Tess seems to relax a little while we talk with Athina and Basil. That’s until my father and Helena walk toward us.
“Mpampà mou, Helena, good to see you,” I greet them, leaning closer to air kiss Helena’s cheek.
I keep hold of Tess’ hand while she hugs her mom, then she gives my father an uncomfortable look. “Hi, Pe… ah… mpampà mou.”
He’s not the easiest person to get along with, so I don’t blame her.
“Theresa,” Dad greets her with a nod.
“How’s married life?” Helena asks, a cautious expression on her face as if she’s expecting bad news.
“Ah… good,” Tess answers.
“We’re settling in,” I add, then Andreas catches my eyes, signaling he needs a moment. “Excuse me.” Letting go of Tess’ hand, I quickly walk toward Andreas.
“Sorry for the interruption. A couple of Sicilians were seen scouting the area,” he informs me, worry etched onto his face.
“Fuck.” I glance over all the guests before leaving the entertainment hall so we can talk in private. “Driveby’s?”
Following me into the study, he nods. “It was just one car. They’re probably reporting your comings and goings to Manno.”
“I’m not surprised. Any word from our scouts?”
“Yeah, there’s not much movement at the address we got from Viktor. No sign of Manno.”
“I’ll check with Viktor.” Taking my phone from my pocket, I dial the Russian’s number. I don’t wait long for him to answer.
“Nikolas, to what do I owe the honor?” Music blares over the line. “Give me a second. It’s Mariya’s birthday.”
Mariya’s the retired head of the bratva’s daughter and like a sister to Viktor.
I let out a chuckle. “I’m at Athina’s party, so I feel your pain.”
As the background noise fades, Viktor laughs then says, “What can I help with?”
“There’s no sign of Manno at the address you gave me.”
“Trust me,” he says, his Russian accent slipping through, “he’s there. I confirmed it on a satellite image.”
“Was it just as quiet at the address when you checked?”
“Yes. He’s laying low, letting his soldiers do all the dirty work. Fucker.”
I have no reason not to trust Viktor, and he’s damn good at his job. “Okay, I’m going to take your word for it.”
“Do you plan on attacking?” Viktor asks.
“Yes.”
“Do you need backup? I can do with some action,” he offers.
I let out a chuckle. “I’ll never say no. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Let me get back to the party before Mariya kicks my ass.”
“Enjoy.” Ending the call, I turn my attention to Andreas. “Viktor is dead sure Manno’s at the address he gave us. I want to know who goes in and out of that house.”
“On it.” Andreas tilts his head, a smile tugging at his mouth. “Married life seems to agree with you. You look happy.”
It’s only been two weeks, but Tess has obeyed every order. I look forward to going home, knowing there’s a plate of food waiting, and I get to lose myself in her hot body.
With every passing day, my protectiveness and possessiveness of her keep growing. I’m becoming obsessed with the woman and find myself constantly having to touch her.
She’s mine.
My mind and heart realized this the day of the wedding, and my soul is quickly becoming aware of the fact that Theresa is the reason for its existence.
I just need her to love me back, or I’m fucked.
Realizing I haven’t answered Andreas yet, I reply, “I can’t complain.”
“Yeah, I bet you can’t,” he jokes as he walks out of the office.
I use the privacy of the study to check a couple of messages I got.
“Here you are,” I hear Irene’s voice.
It instantly annoys the fuck out of me, and I turn my back to her to make a point that I don’t have time for her. “What do you want?”
Fake, incredulous laughter bubbles over her lips like cheap champagne. “Wow, is that how you talk to family?”
“I don’t consider you family.”
Irene’s not bad looking, but the snake slithering beneath her skin can be seen a mile away. It’s because of her kind I remained a bachelor for so long. Socialites.
“Ouch, now that just hurts my feelings,” she replies behind me. “Relax, I wanted to congratulate you.” I feel her move closer to me and lock my phone, so she won’t see any of my messages. “I really think you deserve better, though. A real queen by your side.”
My eyes narrow, and I glance at the woman as she stops next to me. When I remain quiet, Irene reaches out, trailing a finger down my bicep.
Grabbing hold of her wrist, it takes a lot to not lose my shit. My breathing slows down, my muscles tightening. “Leave,” I growl in her face, my tone low with warning. “Now.”
A malicious smile spreads over her face, and she leans into me. “I just thought someone should inform you, you didn’t exactly marry the best the Drakatos family has to offer.”
Christ, help me.
My fingers itch to snap her neck, my eyes burning with rage on her as I shove her hand away from me. “You better leave before I kill you,” I give her one last warning.
Irene tugs her bottom lip between her teeth, then hums, “I love it when you talk dirty to me.”
In one quick action, I remove my gun from behind my back and train it on her. “NOW!” I shout, my rage exploding from me.
