She holds out her hand to him. “Irene Drakatos. Theresa’s cousin. The last time we saw each other was at your thirtieth birthday party.” Her eyes fall on me with disapproval for a second, then she looks at Nikolas again. “Quite the surprise, you marrying a Drakatos. I thought none of us were good enough for you.”
Holy shit.
Ignoring Irene’s hand, Nikolas tugs me slightly behind him as he takes a threatening step closer to her. “None of you were until I laid eyes on Theresa. Imagine my surprise when I saw the Drakatos bloodline actually managed to birth a queen.”
The corner of my mouth lifts a fraction, and right now, I feel one hell of a bond with Nikolas… even a burst of affection.
Suddenly we’re moving, leaving a gapping Irene in our wake.
“I can’t believe she’s related to you. One of you must’ve been adopted,” Nikolas mutters, then a smile spreads over his face as we reach Athina.
It’s only when I’m congratulating Athina on her birthday that I realize I didn’t take a Xanax, where in the past I’d pass out from anxiety when coming face to face with Irene.
My fingers tighten around Nikolas’ hand, and I rest my other palm against his bicep as I step closer to him.
He leans down, pressing a kiss to my temple, then whispers, “Everything okay?”
I nod, suppressing the urge to crawl into his arms where I know Irene won’t be able to hurt me.
“I knew you’d look gorgeous in the chiffon dress,” Athina compliments me.
I focus on keeping a smile on my face. “Not half as stunning as you.”
Her gaze drifts over Nikolas and me. “The two of you seem to be getting along better. Dare I hope a peace treaty’s been signed?”
While I laugh, Nikolas looks down at me with warmth softening his eyes. “We’re making an effort,” is all he replies to Athina.
Since saying my vows, tonight is the first time I feel like his wife.
The realization hits hard, causing a wave of emotion to wash through me.
Nikolas makes me feel stronger, and damn… I’m falling for him.
Chapter 29
Nikolas
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.