Page 22 of Vow to Corrupt You
“He’s outside, talking business with some of the men. You know how it is.”
I nod, understanding all too well. The business of men like Aric and my new husband never really stops, not even for a wedding.
“Are you okay, though? You look pale.” Chiara’s forehead narrows as she looks at me. A few curly strands of her golden hair fall on the right side of her forehead. She can read me like an open book—she always has.
“I needed a break,” I admit, and Chiara seems to understand without further explanation. That’s the thing about our relationship. She’s my best friend and can read me without words. I don’t have that type of bond with any of my siblings, even though I love them all deeply. I do share a special connection with Gianna and my twin brother, but somehow, it’s just not the same. Sometimes it feels as though Chiara is my twin, at least on a spiritual level.
“I know what you mean. It feels suffocating in there sometimes, doesn’t it?” Her face reflects the same blend of regret, fear, and anger that churns inside me.
“It’s like there’s no escape from it all, no matter where you turn.”
“I’m sorry you have to go through this, cousin. It’s not fair. After you called me to break the news last week, I couldn’t believe it. I wanted to catch the first flight back from Norway…” A fleeting frown tugs at the corners of her mouth. “I wish you could’ve married for love as we always planned growing up.”
“I’m scared, Chiara… I’m scared of my future.” The words tumble out before I can stop them, and I finally break. I knew I could open up to Chiara, and since she’s been in Norway for the past few weeks, I’ve had to hold everything in until now. Only she would understand, without judging or feeling guilty like Gianna would.
“I don’t know what to expect with a man who’s so unpredictable and ruthless. I’m scared of Nikos,” I finally admit it aloud. “Have you noticed how everyone looks at him? They’re terrified.”
“It’s not just his presence. It’s the power he wields.” Chiara tries to twist things so they don’t look as ugly as they really are. “You, as his wife, will be able to command respect and fear, too. Look on the bright side, cousin.”
“I don’t know if I can live like this.” The thought of spending my life in the shadow of his darkness fills me with dread.
“You’ll adapt, Serena. It’s the price we pay for protection.”
“Protection? More like imprisonment,” I mutter bitterly. I knew the price and agreed to pay it to save my family, so I guess I shouldn’t be whining now.
“Perhaps, one day, you’ll learn how to love him.” Her face screams pity. Even she doesn’t believe it’s possible to love a brute like the infamous Nikos Romano.
“Love him?” I scoff, unable to imagine ever feeling anything but fear and loathing for the man who now holds my fate in his hands. “How can I love someone who is filled with so much darkness? Someone who’s so twisted, wicked, and merciless?” I spit my hatred toward Nikos, much like a snake does with its deadly venom.
A knock at the door makes me jump. “Mrs. Romano, it’s Remo. The boss sent me for you.”
I flush, hoping he heard nothing. I have to watch my mouth. One wrong move or word can cost me my life. Hastily, I wipe the tears from under my eyes. Chiara offers me a comforting smile, her hand gently squeezing mine.
The knock comes again, more insistent. “Mrs. Romano, are you there?”
“I’m coming,” I call out, my voice steadier than I feel.
Chiara gives me an encouraging nod, and I take a deep breath to compose myself.
“Can’t I even have a moment in the ladies’ room?” I can’t help the bitter, sarcastic remark as I open the door. I know it’s none of Remo’s fault. He merely works for Nikos. He’s no different than I am, a mere pawn in this twisted game, as we all are.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Romano.” Remo looks embarrassed, his cheeks reddening slightly.
I take a moment to look at him—to actually look at him for the first time. He seems to be in his late twenties, with the same black hair that matches the color of his eyes, and his features are distinctly Asian. His demeanor is quite strong, but right now he looks uncomfortable.
“All right, Remo. Let’s go,” I say, stepping out of the restroom and leaving Chiara behind with a worry settling on her face.
I follow Remo through the luxurious corridors, the sound of my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. I don’t know what to expect from Nikos, and the anticipation makes my stomach churn.
Remo opens the room door for me, and I hesitate for a moment before stepping in. The hall dazzles with aristocratic splendor, but all of it blurs when my attention snags on him. Nikos. He stands in the middle of the room, one hand over the other, and head cocked in that characteristic stony expression. But then, as I peek behind him, I feel a sudden surge of warmth at the sight of my twin brother. He’s okay and he’s alive. He also looks pretty good in a suit. God, what a relief. Although his face still shows lingering bruises and a bandage wraps around his right hand, his expression brightens as our gazes finally meet.
“Salvatore,” his name escapes my mouth in a whisper of relief.
My instinct is to run to my brother and embrace him in a tight hug, but I hesitate, glancing back at Nikos, who stands between us like a formidable barrier.
“He’s here. Alive. You kept your promise,” I say dryly to Nikos. Even now, it’s so hard to show him my gratitude—to show anything other than my hatred for him.
“I’m a man of my word,” he replies evenly. “I always keep my promises.”
