Page 16 of About Love and Revenge

“No?” I scoff because I'm sure she knows perfectly well who I am. I'm dying to kiss her, but I want her consent.

The dread she was feeling against Naim seems to have been replaced once again by her usual defiance, arousing me even more.

She lifts her chin impertinently. “I know your name, but I don't go around kissing men at random.”

“Are you his?”

“I'm nobody's.”

“Good, because I want you.”I've never had to say that to a woman. They're usually happy just to have my attention, but Elina doesn't seem willing to make my life easier.

“That's not my problem.”

“Deny that you want me too.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“I could prove you're lying right here, Elina, but I'm a patient man. I'll wait for you to come to me.”

Her eyes take on a glow of fire. There's not a single trace of the former fragility in them.

“You'll wait forever, then,” she says, leaving the room.

The spectacularly-bodied woman who left me a few minutes ago is the first person I see upon entering the main hall. I look at her and remember what happened the night before, at her home library, and also what just happened ten minutes ago.

Elina doesn't seem shaken by it, and I no longer see red marks on her neck.

Naim stares at me from the back of the room, and I'm sure he hasn't left because he's curious to hear what I'm going to say.

I'd intended to start torturing Leandros tonight, in a subtle way. I wish I could taste his suffering, but after what happened between him and the sheikh, I'll have to show some cards I still have up my sleeve. It's important for Naim to know that he'll be associating himself with a loser if he marries Elina.

Even if he wants her in his bed, I don't believe he'll marry her after what I have to say. After all, it's not only her beauty that interests him but also the possibility of obtaining the privileged contacts that the Argyros name would provide in the business world.

I focus on the Argyros trio in the hall. Do the pair of women have any idea what's coming?

Leandros already knows he's in my hands, but he can't imagine how far I'm willing to go to destroy him.

I forced him to mortgage his properties.

I assured him losses in so many areas that he would neverhave enough money or credit to cover them, until he got to the point where he had to get rid of the island.

I wonder if the children are aware that their father is now nothing. Leandros has little left but his pride, which I intend to crush soon.

I could kick him out today if I wanted to, but I'd rather have him here for now, knowing that even if he wants to eat, it's up to me to decide if he will do so.

His bank accounts are cleaned out, and his credit is non-existent. Although he tries to maintain the appearance of prosperity, I have no doubt that he'll soon have to sell even his expensive clothes.

The elite of the business world are here. Without them, the humiliation would not be complete. In addition to the money, I'll also annihilate his reputation, but it still won't be enough.

I'll only be satisfied when he loses his life.

“Good evening, everyone, and thank you for accepting the invitation to visit my island.”

Silence.

“You were invited to enjoy the weekend, of course, but mainly so that we can talk about the changes that will occur in the short-term. I think it's common knowledge that Leandros Argyros is broke. I took over his mortgages and debts, and now all of his assets belongs to me.”

I look at the family that has become my target, and I'm once again impressed by Elina's ability to remain impassive.

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