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Without hesitation, Nikolaos drew his gun with a swift, practiced motion. The sound of the gunshot shattered the silence of the alley, resounding like a harsh verdict in the middle of a courtroom. His bullet hit its mark with deadly precision, right in between Alexander’s eyes, and in an instant, blood splashed across the cold alleyway, some droplets splattering against my cheek and down the length of my dress.
Alexander’s body jerked from the impact. Then, as if in slow motion, he collapsed to the ground behind me in a heap. I finally pulled in a breath and stepped away from the wall, pressing my hand to my chest.
Nikolaos turned to me, his expression softening slightly. “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice now laced with concern.
I straightened up, lifting my chin and adjusting my dress back into place, a mixture of relief and lingering adrenaline coursing through me. “When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die,” I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of sarcasm and gratitude.
“There’s my queen,” he smirked.
CHAPTER 28
Eight weeks later
Maci
The wedding had been a day to remember.
As I walked down the aisle, adorned in an exquisite Elie Saab gown with its delicate lacework and elegantly trailing train, I felt impossibly regal, transcending from mere princess to queen with every step.
The venue bloomed with vibrant golden yellows and rich oranges, adorned with sunflowers and marigolds that radiated warmth and joy. The atmosphere was inviting and lively, a perfect backdrop for our special day.
Our reception had been like stepping into a fairytale, surpassing even the grandest charity balls I had attended. Held in a hall that was the epitome of elegance and class, the setting was nothing short of magical.
The culinary offerings, prepared by a renowned Michelin-starred chef, were an absolute delight. We indulged in luxurious lobster thermidor, risotto tinged with the subtle earthiness of truffles, and a dessert spread that was a feast for the senses. The highlight was a towering chocolate fountain, surrounded by an irresistible array of macarons and petit fours.
Adding to the enchantment had been the live orchestra, their melodies weaving a spellbinding aura throughout the evening. The climax was a spectacular firework display, illuminating the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, marking our wedding not just as an event, but as an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime event.
It was hard to imagine that it had only been yesterday. With a lazy smile, I leaned against the railing of the balcony and looked out, the soft waves of the ocean breaking on the sand only about a dozen feet away. The morning sun glistened on the water, creating a shimmering pathway that seemed to lead to the horizon. The coastline was adorned with a mix of rugged cliffs and gentle slopes, dotted with lush greenery that added vibrant splashes of color to the landscape.
The sound of the television in the background broke the tranquility, and I turned around, listening to the sounds of a newscaster trailing off details about one news story after another until one in particular caught my attention.
“In breaking news, the Pappas family, a prominent name in Greek business circles, has been arrested on charges of human trafficking, ties to organized crime, as well as the act of terrorism in the bombing of the Stefanidis shipping fleet. This major crackdown follows the recent shocking discovery of Alexander Pappas’ body, further intensifying the investigation. His father, Ioannis Pappas, is among those arrested. The family, influential in various sectors, now face a series of grave allegations. The arrest and the link to Alexander’s death have sent shockwaves through the business community. Questions are being raised about their alleged criminal activities. Stay with us for more updates on this developing story.”
Nikolaos strode out to the balcony and wound his hands around my waist, pulling me against him.
“It would seem our plan worked,” he murmured.
“That it would seem,” I agreed, leaning back against him. “Though, I must say, it was mostly my brilliant strategy that made it happen.”
He chuckled, a low sound that vibrated through me. “Oh, really? I seem to recall it being more of a joint effort, my queen.”
I turned in his arms, facing him with a playful smirk. “Well, maybe a tiny bit, but you have to admit, I was the mastermind.”
Nikolaos raised an eyebrow, amusement in his eyes. “Is that so? I guess I should just leave all our future plans to you then.”
“Maybe you should,” I teased.
Nikolaos leaned in closer, his breath warm against my ear. “The Secretary-General mentioned you claimed it was all your idea,” he whispered with a hint of playfulness and intrigue in his voice. “But let’s not forget who’s in charge here.”
A shiver raced down my spine.
“It’s me, isn’t it?” I taunted, my voice breathy and soft, knowing full well what I was doing.
With a growl, he pulled me in for a kiss. It started off gently at first, but I could sense the underlying intensity in the way his lips sought out mine. His hand found the back of my scalp, gripping my hair just firmly enough to send a shiver of delight down my spine.
The kiss deepened, our tongues intertwining and spiraling together. He stole my breath, and I stole his, both of us trying to assert dominance over the other even though I knew who was going to eventually win.
Even though I know it isn’t going to be me.
