Chapter 5 #2
“This is Cerberus,” he said, gesturing to the largest of the trio.
The three-headed guardian of the underworld inspired his name, and I chuckled as I reached down to greet him. Cerberus’s dark eyes squinted in pleasure as I ruffled his fur.
“And this,” Niko continued, his hand moving to the dog beside him, “is Ares, named after the God of War. He only becomes a true warrior when a bloody bone is at stake.”
Ares sat perfectly still, his tail wagging vigorously behind him, radiating both energy and calm.
Niko's fingers found the last dog, gently scratching behind her ears. The dog leaned into his hand, her eyes closed in bliss.
“This is Artemis. She takes her name from the goddess of wild animals and hunts. If I let her, she would roam the property day and night, hunting anything that dared cross her path.”
Looking at Artemis, I couldn't reconcile Niko's fierce description with the softness in her face. She exuded warmth, her tail wagging happily as she welcomed my touch.
“Well, she certainly looks like a ruthless killer,” I said, laughter spilling from my lips as I stroked her fur.
Niko’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Looks can be deceiving, as you well know.”
“Do I?” I shot back, standing to meet his gaze.
“If you passed me on the street, Laya, I would never suspect you were a vicious warrior capable of annihilating your opponent in the blink of an eye.”
“You give me too much credit,” I replied, a playful smile crossing my face.
“Only when it’s deserved,” he replied, his eyes dancing with wicked, unspoken promises.
“You’re so kind, Niko. Are you always like this?” I inquired, intrigued by the effortless ease with which he navigated life.
With a sigh, he admitted, “I must confess, this is the approach to life I favor. Am I always like this? No, but I try to be until life gives me a reason to change.”
“I see.” I nodded, pausing for a moment before turning my attention to the animals. “Are these dogs always this well-behaved and obedient?”
“Not really. They’re highly trained. They only behave like this around me, but they’ve included you now. I suppose they can sense that you’re part of our ‘pack’ too.”
“And you’re the pack leader?” I asked with a smirk.
“Absolutely,” he replied with a casual shrug and a wink that suggested much more. “Which means you’re mine now, by extension.”
I laughed at his joking tone, rolling my eyes while keeping my thoughts to myself. I had never truly belonged to anyone and valued my independence—the idea of being his felt futile. Suddenly, an idea struck me.
“Hey, could we get a dog like this for Cali? She loves animals and having one might bring her a sense of security without overwhelming her.”
“Yes, I think that’s a wonderful idea. I’ll take care of it,” he agreed. “You’re such a wonderful sister. Cali is lucky to have you.”
“We’re lucky to have each other,” I replied, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
The weight of guilt clung to me, a constant reminder of Cali’s kidnapping. As her older sister, I’d felt it was my role to shield her, and the thought that I had failed gnawed at my insides.
Niko lifted my hand, and his warm lips brushed against the back.
As he smiled, a silent understanding passed between us, his thumb tracing delicate circles in the softness of my palm.
An electric flutter coursed through me, awakening every nerve at the intimacy of his gesture, while the unwavering confidence in his gaze sent my heart racing.
But then, like a shadow creeping in, doubts about our upcoming marriage crashed over me.
What was I getting myself into?
Niko exuded self-assuredness, his touch and kisses flowing so effortlessly that they unsettled me. I felt like a fish out of water, unsure how to mirror his affection. Each moment was an uncharted sea, and my inexperience loomed like a storm, threatening to capsize my heart.
I abruptly pulled my hand back, casting my eyes toward the dogs, longing for some distraction.
“One more thing,” he said, in a playful lilt. “We have an appointment coming up.”
“Where?” I asked, my curiosity piquing.
“I arranged some private time with my favorite jeweler.”
“Jeweler?” I echoed, my eyes widening with surprise and anticipation.
“Of course.” He shrugged. “I can’t make you my wife without giving you a proper ring, don’t you think?”
I felt my cheeks heat up. “Niko, I hope you understand that nothing extravagant is necessary. Perhaps just a simple gold band…”
“A simple gold band would be completely unsuitable for my bride.”
“Niko, no, I?—”
“We’ll leave in an hour. I hope that’s enough time for you to settle in. If not, I can reschedule the appointment.”
His firm stance left no room for debate, so I refrained from arguing.
Instead, I expressed my gratitude and decided to find Cali to introduce her to our new furry companions.
I discovered her relaxing on the stone patio behind the mansion, just under the terrace.
