Song~ Half Return - Adrianne Lenker Song~ Earned It - The Weekend



I didn't want to leave Nik alone right now but as stubborn as he was being I know he needs space. So I told him I'd check on Rylee and go right back.

That was harder said than done.

When I first came down Rylee was puking into a bowl. Then when she saw me, she started crying. After I calmed her down, I sat down next to her to talk about rehab.

She repeatedly begged me not to send her there-that she would get clean on her own- but I knew I couldn't help her. Especially after Nik's story.

I wouldn't take that risk.

It's not that I don't want to help. It's the fact she has been doing drugs for two years. You can't just stop that.

So now I'm sitting next to Rylee- rubbing her back while she cry's- while I search for the best rated rehab in Italy.

"There is a really great place, only fourty-five minutes away from here. I could visit and it has a five star rating." I whisper softly to her.

Rylee doesn't say anything, just stays silent for a while.

"Y-you'll vis-st?" Rylees voice shakes along with her body.

"Of course I'll visit. Lucien will to and anyone else you want to see." I responded, tucking some of her hair behind her ear.

"O-okay." She whispers. "I'll g-go."

A sad smile pulls at my lips. "I'll call and get you a spot. Lucien will drive back to my home and get some clothes and necessities for you."

Lucien stands up slowly and places a light kiss on Rylees forehead. "I'll steal one of Nikolaos's cars."

I nod and watch as he leaves towards the garage.

"I'm gonna make a call, okay? Do you want me to leave or stay here?" I ask Rylee, my body close to the door.

Rylee coughs before answering, "S-stay. I d-don't trust m-myself t-to be a-alone."

I feel my heart break a little more at her words. "Okay, I'll stay right here."

I dial the number attached to the rehab website I've found. They pick up on the second ring.



I'm so cold, yet, I can feel the sweat dropping down my neck.

I hate this feeling.

I hate it all.

I want it to stop.

I want someone to give me the pills so this feeling- this pain-can go away.

I don't want to be alone.

But I just want this pain to stop.

Make it stop.

Diovanna is talking to me but I can't hear her.

It's all muffled.

It's like my heads underwater.

Make it stop.

Why am I like this?

Make it stop.

I'm sorry Dio.

I promised.

I just wanted the pain to stop.

I just want it to stop.



"Lucien just pulled into the driveway okay?" I explain softly to Rylee.

She doesn't move. She doesn't acknowledge my words. She just stares.

I want whatever she is feeling to stop.

Make it stop.

I gently wrap my arms around her, pulling her into my embrace completely.

"It's okay." I whisper gently, pulling her impossibly closer. "You're gonna get through this."

A lone tear slips from Rylees eye before another one follows.

I never thought we'd be doing this again- getting her clean.

Only this time is harder than the last.

"It's okay." I hear the front door open before footsteps sound through the house.

Lucien appears through the entry door to the living room- his eyes immediately finding us. As if Rylee could sense his presence, her once closed eyes snapped open.

"It's just Lucien," my hand rubbed her hair back slightly. "He's got everything ready, okay? I just need to grab something and then we'll go." I stood up from the couch as Lucien walked over and took my previous spot.

As I left I could hear Lucien yapping about Luca to Rylee.

Maybe I should have took her with me.

I pushed Nik's door open slightly and quickly closed it behind me. The bedroom looks to be empty but the bathroom light is shining under the door. I walked over and placed a soft knock on the door.

It took a minute but the door finally opened and Nikolaos stood in the doorway, the only thing slightly covering his body being a loosely tied towel.

I swallowed thickly, my eyes traveling where they shouldn't before I forced them back up to meet his eyes.

"I know what you're thinking όμορφο κορίτσι," Nik smirked. "Come on, we have important things to take care of." He started walking towards the closet, passing me in the process.

"We can take care of those thoughts later." And with that last whisper he made his way to his closet.

I remained in my spot, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I'm not sure if I want to smack him or kiss him.

Or smack myself for thinking about such... dirty things when I need to focus my attention on what's important right now.

I shoved whatever the fuck I'm feeling to the side as soon as Nik came out dressed in his suit pants and white dress shirt that has its sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

We have things to deal with.

"Lucien and I are taking Rylee to rehab today." I informed him. "Would you like to come?"

Nik smiled, a warm smile. "I would."

A smile formed on my face.

He took my hand in his and we started walking down the stairs. "She would be so proud of you, you know?"

I meant every word. Myla would be so happy to see the strong man he is today, the strong man who overcame everything he was put through. She'd be so proud.

"Thank you." Nikolaos muttered quietly, his hand tightening around mine. "For staying, for being with me."

"I wouldn't leave you for the world." It was the truth.

This man was slowly becoming my everything. The way he takes care of me, the way he listens, the way he helps- Nikolaos Dukas was taking my heart.

And I'm letting him.

He leaned over as we walked and placed a kiss on my temple. I felt a slight blush creep up my neck as we kept walking.

