Echoes of the Past: Flames of Destiny, #2

By Angel Sefer

In Echoes of the Past, strands of a past life intertwine with the present in a haunting and captivating story of love, betrayal, and murder on the Greek island of Lefkada.

 

Lefkada, Greece, seventy-five years earlier

The sweet love of Thomas Zafiriou and Lena Parkopoulos came to a dreadful end. Eighteen-year-old Lena—heiress of a vast fortune—was murdered. Unable to let go, Thomas became a monk and died a few years later.

 

Lefkada, Greece, present day

An assignment brings Evelyn Parks from Atlanta, Georgia, to Lefkada—a forbidden for her island since scorching dreams of an irresistible stranger and sessions with a therapist have revealed her distant past as her great-aunt, Lena Parkopoulos.

 

Evelyn's arrival on the island shakes famous author Anthony Filippou to the core and awakens echoes of the past—his distant past as Thomas Zafiriou.

 

Strands of the past life they shared intertwine with the present, drawing the couple deeper into a rollercoaster ride of danger, distrust, and heartbreaking misunderstandings. Evelyn must conceal her identity at all costs, and Anthony must protect some dark family secrets. Will the compelling force that draws them together be enough to face the evil guarding in the dark? And will their eternal love prevail?

 

Echoes of the Past is a reincarnation romance story cloaked in mystery and suspense. The action unfolds on the Greek Island of Lefkada—a paradise on earth, in the aquamarine waters of the Ionian Sea.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Panagiota Kalofolia
• Release date: May 14, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223466239

Angel Sefer

Multiple award-winning, bestselling author Angel Sefer was born in Athens, Greece and has studied and worked on both sides of the Atlantic. She holds a degree in Economics and divides her time between the corporate world and her true passion: writing mystery, thriller, and suspense romances where passion flares and danger lurks around every corner. Angel lives in Athens, Greece, with the two loves of her life—her son and her husband—and is a member of several writers groups. The Greek islands—alluring destinations that cast a spell on the visitor from the very first moment—are among her favorite settings. She has written a series of standalone mystery romance novels—The Greek Isles Series—each taking place on a different island. In this series, dark mysteries mingle with sizzling romances while the exquisite beauty of the enchanting Greek Islands will steal the reader’s heart away. Angel has also started a new collection of novellas full of passion, danger, and intrigue—The Alluring Love Collection.

Book preview

Chapter One

A scream escaped Evelyn’s lips as she wrenched the wheel violently to the right. The car fishtailed and skidded off the road. Her heart lurched, and dread washed over her as the vehicle veered out of control toward the edge of the cliff.

As the vast blue of the sea filled her vision, her hands tightened like a vice around the steering wheel, and Evelyn slammed on the brakes. The car came to an abrupt stop, and she felt pushed up against the seat belt. Shaking like a leaf, she sat there clutching the wheel with both hands, taking deep breaths.

What the hell was that? With her heart hammering in her chest, she checked the rearview mirror. It had to be an animal, she reasoned with herself, convinced that her mind was playing games with her again.

Ever since she’d stepped foot on the Greek island of Lefkada, those old nightmares started again. Evelyn had gone through years of therapy with Dr. Anna Jones—a prominent psychologist in Atlanta and mother of Evelyn’s best friend, Kathy—trying to get rid of those tormenting dreams.

But ever since her boss, Mark Dawson—Managing Director of the Phoenix Corporation—gave her the Lunar Estate assignment, and she had to fly to Greece, Evelyn had been on edge. And since her first night on Lefkada, the delicate figure of the young girl with the white dress and the long chocolate brown hair started invading her dreams again.

And it was that same girl Evelyn had seen a few moments ago in the middle of the winding mountain road as she came around a sharp curve.

Shaken to the core, she kept drawing deep breaths. Her hands—still holding onto the steering wheel—were shaking badly. Whatever it was, I missed it, she reassured herself. She would hate to have hit an animal with the car. But it wasn’t an animal! A voice echoed in her mind.

Evelyn unbuckled her seat belt and rested her head against her hands, closing her eyes. No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that she imagined things, deep down inside, Evelyn was sure she’d got a glimpse of a girl standing in the middle of the road. And not just any girl...but the one she’d been dreaming about all her life—a tall, skinny one with long wavy hair and large hazel eyes like Evelyn’s. And those dreams would always leave Evelyn with an eerie feeling. Because staring into that girl’s eyes, it was as if she was staring at herself in the mirror.

