Page 36 of Breaking the Annulment

Michalis’s eyes narrowed. “And why would you do that?”

“Consider it a gesture of good faith,” Antonio said with a shrug, though his tone carried an edge. “You’ve brought Aurelia out into the open, let me see her for myself. Now it’s my turn to show I’m willing to work together—if it means we can take Khomenko off the board for good.”

Michalis crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “So that’s what this is about. You want me to do your dirty work.”

Antonio smirked. “I’d call it a mutually beneficial arrangement. Khomenko’s a threat to both of us, whether you want to admit it or not. And if we’re going to get rid of him, it’s going to take more than just your...confidence.”

The silence between them crackled with tension, neither man willing to back down. Finally, Michalis spoke, his voice low and measured. “We’ll see.”

Antonio’s smirk widened. “Good. Now let’s get back before Carmen starts wondering if we’ve killed each other.”

With that, he pushed off the table, heading for the door. Michalis lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting to the folder, before following.

As they stepped back into the main dining room, Michalis’s eyes immediately sought out Aurelia. She was still seated at the table, cradling the baby in her arms, a soft smile playing on her lips. His chest tightened at the sight, a mixture of possessiveness and something deeper stirring within him.

Antonio’s voice broke through his thoughts. “She’s something, I’ll give you that,” he said, his tone almost begrudging. “Let’s hope for your sake she’s as loyal as she seems.”

Michalis didn’t respond. Instead, he strode toward Aurelia, his focus narrowing to her and only her.

He bent to kiss her temple. “You’re going to be a good mother someday,” he murmured, his lips brushing her ear. “Let’s go home.”

Aurelia flushed, her heart racing. She handed the baby back to Carmen, her thoughts a chaotic swirl. She wanted children, but did she want them with Michalis? Did she want to raise a child in his world? Was his world really so bad?

She twisted her wedding ring nervously as they drove back home, absently watching the familiar scenery pass by, her mind in turmoil.

She wanted to sort out her jumbled thoughts, but the suffocating silence in the car only added to her turmoil.

Everything seemed to be happening at lightning speed and she wasn't sure what she truly wanted anymore.

As she stared out the window, her mind raced with questions - what did she really want? Was she falling for him despite all the danger, control, and darkness that came with his world? Despite knowing it was wrong? The conflicting emotions within her made it impossible to find a clear answer.

Beside her, Michalis’s presence was solid, steady. His hand took hers again, and this time, she let it stay.

16

The dim basement was suffocating, the single flickering bulb casting erratic shadows on the bare concrete walls. Petros sat bound to a metal chair in the center of the room, his wrists tied tightly behind him. His shirt clung to his sweat-drenched back, and his eyes darted wildly around the room, searching for a shred of mercy he already knew wasn’t there.

Dimitris leaned against the wall, his knife flipping open and shut with a steady, almost hypnotic rhythm. The metallic click was the only sound, save for Petros’s shallow, erratic breathing. Across the room, Elias stood with his massive arms crossed, his hulking figure blocking the only exit. Ajax prowled behind Petros, his steps deliberate, his gaze sharp as he watched the man squirm.

“You know he’s coming,” Dimitris said finally, his voice smooth, almost conversational. The sound made Petros flinch. “And when he gets here, there’s no stopping what happens next.”

Petros shook his head frantically, his voice cracking as he stammered, “I don’t—I didn’t—please?—”

“Shut it,” Elias growled, his deep voice rumbling like distant thunder. He pushed off the wall, taking a slow step closer, his size casting a shadow over Petros. “You think we care what you didn’t do? You think the boss gives a damn about your excuses?”

“He doesn’t,” Dimitris cut in, the faint smirk on his lips sending a chill down Petros’s spine. “You’ve worked for him long enough to know that. The only thing Michalis cares about is loyalty. And you…” He let the words hang in the air, the unspoken accusation slicing through the room like a blade.

Petros’s breath hitched, his eyes wide with terror. “I didn’t mean to betray him!” he cried, his voice shaking. “I—I didn’t know?—”

Ajax stopped pacing, his boots scraping against the concrete as he came to stand directly behind Petros. He leaned down, his voice low and deadly in Petros’s ear. “That’s the thing about betrayal. It doesn’t matter if you meant to or not. You crossed the line. And now…” He trailed off, his meaning clear.

Dimitris pushed off the wall, flipping his knife shut with a final, decisive click. “You have one chance, Petros,” he said, his tone calm but laced with menace. “Talk. Now. Tell us who paid you. Tell us how she got that ticket. Because the second Michalis walks through that door…” He paused, tilting his head slightly. “Well, you already know, don’t you?”

Petros whimpered, his entire body trembling as he looked between them. He did know. He had seen the aftermath of Michalis’s rage before—the unrelenting, merciless force of a man who did not tolerate betrayal.

“Boss doesn’t forgive traitors,” Elias rumbled, his deep voice almost pitying. “Ever.”

“You think this is bad?” Ajax added, his voice cold. “This is nothing. He doesn’t even need us. When he’s done with you, there won’t be enough left to clean up.”

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