She was lounging on a chair, enjoying the sunshine.
In the yard, the leaves of Niko’s oak tree, Dryad, danced and created shadows on the grass below.
When Cali saw the dogs, she squealed with delight, confirming my choice.
She buried her face in their fur and hugged them tightly.
The dogs, in response, wagged their tails even more vigorously and squirmed with joy, completely taken by her affection just as she was by them.
This was the happiest I had seen Cali in a long time.
Maybe, just maybe, everything would work out well after all.
Two hours later, Niko drove me to a luxurious home nestled several miles away from our estate, its grandeur evident even from the driveway. As we stepped out of the car, I glanced around, unsure.
“I thought we were heading to a jeweler,” I remarked, curiosity tinged with confusion.
“We are,” he replied, a playful glimmer dancing in his eyes. “I never claimed it was a store.”
When the door swung open, an older gentleman appeared, eyes sparkling with delight at the sight of Niko. Without hesitation, he swept Niko into an exuberant embrace, his laughter echoing through the entryway.
“Spiro!” Niko exclaimed, returning the hug with equal warmth.
“My boy, Niko! It’s such a joy to see you!” Spiro exclaimed with genuine affection.
I stood close by, a smile breaking across my face as I witnessed the energy of their joyful reunion.
“You too, Spiro.” Niko pulled back, his gaze locking onto Spiro’s brilliant azure eyes with an intensity that spoke volumes. “Thank you for having us.”
With his wild gray curls framing his beaming face, Spiro wore tailored trousers that complemented his forest-green shirt. A plaid vest added flair, and a jeweler’s loupe hung around his neck like a badge of honor.
“Are you kidding? I was overjoyed to receive your call, dear Niko. I’ve been eagerly anticipating that you’d need my expertise for such an important milestone in your life.”
Spiro’s vibrant turquoise gaze shifted to me, his grin widening, lighting up his entire face.
“And you, lucky girl, must be the enchanting soul who persuaded this boy to finally become a proper gentleman.”
“Now, Spiro…” Niko mock warned.
Spiro took my hands, pressed his lips to each one, then leaned in and brushed kisses against my cheeks.
“I’m Laya,” I said, laughing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Spiro.”
“The pleasure is all mine, darling.” He shook his head slowly. “Let me rephrase that—Niko is the fortunate one here. You are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, Laya.”
“Oh, thank you,” I managed, irresistibly charmed by him. In that moment, I felt a spark of affection.
“Please, come in! I have so much to show you!”
He hurried inside, and Niko gave me a wink and teased, “I think he likes you.”
“I might be falling for him,” I laughed.
Niko sighed, “Oh, wonderful, now I’ve got some competition!”
He left me speechless for a moment. Who could compete with a man like Niko? Perhaps I wasn’t in love with him yet, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I ever would be. Still, I kept these doubts to myself.
Niko led me farther inside, pausing at the doorway. I stepped into Spiro’s home, where the leather furniture bore the marks of many gatherings, and the fire in the stone fireplace created an inviting glow. This space felt familiar and lived-in, a far cry from a typical jewelry shop.
“This way!” Spiro shouted from down the hallway as Niko led me toward him.
“You’ve been here before,” I noted.
“Yes, indeed. Spiro was a close friend of my father. He became one of the most renowned jewelers in Athens during his prime, specializing in the rarest gems. Now, he mostly enjoys retirement, choosing clients based on personal connections.”
I raised my eyebrows in admiration.
“He adores you,” I remarked.
“My father often took me along when he visited Spiro during my childhood,” Niko explained. “The man is delightfully eccentric and can charm anyone. So, when I needed a ring for you, he was the very first and only person I trusted with the task.”
I was touched to learn that he had such a personal connection to the person from whom we would purchase the ring. As we turned a corner and entered a different wing of the house, my eyes widened in surprise at my surroundings.
Though not a typical retail space, this area of the home displayed a stunning array of jewels, elegantly enriching every surface.
Spiro’s collection of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, draped in black velvet, was arranged in artistic displays.
A complete set of shimmering tiaras was showcased on one wall, illuminated by display lights.
“This is magical,” I murmured, taking in the scene. “It feels like a dream.”
Stepping behind a glass case, Spiro lifted a black velvet drape to reveal a tray of shimmering engagement rings.
“I took the liberty of selecting a few pieces for you. Once I understand your taste better, I have more to show as well.”