Are you alright? A deep manly voice said in Greek.

Her head shot up. What? she snapped in English and looked up. A tall, dark stranger was standing next to the driver’s door of her car. He had thick raven hair, a handsome face with dark sunglasses shielding his eyes, and a tanned, muscular body that any athlete would envy.

Her heart leaped into her throat as her car window was rolled all the way down. So, Evelyn felt vulnerable with someone standing next to her car in the middle of nowhere—no matter how intriguing and incredibly sexy he looked.

The man placed his hand on the roof of her car and leaned closer. Are you hurt? Do you want me to call an ambulance? he asked in perfect English, slightly tinged with a Greek accent.

I’m okay, she muttered, fighting back a rising panic. What should I do? Start the car and drive away? Then again, if the stranger meant any harm, he could have grabbed her while she was leaning against the steering wheel. Don’t get paranoid. He’s just a guy who witnessed a car accident and wants to help.

As Evelyn reached for the car door handle, the man took a step back. Opening the door, she sighed and climbed out of the rented Honda CR-V. Keeping a wary eye on the stranger, she leaned against the pearl white SUV and took some deep breaths, letting them out slowly.

Easy, Hercules, the man said, catching Evelyn off guard.

Her gaze shifted from the man to the German Shepherd that appeared out of nowhere and approached them. The furry giant didn’t seem hostile, so on an impulse, Evelyn reached over and caressed the top of his head.

The man gasped. I can’t believe it, he said. "I’ve never seen him acting like this with anyone before. Hercules is not aggressive, but he’s not friendly, either. And he doesn’t allow anyone to pet him except me."

I love dogs, Evelyn said.

A lot of people love dogs, but they are cautious around Hercules. It must be his size.

He’s big, alright. But when I looked into his eyes, all I could see was curiosity and concern.

The man smiled, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth. Are you a dog whisperer? he chuckled, removing his sunglasses.

No, but I’ve been around dogs all my life. And I can tell if a dog is aggressive, Evelyn replied, feeling her temper rising. Was the stranger making fun of her?

She scrutinized his face. No, she decided a moment later. His eyes—midnight blue like the color of the sea at dusk—seemed sincere. Besides, she hadn’t detected any irony in his tone of voice.

So, you also have a dog, the man assumed.

Where am I? she changed the subject as talking about her furry friend who passed away three months ago wasn’t easy. Not to mention the weird coincidence of the dog’s name; her Belgium Shepherd’s name was also Hercules.

The man paused and narrowed his eyes. Anthony Filippou, he introduced himself a moment later, extending his hand for a handshake.

Having gotten over the initial shock, Evelyn examined the man standing in front of her. Dressed in a pair of tight jeans and a white polo shirt stretching enticingly over well-built muscles, the tall, suntanned stranger was mouthwatering like a Greek God. And those amazing eyes of his hypnotized her.

And you are? His voice brought her back to reality.

Evelyn Parks, she replied, swallowing hard and forcing a smile on her face.

As his large hand enveloped her delicate one, a tingling sensation spread throughout her body. A moment later, Evelyn watched him in a daze as he lifted her hand and brought it to his lips while his captivating eyes remained locked on hers. The warmth of his kiss made her feel weak at the knees.

Unable to draw her eyes from his spellbinding gaze, Evelyn could swear he had the ability to see right through her and read her intimate thoughts. Oh, my! Embarrassed and utterly confused by the compelling force drawing her to him, she felt the urge to flee. I need to get away from him before I make a fool of myself.

Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn Parks. His masculine voice sent ripples of desire throughout her body.

Nice to meet you too, Evelyn whispered, trying to regain her posture. And all of a sudden, it dawned on her... Oh, my God, it’s him!

Anthony Filippou was the owner of the Lunar Estate and the reason she had flown six thousand miles away from home. And it seemed that coming to find him on Lefkada had awakened echoes of her past—a distant past that her sessions with Dr. Jones had revealed.

Are you sure you’re feeling alright? the captivating vision of a man inquired. You’re trembling.

Evelyn realized he was still holding her hand, and she drew it back, feeling warmth rushing to her cheeks.

