Page 13 of Influence

His sheepish grin added charm to his recollection, and I envisioned him, agile and daring, climbing its limbs like a nimble cat.

“Why is it called Dryad?” I asked, wanting to know the story.

“My mother named it,” he explained. “She believed that every tree harbors a spirit, a soul, much like the sacred oak before us. In Greek mythology, the spirit or nymph of an oak tree is called a Dryad.”

“That’s beautiful, Niko,” I murmured, my heart warming as I listened to the tale. “Thank you for sharing it with me.”

“Absolutely,” he said with a relaxed shrug.

This sensitive side of Niko surprised me.

How was a girl supposed to protect herself if the sexy-as-sin man she intended to marry possessed the qualities she truly desired in a husband?

“My father wanted to name it Zeus.” He chuckled, pushing his long black hair back and revealing his chiseled cheekbones as he gazed affectionately at the tree, his thoughts miles away.

“Why Zeus?” I inquired.

“Zeus believed that the rustling leaves of the sacred oak carried messages from God. Folklore tells us he had priests tointerpret these signs.” He paused, a faint grin appearing as he turned his gaze back to me, his eyes inviting and kind. “But in the end, my mother prevailed. She always did with him.”

I nodded, feeling moved by his candidness.

“You speak so fondly of your parents.”

He nodded, his dark eyes deepening. “I loved them dearly.”

“I understand,” I replied. “I cherished my parents too.” He offered a quiet nod. “They were everything a child could wish for in a mother and father.”

The photographs of Papa in his living room flashed through my mind. I considered bringing them up, but as if he sensed my thoughts, he quickly changed the subject.

“I also love this estate.” He turned away and gestured toward the vineyards and groves. “I grew up here. It’s all sacred to me, not just this majestic oak.”

“I would feel the same way if I grew up here,” I said.

My heart sank at the thought of what had happened to my childhood home. I could almost feel the emptiness where the laughter and love had thrived. Ozias had stripped it of its light, leaving only shadows behind. The pain of knowing it would never return to the beauty I once relished struck me harder than I wanted to admit.

Before that fateful night, the Vitalis estate had been a sanctuary of joy, where moments felt timeless. I clung tightly to those memories, as if they were all I had left.

Niko shifted, his gaze steady. "Shall we address the elephant in the room, Laya?”

I met his eyes with a smile, sensing the tension in the air. “Absolutely. You’re referring to our agreement to marry.”

His expression grew serious. “Yes. Now that I’ve accepted your offer, I assume you’ll live here on this property with me.”

I nodded, feeling a warmth wash over me. “I’ve assumed that as well, Niko. I’d be honored. It’s an enchanting place.”

A shadow of concern flickered across his face. “I’m very glad you feel that way. How will you feel about giving up your current lifestyle?”

“Exactly what lifestyle are you referring to?”

His brows furrowed slightly. “You’ve lived in the city for most of your life, haven’t you?”

“Yes, that’s true,” I acknowledged, recalling the bustling streets. “I considered that. Ultimately, though, I craved peace and quiet. Prague pulsated with vibrancy, but at times, it felt suffocating. Patras buzzed too. Busy cities drained me. If I ever wanted to relive that energy, I could easily take a short trip.”

“I can relate. Life in the city isn’t for everyone,” he said with a brighter expression. “You’ll thrive here.”

A thought struck me, and I leaned in, fixing him with my gaze. “I have one condition, Niko. It’s essential.”

He locked onto me, his eyes searching, deep and penetrating. They seemed to peel back layers, seeking any hint of hesitation within me.

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