Chapter 18 Katerina
KATERINA
The warm, earthy fragrance of my Greek tea wafts up from my mug, transporting me instantly to Kalamata. I close my eyes and inhale deeply, feeling my shoulders relax as the steam caresses my face.
I never thought I'd taste this again in Chicago.
Cupping the mug with both hands, I lean against the kitchen counter and take another sip, savoring the slightly sweet, herbal flavor sliding across my tongue. The tea leaves a pleasant warmth trailing down my throat.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Emma's voice startles me. She stands at the kitchen entrance, smiling.
"More than you know," I say, raising my mug slightly. "A little piece of home."
"Mr. Kastaris mentioned you'd be pleased with the tea. I've never seen him so specific about something like that before."
I feel heat rising to my cheeks. "He remembered a passing comment I made weeks ago."
"He notices everything about you," Emma says as she turns to leave. "It's actually quite sweet."
Sweet. Is that what this feeling is? This strange, unsettling warmth that spreads through me whenever I think about Ares and his unexpected gestures.
I take another sip as my mind races with unfamiliar thoughts. Last night in his office, dancing against him, feeling his hands on my skin, his fingers inside me.
I squeeze my thighs together at the memory.
Another staff member walks through the kitchen, and I turn away, pretending to look out the window at the garden while trying to calm the heat pooling between my legs.
What is happening to me? I've never felt this way before—this urgent, constant, consuming desire.
Not for anyone. Sex was always just a concept, something other people did, something that held no interest for me after everything I've been through.
But with Ares...
How can a man I didn't even know existed one day come suddenly into my life the next and take over my thoughts?
My phone buzzes on the counter, saving me from my thoughts. I glance down at the new message.
Calli: Free for lunch today? 1pm?
My thumbs hover over the screen. Calli's been nothing but kind since I arrived. She also lives in the house with Ares and me, of course. The baby sister would never be allowed to live on her own.
I nod to myself before replying. I could definitely use some girl time out in the city.
I respond: Yes! Can't wait :)
Calli: Perfect! I'll send you the address. See you there!
I set my phone down and return to my tea, trying to sort through the tangle of emotions in my chest. I've spent years building walls around myself, keeping everyone at a distance. And now those walls are crumbling, brick by brick, night by night.
The worst part is that I want them to fall.
I close my eyes again, recalling how it felt to have Ares's mouth on mine, his hands gripping my hips, his body hard against me.
The way he looks at me like he can see straight through to my soul.
The way he touched my scars without flinching.
The way he's made me feel more alive than I've felt in years.
It's strange how something so familiar can exist alongside something so new—this awakening inside me, this hunger I don't know how to satisfy.
Or rather, I know how, but the thought of giving myself completely to Ares makes my heart race with a bit of trepidation and fear. The vulnerability required always seemed like too high a price to pay.
But now? Now I find myself thinking about it constantly. Wondering what it would feel like to have him inside me. Wondering if it would hurt. Wondering if I'd lose myself entirely in the process.
Emma walks back into the kitchen. "Are you hungry?"
I shake my head, finishing my tea. "No thanks. I'll be going out for lunch with Calli."
Emma nods. "Should I let Chris know?"
I sigh. My shadow. I still haven't fully adjusted to having a bodyguard follow me everywhere.
"Yes, thank you. Please tell him I'll be ready to go at 12:30."
I head upstairs, shower, and get ready. Once I'm dressed, I gather my purse and phone, checking once more that I have everything I need.
As I walk down the grand staircase, I spot Chris waiting in the foyer.
He's speaking with Emma, who's leaning against the wall in a decidedly casual pose, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
Her laughter carries up to me, light and flirtatious.
Chris shifts his weight, briefly smiling at whatever she's just said. It's not the professional, stoic face he usually presents to me. There's an ease to him I haven't seen before. As I continue down the stairs, I notice Emma's hand resting briefly on his arm.
Interesting.
The moment breaks when Emma glances up and sees me approaching. She straightens immediately, her hand falling away from Chris's arm, and her professional demeanor snaps back into place.
"I hope you enjoy your lunch with Calli," she says, her cheeks slightly flushed.
I smile, pretending I didn't notice anything. "Thank you, Emma."
She nods and hurries away. I turn to Chris, who has also resumed his usual stance—feet shoulder-width apart, hands clasped in front of him, expression neutral.
"Ready to go, Mrs. Kastaris?" he asks, no trace of the relaxed man from moments ago.
"Yes," I reply, adjusting my purse strap. "And, please, call me Katerina."
He gives a small nod, but I know he won't take the liberty. These men are trained to maintain professional distance, and I'm their boss's wife.
"Calli sent me the address for the restaurant," he informs me. "I know exactly where to take you."
"Perfect." I follow him toward the door.
I slide into the back seat of the black SUV as he holds the door open. He shuts the door and gets into the driver's seat. He starts the engine and pulls away from the house. Guards nod at him as we exit, their eyes scanning the area continuously.
We lapse into silence as Chris navigates through the Chicago streets. The city vibrates around us—people rushing on sidewalks, cars honking, the skyline gleaming under the sun. It feels good to be out, even with my shadow in tow.
"Do you know what kind of restaurant we're going to?" I ask, more to break the silence than out of genuine curiosity.
"It's a small lunch place," Chris replies. "Calli goes often."
"Have you been there before?" I press, my hands strumming on my thigh.
