Page 21 of Influence

“That’s a generous thought. We have our security if necessary. Cali prefers not to have someone with her all the time; it feels constricting, making it hard for her to relax.”

“I understand,” Niko said thoughtfully. “Still, she deserves protection. I’ll make sure someone inconspicuously checks on her. She won’t even notice.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, as I gazed at him. My hands remained safely nestled in his, reflecting my deep sense of belonging.

Everything Niko had shown me so far had been gentle and considerate, contrasting sharply with his ruthless and temperamental business reputation. Perhaps those claims had been exaggerated, I thought. The man in front of me now, smiling down at me as if he would snatch the stars from the sky if I asked, was nothing like what I had prepared myself for. He was someone I could easily fall in love with.

Whether it was dangerous or not, I couldn’t tell yet.

“Thank you for making us both feel so welcome,” I said.

“Of course!” he replied. “Soti and the staff prepared a wonderful feast for dinner, and—” His sentence was interrupted by three massive Greek shepherds bounding into the room.

As I approached, a wave of surprise washed over me, quickly replaced by delight as I saw the beautiful dogs. Their lush black-and-white coats shimmered in the light, and their sweet eyes seemed to penetrate my heart with warmth.

“Oh, my goodness!” I exclaimed, feeling joy bubble inside me. They instantly sat at my feet, their gaze fixed on me, tails wagging in eager anticipation. “Who are these beauties?”

Niko stepped forward, a grin spreading across his face.

“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.

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