Chapter 22
Twenty-Two
L AYANA
The midday sun warmed our faces as Cali and I walked down the bustling sidewalk, our arms casually linked as if nothing could interrupt our easy pace.
We passed the main shopping center, where a stream of colorful shoppers flowed in and out of glass-fronted stores, their laughter and lively chatter blending with the distant sounds of street musicians.
Every step brought a fresh sense of delight—a freedom born from wandering without the worry of prying eyes or whispered judgments.
This uncomplicated pleasure and unburdened walk felt like reclaiming a piece of my soul.
It reminded me of the thrill I experienced earlier while handling my weapon—a quieter yet equally authentic expression of who I was.
I was a Vitalis, and that truth shone as brightly as the golden light showering us.
Looking at Cali, I noticed how much the overall energy around her had changed.
The timid spark from her past had been replaced by a determined glimmer and a wisdom earned through hardship.
While the memories of her former self still lingered in her gaze, each day she grew a little stronger, a little more defined.
I knew that if danger ever set her nerves on edge again, the vengeance she’d unleash on her enemies would be formidable, and I planned to stand by her side without hesitation.
For now, the joy of simply drifting between the shops filled me with contentment.
Cali’s genuine smile illuminated my heart more than any sunbeam ever could.
Around us, our security detail moved with practiced efficiency.
They meticulously scanned every passerby in a silent, coordinated dance.
Down the street, I envisioned Niko unwinding in his favorite barbershop, the crisp clatter of scissors providing him a rare moment of calm in his relentless schedule.
Yet amid the brightness of our day, a subtle tension nagged at the back of my mind.
Like a dark cloud that refused to dissipate, the threat posed by our enemies lingered even in our brightest moments.
Only within the secure walls of the estate did we truly feel at ease.
Even then, we were always ready to act in case a breach occurred.
We were always prepared for anything.
This was why I couldn’t help but grumble as Cali and I left a charming ice cream shop.
“Does he think his team is better than ours?” I murmured while trying to balance towering, intricately swirled kaimaki ice cream cones and not scowl at Niko’s extra security team lingering among the Vitalis men. “As if I wouldn’t notice the Galanis men hanging around.”
“I spotted them hours ago but kept quiet, knowing it would annoy you.” Cali grinned.
“Niko’s just overprotective, Laya. You might as well get used to it.
I don’t see that changing anytime soon. God, imagine if you had children!
Those poor kids wouldn’t be able to breathe without Niko hooking them up to an oxygen tank to make sure they have enough. ”
I shook my head. “That’s absurd.”
“But you know what I mean,” she said with a light shrug, diffusing any real tension.
With a sigh, I joined her on a nearby park bench, where the steady flow of passersby provided a pleasant backdrop for enjoying our chilly treats.
The hum of conversation and the rustle of the crowds created a sense of normalcy, even as a trace of guilt gnawed at me. Niko’s concern was genuine; his constant alertness came from a desire to keep us safe.
“So, how did he take your protest?” Cali asked, curiosity softening her tone. “Because from where I’m sitting, he ignored you.”
I frowned and shook my head, a grin creeping onto my face. “After he went on about trusting his gut, I insisted that our security was more than enough. Thanks to all the planning Vik put into it, I figured we’d reached a consensus.”
“Figured is the key term here.” Cali’s giggles echoed as she licked her ice cream cone. “You two make quite the pair.”
I leaned back with a sigh as I unlocked my phone.
“I suppose a little extra security never hurt,” I admitted, then typed out a brief message to Niko.
Laya: Thank you for sending your men, even though I never agreed to have them join the Vitalis security team. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared.
Niko: I believe you misunderstood something, darling.
They were going to be there whether you agreed or not.
I protect what’s mine. I apologize if you thought my offer of protection was a request for permission.
You are mine. Therefore, Galanis soldiers will accompany you wherever you go. See you soon, my love.
The absurdity of it all lifted my mood, and I smirked as I relayed, “Apparently, I misunderstood, and they would have been around whether I wanted them here or not.”
Cali’s eyes twinkled as she added, “I like him. He’s got guts.”
Instead of being exasperated with my baby sister, I reveled in the unabashed images of Niko’s naked body dancing through my mind.
