Chapter 5
Five
L AYANA
“Laya, are you sure about this?” Cali asked, her anxiety evident as we approached the imposing Galanis estate, and I turned to her with concern.
Cali’s worry echoed the unease I hadn’t admitted—even to myself—about the impulsive decision to let her move in without telling Niko.
I considered asking for Niko’s input, but dismissed it. As his equal, I didn’t need permission. And if he objected? That would be the red flag I needed before saying ‘I do.’
“Yes. I want you at the estate. I promise, Niko won’t have any objections.”
Or at least, I hoped he wouldn’t.
From my limited time with him, I suspected that he’d be surprised at first, but he would ultimately welcome her.
“You weren’t exaggerating. Damn—it’s massive.” Cali stated, clearly skeptical.
A smirk tugged at my lips. “Trust me, my description didn’t do it justice. You’ll see.”
Please let this be the start of her healing, I thought.
“My God, is that the house?” Cali froze in place, her voice barely above a whisper.
I grinned, but my pulse quickened—what if she hated it here?
“Part of it,” I replied. “As we draw closer, you’ll see that what we’re looking at now is merely a small section of the entire property.”
The Galanis Estate unfolded before us like a grand painting. The massive stone mansion stood in stately solitude, its weathered gray exterior exuding timeless elegance and quiet strength beneath the expansive blue sky.
When we finally came to a stop, Cali’s gaze rose toward the magnificent structure in wide-eyed amazement, her mouth agape with disbelief.
“Holy shit, Laya. This is nothing like our place in Prague.”
I stared at the mansion, absorbing every detail, the intricate stonework, and the sunlight dancing upon its surface.
“I’m still trying to wrap my mind around it,” I admitted, awed and unsettled by the sight.
Though our family wealth outshone Niko’s on paper, our lives told a different story thanks to Papa's trust. Our home, filled with the warmth of laughter and simple joys, was a haven.
We felt the comfort of soft, threadbare couches and the aroma of hearty meals simmering on the stove, yet there was never a sparkling chandelier above us or silk curtains fluttering in the breeze.
Each day unfolded in a tapestry of shared moments rather than opulence, where the sun lit up our humble garden rather than dazzling jewels.
We were surrounded by abundance, rooted in love and connection, but never in excess.
“You deserve this, Laya. We all do. Do you remember what Avra said? It’s finally time to spend the money Papa left us,” Cali reminded.
If only Cali could fully embrace what she’d said. However, before she could, she had to confront the lingering demons of her abduction, striving to reclaim the innocence and carefree spirit that once defined her.
Though I knew in my heart that the carefree and adventurous Cali of the past might never fully reemerge, I also believed that she would heal and grow even stronger.
Beneath her fragile exterior, she harbored the fierce soul of a lioness.
She was wounded, perhaps, but with time, she was destined to roar again.
“I believe we both do. Let’s go inside.”
Soti appeared at the threshold, greeting us with a respectful bow. Cali smiled at him, instantly charmed by his courteous demeanor.
“Ms. Vitalis, I see you’ve brought a guest,” he said, welcoming.
“Soti, this is my sister, Calista. She’ll be staying with us,” I introduced.
“Welcome, Calista. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
My name is Soti, and I am here to assist you with anything you need.
I will prepare a guest room for you right away.
Ms. Layana, your suite is prepared, just as Mr. Galanis instructed,” he assured us, his efficiency and kindness putting us both at ease.
I wasn’t sure if he meant my room or Niko’s. Sharing a bed with Niko caused goosebumps to prickle over my skin.
Nope. Not going there. Not until I knew which room I’d sleep in and why.
Soti motioned for us to come in, and we entered the main foyer, our heels clicking on the white marble floor.
“I’ll be back in a moment.” He disappeared around the corner, leaving Cali and me alone in the spacious foyer.
Cali’s eyes widened as she took in the opulence surrounding us.
I hoped we’d swiftly adapt to our lavish new surroundings, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that living here would always resemble residing in a museum.
I glanced at a life-sized marble statue of a naked woman at the base of the grand staircase and shook my head.
Getting used to this would certainly take some time.
More than anything, I longed for us to feel safe.
It had been ages since we experienced that sense of security, not since our parents passed away.
Our time in Prague had been anything but secure, as we constantly looked over our shoulders, expecting trouble at any moment.
Perhaps we could finally find a little peace amidst all this luxury.
