Page 25 of Influence

He smirked. “If that’s your interpretation.”

“I belong to no one, Niko. I am my own person.”

“That will always hold true,” he comforted me, squeezing me closer. “Marriage binds us to each other equally.”

I felt my throat tighten. “Are you saying?—”

Before I could finish, Spiro returned with a new tray of rings. “Ta-da! Understated and classy!”

Niko maintained eye contact. “We’ll discuss this later. For now, it’s time to choose your ring.”

I turned to the selection and instinctively picked up a three-diamond circlet ring, lifting it from its velvet cushion to inspect it closely. Tears welled up at its beauty and the memories it evoked.

“Do you like that one?” Niko asked.

I nodded, briefly speechless.

My heart raced, tears forming. “It’s just like Mama’s engagement ring. After fleeing to Prague, we never learned what became of her belongings.”

Niko caressed my back. “It’s beautiful.”

“I always loved it,” I whispered. “There were times she’d let me wear it, and we’d giggle at how oversized it looked on my small finger.”

“Give me your hand,” Niko instructed.

“What?” I replied, meeting his gaze.

He took the ring from me and placed it on my finger.

“It fits perfectly,” Spiro declared. “It was meant for you.” The diamonds glimmered through my tears as I looked at my hand, and the emotions I had suppressed finally spilled over.

Niko wiped away the wetness trailing down my cheeks and drew me in, kissing my forehead. “We’ll take this one, Spiro,” he said, glancing over my shoulder.

Six

NIKOLAS

Walking back to the house, I noticed the olive grove leaves rustling, creating a soothing melody. My mother had always reminded me to pause and appreciate nature’s music.

Listening revived my memories of her, much like the moments spent by the Dryad near my bedroom. Unlike my brothers, this place meant more to me than mere profit. The estate was filled with emotions; every stone and shadow held the love our parents once surrounded us with.

A scarf fluttered on the chair, and I immediately recognized it as the one Cali had worn this morning to cover her hair. She must have forgotten it.

Laya and Cali had been here for almost a week, and I had comfortably settled into a routine of days spent working on the estate and evenings enjoying Soti’s delicious dinners with them.

Having them around was an easy transition, except for one thing.

The craving to slip into Laya’s room at night became nearly unbearable and a relentless obsession. She remained completely unaware of the magnetic pull she exerted.

As soon as we parted each night and I sensed her just a door away, my resolve crumbled. I already knew I wouldn’t last. I tormented myself with thoughts of whether I could hold back until our wedding night before succumbing to the primal hunger to consume her completely.

Her attraction was evident, despite her efforts to conceal it. I frequently noticed her glancing in my direction. I understood how a woman’s body responded to my presence, and my soon-to-be wife was more than intrigued. Her intense gaze burned, leaving me painfully on edge, aching to claim her.

However, I had to tread carefully.

It was evident she was jittery about her own reactions.

Soon, I'd finally have her, indulging in every wicked fantasy she inspired.

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