Page 23 of Influence

Spiro’s vibrant turquoise gaze shifted to me, his grin widening, lighting up his entire face.

“And you, lucky girl, must be the enchanting soul who persuaded this boy to finally become a proper gentleman.”

“Now, Spiro…” Niko mock warned.

Spiro took my hands, pressed his lips to each one, then leaned in and brushed kisses against my cheeks.

“I’m Laya,” I said, laughing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Spiro.”

“The pleasure is all mine, darling.” He shook his head slowly. “Let me rephrase that—Niko is the fortunate one here. You are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, Laya.”

“Oh, thank you,” I managed, irresistibly charmed by him. In that moment, I felt a spark of affection.

“Please, come in! I have so much to show you!”

He hurried inside, and Niko gave me a wink and teased, “I think he likes you.”

“I might be falling for him,” I laughed.

Niko sighed, “Oh, wonderful, now I’ve got some competition!”

He left me speechless for a moment. Who could compete with a man like Niko? Perhaps I wasn’t in love with him yet, but I couldn’t help but wonder if I ever would be. Still, I kept these doubts to myself.

Niko led me farther inside, pausing at the doorway. I stepped into Spiro’s home, where the leather furniture bore the marks of many gatherings, and the fire in the stone fireplace created an inviting glow. This space felt familiar and lived-in, a far cry from a typical jewelry shop.

“This way!” Spiro shouted from down the hallway as Niko led me toward him.

“You’ve been here before,” I noted.

“Yes, indeed. Spiro was a close friend of my father. He became one of the most renowned jewelers in Athens during his prime, specializing in the rarest gems. Now, he mostly enjoys retirement, choosing clients based on personal connections.”

I raised my eyebrows in admiration.

“He adores you,” I remarked.

“My father often took me along when he visited Spiro during my childhood,” Niko explained. “The man is delightfully eccentric and can charm anyone. So, when I needed a ring for you, he was the very first and only person I trusted with the task.”

I was touched to learn that he had such a personal connection to the person from whom we would purchase the ring. As we turned a corner and entered a different wing of the house, my eyes widened in surprise at my surroundings.

Though not a typical retail space, this area of the home displayed a stunning array of jewels, elegantly enriching every surface. Spiro’s collection of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, draped in black velvet, was arranged in artistic displays. Acomplete set of shimmering tiaras was showcased on one wall, illuminated by display lights.

“This is magical,” I murmured, taking in the scene. “It feels like a dream.”

Stepping behind a glass case, Spiro lifted a black velvet drape to reveal a tray of shimmering engagement rings.

“I took the liberty of selecting a few pieces for you. Once I understand your taste better, I have more to show as well.”

My heart raced as I approached, the sparkling rings enticing me like a radiant tunnel. I scrutinized each one, my eyes growing wider with each piece. Slowly, I shook my head.

“They’re incredible,” I murmured as Niko approached from behind and placed his hand on the small of my back.

A shiver raced up my spine, and despite my reaction to the spectacular jewels before me, I realized it was his touch that had triggered the shiver.

These extravagant jewels only made me feel nervous.

“Do you like them?” Niko asked.

“Well, how could I not?” I laughed. “But…”

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