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Andreas grinned. “Sometimes the best defense is a bold move nobody expects.”
“Get me a meeting with the best jeweler in the country,” I demanded.
“I already set it up for you,” he smirked.
CHAPTER 23
One week later
Maci
I sat by our bedroom window, a small note from Nikolaos folded between my fingers. I glanced down at it, unfolding it and reading it for what felt like the thousandth time.
“I love you, my sweet girl—N.”
It was thoughtful, a small gesture that showed he cared, but as much as these little things—the notes, the way he said he loved me, the way he held me close after fucking me senseless, his kisses—meant to me, I couldn’t shake off a growing sense of discontent.
Over the past few months, I had been feeling like an accessory in Nikolaos’ life. Yes, he involved me in some aspects of his business, but it didn’t feel like enough. He took me to meetings, and showed me a part of his world, but it always felt controlled, measured.
I needed more.
When he held me, there was a tenderness in his touch and a genuine affection that I couldn’t even begin to doubt. His kisses were filled with passion, and when he looked into my eyes, I felt like the only person in the world. I knew he cared about me.
I adored him, truly, and perhaps that was why this situation was so frustrating. I wanted more from him, more from us. I wanted to be involved in the real, gritty parts of his life, to stand beside him not just as a woman to be protected but as his equal.
I shifted in my seat, my bottom still sore from this morning. My cheeks flushed as I thought about how he’d made me breakfast. For whatever reason, I had been feeling particularly feisty this morning and I had sassed him right into a spanking with a wooden spoon as a result.
I grinned, pressing my thighs together, the image of him fucking me over the same table we’d just eaten at still fresh in my mind. My clit throbbed knowingly.
Shaking my head, I tried to push thoughts of this morning out of my mind and focus on the plan for the day. I needed to talk to Andreas about the escalating situation between the Secretary-General and Nikolaos. Since Nikolaos had first brought me into his meetings with him, I had been building my relationship with Andreas too. In some ways, he felt like a proud father figure, and I really liked that about him. I’d never really had a presence like him in my life, and it was more fulfilling than I could have ever expected.
Most importantly, though, I’d been making allies in all the right places, from high social society all the way to the waitstaff that cleaned the mansion on a weekly basis.
With a determined stride, I tucked the note into my pocket and left our bedroom, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.
As I walked through the corridors of Nikolaos’ expansive home, I paused when I overheard two members of the cleaning staffs speaking among themselves. They were talking in hushed, excited tones, and my ears instinctively tuned in.
“Did you see the size of that diamond? It’s massive!” one of them whispered.
“And so beautiful,” the other replied. “Do you think it’s for her? For Maci?”
My heart skipped a beat. A ring? For me? The thought sent a flurry of emotions through me—surprise, excitement, and a touch of disbelief. Could Nikolaos really be planning to propose?
“Who else would it be for? He’s been head over heels for her ever since she arrived,” the first one replied.
I blushed. Were they right? Could everyone tell but me?
I’d heard enough. I’d get answers soon, but they were going to be directly from him.
With a soft smile, I slipped down the hall without them noticing my presence, heading straight to Andreas’ office on the first floor. Without hesitation, I knocked and then confidently strode in, taking a seat across from him like I owned the place, which I knew Andreas would appreciate.
“Andreas, I need an update,” I said directly. “What’s the latest on the escalating situation with the Secretary-General? Nikolaos mentioned some difficulties he was facing this morning at breakfast, but I want specifics.”
Andreas looked up, a hint of surprise in his eyes, quickly replaced by respect. “Maci, I’m glad you’re taking an interest. The situation is more strained than we’d like. Just yesterday, the Secretary-General’s office sent back our shipping license application. Again. Third time this month.”
I nodded, absorbing the information. “This is more than just bureaucratic red tape, then. It’s a deliberate move to hinder our operations.”
“Exactly,” Andreas agreed. “Nikolaos is doing his best to handle it, but it’s a delicate situation. We’re walking a tightrope.”
