in front of us and began tracing along the inner line of my picture.

“Hey, Harley?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for this. I’m supposed to be the strong one watching out for you, but sometimes it feels like it’s the other way around.”

“I like to think we watch out for each other.” I winked at him.

Achilles smiled and ducked his head, working on his coloring book. I couldn’t help but notice the way he bit his bottom lip in concentration. It was so cute. He had long, slender fingers, but they held a plethora of scars, which only made his hands sexier. We ended up seated side-by-side, coloring and chatting about Greece and what Achilles loved about it. The food seemed to be number one on his list. I yawned and stretched my arms out. I hadn’t even taken a pill and I was sleepy. My eyelids drooped and a goofy smile split my lips as I watched Achilles coloring like a madman.

“Get some rest, Harley,” Achilles said from far away.

I closed my eyes and that was it.

~*~

I woke up some time later with my head on Achilles’ shoulder. He was sleeping with a crayon in his hand. I removed it slowly and placed it back in the box. He looked at peace just then, and I didn’t want to wake him. I peeked out the window. A full moon was out and we were flying above the clouds. Everything seemed so peaceful up here, with the stars twinkling in the night. I pressed my hand to the window and thought about Holden. I knew he was up there, hopefully hanging out with his friends who had died. I wondered if Achilles ever looked at the night sky and thought the same way I did.

Achilles stirred in his sleep and I took that time to study him. His hands were twice the size of mine, and his shoulders were broad. He had long legs and a narrow waist, but his chest, even clothed, was impressive. I loved his ink. I peered closer at a tattoo on his inner wrist. It was a sword with the word Thanatos inked underneath it. I really needed to check into Greek mythology. I was so involved in checking out his tattoo, I hadn’t realized he’d woken up.

“Hey,” Achilles said sleepily.

“Hi. I guess we were both tired, huh?”

“Yeah, I’m going to go up front and see how much longer the flight is. Are you thirsty?”

“I am actually, and hungry.”

“Well, looks like we’ll have food in a second.” Achilles pointed to the flight attendant coming our way. “Be right back.”

Achilles walked towards the cockpit and I smiled at the woman who was carrying drinks.

“Hey, Grace. Sorry to drag you last minute.” When Axel had come on as our security, he hired the attendants for our jet. Turned out Grace was a good friend of Mac’s wife, Christy.

“Are you kidding me? I love Greece!” she practically squealed. “When Christy asked if I wanted to work on a private jet versus commercial, I thought she was shitting me.”

“Well, the guys love you, so you’ll always have a job.” I smiled as she handed me a soda.

“So, you and Achilles, eh?” Grace gave me a wicked grin.

“Oh no, nothing like that. He’s just my bodyguard.”

“Did someone tell him that?” Grace giggled.

“What does that mean?”

Achilles’ return from the cockpit interrupted us. He looked from me to Grace, and then back.

“Should I come back?” he asked.

“Um, no. Why?” I stood up and motioned for him to sit down. “I’ll be back. I have to hit the head.”

“Okay. Pilot says we’ve got eight more hours.”

“Ugh.” I trudged off to the bathroom.

We ate, then ended up playing cards and watching a movie. Before I knew it, we were touching down in Athens. The sun was just rising as we exited the airport. A tall man in a suit was holding a sign that said “Castellanos” and Achilles headed his way.

“Titus!” Achilles called out.

The older gentleman’s face broke out into a smile as he spotted Achilles. They hugged and I stood off to the side, nervously looking around.

“Titus, this is Harley Payne. Harley, this is Titus. He’s been with my family for years.”

The man pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheeks. I was a bit startled by it all, but I felt immediately at home. We ended up in a stretch limo and Achilles sat across from me, staring out the window.

“So, where do your parents live?” I asked.

“On the Island of Aegina. The Temple of Aphaia is there. I’ll take you if you want.”

“An island? Meaning we’re going to get on a boat?”

“Well, we could swim there, but the water is pretty frigid right now.” Achilles chuckled.

“Funny.” I stared at him.

“Do you get sea sick?”

“No, I’ll be okay.”

We ended up taking a hydrofoil ferry across to the island. I stood on the deck, lifting my face to the sun. It was in the lower seventies, and the crisp air brought with it the smells of the sea. I already loved it and we hadn’t even gotten to the island yet. Achilles was at the bow, watching the waves as we sliced through the water. I joined him and marveled at the amount of fishing boats on the water.

“What is that?” I pointed ahead of us.

“That’s the temple of Apollo. I can take you there, too.”

“Wow, that’s so awesome that you live so close to temples.”

