I’m offended, well past the point of upset, and so damn anxious my muscles are starting to ache from all the trembling.
This is madness. Pure freaking madness.
Fleeing to the guest restroom, I’m just about to shut the door behind me when a hand slams against it. Nikolas steps inside, using his body to force me back before closing the door.
Shit. Not again.
He’s like a dog with a bone today, determined to drive it home that I’m practically his bitch to do with whatever he wants.
Knowing I can’t handle another confrontation and I’ve reached my limit, I resort to pleading, “Can you just give me a minute before taking another swing at me?”
The restroom is small, and it doesn’t give me much space to move when Nikolas takes a threatening step closer to me. His unnerving gaze burns on me, his jaw locked so tight it makes him look intimidating as hell.
Reaching behind me, I feel for the wall, then another step forward from Nikolas has my back pressing against the light peach tiles.
He doesn’t stop until his chest brushes against mine, and I’m forced to turn my face to the side in an attempt to avoid him. He lifts a hand and slowly twirls my hair around his finger.
The trembling in my body grows, and I pinch my eyes shut as the new fear that he might want more than just control over my life grows at a rapid pace. I might find the man physically attractive, but I hate everything he stands for, and it leaves me unsure of how to handle him.
He leans down until I’m engulfed by him, his breath warming my skin. Nervous energy rushes through my veins, accompanied by something else I’ve never felt before and can’t quite place.
“Should I sample you so I can tell your future husband exactly what he’ll be getting?” The threat is so low it vibrates in the air and right through my body.
I start to shake my head, but then his other hand flies up, and gripping my jaw tightly, he forces me to look at him. “Then answer my fucking question.”
“I’m not,” the words burst from me.
He tilts his head, his eyes narrowing, my answer clearly angering him. “How many men?”
For real? This is absolutely insane!
I lick my lips nervously, then instantly regret it when his eyes flick down to my mouth. When they stay locked on my lips, flaming up with something close to desire, I blurt out, “One. Only one!”
Nikolas brings his gaze back to mine then a deadly smirk forms on his features. “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” His grip lessens on my jaw, and just like earlier, he brushes a finger over my lips, leaving a rush of tingles behind I’m not comfortable feeling.
Suddenly he leans down until I feel his breath on my mouth. My breathing stalls, my heart lurches to my throat, and as my eyes snap shut, my hands fly up, pressing hard against his chest.
I become overly aware of the manliness radiating from his body and the feel of his solid muscle beneath my palms. I’ve interacted with my fair share of men but never had to deal with a man so powerful, and it leaves me defenseless and stunned out of my mind.
Before I can protest, he whispers darkly, “I’m starting to enjoy this, Theresa.” His nose skims my cheek, and when he speaks again, his lips brush against mine. It’s so soft, but it packs one hell of a punch, sending an explosion of tingles flooding my body. “I love a good fight. Keep it up, and I might want to find out if you’re just as feisty in bed.”
Grabbing at the only thing I have in my arsenal, I say, “You’re my stepbrother. We’re family.”
His fingers find my chin again, then he snaps, “Open your fucking eyes.”
They snap open, and I’m met with an up-close and way too personal view of Nikolas. His attractive features are so tense it looks like his self-control is a second away from snapping.
Every dangerous inch of him crowds me. I’ve never felt so small before.
“What makes you think a title that’s less than a day old will bear any weight with me?”
I feel exactly the same, so I have no answer for him.
“Just because our parents are married doesn’t mean a fucking thing. If you want me to be a doting big brother, treat me like one. But if you keep making me the enemy, I sure as fuck will force you to your knees.” He lets out a hot breath, coating my lips with the warning. “I’ve killed men for less. Don’t think just because you’re a woman, you’ll get off with a lighter sentence.”
Shit. I’m in way over my head.
Submitting, whatever defiance I have left drains from me. “I understand.” Fear trembles in the whisper as I swallow hard on my pride. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Nikolas slightly pulls back, a satisfied smirk on his face. His hands move to the sides of my neck, then I’m stunned out of my ever-loving mind as he presses a kiss to my forehead, murmuring, “Good girl.”