What the hell is wrong with me? Evelyn, stop acting like an idiot! she reprimanded herself. It seemed that coming to the island and meeting the man who was the key to getting that promotion she was after was messing with her head. But it wasn’t only that; it was those dreams that had started over again.

I must forget about the dreams and concentrate on persuading this stubborn man to sell his property to the Phoenix Corporation. Otherwise, I can kiss my promotion goodbye, she thought. And as if this assignment wasn’t complicated enough, Anthony Filippou had turned out to be more delectable than any words could describe.

Mr. Filippou, Evelyn started, clearing her throat. I was on my way to your house when I had this accident, she added in perfect Greek.

His lips curved into a sexy smile. So, you speak Greek, he said.

Yes, she admitted. I was born and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, but my parents were Greek, she explained, avoiding to clarify that her father was from Lefkada.

And how do you know me? he asked, searching her face.

I’m the Assistant Acquisition Manager of the Phoenix Corporation, she explained and sensed him tense.

Now, he knows who I am and why I’m here. And from the looks of it, closing this deal isn’t going to be easy.

I’m impressed, he said, leaving Evelyn dumbfounded.

I’m not sure what you mean, she admitted.

This deal must be essential to your company to send an executive from the United States all the way to Greece. And not only that, but they found someone who speaks Greek like a native, he pointed out.

"Yes, Mr. Filippou. This deal is significant to my company. But the fact that I speak Greek didn’t play any role in me getting the assignment," she explained, and the moment she said it, she started having doubts. Was he right about his assumption? Did her boss pick her among the four assistants of Robert Hughes—Acquisition Manager of the Phoenix Corporation and Evelyn’s supervisor—because she was the best for the job? Or was the fact that she was fluent in Greek the main reason for her getting the assignment?

Feeling a lump in her throat, Evelyn swallowed hard. So far, she had thought that picking her for this task meant that Dawson believed she was the best candidate to replace Robert Hughes, who was due to retire in six months. And she considered the fact that she spoke Greek as a bonus. But now, Evelyn wasn’t so sure about her boss’ motives.

Well, I’m sorry that you came all this way for nothing, he said.

What do you mean? she asked cautiously.

"I mean that I’ve already made it crystal clear to your company’s attorney that I don’t intend to sell my property, he clarified, emphasizing the words crystal clear. So, you can be on your way and not waste any more time."

But you haven’t even heard my new offer—

"I don’t care about your new offer, he snapped. This is my home, and no matter how much money you offer me, I don’t want to sell it," he clarified, turned on his heel, and walked away.

Evelyn was left speechless, watching him climb the hill on the other side of the road with the grace of an athlete and the agility of a panther. For an author who probably spends endless hours typing away on his computer, he sure is in great shape.

In a daze, her glance shifted from the man to Hercules, who stood still, watching her closely. What am I supposed to do now? she whispered to the dog and heard a soft whine.

Evelyn stared into the dog’s eyes and could swear the furry giant was trying to tell her something. You’re so smart, Hercules, she said softly. Oh, how I wish you could talk.

She looked back up the hill while anger started stirring within her. Who does he think he is? He might be a world-famous author, but he has no right to treat me like that!

Mr. Filippou! she yelled after the stubborn author. "I flew six thousand miles to talk to you. The least you can do is to give me five minutes of your precious time."

The man stopped dead in his tracks, turned, and glared at her.

Oh, boy! Evelyn thought. Now, I’ve done it! She was sure that the irony in her voice had blown any chances she might have to close this deal. Kathy was right to say that my temper would get me in serious trouble one day, she admitted to herself.

Have I seen you before, Miss Parkes? the author asked, catching Evelyn off guard.

Of course not, she replied. I just came to Lefkada yesterday.

He narrowed his eyes and turned to his dog. Let’s go, Hercules, he said and resumed climbing up the hill.

That stubborn idiot! she cursed inwardly, stomping her foot on the ground. I flew halfway around the world to offer him five million dollars, and he won’t even listen to me. And what was that about having seen me before?

Five o’clock, tomorrow afternoon! the author yelled over his shoulder and disappeared behind some pine trees and colorful oleander bushes.

Evelyn was left speechless for the second time within minutes. What just happened? Did he really invite me to his house?

Chapter Two

She’s lying! Anthony thought since he’d seen Evelyn on several occasions during the last couple of months.