“See that over there? That’s ancient Aegina. Aegina was said to be named after the nymph, Aegina, daughter of the river god, Asopus. Zeus seduced her and took over the island, renaming it Oenone. Aegina gave birth to Aeacus; he was the first king of the island and grandfather to Achilles. Aeacus renamed the island Aegina for his mother.”

“Wow, you know a lot about this stuff,” I said in awe.

“I’ve spent a lot of time here.”

“Will you tell me more?”

“Of course. You really want to hear about all this boring stuff?”

“It’s not boring to me.” I smiled.

“Aegina was also the first to mint coins. I have one at my parents’ house. It has a turtle on it.”

“I look forward to seeing it,” I said sincerely.

I really was in awe of everything around me. It was boring to sit in class and look at pictures and hear the stories, but to actually be here and get to see it close up? Fantastic. Plus, I had one hell of a hot guide. I snickered and Achilles glanced over at me. I shrugged and watched the island get closer.

Once we docked, another car was waiting for us. The streets were narrow, and everywhere you looked, houses lined the beach. It was breathtakingly beautiful and I couldn’t stop staring. The car turned into a narrow drive and a white house appeared behind a mass of greenery. Light blue shutters were open, as were the windows, allowing the sea breeze to gently blow the curtains.

The car came to a stop in front, and a couple emerged from the house holding hands. I could see immediately where Achilles got his looks. The woman was absolutely beautiful, with blonde hair that flowed over her shoulders. The man at her side was much taller than her; he also had blond hair and was massive. Achilles got out of the car and approached them, arms open wide.

“Achilles!” the woman shrieked.

I exited the car and held back a bit, not sure what I was supposed to do. Achilles turned to me and held out a hand.

“Mama, Papa, this is Harley.”

I slipped my hand into his and he pulled me forward. The woman held my face in her hands, looking at me with a smile. “I am Callidora, but you may call me Calli. This is my husband, Krios. We are so happy to have you, Harley.”

“Thank you. I’m very happy to be here. It’s so beautiful.”

“Well, come inside. We’ve made lunch for you.” Calli gestured to the house.

“Let me help Titus get the luggage, Mama.” Achilles turned back to the car and I followed him like a lost puppy. I grabbed one of my bags and Achilles grabbed most of the others. Titus placed his hands on his hips and glared at Achilles.

“I am not so old, Achilles,” he argued.

“Oh, I know. I just want you to rest up before I kick your butt in video games.” Achilles winked.

“I have been practicing.” Titus grinned. “Maybe Harley can beat you.”

“What game are we talking about?” I asked.

“You’ll see.”

I followed them back up the walk and into the house. I almost gasped out loud at the vision in front of me. Marble floors led in all directions and a giant crystal chandelier hung in the front foyer. A small, round table was beneath it, displaying a large vase overflowing with exotic flowers. Everywhere on the walls were paintings and pictures from all eras. A staircase was right in front of me and it wound up and around to the second floor. These people had money. And a lot of it.

“Follow me, Harley.” Achilles seemed to notice the way I was looking around and smiled. “You have questions?”

“So many.” I nodded.

“Come on.” Achilles laughed.

Achilles

I showed Harley his room. He seemed to stand in the middle of it for a very long time before he spoke. I knew my parents’ house was a lot to take in, but they had never really overdone it in my opinion. The house was tasteful, beautifully decorated and in prime condition

“This is…wow,” Harley said slowly. “The house is made of stone on the outside?”

“Traditional stone, yes. There are two verandas, one with a panoramic view, and a courtyard below us with flowers. There’s a path to the beach I can show you later. Are you hungry? My mom made food.”

“I could eat.” Harley rummaged through his bag and pulled out some clothes. “Can I get cleaned up a little? I can meet you down there.”

“Sure. I’ll just,” I thumbed behind me. “Be down there.”

I took the stairs back down and headed for the kitchen. My mother was at the stove and my father was seated at the table. I could smell the lamb cooking and peeked into the pot. I inhaled and licked my lips.

“I missed this.” I wrapped my arms around my mom.

“It is so good to see you, Achilles. We have missed you.”

“I know I haven’t come around as much, and I’m sorry about that. This new job has me busy 24/7.” I turned to my father and took his hands. They were shaking a little, but not as bad as they used to, though.

“Papa, how did the surgery work? Things are better?”

My father had gone through so much already due to his Parkinson’s disease. So far, he’d had the deep brain stimulation, pallidotomy and thalamotomy, each procedure draining him. Now he was going to try the experimental one. Neurotransplantation.

“I am better. Please, tell me all about your job with the rock band.”