Feeling like I just lost the most crucial battle of my life, I cautiously watch as he leaves the restroom. My body sags against the wall, and unable to stop my anxiety from spiraling out of control, a sob breaks free. Covering my face with my hands, I smother the sounds as the anxiety attack hits hard, dragging my butt down to the floor. Curling in a helpless bundle, I struggle for air as the walls of my new life close in around me.
‘Dead bitches can’t snitch,’ Irene’s threat haunts me.
With my defenses down, the murky shadows of my past and how Irene hurt me creep through the cracks, forcing me to face the monster, who, much like Nikolas, was hell-bent on destroying me.
‘I’ll kill you.’
‘Fat ass.’
‘I’ll cut out your tongue and feed it to the dog across the road.’
I’m taunted to within an inch of my sanity before the Xanax takes effect, forcing my past trauma back down into the dark corners of my mind.
I focus on taking deep breaths and calming my thundering heart. Once I feel a little better, I quickly rinse my face and use a couple of tissues to pat my skin dry.
It’s been years since I had such a bad anxiety attack. Two years, to be exact. This is why a calm routine is so important to me, and Nikolas just blew it all to pieces.
Opening my purse, I apply some lipgloss and check my mascara to make sure it didn’t streak before I suck in a fortifying breath and leave the restroom.
As soon as I enter the hall, I head straight for my mother, where she’s sitting at the bridal table next to Peter. As I reach her, it’s only to notice Nikolas walking in our direction.
Probably to make sure I don’t tell my mother what happened. Asshole.
“Agápi mou, are you enjoying yourself?” Mom asks with a happy smile. Her eyes dart over my face, her smile vanishes, and concerned, she gets up and takes hold of my arm. “What happened? An anxiety attack?”
Mom thinks my anxiety problems resulted from losing my father at such a young age.
I never told anyone the real reason.
At first, it was because of fear, but with time I couldn’t bring myself to tell Mom what happened to me while I was at my most vulnerable.
Knowing Nikolas is within hearing distance, I force a smile to my face. “No, I had some whiskey, and it’s made me feel sick. Is it okay if I leave?”
“On no, you shouldn’t have drank something so strong,” Mom chastises me.
“I’m sorry.” I lean in and press a kiss on her cheek. “Enjoy the honeymoon and send me lots of photos.”
Mom’s face softens, and I’m pulled into a tight hug. “Nikolas will watch over you while I’m gone.”
God help me.
Pulling apart, Mom smiles lovingly at me. “Don’t study too hard, Agápi mou.”
“I won’t.” I turn my attention to Peter, and not sure what to do, I just focus on keeping the smile in place as I say, “It was a lovely wedding. I hope you have safe travels.”
He moves closer, and air kisses my cheek. “Thank you, Theresa. Your support means a lot to us.”
My spine stiffens when I turn around to face the damn devil lurking behind me. As I say goodnight to Athina and Basil, Nikolas takes hold of my elbow. His touch unnervingly seers my skin. The instant I’m done with my goodbyes, he leads me out of the great hall where the reception is still in full swing.
“Is it okay if I leave?” I think to ask, not wanting another fight with him.
“Yes.” He gestures at two men waiting by the front door. “James and Grant will be your personal guards from tonight. You go nowhere without them.”
Shit. I forgot about the guards.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to argue when Nikolas pulls me to a stop, and his eyes lock with mine. There’s a clear dare in his dark irises as he waits for me to defy his order.
When I keep quiet, a triumphant smile stretches over his stupidly attractive face.
Nikolas takes a step closer and presses a kiss to my forehead. I’ve seen him do the same with Athina, but still, it feels sinful, sending another rush of totally unwanted tingles racing over my skin. Then the asshole moves his mouth to my ear and whispers, “Much better, koritsáki.”
The way he says little girl makes it sound like there’s a deeper meaning.
Pulling back, he adds, “I’ll see you for lunch tomorrow.”
The word ‘but’ forms on my lips. One sharp look from Nikolas has me swallowing it.
I freaking hate you.
As if he can read my thoughts, he says, “You’ll learn to love me soon enough, little sister.”
Instead of telling him that will never happen, I take a step back. “Goodnight, Nikolas.”
“Sweet dreams.” The reply is filled with a world of taunting, and I swear I hear him chuckle as I leave the mansion with the two guards in tow.
