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Fuck, that hurt.
I started to scream.
“No one is going to save you, Miss Williams. Not from the likes of us,” Alexander added, and I screamed that much louder.
He was right though.
No one came to save me.
CHAPTER 6
Nikolaos
I wished my father were here. He’d have known exactly what to do and say to make sure this meeting between families tipped in our favor, but I was still learning the ropes. Since his death, I’d been thrust into the role of family patriarch, and I needed to prove myself as capable a leader as my father.
The stakes were too high to play any games. I needed to make all the right choices at all the right times to make sure my family name stayed at the top where we belonged.
I hadn’t been expecting to take the Kaligaris family reigns for another decade or two. I’d spent the past years building my own empire, diversifying the family business to make us that much more stable.
I needed to think beyond shipping, like investments in other businesses, legit ones that wouldn’t draw unnecessary attention. The game had changed, and I needed to evolve with it. It wasn’t just about being on top; it was about staying there, and I planned on doing just that.
I couldn’t be foolish about it, either. It was my firm belief that diversification was key to holding power, and that putting all my chips in one basket was a surefire way to sink the ship. Power can sometimes be a fleeting thing, and I had to remember that.
I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the battle to come before I took a step and entered the lavishly adorned meeting room. The rich scent of mahogany and lingering cigar smoke surrounded me as I strode inside with my chin held high.
It had taken weeks to set up this meeting between families, and it had to go perfectly.
There was only one man waiting for me. Seated at the grand mahogany table was Antonios Stefanidis, patriarch of one of the other dominant shipping families here in Greece. He had an air of stoic authority that commanded respect. His salt-and-pepper hair, meticulously groomed beard, and penetrating hazel eyes spoke of both wisdom and a calculating business acumen honed through decades of navigating the turbulent seas of commerce and organized crime.
He’d been at this for far longer than me, and right now, I wanted him to be my ally. This meeting depended on it.
“Good to see you, Nikolaos,” Antonios greeted, his voice resonating with power.
“I trust business has been favorable for the Stefanidis fleet, Antonios,” I remarked, my words carrying a polite, but cunning, edge.
Antonios nodded, pride glinting in his gray eyes. “Indeed, but the waters are unpredictable. That’s why I’m here, isn’t it, Nikolaos?”
Antonios was a shrewd man. I’d give him that.
I leaned forward, fixing my piercing gaze on Antonios. “Let’s get to the heart of the matter. The routes through the Eastern Mediterranean are becoming more challenging. I propose a strategic alliance to strengthen our positions.”
Steepling his fingers, Antonios considered my proposal with a thoughtful expression. “An alliance, you say? What terms do you propose, Nikolaos?”
With a steadying breath, I started to outline a plan involving joint ventures, shared intelligence, and mutual support during crises. The negotiation wove through maritime law intricacies, the dynamics of rival factions, and the delicate balance of power that shaped our world.
“Together, we could create a formidable force,” I continued, my voice carrying conviction. “Our combined fleets would be a power to be reckoned with, ensuring the prosperity of both our families for a long time to come.”
Antonios leaned back, calculating. “And what guarantees do I have that this alliance won’t be a Trojan horse? Loyalties can change in a moment. You know this as well as I do. Alliances shift in our world just like the tides.”
I chuckled, amusement glinting in my eyes. “Trust is earned, Antonios. Let our history speak for itself. Our families have coexisted for generations. An alliance between us is not just about profit but about securing our legacy.”
Antonios leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Nikolaos, you’ve always been a shrewd businessman. What’s in it for the Stefanidis family beyond mere assurances?”
I smiled and nodded, acknowledging the astuteness of his question. “Our combined strength would open doors previously inaccessible. Access to new trade routes, shared intelligence on potential threats, and a unified front against common adversaries. It’s not just a partnership; it would be a strategic leap forward for both our families.”
He considered my words carefully before responding, “But alliances come with a great many risks. What safeguards would we put in place to prevent betrayal?”
“Mutual oversight,” I suggested. “A joint council comprised of representatives from both families, ensuring transparency and accountability. We’ll be partners in decision-making, Dimitrios, not mere allies.”
