Page 38 of Vow to Corrupt You
“I think he wanted to carry out an execution on our family and make me watch as punishment, but for some reason, he changed his mind.”
My heart stumbles. Was my family a breath away from death? If Salvatore is right, and Nikos did want to execute us, why didn’t he?
“There’s only one reason he didn’t do it.” Gianna walks in and crosses her arms as if a cold breeze swept over her skin. “You, Serena.”
The events from the day Nikos came to our house replay in my mind like a recording. The moment his gaze landed on me, the way it held me captive. The whispers between him and his uncle. And then the contract he already had prepared, the engagement ring he gave me the very same day. He was obviously planning on marrying one of us and not killing one or all of us; it couldn’t have been just a stunt.
What game is he playing?
“I agree,” Salvatore says quietly before he comes to a realization. “He must’ve chosen you because he knew you’re my twin sister. Nikos Romano is fucked up, and God knows what twisted scheme he has in mind. And it’s all because of me!”
Before I can even think of a reply, he goes back to his room; the loud thud of his shutting door making me jump.
“He’s beating himself up over what’s happened.” Gianna briefly pats my arm. “He’s been keeping to himself recently too.”
“I wish he wouldn’t take this so personally.” I sit on the vintage couch by the window while Gianna takes the matching chair positioned perpendicular to the couch. “I don’t regret my decision. I’d do anything to save our family, and I know he would’ve done the same for me.”
“That’s true.” Gianna nods. Her gaze skims over an off-white vase with apricot roses, and I sense there’s something on her mind. She’s not the type to avoid eye contact unless…
“What is it, Gianna?”
She lets out a sigh, and her lips twitch. “Salvatore… he’s been planning something. He wants to…” Her concerned gaze meets mine, and her tone lowers a few notches. “He told me he wants to kill Nikos to set you free.”
Ice-cold chills run down my spine. “Gianna, you have to stop him. He can’t do something so reckless. Not again. If he tries and fails, then he’s putting the entire family in danger and my marriage to Nikos would be for nothing.” My heart is beating so fast.
If Salvatore pulls another stunt, even I won’t be able to save us again.
“Promise me you will not let him do anything.”
“Of course, I promise,” Gianna leans toward me and squeezes my hand in hers. “I’ll talk some sense into him, but you need to be careful. If Nikos…”
“I know.”
The rich brown eyes flick between mine for a moment. “So how are you?”
My mind replays events on warp speed: Nikos banishing Lorenzo out of the country, cutting Claudio’s… manhood, forcing me to ink his name on my collarbone, the way he stood up for me at the Olympus club, and the intimate moments we’ve spent together. But the… encounter I had with him under the shower is not something I’d share with Gianna. Perhaps Chiara, but not Gianna. As much as I love my stepsister, she wouldn’t understand. She wouldn’t even try to.
“I’m fine.” I go for the most clichéd response.
“No, don’t brush me off like that.” Her head shakes. “Is it that bad?”
My lips press together before I reply, “It’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”
She reclines, her hands leaving mine. “Don’t lie, Serena. You can be honest with me. Did he hurt you?”
“No,” I waggle my head. “I am honest. Nikos… he’s not that bad.” However, I don’t blame her for believing otherwise. Everyone fears him, and rightfully so. He’s a ruthless monster, which I did fear. I still do somewhat. He’s merciless toward others, but…
“He seems different with me.”
Gianna’s brows rocket up. “Serena, you can’t be serious.”
“What do you mean?” I scowl.
“Nikos is dangerous. He’s like a ticking bomb; one wrong move can cost your life. Do not let him fool you.”
“Fool me?”
“What do you think he’s doing?” She sounds rattled. “He wants to trap you in his web, wrap a cocoon around you, and drain your blood like a venomous spider.”
