Athina gives me an encouraging look. “I know he can be… demanding, for lack of a better word, but he means well, Tess. He has a lot on his shoulders, and he just wants to keep us all safe.”
“I understand.” I set my cup down on the counter. “Does he ever relax?”
Concern flashes over her face. “Not so much.”
Digging deeper, I ask, “Has he ever been in love.”
She shakes her head. “Not that I know of. He’s never brought a woman home for us to meet.”
My eyebrows lift again. “That’s interesting.”
Athina nods. “Yes, so you can imagine my surprise when he declared he’s marrying you.”
“When did you find out?”
She shrugs. “Literally as I got to the church. I was just as shocked as you.”
Wow, he really waited until the last minute.
Athina drinks the last of the coffee then smiles at me. “He wouldn’t have married you if he didn’t want to, Tess. I don’t know if he loves you, but I’m confident he cares. I’ve never seen Nikolas so rattled before.”
I give her a thankful smile because she really didn’t have to answer my questions. “Thanks, Athina.”
“Nikolas might be demanding, but he’s just as giving.” Rising to her feet, her eyes lock with mine. “And if there’s one thing my brother respects, it’s the sanctity of marriage. So don’t break your vows. Nikolas meant it when he said until death do you part.”
A chill creeps down my spine because it feels like the words carry a double meaning. Still, I ask, “Does that mean he’ll be faithful?”
“Yes, and he expects the same in return.”
“Got it.”
Relief unfurls in my chest, and Athina must see it on my face because she adds, “Also, he’s never lifted a hand against a woman. It’s not his style.”
Thankful for all the information I really needed to know, I step closer to Athina and hug her. “I needed to hear that.”
“I know.” She pulls back and smiles warmly at me. “Please… will you try to make Nikolas happy?”
I can see how important it is to Athina, and not wanting to disappoint her, I nod. “I’ll try my best.”
“That’s all I ask for.”
“There might be bumps in the road, though,” I warn her. “He’s not the easiest person.”
But I won’t try to kill him in his sleep.
It’s a start, but it’s going to take a while for me to work through my anger. There’s a lot that’s happened between Nikolas and me, Athina doesn’t know about.
Chapter 27
Nikolas
I walk into the penthouse for lunch but come to a dead stop in the entrance hall.
Fuck.
I take in the rows and rows of clothes, the people, the voices and instantly take a step backward.
“Nikolas! You’re home. Good,” Athina calls out before I can make my escape. “Tess and I can’t decide, so we need your opinion.”
My sister grabs hold of my arm, and I’m dragged into the living room. A man with purple hair zooms past me, a cashmere coat almost slapping me in the face.
Athina shoves me down on a sofa, then calls out, “Tess, put on the gold dress again.”
“What?” Tess yells back from the guest restroom.
“Put on the gold dress again,” Athina shouts at the top of her lungs.
Fuck my life.
I start to get up, but my sister shoves me back down then gives me a look of warning. “You’ll sit and give your opinion. Tess has gone through a lot of effort, trying on one outfit after the other. Support her.”
I lift an eyebrow at my brave sister, and I’m just about to tell her I have more important things to take care of when the restroom’s door opens, and Tess steps out.
I suck in a deep breath, my eyes drinking in the sight of her. The dress is short as fuck, hardly covering her sexy ass.
“Hell fucking no,” I bark out. I point at the restroom. “Take that off immediately.”
“I told you,” Tess scowls at Athina before disappearing into the restroom.
Turning my gaze to my sister, I shake my head hard. “Stop with the revealing dresses.”
“But Tess has killer legs and a butt I’d pay good money to have.”
“I know.” Rising to my feet, I unbutton my jacket and shrug it off. “I don’t need all the men in Vancouver drooling over my wife.”
A sneaky smile forms on Athina’s face. “Aww… you’re jealous.”
“Fucking right, I am,” I huff, not even bothering to deny it as I sit down and make myself comfortable.
Someone has to make sure the clothes Tess gets are decent.
The restroom door opens again, and Tess comes out wearing semi-suitable pants, still too tight, and a silk blouse. My eyes narrow as she twirls because her ass is on full display again.
“Isn’t there anything baggier?” I ask, the irritation clear in my tone.
Tess’ shoulders sag. “Do you want me wearing trash bags instead?”
There’s an idea.