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.”