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When I look back at Jeniah, her expression has hardened. The initial shock of our opulent surroundings has worn off, replaced by a dawning suspicion.
Her lips flatten into a thin line. “I guess I’m safe up here,” she says, her voice laced with sarcasm. “But is it a coincidence that my house was destroyed while I was out with you? Were you distracting me? Keeping me busy so that you and my father could manipulate me into doing what you want?” Her sharp words pierce me like shards of glass.
I replay that foul shit for a few seconds before responding. For someone who wasn’t raised around violence, she packs a helluva punch. I stiffen, and my jaw works out several ticks before I speak. “Fuck. You.” Her head rears back, but I don’t give a damn.“That was unnecessary and untrue. I don’t work for your father. And I would never manipulate you.Yousaid you didn’t want to go back home. Remember? I fucking honored your request. Yourchoice—a choice I pinky swore to always give you. This, too, is yourchoice.If you don’t want to accept my hospitality, I’ll put you up in a hotel. I can surround it with security. Again.Your choice. I know you’re American, so I’ll try to overlook the trash you said. But in Greece, when someone gives us an invitation, we don’t shit on it.”
She drops her eyes, biting her lip—remorse wells in her eyes before apologizing. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said… I just… I don’t know who to trust anymore.”
That hits harder than it should. I don’t blame her, though. How could she trust a guy who walked into her life not long ago and told her she’s a pawn in a deadly game? But damn it, I’m not her father.
I exhale slowly, running a hand through my hair. “Yeah, I get it.” My pulse races, but I force it to slow with deep breaths – the same trick I use after a nightmare. “Look, you’ve been through hell today. How about a drink? Might take the edge off.”
“No… Thank you,” she amends, careful to let me know she’s not trying to insult me again. “I just… I just want to go to bed.”
I lead Jeniah down the hall, Milo trotting at her heels. Pushing open the guest bedroom door, we’re greeted by the scent of fresh laundry and cut flowers. A king-sized bed dominates the space; its thick coral and gray comforter promises a cozy nest from the city’s chill. Jeniah steps inside, her spine rigid, but I catch the slight tremble in her shoulders.
Leaning against the doorframe, I gesture to it with a tilt of myhead. “Another door—another chance.”
Jeniah’s brows furrow, and she cocks her head in that adorable way. “I mean,” I continue, a half-smile tugging at my lips, “I’m sorry our… date ended this way. I was kind of looking forward to our first kiss on your doorstep.”
Her eyes widen, but before she responds, I kiss her forehead. Ignoring the warm print of her skin on my lips. I pull back, letting my words brush her skin. “For now, this will have to do.”
She gives me a small nod before she agrees with a half-smile. “For now.”
“Goodnight, Jeniah,” I say, walking away while I can.
* * *
Hours later, I’m staring at the amber-colored alcohol in my glass when my phone buzzes.Leo. I brace myself.
“Xádelfos,” he says. Calling me cousin as both a greeting and warning.
I grip the fine crystal snifter. It’s seven am in Greece and he wants an update. “What’s going on with the girl? Why haven’t you married her and brought her to Kouris. We can better protect her here.”
I grunt. “I’m staying here.”
“Why? That doesn’t make fucking sense. You hate Chicago—”
“I promised her.” I cut him off before he can give me more shit.
Leo pauses, then barks a laugh. “You promised? You should do what I did. I didn’taskValentina. I fucking married her. Her family owed a debt and I took my payment. True, we got off to a rocky start, but look at us now.”
“Maybe I don’t want to follow in your footsteps. No offense, xádelfos, but not everyone wants to start their marriage with the bride hating the groom.”
“Well, since Valentina ended up loving me, maybe they should.”
I roll my eyes at the trash advice my cousin spews. Leo is crazy. Which is understandable considering the shit he went through with his first wife. I sigh at the demons we carry. “I promised her a choice, and so I’m giving her one.”
“Even if her choice means she’ll end up on Silvio’s auction block?”
I grip the threads of my control and grit out, “I willneverlet that fucking happen. Now, tell me about my new cousin. Do you even get a chance to hold her with Cora, Lyra, Yaya, and your mom around?” I change the subject before I crack my screen in rage.
“Iris is the most beautiful child I’ve ever seen.”
“That’s what you said when Cassie was born.”
“And it was true. Is still true.” I hear the beaming smile in his voice. “I can’t believe I have two girls to guard. I will need a lot more backup to keep them safe.”
“Leo, you command an army.”