It was sometime in April when he first saw her. Walking Hercules on the secluded beach at the edge of his property, Anthony sensed someone watching them. The two-year-old German Shepherd glanced up the hill, and so did Anthony. And he spotted a tall, slim girl dressed in a long white dress, observing them from behind some trees.

Anthony called out to her, but she didn’t answer. He and Hercules climbed up the hill. But when they reached the spot where they had seen the girl, she was gone.

And then, a few days later, he saw her again. She was standing at the top of a rock overlooking the beach, wearing the same white dress with her long chocolate hair blowing in the wind. This time, she was close enough for Anthony to get a good look at the flawless face, the hazel eyes, and the luscious lips.

Who are you? he called out to the girl. "What are you doing here?

But she mysteriously vanished without answering his question.

The next few days, Anthony seemed obsessed with the girl, looking for her every time he went for a walk. He started dreaming about her, and even though he’d only seen her twice, she seemed to have crawled under his skin.

She’s so beautiful, he kept thinking, but who was she? And how did she get there? The whole area surrounding the beach was his property. The only way to get to his house and the beach was a private road turning off the main road leading to Agios Nikitas—a small fishing village southwest of Lefkada Town.

On both occasions that Anthony had spotted the stunning intruder, he hadn’t seen or heard any cars approaching. Did the girl get there on foot? But it was a long way to walk uphill from the main road.

His author’s vivid imagination was all fired up, and he longed to talk to the mysterious girl invading his property and his dreams. And he wasn’t just curious who she was or smitten by her looks. It was that feeling he had deep down inside that he’d known her forever.

The girl had appeared a few more times since then, but Anthony never got a chance to talk to her. And it was weird that she always wore that same white dress. She seemed more like an apparition than a real person, he kept thinking.

The last time he’d seen her watching him, he called out to her asking her name.

As the girl vanished in the woods, Anthony thought he heard the name Lena.

Is that her name? Anthony kept wondering. Did she respond to him, or was it the whisper of the wind he’d heard?

The mysterious intruder kept puzzling him, occupying every moment of his day and night until Anthony ran into her that same morning. He was walking Hercules at the top of the cliff when he saw a car driving up the private road leading to his house.

Anthony was watching the unexpected visitor when suddenly, the car swerved off the road and almost plunged off the edge.

Anthony’s heart leaped to his throat. He bolted downhill with Hercules running in front of him.

The moment he approached the car, he noticed a girl leaning on the steering wheel, motionless. The vehicle had not collided with anything and didn’t seem damaged. That was probably why the airbag did not deploy.

She probably hit her head on the wheel during the abrupt stop, Anthony thought. But why on earth did she swerve off the road like that?

While standing at the top of the rock earlier, Anthony had a good view of the whole area. Nothing was blocking her way.

No matter what, however, she was hurt, and he had to help her. But he was left speechless when she looked up and stared into his eyes. The girl in the car was the mysterious intruder stalking him for the last couple of months. Her hair seemed lighter than Lena’s, but Anthony was sure it was her. He would have recognized the beautiful face with the large hazel eyes anywhere.

Finding out that she was working for the Phoenix Corporation, anger flooded his veins. Since the company’s attorney approached him three months ago, Anthony had made it crystal clear that he was not selling his property. But those people seemed ruthless. What did they think? That sending a beautiful woman would cloud his judgment and lure him into a deal he doesn’t want?

Well, that’s never going to happen! Anthony vowed stubbornly. He loved Lunar Estate. The beautiful mansion at the top of the hill with the amazing view of the Ionian Sea and the one hundred and sixty stremmata—about forty acres—surrounding it was his sanctuary. Besides, that property had been in his family for three generations.

For people like the executives of Phoenix Corporation, everything had a price. But this time, they were wrong; Anthony didn’t need their money. He was the sole heir of Greek millionaire Andreas Filippou—his paternal grandfather who had passed away a decade ago. And he was a successful author with dozens of international bestsellers.

And why on earth did I invite her to the house? Anthony wondered as he climbed the steps to the front door of his mansion. I’m not going to sell my house, no matter how much money they offer me.

He opened the door and let Hercules run inside. Following him to the sunken living room in the back of the house, he opened the French doors leading to the vast veranda and marched to the edge. Leaning on the black railings, he let his eyes wander over the sapphire waters of the Ionian Sea.