My heart raced as I approached, the sparkling rings enticing me like a radiant tunnel. I scrutinized each one, my eyes growing wider with each piece. Slowly, I shook my head.
“They’re incredible,” I murmured as Niko approached from behind and placed his hand on the small of my back.
A shiver raced up my spine, and despite my reaction to the spectacular jewels before me, I realized it was his touch that had triggered the shiver.
These extravagant jewels only made me feel nervous.
“Do you like them?” Niko asked.
“Well, how could I not?” I laughed. “But…”
“But what?” he prodded.
“They’re just so… I just don’t think…” I stammered.
“Yes, they’re beautiful,” Niko acknowledged. “But none are as beautiful as you, Laya.”
“Niko,” I murmured, shaking my head. “I truly don’t need any of this, I promise…”
Spiro remained in the periphery, observant and quiet.
Niko’s unyielding gaze made me uncomfortable. He ignored my objections and continued his attempts to console me.
“You don’t need them. Remember what you are worth,” he said, guiding my chin up to connect our gazes. “You’ll be my bride. You’re a Vitalis and soon to be a Galanis. You deserve the best, always.”
I took a deep breath, trying to find the courage to stop worrying about the cost of such an expensive item and allow Niko to do as he wished.
Perhaps in time, I would adjust to this.
Ultimately, wearing luxurious jewelry and embracing a lavish lifestyle might become instinctive, allowing me to navigate my new life as effortlessly as everyone believed the Vitalis sisters always did.
But I had so much to learn first.
How could I wear something so priceless daily without damaging or losing it?
They all seemed so heavy. They could easily slip off my finger. The thought of that made me feel nauseous.
“Which one do you prefer?” I finally asked Niko as I turned to face Spiro and relaxed my shoulders.
He glanced over my shoulder, examined the collection, and then shook his head dismissively.
“No, these aren’t right,” he commented. “Spiro, show us something better, something larger…”
“What the hell? Larger?” I couldn’t hide my shock. “You must be joking.”
“These don’t fit your personality,” he said with a casual shrug.
“That might be true,” I countered. “But something larger doesn’t fit either.”
“Why don’t you describe the style you’re looking for?” Spiro proposed.
I tilted my head, waiting for Niko’s input.
His dark eyes met mine. “There’s a subtle elegance about you. You’re classy, not flashy or over the top. I’m sure Spiro has something that suits you.”
“I think I have the ideal choice,” Spiro interjected, his eyes shining with joy. “I will return soon.”
He sprinted away, his curls bouncing behind him, the sound of his oxfords clicking against the wooden floor.
Niko wrapped his arms around my waist, drawing me closer as we waited. My heart raced, and the scent of his cologne enveloped me.
I asked, “Is this necessary?”
“Yes,” he replied firmly.
“I don’t need this,” I protested.
He turned me to face him. “I need it.”
“Why?”
He leaned closer. “It signifies you as mine.”
“Mine?” I raised an eyebrow. “A ring that says, ‘property of Niko’?”
He smirked. “If that’s your interpretation.”
“I belong to no one, Niko. I am my own person.”
“That will always hold true,” he comforted me, squeezing me closer. “Marriage binds us to each other equally.”
I felt my throat tighten. “Are you saying?—”
Before I could finish, Spiro returned with a new tray of rings. “Ta-da! Understated and classy!”
Niko maintained eye contact. “We’ll discuss this later. For now, it’s time to choose your ring.”
I turned to the selection and instinctively picked up a three-diamond circlet ring, lifting it from its velvet cushion to inspect it closely. Tears welled up at its beauty and the memories it evoked.
“Do you like that one?” Niko asked.
I nodded, briefly speechless.
My heart raced, tears forming. “It’s just like Mama’s engagement ring. After fleeing to Prague, we never learned what became of her belongings.”
Niko caressed my back. “It’s beautiful.”
“I always loved it,” I whispered. “There were times she’d let me wear it, and we’d giggle at how oversized it looked on my small finger.”
“Give me your hand,” Niko instructed.
“What?” I replied, meeting his gaze.
He took the ring from me and placed it on my finger.
“It fits perfectly,” Spiro declared. “It was meant for you.” The diamonds glimmered through my tears as I looked at my hand, and the emotions I had suppressed finally spilled over.
Niko wiped away the wetness trailing down my cheeks and drew me in, kissing my forehead. “We’ll take this one, Spiro,” he said, glancing over my shoulder.