Page 55 of Beyond Enemy Vows
Katerina's voice is close. Too close.
Panic surges through me. I try to get away from Niko, but it's too late. Katerina rounds the corner and stops dead, her eyes widening as she sees him.
"Niko?" she says, surprised. "Oh my god, what are the odds?" She hugs him.
I force an awkward, unnecessary laugh, stepping aside. "Right? I just asked him the same thing. Ran into him back there near the fish stand. Random. Totally random."
Reel it in, Calli.
Niko nods, slipping into the lie with practiced ease. "Yeah. The chef is prepping a dinner for some guests. My father wants it perfect, you know, so I thought I'd pick up a few things myself just to make sure."
Katerina rolls her eyes. "Yes, I remember how dear uncle Stavros can be."
"Yes, still a prick as always," Niko says.
Katerina laughs. "Some things never change."
"I know, huh," I say, trying to act calm.
"Such a small world, running into you," Katerina says slowly.
"Yes, so small," I say, laughing.
God, I'm not good at hiding things in the moment.
Niko looks at me and then back at Katerina, turning on his charm. "So, what about you two? Athens vacation?"
"Kind of," Katerina says. "Ares had meetings, so we're just tagging along," she says. "We're here a few days."
"Oh, that sounds fun," he says, glancing down at me.
"Yes, well. If you ever come to Chicago, call me. I want you to come and meet the baby," Katerina says.
"I will," Niko adds. "It would be good to catch up. It's been a while."
"Yes, absolutely," Katerina says, and looks at me. "Well, we should go."
"Yes, we should," I say, nodding too enthusiastically.
"Yeah, I should probably get going myself," Niko says and looks at me. "Enjoy your stay in Athens, ladies."
I watch as he walks away and then turn to look at Katerina, who's staring at me.
"Weird coincidence, huh?" she asks.
I force a smile. "Like you said. Small world, right?"
We start walking and she turns to me.
"He's always been a little. I don't know. Hard to read, you know? I haven't been able to crack that shell.”
I swallow hard. "I hadn't noticed. You guys seem to connect easily."
She gives me a look.
"Well, let's head back. Ares texted me. He's set up a surprise for all of us."
I smile and nod, but inside I'm unraveling. If Katerina knows, suspects, or is picking up on it, Ares won't be far behind. And if they find out, it won't just be my heart that breaks, it'll be his too, and a whole lot more.
