Page 45 of Influence

He hugged me once more, and I felt an overwhelming current of love and reassurance in that embrace.

“No matter what, I’ll always be here for you, Laya. Don’t ever forget that.”

I smiled through a mix of emotions, replying, “How could I? You’re the first person I call when I need support.”

Then, he added, “Now you have your husband to call first, but remember, I’ll always be just a phone call away.”

I nodded, my thoughts racing. Every memory and cherished tradition we held onto since our parents passed felt tied to this moment. The burden of change bore down on me as a storm of feelings swirled within, on the verge of spilling over.

“Shall we do this?” Vik asked.

Taking a slow, deep breath, I pushed the nervousness down, allowing a surge of joy to bubble up from within, casting aside the shadows of the past. Today was meant for light—a celebration of life and the budding promise of love. A fleeting thought of Niko flashed before my eyes, igniting a spark of exhilaration.

“Yes, I’m ready!” I declared, alive with newfound excitement that seemed to pulse through every vein of my being.

“Finally,” chimed in Cali as she gracefully positioned herself in front of Avra.

A flurry of butterflies danced in my stomach as I peered over Cali’s shoulder. At that precise moment, when the soft strains of the wedding march began, my gaze landed on Niko. I caught my breath as his figure came into sharp focus.

Niko stood there, exuding a magnetic allure in his meticulously tailored tuxedo and the gold crown resting atop his head, embodying every detail about him. Everything drew me in from the fierce determination in his eyes, locking onto mine, to the subtle tilt of his head suggesting possessive tenderness.

As Cali began her strut down the aisle, I could barely breathe. Vik’s hand covered my trembling one as Avra followed closely behind, the two moving in harmonious sync toward the altar.

Vik and I slowly approached the raised altar when it was finally our turn to advance.

Still, I found myself stealing glances at Niko. His sharp, piercing eyes reflected the turmoil in my heart. The depth of his gaze expressed complex emotions, unvoiced promises, deep passion, and raw, unfiltered determination. It wasn’t the first time he looked at me that way, but today, it carried a distinct, unfiltered possessiveness that stirred both unease and excitement within me.

A whirlwind of emotions surged across his face. I imagined that mine mirrored his, reflecting the rising wave of anxiety I felt.

Was this chaos inside me love, or merely a strong attraction and infatuation?

I’d chosen him from among many, not because of a fleeting spark encountered in a crowded room, but through logic and reasoning. However, something far more primal and intricate came to life from that initial meeting.

But still. That look in his eyes as I approached…

Primal.

Raw.

Possessive.

Obsessive.

Whatever it was, I wanted to experience it fully. The knowledge that I would soon be the recipient of his uninhibited attention left me trembling with anticipation and arousal.

With a tender kiss on my cheek, Vik placed my hand into Niko’s, as if to seal an unspoken promise.

The heat of Niko’s palm seeped into my skin, and goosebumps prickled all over my body, adding to the ache growing inside me.

I lifted my gaze to his, something almost cat-like appearing on his face, as if he had captured his prey.

He leaned in, his heated breath brushing close to my ear, and then said in a low, conspiratorial whisper, “You’re mine now, Laya. There is no turning back from here.”

Eleven

NIKOLAS

The island of Galanis emerged on the horizon like a breathtaking painting in gold and amber as our private jet began its smooth descent. Through the oval window, I could see rugged cliffs and a lush, green jungle brushing the turquoise sea—a glimpse of a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered.

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