"Yes, ma'am. It's got good food."
I nod. I suppose Calli wouldn't go to a place that didn't have good food.
We fall back into silence, and before I know it, the car slows as we approach a tree-lined street with brownstone buildings and small shops. Chris pulls up in front of a charming restaurant with a dark green awning. Gold lettering spells out "Vesuvio" across the glass.
"We've arrived," Chris announces, putting the car in park. "Miss Calli is already inside waiting for you," he finishes and gets out of the car to open my door.
I step out and look to my right. Another SUV is parked with a man leaning against it. I recognize him—Calli's driver or bodyguard, or whatever these men are to us.
I enter Vesuvio and take a look around. The restaurant has a cozy, upscale atmosphere with dark wood paneling, white tablecloths, and soft lighting from vintage-looking chandeliers. The scent of garlic, fresh herbs, and baking bread fills the air.
I spot Calli immediately. She's speaking with the ma?tre d', gesturing animatedly with her hands. Her dark hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she's dressed in a beautiful navy blue dress. Even in her casual attire, there's something commanding about her presence.
She turns as I approach, her face lighting up with a genuine smile.
"Katerina!" She walks over and embraces me, the scent of an expensive perfume with notes of jasmine and vanilla enveloping me. "You look gorgeous."
"Thank you," I say, smoothing down my white sundress. "You look amazing as always."
She links her arm through mine and turns to the ma?tre d'. "It's such a beautiful day. I think we should eat outside, don't you think?"
I glance through the windows at the sunlit patio. "Sure, that sounds lovely."
The ma?tre d' nods. "Of course, Miss Kastaris. Right this way, ladies."
He leads us back outside to a secluded corner of the patio surrounded by potted lemon trees and flowering plants. Our chaperones take positions at a respectful distance—close enough to act if needed but far enough to give us privacy.
"This is perfect," Calli says as we sit down. A server immediately appears with water and menus.
After we order drinks—a sparkling water for me and a glass of white wine for Calli—she leans forward, her dark eyes sparkling with interest.
"Nice to get out, right?" she says, laughing. "Has my brother been behaving himself with you?"
I take a sip of water, heat rising to my cheeks at the mention of him. "Yes, he's been surprisingly considerate."
Calli laughs loudly, drawing glances from nearby tables. "Considerate? That's not a word I'd normally associate with my brother. You're having quite the effect on him."
"I wouldn't say that."
"I would," she says and takes a sip of her wine after the server delivers our drinks. "He talks about you, you know."
My heart quickens. "He does?"
"Mmm-hmm." She nods, studying me over the rim of her glass. "Not directly, of course. Ares isn't one to bare his soul. But your name comes up in conversation more often than anyone else's, and when it does, there's this look on his face..." She gestures vaguely.
"What kind of look?" I ask, unable to hide my curiosity.
"Like he's trying to solve a puzzle. Or maybe like he's found something he didn't know he was looking for." She sets her glass down. "It's nice, actually. I've never seen him like this before."
I fiddle with my water glass, unsure how to respond. The server returns to take our order, giving me a moment to collect my thoughts.
After he leaves, Calli changes the subject. "So, are you working on any drawings now?"
The question catches me off guard, but I like the fact she's trying to bond over my interests. "I haven't had much time lately, but I've been trying to sketch a bit here and there. Nothing serious."
"I'd love to see your work sometime," she says, her tone genuine. "I always wished I had artistic talent. The closest I get is arranging flowers, which I really like and find relaxing. Theo teases me mercilessly about it, but I don't care."
I smile. "I'm not that great, but I'd be happy to show you. And flower arranging is definitely an art form."
"That's what I keep telling them!" She laughs again. "My brothers think anything that doesn't involve guns, business deals, or beating someone up isn't worth doing."
"They seem very… focused," I say diplomatically.
"Focused is one word for it. Obsessed is another." She sighs. "Especially Ares. Ever since our father..." She trails off, a shadow crossing her face. "Well, you know. I've mentioned it before."
I nod, understanding the unspoken grief. "It must be difficult for all of you. Especially since it was sudden."
"It is. But it's different for Ares. He carries it all.
The business, the family, the revenge." She looks at me intently.
"He's so wrapped up in things. That's why I'm glad he has you now," she says and reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.
"He needs someone to talk to that sees him as more than just the Don. "
"I'm not sure I'm that person," I admit quietly.
Calli looks at me for a moment and squints her eyes. "I think you might be exactly that person, whether you realize it yet or not."
I take a drink of my water. "Can you tell me something about him?" I ask.
"Umm, let's see. He used to smile more. Play more. I miss that version of my brother sometimes. But," she says and smiles, "I think you'll bring it back."
Our food arrives—colorful salads for both of us.
She picks up her fork and takes a bite. "Oh," she says and chews fast. "He was the worst at board games because he hated losing.
He'd flip the entire Monopoly board if Theo was winning.
" Her eyes soften with the memory. "And he taught me to swim by throwing me into the deep end of the pool. Said it was the fastest way to learn."
I raise my eyebrows. "That sounds traumatic."
"Not with Ares. He jumped in right after me and stayed close until I figured it out. That's how he is—harsh methods, but he never actually lets you drown." She gives me a meaningful look. "Remember that."
I'm about to respond when something catches my eye. Two black cars pull up at the curb, their engines still running. The windows are tinted, making it impossible to see inside, but there's something about it all that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.