I know it. I've felt it in the pit of my stomach since he first smiled that smug, hollow smile and told me to bring her here. He's not just testing me. He's hunting her.
And if I let him win again, if I let him get to her or our child, then I'm no better than he is.
My jaw clenches as I move through the gardens. The same one that will be glittering with lights and laughter tomorrow. The same one where she'll be smiling, holding my arm, trusting me to protect her.
I think about her hands, the curve of her lips when she laughs, the way she rolls her eyes when she knows I'm being cocky. I think about the way she's fought for us, even when I didn't deserve it.
And I think about our child, growing right now inside her.
I never thought I'd be a father.
And she's given me that option.
Maybe that's what makes this decision so easy.
Because I'm not doing this just for me. I'm doing it so our baby doesn't grow up afraid of shadows. Never learns fear from the same man who taught it to me.
Calli doesn't know what I've planned, but I know she senses something. I'm worried I've been off, totally consumed with the thoughts of what I have to do. She's perceptive, one of the many things I love about her. But I can't tell her. Can't risk her trying to stop me or, worse, trying to help.
She's already done more than enough. She's already lost more than enough. Let our child have at least one parent without blood on them.
And if this is the debt her brothers are coming for, I'll take it for them, and maybe this will prove to them what she means to me and what I'll do to protect her.
I can live with pulling the trigger.
And it's true. The things I've done for my father, the orders I've carried out, they left marks on my soul long ago. What's one more stain if it means protecting what matters?
I take one last look at the mansions where tomorrow hundreds of people will be gathered, drinking expensive champagne and making empty small talk while deals are struck in corners and alliances are formed and broken over appetizers.
"You won't leave this island alive, old man," I say under my breath.
The words hang in the air, a promise carried away by the Mediterranean breeze. I turn and head back toward the dock, where my boat waits to return me to Kosta, to Calli, who believesI'm just arriving from Athens. By morning, I'll be the dutiful son again, escorting her to my father's gala.
And by midnight, one of us will be dead.
35
CALLI
The water between Kosta and Spetses is calm as our boat cuts through it. The breeze off the sea should make me cold, but my nerves are keeping me warm. Because in less than an hour, I'll be standing in the same room as the man who murdered my father, and I plan to do something about it.
Niko sits beside me in the boat, wearing an all-black suit that makes him look incredibly handsome.
"You look…" He exhales. "Fucking unreal."
I glance down at the red dress I chose for tonight. Tastefully sexy, high slit, plunging neckline.
"Thank you," I say softly, trying not to think about the vial that's waiting for me across the water. "I love these," I add, brushing my hair back to show off the diamond earrings Niko gave me just an hour ago.
"I'm glad," he says and kisses me.
The boat slows as we approach the dock. I count at least four security guards standing at the end of it, and two more pacing.
"Ready?" he asks, offering his arm.
I place my hand in the crook of his elbow and straighten my shoulders.
"As I'll ever be," I reply.