I paused to let Cali take it all in when Niko began descending the grand staircase. His striking face took my breath away, and thoughts of him flooded my mind. The idea that he would soon be my husband thrilled and frightened me, stirring a mix of awe, excitement, and a hint of fear.
Ever since that dinner, I couldn’t stop thinking about him, still feeling the lingering echo of his kiss on my lips even hours later.
When Niko saw us, his face lit up with a broad smile as he opened his arms in a welcome, instantly calming my nerves.
“Welcome!” he exclaimed, echoing throughout the marble-clad room.
He descended the stairs with effortless confidence, his gaze fixed on us, making it seem as if he could command the room merely by his presence.
Once at the bottom, he nodded in greeting to Cali first.
“Cali, welcome to the Galanis estate! I’m really glad you could make it,” he said, as if he had been expecting her all along, making it easy to overlook that I hadn’t sought his permission before bringing her.
I couldn’t help but appreciate how he kept a respectful distance. That small gesture confirmed my suspicion that he was thoughtful. Cali’s past trauma had made her cautious about hugs and unfamiliar men getting too close.
My heart warmed instantly at his effort to make Cali feel comfortable and safe right away, and it paid off. I saw it in her eyes, in the way her shoulders relaxed, and in how she smiled up at him, as if he made her feel secure and welcomed.
“Thank you for inviting me,” she said politely.
“The pleasure is all mine,” he replied, his eyes locking onto hers, their intensity bridging the gap between them. “I hope you feel at ease here. Please, stay as long as you wish.”
Then he turned to me, and I sensed the world shift, as if a tide had set a ship adrift. His penetrating gaze made the room subtly spin around me as he took my hands.
“Welcome home, Laya.”
Those simple greetings carried profound depth that tugged at my heart.
Home .
This would become my sanctuary, where I could lay down roots and flourish. The thought anchored me while filling me with a hopeful anticipation that stirred deep within.
“Thank you, Niko,” I whispered as I looked up at him, my heart fluttering with the thrill of his touch and the sincerity in his gaze. The connection between us crackled like electricity in the air; his hands cradled mine in a cocoon, drawing me ever closer as if by an unseen force.
“Ms. Calista, if you’ll follow me, I can show you to your room now,” Soti interjected, appearing at our side, silent and almost like a shadow until he spoke.
“Oh, that’s wonderful, thank you.” She met my eyes briefly before trailing after Soti down a nearby hallway, leaving Niko and me enveloped in the quiet intimacy of the room.
“I’m so glad you brought Cali,” he said.
“I hoped you would feel that way,” I replied, my cheeks warming under his steady gaze. “I considered asking, but I decided it was easier to seek forgiveness than permission,” I teased lightly.
“You don't need to ask, Laya.” His matter-of-fact delivery was somewhat disconcerting. “This is as much your home as it is mine. Rest assured that she’ll be safe here. If it helps, I can arrange for someone trustworthy to watch over her.”
I looked up at him and slowly shook my head, feeling the weight of his offer.
“That’s a generous thought. We have our security if necessary. Cali prefers not to have someone with her all the time; it feels constricting, making it hard for her to relax.”
“I understand,” Niko said thoughtfully. “Still, she deserves protection. I’ll make sure someone inconspicuously checks on her. She won’t even notice.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, as I gazed at him. My hands remained safely nestled in his, reflecting my deep sense of belonging.
Everything Niko had shown me so far had been gentle and considerate, contrasting sharply with his ruthless and temperamental business reputation.
Perhaps those claims had been exaggerated, I thought.
The man in front of me now, smiling down at me as if he would snatch the stars from the sky if I asked, was nothing like what I had prepared myself for.
He was someone I could easily fall in love with.
Whether it was dangerous or not, I couldn’t tell yet.
“Thank you for making us both feel so welcome,” I said.
“Of course!” he replied. “Soti and the staff prepared a wonderful feast for dinner, and—” His sentence was interrupted by three massive Greek shepherds bounding into the room.
As I approached, a wave of surprise washed over me, quickly replaced by delight as I saw the beautiful dogs. Their lush black- and-white coats shimmered in the light, and their sweet eyes seemed to penetrate my heart with warmth.
“Oh, my goodness!” I exclaimed, feeling joy bubble inside me. They instantly sat at my feet, their gaze fixed on me, tails wagging in eager anticipation. “Who are these beauties?”
Niko stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face.