Well, I’ll just let her speak her piece and send her back to her boss empty-handed, he thought and smiled, totally unaware of what fate had in store for him...

Chapter Three

What an impossible man! Evelyn clenched her fists and let out a deep breath. First, the accident and then her confrontation with the author had thrown her off balance.

Fuming, she leaned against her car and let her eyes wander over the vastness of the sea. Evelyn loved its tranquility and purifying power. And the sight of shimmering calm waters worked its magic on her foul mood and lifted her spirits.

Drawing a deep breath, she climbed inside the SUV. My first meeting with the author was a total disaster, Evelyn thought bitterly, crossed her arms over the steering wheel, and rested her chin on her wrists. But at least I have a chance to convince him tomorrow, she tried to reassure herself. But deep down inside, she was sure that he wouldn’t budge.

On the other hand, however, she was grateful to at least have the chance to visit his house. It would have been devastating to admit to her boss that Anthony Filippou didn’t even agree to meet with her.

Casting one last look uphill, Evelyn sat up and started the engine. But she didn’t feel like driving away. Sitting in the car, she let her eyes wander over the amazing countryside. This place was magnificent. On her way up, she was so worried and focused on her assignment that she hardly noticed her surroundings. But now, a burden had been lifted off her shoulders. Clearing her mind of all negative thoughts, Evelyn surrendered to the beauty and serenity of the scenery.

The private road leading to the author’s mansion was shaded by towering perennial trees on one side while providing a magnificent view of crystal-clear sapphire waters and sandy beaches on the other. Flowering bushes scattered among the trees created a panorama of colors.

His mansion was built on the top of the hill. And Evelyn knew that on the other side of that hill was a picturesque cove with a secluded beach of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. She had seen pictures of that place in the company’s file and knew the only way to that beach was by boat or a stone path leading from the mansion down to the seashore.

The author’s property was one hundred and sixty stremmata—about forty acres. It consisted of the hill with the mansion at the top, vineyards, olive groves, and a pond with a natural waterfall coming down from the mountain. Lunar Estate was located fifteen kilometers—about 9 miles—southwest of Lefkada Town, between the fishing village of Agios Nikitas and the amazing Kathisma Beach.

That beautiful piece of land was ideal for the five-star resort her company wanted to build. It offered a breathtaking view of the Ionian Sea and a green mountain backdrop. It was close to Agios Nikitas and, at the same time, secluded enough to provide a luxurious retreat for the resort’s guests.

Phoenix Corporation had already signed a deal with the owners of two adjacent properties acquiring two hundred acres of land and almost exclusive access to a sandy beach a few miles down the coast of the author’s secluded cove. Evelyn knew that all beaches were public in Greece. But since some were accessible only through someone’s property, it was as if they were private. Visitors could only access them by boat. And that was why her company was set on acquiring all properties in the surrounding area. Phoenix Corporation wanted to provide its guests exclusive access to a glorious stretch of sand and fine pebbles on the island’s west coast.

Contracts had been signed, and plans for the construction were ready to go. The only thing holding them back was that stubborn author, Anthony Filippou.

I’ll find out what you want, Mr. Filippou. And I’m going to close this deal, one way or another, Evelyn vowed.

Drawing a deep breath, the aroma of jasmine filled her senses. Paradise on earth, she thought, and felt a sting of bitterness, having been deprived of visiting this island—her father’s birthplace—while growing up.

Stop it! Evelyn reprimanded herself. Her sessions with Dr. Jones had stirred up a hornet’s nest, and Evelyn knew that closing the door to that chapter of her life wouldn’t be easy. But it had to be done so she could move on.

Starting the engine, she took a turn and headed downhill. I’ll be back tomorrow, Mr. Filippou, she said, squeezing the steering wheel.

Inhaling deeply, she enjoyed the fresh air blowing on her face through the open window. The mesmerizing surroundings and the exotic fragrance of flowers flooding her senses created a state of euphoria. No matter what happens with this deal, I’ll enjoy my stay on this beautiful island, Evelyn thought.

She was dead wrong.

Chapter Four

On her way back to the Emerald Beach Resort—a 5-star resort at the far end of Kathisma Beach—where she was staying, Evelyn spotted a small convenience store. A sign—Androniki’s Local Products—was hanging above the front door.

I