Page 16 of Influence

NIKOLAS

ONE WEEK LATER

I stood by the window, the soft light filtering in, as Soti asked, “Is everything to your satisfaction, Kyrios?”

I took a moment to appreciate the serene charm of the guest room. The fresh scent of linens and lilies hung in the air, wrapping around me like a comforting embrace.

“Absolutely, it looks wonderful, Soti. Thank you for your meticulous care,” I responded, warmth blooming in my chest as I noticed the little details he had arranged with the house staff to enhance the room’s allure.

He nodded, a hint of pride in his eyes. “I want your future wife to feel completely at ease.”

I smiled back at him, grateful for his thoughtfulness. I imagined her walking into the room, seeing the flowers, and feeling the warmth of his considerate touch.

“With your extraordinary attention to detail, I’m sure she’ll be very well cared for. The lilies are such a delightful touch.”

Soti was more of a trusted friend than simply my house manager.

I found it amusing that, despite my repeated requests to stop referring to me as “kyrios,” which means “boss,” he persisted in using the term, just as he had with my father throughout the years. With me now in charge of the estate, his continued use of the title showed his recognition of me as our family's rightful heir and godfather.

However, my brothers would surely contest that.

They distanced themselves from the daily operations of our empire, yet they never missed an opportunity to stake their claim. Fortunately, Stefano and Markos were too busy globe-trotting and partying to pay attention to the intricate details that kept everything running smoothly, leaving me to handle most of the work without their superficial complaints.

I needed to focus. This was about respect, about doing things the right way. And yet, after that kiss on the terrace, I wanted nothing more than to take her upstairs and taste her again.

Afterward, I intended to explore every sin she awakened in me. I planned to revel in her body over and over, as much as she allowed.

Laya had consented to move in early and settle before the wedding, streamlining everything and ensuring the estate was properly organized for our eagerly awaited honeymoon.

We had decided to marry as soon as we could arrange it logistically, and neither of us felt the need to delay. After all, this was a contracted marriage, so there wasn’t a necessity for a lengthy period to get acquainted. It would naturally happen over time anyway.

For now, she’d have privacy in the adjoining room, with a lock if she wished, though she needn’t know how easily I could breach it. To ensure everything was ready for her arrival, I consulted with Eli and Avra about Laya’s preferences, from herpreferred coffee style to her favorite shampoo brand. I made sure everything would be prepared upon her arrival. It was important to me that she felt thoroughly cared for and at ease.

After all, she would be my wife, and it was my duty to attend to her needs.

First on my agenda was a private appointment with my jeweler, who would showcase his finest engagement rings for her to select from. Laya deserved nothing less than the very best that money could buy, beginning with the unique symbol of my commitment adorning her finger.

I planned to invest a significant amount in her, expecting her to hesitate and shy away from the larger gemstones. After her visit last week, I was eager to uncover everything I could about her. Her shy, hesitant, and almost naive flirtation entranced me. She blushed like someone inexperienced, leaving me with many questions regarding her past.

My investigator revealed her modest life in Prague, which was far from luxurious, explaining her unease at my dinner. However, that still left the question of her shyness open.

I pressed my investigator to look into any previous romantic relationships she may have had, but he came back empty-handed. Laya’s time in Prague was devoted to training at Vik's facility and caring for her younger sister.

She either seldom socialized or understood the importance of keeping her personal life private.

Could Laya be as innocent as she seemed? Surely, someone as stunning as her must have had previous lovers. Something felt amiss. Eventually, I’d uncover the truths of her past. The Vitalis sisters skillfully maintained a low-profile life, encompassing every aspect of their history.

“I’m going to work in my office until Laya arrives, Soti.”

“Of course, Kyrios,” he replied. With a respectful nod, he turned and disappeared down the lit corridor, leaving me alone with my numerous thoughts.

I walked past my room and paused to glance inside. The bed was meticulously made, and the room was serene, a stark contrast to the house staff's usual morning bustle.

Sometimes, I treated myself to extra time in bed, but on most days I woke up before dawn and worked until sunset. I couldn't help but smirk as I remembered how Laya had looked at the bed during her visit. I understood precisely what was on her mind.

I, too, had imagined the two of us sharing that bed, just as I found myself doing now.

However, since it was the dead of night, I envisioned her bathed in moonlight with her skin enveloped in a glowing light. She would scream her pleasure, head tilted back as I lost myself between her legs, savoring her sweetness.

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