I quickly pushed those intoxicating thoughts aside. Now wasn’t the time for distractions, even though my skin still craved his touch, his intense thrusts, his vicious demands, and his unrestrained lust.
Goosebumps pricked my skin as arousal surged in my body.
Our passion and need for each other seemed to have consumed us recently. It was like an insatiable, unstoppable tidal wave that overshadowed everything else.
To everyone’s annoyance, we found every opportunity to be alone and tended to lose track of time, as our lust and desire overtook logical thought.
And when it came to sleep, that was a faded memory, replaced by nights consumed by need and unquenched raw sex.
I wasn’t sure if this was normal for marriages, but it was my marriage.
Being with Niko was less a dream and more an awakening.
He devoted himself to fulfilling my every desire, prioritizing my pleasure over his own, leaving me quivering and each encounter more intense than the last.
“Oh, God, I said the wrong thing.” Cali rolled her eyes. “Stop thinking about your naked husband.”
“Ugh,” I groaned, attempting to shake off the lingering memory.
“Isn’t there more to your marriage than just always fucking like rabbits?”
Her humor caught me a bit off guard.
“Is that really how it appears?” I asked.
She shrugged. “Not at all…I’m just teasing. But seriously, how do you feel? It’s clear that Niko adores you. He shouts it from the rooftops.”
“I adore him too,” I confessed, a hint of vulnerability in my admission.
“Honestly, Cali, I had no idea what I was getting into. I chose Niko as if I were selecting a candidate for a job position. I never expected an arranged marriage to blossom into something resembling romantic love. I wasn’t searching for this kind of bond.
My only hope was that he was a good man and that our union would fortify the Vitalis empire. ”
I paused as I recalled the first day I met him.
The day we rescued Cali, I suspected he was a good man, his undeniable strength and quiet kindness shining through.
Over time, it became clear that he was more than just someone useful to our cause.
He was a man of deep passion and extraordinary character, claiming my heart in ways I’d never imagined.
“What I discovered was far more intense,” I began. “Niko and I are friends and have an undeniable connection with him. We often lose track of time while talking, becoming fully engrossed in our own little world.”
A mischievous glint sparkled in her eyes as she reclined. “That’s not the only thing you two do for hours.”
“Hush!” I urged with a conspiratorial wink. “We just can’t help it. It’s like we’re magnetically drawn to each other, our hands finding one another whenever possible.”
Cali finished the last bite of her ice cream and said, “I’m happy for you, I really am, Laya.”
“Thank you, Cali,” I replied. “Let’s head to that cozy bookstore we discussed last week.”
“Sure,” she said, rising to her feet with enthusiasm.
We tossed aside our ice cream wrappers and walked down the sunlit sidewalk, the murmur of the city intertwining with the cadence of our footsteps.
Our companions followed behind us in a protective formation, creating a silent barrier around us as we ventured forward together, enjoying the moment.
“You know, sis, there’s something I’ve wanted to discuss,” I said, daring to approach this sensitive subject now.
But Cali seemed unusually open today, and I wanted to ensure she understood my thoughts.
“Remember how we all agreed on our plan together when it was first laid out? I want you to know—nobody expects anything from you now. You don’t have to marry into one of the other syndicates if you don’t want to. That part of our plan is off the table.”
Cali’s thoughtful nod gave me the impression that the tension in the air was easing.
“Thank you for saying that.” The relief on her face made me want to sigh.
I continued, wanting her to understand what lay deep in my heart.
“You’ve endured so much, sweetheart. We would never force you into an unhappy marriage merely to bolster our power.
All we’ve ever wanted is for you to marry for love, if that’s your choice.
It’s your life, after all. You may be a Vitalis, but you have the freedom to decide what your future looks like. ”
“You and Avra have shown me love and patience,” she expressed. “Truly, I cannot imagine how I would have managed without either of you.”
I reached out and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“We love you, Cali, endlessly,” I insisted, my resolve firm and unwavering.
Then, with a steady, reflective air, she added, “I appreciate you clarifying any expectations, Laya. I feel better now—slowly healing, yet always aware that my past is a part of me. I’m coming to terms with it, even if it pains me.
I know this will remain part of my life forever, and I could never be with someone who doesn’t understand why it is so significant. ”