“O-okay,” I replied, my stomach in knots.
“I’ll have it drafted and sent. Would a text message confirmation be acceptable? Or would you prefer another call?”
“Uh, a text is fine.”
“Excellent. May I assist you with anything else, Miss Mikos?”
Yeah, you can help me find my mind. Because I’m pretty sure I lost it somewhere five minutes ago.Instead of saying that out loud, I cleared my throat and voiced a negative, adding, “Thank you,” to the end.
“Anytime, Miss Mikos. Welcome to JBI.” She hung up, leaving me staring at my phone.
“Holy hell…” How was this happening? Seven nights with Nero for a tiny fortune. “Shit.”
A new text came through not even two minutes later.
It displayed two words that made my heart jump.
Counteroffer accepted.
4
Nero
Kailiani Mikos was definitely human.The photographic proof of her adolescence provided a telling tale, as did several key background details.
She had a mortal mother.
Was definitely a virgin prior to our night together—something her JBI health report had helpfully proven.
Attended a university until recently.
Resided in a tiny closet of a space far less appealing than my palatial estate.
And she was seeking employment in dire establishments.
Somehow, some way, the treacherous female of my past had died, only to be resurrected as the bride I’d once coveted.
The question became: How did I call the siren inside of her to the surface? Because this human shell she wore was too fragile, and I refused to be held captive by the mistress of time.
Mortals died.
Gods did not.
I rejected the fate lurking before us, desiring my betrothed for eternity, as was my due.
Because this woman—the one walking toward me right now—could very well be a future goddess.
The red fabric swam over her curves, giving her a liquid appeal that called to my very soul.Blood water. That was what the gown resembled. Alluring, deadly, and oh-so sensual.
She’d gathered her dark hair up into a messy bun with ringlets hanging tantalizingly over her shoulders. I wanted to fondle them, to test their soft texture, and kiss her plump, rose-tinted lips until she couldn’t breathe.
Alas, I held myself steady, choosing to admire her instead as she wove through the crowd near the entrance.
JBI wouldn’t allow me to retrieve her myself, proclaiming it to be a security condition. Ridiculous, considering anyone who could afford their services could easily afford to purchase a detailed background report as well—which would include addresses. But I played their little game, choosing to maintain this absurd billionaire facade. They saw me as powerful because of my bank account and stature.
Oh, how those mortals had no idea what power truly entailed.
I could bring this entire room to their knees in a second. Dominate the city in a single breath.
