Page 37 of Power

“I gotta say, I’m surprised. And curious.” Iason’s brows furrowed.

“About what?” I asked, intrigued by his line of questioning.

“Is this just because you want a Vitalis princess included in your family line?”

I shrugged, a small smile playing on my lips. “That’s not the only reason, Iason. But it’s also not a hindrance, is it?”

“It could be,” he mused, tilting his head as if weighing the possibilities. “Just be careful. Because now, your enemies have leverage against you.”

“I’m well aware of that fact, and fully prepared to confront it as needed,” I assured him, my voice steady and confident.

“Fair enough,” Iason conceded, nodding. “I’m happy for you.”

“Thank you, brother,” I said, turning my focus back to Calista, who was socializing with friends. “I’m happy for myself, too. Calista Vitalis is an amazing woman, and I would be proud to stand by her side.”

“Does this mean you're thinking of selling your house inCentral Athens? As a respectable man now, you could live on the estate full-time.”

“Not a chance. Don’t think I’m unaware of your plans. You can’t have it. Calista and I will need it when we’re in the city to avoid traffic.”

“It’s not like the estate is too far. It’s about an hour with traffic, maybe two at most.”

I shook my head. “That’s not going to happen.”

“It was worth asking.” He smirked, raising his champagne glass with a grin.

I spent the rest of the evening with Iason, but my attention drifted away from the entertainment and the busy auction.

Instead, my gaze was captivated by Calista, who sat across the room, bathed in the soft light of the room.

Our brief kiss earlier had left a tantalizing imprint on my mind. I kept imagining the intoxicating taste of her lips, wondering how it would feel when my tongue explored the warm, inviting depths of her mouth.

The thought of her bare skin, smooth and soft, sliding against mine sent shivers down my spine.

I imagined the symphony of her moans, the sound echoing in my ears, as I envisioned her thighs pressing against the sides of my head while I indulged in her sweetness.

The mere thought of sinking deep inside her made my heart race and my palms sweat.

By the time the evening was over, I was a mess and feeling even more like a clumsy teenager while I attempted to hide my uncontrollable erection.

Just the thought of being with Calista made me crazy.

How would I survive the actual encounter without combusting from sheer anticipation?

As the crowd began to lessen, I exchanged goodbyes with Iason, lingering in the expansive Book Castle of the opera house with the remaining guests. The grand space was adorned with books of all types and photographs of artists, aspiring and well-known.

I made a note to bring Calista back here someday to see an opera, attend a community event, or maybe just try out the various vendors in the food court. It would be a good date night. It was exciting to think about all the things we would do together.

Yet the singular, throbbing thought of our plans for tonight occupied my mind. Upon hearing Cali behind me, I turned with a smile, excited for the evening to unfold.

She approached with her sisters, the crowd parting like a river as they strolled together, arm in arm.

“Have you chosen, Cali?” I heard Avra ask with a teasing lilt.

“Now that this event is over, I can tell you,” Cali replied as she neared. “I have made a choice.”

Laya clapped a hand over her mouth. “Oh my God! Tell us!”

Cali’s happiness was infectious as she reached me, her fingers intertwining with mine, her touch reassuring and exhilarating.

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