I sat down and took his hand, kissing it. “They are a great bunch of guys, Papa. They love each other and would do anything for each other. The guys I work with, I feel like I’m back on a team again. I feel like I have purpose.”

“Would Harley have anything to do with that?” My mother grinned at me.

“You would be angry if I told you Harley’s story.” I sighed, shaking my head.

My mother spoke in Greek and my head snapped up.

“It’s not like that. Well, at least not for him, okay?”

“Oh, Achilles. I just want you to find love.” My mother took my face in her hands. “You were broken, but you are whole now. I would very much like to see you happy with someone.”

“This is my job, okay? That’s all it is,” I protested. The last thing I needed was my mother trying to set me up with Harley. Yeah, because that would happen. Harley was straight and even though he had kissed me, I knew it was because he was drunk. A slight cough came from behind me and I turned to find Harley in the doorway. He was shifting from one foot to the other.

“Come in!” My mother dragged Harley in and sat him down at the table. “Do you like Greek food?”

“Oh yes. I had some last time we were here on tour.” Harley nodded.

“Don’t give him any ouzo, Mama.” I pointed at her and tried to look stern.

Harley snickered and I leveled a glare at him.

“You like ouzo?” my mother asked Harley.

“Well, I like what I remember of it.”

“I made baklava for dessert. Did you have any of that?” she asked.

“Um, I don’t know.” Harley bit at his bottom lip.

“Well, you will have it today.” My mother palmed his cheek.

I smiled at the look on Harley’s face. His cheeks were lightly dusted with pink as my mother planted a kiss on the top of his head. I knew he wasn’t used to the attention, since his own parents were sorely lacking in any tenderness. Hell, ANY emotion. My father chatted up Harley right away, asking him if he’d play a song while we were visiting. Harley of course agreed, which put a smile on my father’s face. I missed seeing that. With all the pain he’d gone through, he really needed some light in his life. Harley brought light to anyone he touched. As much as he felt invisible, or unloved, his mere presence lightened up any room. My father got into the story of how he met my mom and how he made his fortune.

“Here, we live off the land and the sea. I lost my parents young and then I met Callidora in the market place, shopping for her family. I fell in love with her the instant our eyes met. I was just a fisherman, not good enough for someone like her.”

“Stop it, Krios.” My mother swatted his arm playfully.

“I decided then, if I was to woo her, I would need to have something to give her. It was then that I designed an idea for a shoe that fishermen could wear. It could be worn in the water and have grip on the bottom to stop them from slipping on the rocks. It grew from there. I designed pants, shirts, jackets, and now we sell them all over in the fishing industry.”

“Yes, he has made quite the fortune.” My mother nodded in agreement. “We moved to New York and sold his line there as well. Then we had Achilles. When my parents were killed, we came home to run their restaurant. Now we hire people to keep it running.”

“Wow.” Harley was awestruck. “That’s pretty impressive.”

“Achilles joined the Army and we have stayed here in the house Krios grew up in. Over the years, we have added to it, but when we are gone, it will belong to Achilles.” My mother caressed my cheek.

“And I will keep it in the family,” I vowed.

“Well, I love it here already. It’s so gorgeous and you can hear and smell the sea,” Harley marveled.

“Let us get you fed, eh?” My mother mussed my hair. “Maybe you can take Harley for a walk along the beach after dinner?”

I narrowed my gaze at my mother. She was still going to try to hook me up whether I wanted it or not. Looking at Harley, I definitely wanted it, but I knew he didn’t want me like that. No matter what his past behavior had shown. I’d never seen him with a man, only women.

Harley ate like a man possessed. He had seconds of lamb and potatoes, and three helpings of baklava. I kept him away from the ouzo and made sure he had plenty of water. We helped my mother clean up and my father bid us goodnight. I kissed his cheek and hugged him.

“No matter what you think, Achilles, that man cares for you,” he murmured in my ear.

I squeezed him tight and gave him a smile as he headed up the stairs. Harley appeared beside me and looked up at me with wonder.

“What?” I asked.

“You look so much like him. Even his eyes.”

“Thank you. You look really tired,” I observed.

“I really am. Rain check on the walk?”

“Sure. Sleep well, Harley.”

I watched him walk up the stairs. I glanced to my side to see my mother staring after Harley. She came over next to me and took my hand.

“He is in pain.”

“Yeah, Mama, he really is.”

“Tell me.”

My mother and I went out onto the veranda on the back side of the house. We had a view of Apollo’s temple and a beautiful full moon. I didn’t even know where to start when it came to Harley.

“He has lost someone close to him,” my mother guessed, breaking the silence.

“Yes. His brother. I wish that was the only thing that was hurting him right now.”

