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“I will.”
“Good. Take care of yourself. Keep your new security detail close. Understand? Shit, I should have left Victorio there.”
“Stop worrying,” I chide, even though it makes me feel good that he cares—and itdoesfeel as if he cares. “I’m just going to Zoe’s.”
“You’re Maxwell Korslova’s daughter and only heir. You’re engaged to me, and people would try to use you to get to me, Emilia. You can’t ever forget that. Help me get a couple of hours of sleep tonight and promise me you will keep your security detail close.
“Yes, daddy,” I exhale.
“Now that’s a game we haven’t played but keep it up and we just might,” he warns. “Goodnight, Em.”
“Goodnight, Niko. Tell my father I miss him.”
“Didn’t you talk to him earlier?”
“I did, but it’s good to remind him.”
“Will do,” he mutters.
He hangs up and I put my phone on the nightstand. Then, I lie in bed feeling lonely and wondering if I’m in over my head.
CHAPTER22
Niko
“How do you think the meeting went, Niko?” Maxwell asks me.
We’re sitting outside of a café in Athens. There’s a salty breeze in the air ruffling through my hair. I look out over the clear blue water crashing on the shore and wish Emilia was here with me. That’s a new feeling. I’ve never missed a woman. Hell, for as long as Katherine and I dated, I never missed her. I sure as hell never felt possessive over her. This is new territory for me. I’m not exactly sure I like it. After that night on the beach with her though, it’s not one I’m giving up.
“I think this shit is taking entirely too long. Drakos is testing us. He doesn’t see DeLuca as a leader.”
“Mmm…”
“You don’t agree, Maxwell?”
“I think he respects Antonio, but he’d be remiss if he didn’t test him. This is all about giving our guy a chance to show them what he’s made of.”
“So, you think they’ll agree to the proposal to join forces?”
“They would be stupid not to and Tyrone Drakos is not a fool.”
“Then, why in the hell can’t they stop the pissing match so we can get home.”
“Anxious to get home, Niko?”
“Being cocky is not a great look for you, Maxwell,” I mutter, making the old man laugh.
“A happy man you mean. I spoke with my daughter before coming here. It seems she’s forgiven her father for arranging this marriage.”
“She was upset with you?” I ask. I’ve never heard exactly how Emilia felt about the marriage. It happens all the time within the family, so I just assumed she expected it.
“That’s putting it mildly. You may think my Emilia is meek, but she’s got her father’s blood. There’s a tiger lurking beneath the surface. Some of her fire was extinguished with the death of her mother. Still, I think you might be the man to bring it out of her.”
I get strangled on my coffee. Maxwell has no idea just how much of a tiger his daughter can be. “Perhaps. She is surprising,” I allow. “We get along better than I thought we would—even at her young age.”
“Are you ready to give me those words yet?” he asks.
I know immediately what he’s asking because I remember every word Maxwell and I share. He’s that important to me. I already know I should thank him for picking me for his daughter. I’m not letting her go—ever. “Let me think on it,” I joke.
