Page 20 of Influence

“Welcome, Calista. It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Soti, and I am here to assist you with anything you need. I will prepare a guest room for you right away. Ms. Layana, your suite is prepared, just as Mr. Galanis instructed,” he assured us, his efficiency and kindness putting us both at ease.

I wasn’t sure if he meant my room or Niko’s. Sharing a bed with Niko caused goosebumps to prickle over my skin.

Nope. Not going there. Not until I knew which room I’d sleep in and why.

Soti motioned for us to come in, and we entered the main foyer, our heels clicking on the white marble floor.

“I’ll be back in a moment.” He disappeared around the corner, leaving Cali and me alone in the spacious foyer.

Cali’s eyes widened as she took in the opulence surrounding us. I hoped we’d swiftly adapt to our lavish new surroundings,yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that living here would always resemble residing in a museum. I glanced at a life-sized marble statue of a naked woman at the base of the grand staircase and shook my head. Getting used to this would certainly take some time.

More than anything, I longed for us to feel safe. It had been ages since we experienced that sense of security, not since our parents passed away. Our time in Prague had been anything but secure, as we constantly looked over our shoulders, expecting trouble at any moment. Perhaps we could finally find a little peace amidst all this luxury.

I paused to let Cali take it all in when Niko began descending the grand staircase. His striking face took my breath away, and thoughts of him flooded my mind. The idea that he would soon be my husband thrilled and frightened me, stirring a mix of awe, excitement, and a hint of fear.

Ever since that dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking about him, still feeling the lingering echo of his kiss on my lips even hours later.

When Niko saw us, his face lit up with a broad smile as he opened his arms in a welcome, instantly calming my nerves.

“Welcome!” he exclaimed, echoing throughout the marble-clad room.

He descended the stairs with effortless confidence, his gaze fixed on us, making it seem as if he could command the room merely by his presence.

Once at the bottom, he nodded in greeting to Cali first.

“Cali, welcome to the Galanis estate! I’m really glad you could make it,” he said, as if he had been expecting her all along, making it easy to overlook that I hadn’t sought his permission before bringing her.

I couldn’t help but appreciate how he kept a respectful distance. That small gesture confirmed my suspicion that he wasthoughtful. Cali’s past trauma had made her cautious about hugs and unfamiliar men getting too close.

My heart warmed instantly at his effort to make Cali feel comfortable and safe right away, and it paid off. I saw it in her eyes, in the way her shoulders relaxed, and in how she smiled up at him, as if he made her feel secure and welcomed.

“Thank you for inviting me,” she said politely.

“The pleasure is all mine,” he replied, his eyes locking onto hers, their intensity bridging the gap between them. “I hope you feel at ease here. Please, stay as long as you wish.”

Then he turned to me, and I sensed the world shift, as if a tide had set a ship adrift. His penetrating gaze made the room subtly spin around me as he took my hands.

“Welcome home, Laya.”

Those simple greetings carried profound depth that tugged at my heart.

Home.

This would become my sanctuary, where I could lay down roots and flourish. The thought anchored me while filling me with a hopeful anticipation that stirred deep within.

“Thank you, Niko,” I whispered as I looked up at him, my heart fluttering with the thrill of his touch and the sincerity in his gaze. The connection between us crackled like electricity in the air; his hands cradled mine in a cocoon, drawing me ever closer as if by an unseen force.

“Ms. Calista, if you’ll follow me, I can show you to your room now,” Soti interjected, appearing at our side, silent and almost like a shadow until he spoke.

“Oh, that’s wonderful, thank you.” She met my eyes briefly before trailing after Soti down a nearby hallway, leaving Niko and me enveloped in the quiet intimacy of the room.

“I’m so glad you brought Cali,” he said.

“I hoped you would feel that way,” I replied, my cheeks warming under his steady gaze. “I considered asking, but I decided it was easier to seek forgiveness than permission,” I teased lightly.

“You don't need to ask, Laya.” His matter-of-fact delivery was somewhat disconcerting. “This is as much your home as it is mine. Rest assured that she’ll be safe here. If it helps, I can arrange for someone trustworthy to watch over her.”

I looked up at him and slowly shook my head, feeling the weight of his offer.

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