I told my mother the whole story ─ well, what all I knew. She listened intently, never interrupting, but I could see the anger flare in her eyes. I never wanted for affection when I was younger. My parents acted as if I was a gift from the gods. I wrapped up the story and waited for her to speak.

“I will take him with me in the morning,” she announced.

“What? Where?”

“Don’t worry.” My mother grinned knowingly. “I will bring him back to you.”

“Mama,” I sighed in frustration. “Stop trying to set me up. Harley does not think of me in that way.”

“Look at you. You are strong, kind, caring, and beautiful! What man wouldn’t want you? What woman, for that matter?”

“You’re biased.” I pointed at her.

“Go look in the mirror, Achilles. We named you properly. Maybe Harley is your lobster?”

“What?”

“Oh yes! I watched a TV show a while back and they talked about how lobsters mated for life.”

I laughed. “Goodnight, Mama.”

She kissed my cheeks and stared into my eyes. “It is time for you to love again, Achilles. I believe you and Harley need each other.”

“The only thing I can be to him is a friend.” I put my hand up to stop my mother’s next words. “He doesn’t feel that way about me, okay? Stop trying to make it happen. I love you.” I hugged her and headed up the stairs.

I passed by Harley’s room and saw him in bed with an e-reader. I knocked and he looked up.

“Hey.” Harley smiled.

“Couldn’t sleep?” I asked.

“I wanted to finish this chapter. Jayden turned me onto these books about assassin werewolves.”

I cocked a brow and Harley laughed. “I know, I had the same look.”

“Well, goodnight, Harley.”

“Night.”

I closed his door and headed to my room. My parents had kept it the same ─ my sport trophies lined one shelf of my built-in bookcase. I thumbed through some of my old books and stared at the white envelope sitting between my two Greek history books. I shook my head and got in the shower, washing off the trip. I fell into bed and stared at the ceiling. The sea breeze blew through the window and I exhaled slowly, letting the sounds of the sea lull me to sleep.

~*~

I woke up to the sounds of boats heading out for another day of fishing. I dressed and headed downstairs. I passed Harley’s room, but it was empty. I found my father in the kitchen with a cup of coffee. He smiled as I walked in.

“Achilles. Did you sleep well?”

“I did.” I poured a cup and joined him.

He always told me that money could buy many things, but it could never buy happiness, or life. I found it ironic that as much money as he had, the Parkinson’s was taking its toll. There was only so much that could be done. I knew he was a fighter, because I got my fighting spirit from him.

“Harley is with your mother at the restaurant.” My father grinned. “She is teaching him to make baklava.”

“She better not let him drink.” I snorted.

“Your mother explained everything to me about Harley. I am saddened to hear his parents are the way they are.”

“I almost got into it with his father the night of the accident, Papa. I wanted to hurt him. I haven’t felt that way since…” I swallowed hard. I would never forget the pain of that day. I’d wanted to die, but something kept me breathing.

“You have feelings for the boy.” My father eyed me carefully.

“He’s not a boy, Papa. He’s older than me.”

“Really? He looks so young.” My father’s brows creased. “He is still a boy to me.”

“Yes, because you’re ancient.” I chuckled. I got a swat to my bicep and laughed even harder.

“Would you take me for a walk on the beach?” my father asked.

“Sure.” I stood up and helped my father to stand.

We walked along the white sand beach, watching the water break along the rocks. It was beautiful, a lapis lazuli shade along the sand, and deep blue farther out. I loved coming home, it centered me in a way. I held my father’s hand as we walked along, both of us just taking in the scenery before us.

“People should stop more often and enjoy what life has to offer,” my father said, out of the blue. “I believe you are ready to move on, Achilles, and I believe Harley is the one for you.”

“Well, if you could make him gay, that’d be great,” I groused.

“I believe Harley does have feelings for you. I have seen the way he looks at you. Your mother has noticed as well.”

“As much as I would like to believe that, I can’t. I’ve been with them on their tours. Harley sleeps with women, Papa. He will never look at me in a romantic way.”

“Why is it that the youth of today think they know better than us?” My father stopped and turned me to face him. “You have grieved for the loss of your love. It is time to open your heart again, Achilles. You have much to offer.”

“You don’t think I have deep feelings for Harley? You don’t think it kills me to see him with women? Well, it does, Papa. It hurts like you wouldn’t believe, but my job is to make sure he’s not alone. My job is to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself. The second I laid eyes on him, I knew, but it doesn’t matter. My feelings are irrelevant.”

“Maybe the gods will see fit to change Harley’s mind.”

I wrapped an arm around my father and started walking again.

“Maybe.”