We walked into the living room where Lucien now sat hugging Rylee. When he caught sight of us- a sad smile spread on his face.

"Rylee," he whispered gently. "It's time to go."

Rylee grumbled a response but agreed nonetheless.

I slowly let go of Nik's hand and moved over to the couch to help Rylee up. "Hey Rylee." I greeted her with a warm smile. "I love you, you know."

She grumbled. "Thank-k y-you." She whispered as we made our way to the back seats of one of Nik's cars.

"For what?" I questioned.

Rylee leaned her head on my shoulder as Lucien and Nik got in the driver and passenger seats, the doors closing behind them.

"For everything."

~|~|~

The rehab center looked nice. The outside was an elegant white with brown-wooden accents. The building was only three stories but it was still huge inside.

The inside was just as elegant as the outside. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling as we walked in, a reception desk in the middle- closer to the front entrance. Chairs and couches were placed around the room while different rooms could be seen through the all glass doors around the place.

We walked further into the building, towards the reception desk. "Hello," she greeted us as we approached her. She disregarded what she was just typing on her computer to give us her full attention. "How can I help you all?"

Her voice was light as she gave a calming smile. "I called earlier about admitting someone." I answered her.

She nodded and turned to her computer. "Can I get the first and last name of the person being admitted?" I think she already knew it was Rylee but just didn't know what her name is to check her in.

"Rylee Watson." I told her.

She started typing quickly before turning to us with a smile. "My friend Keiara will take you all back to where Rylee will be staying. You can help her get settled in." I looked over to see another woman.

She smiled gently at us, her eyes crinkling a little at the corners.

"Please, follow me." Keiara insisted to which we did. She lead us to an elevator before pressing floor two. Once on the second floor, she led us to one of the rooms down the hall.

Room 205.

Keiara pushed open the door and led us inside.

"You can all get settled in now. A nurse will be here in about an hour to check the room for any substances or any objects that could hinder recovery." She explained with a warm smile before excusing herself, the door clicking shut behind her.

I led Rylee over to the nice bed near the window so she could lay down. She looked exhausted and her constant chills weren't helping.

When I got her situated under the blankets, I sat gently beside her before running my fingers through her hair in hopes to sooth her to sleep.

I was right as about fifteen minutes later she was out like a light.

I got up a softly as I could in order not to wake her.

Lucien and Nik had sat down on the couch after placing some of Rylees things on the table.

I got to unpacking, placing her clothes in the small-dimly lit closet. I placed some shoes at the bottom of the closet.

I went to the bathroom and stocked it with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, regular soap, body scrub, and a loofa.

This place already had towels so I didn't worry about bringing those. And I placed a new toothbrush and tooth paste on the counter in the bathroom.

I stocked the drawer with a brush, deodorant, q-tips, and mouthwash.

I went back into the main room and placed an old picture on her bedside table. I then placed a more recent one and another one taken yesterday.

Smiling lightly, I glanced at the two men who had yet to speak.

"What?" I whispered, my eyes narrowing slightly.

Nik shrugged while Lucien rolled his eyes. "We were just seeing what you were doing." He mumbled.

I chuckled softly and eventually sat between them on the couch.

The silence was peaceful, something I know won't last.

It never does.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head on Nik's shoulder, taking Lucien's hand in mine.

"I want this to all be over." I sighed softly, tired of this never ending battle.

I'm so tired of fighting.

"It'll be over in three weeks time, I promise." Lucien spoke softly as his hand squeezed mine. It was safe to say I was not excited for my eighteenth birthday.

"Then Rylee will walk out of here, Aleksei will be dead, we will find Vito Pierson, everything will be fine." Nik added, his head leaning against mine.

I nodded softly, soaking up this peaceful moment.

"Yeah." I mumbled.



While the three of them enjoyed the peaceful moment, things were becoming much more complicated for them.

At the De'russo base where Diovanna had the Blood Dove Assassins being kept, a plan was forming. And while they weren't exactly prisoners, not being able to contact anyone outside or even step foot outside the base enraged Raven.

She was angry.

Angry at Diovanna for keeping her here.

Angry at Lucia for putting her in this mission.

Angry at her parents for sending her away.

She was angry at Vladimir for killing her parents.

She was angry at herself.

She was so full of rage, as if it consumed every inch of her body. Milo tried to speak to her, and while he was angry he was being kept there too, he wasn't as angry as Raven.

The other assassins weren't so mad. They had free will to eat. The free will to play games. They weren't back there. To them, they'd rather stay here. But Raven didn't feel that way.

Something in her felt betrayed.

And while there was nothing that could be done to change the situation, those pent up feelings would only end in chaos.

But really, chaos only ends one way.

~|~|~ Meanwhile...

Arabella ran around the secret room looking and touching everything with straight curiosity.

And while Bella ran around the room, she had no idea of the eyes following her every move.

Silas was half listening to Sebastian as he talked but his attention was all on the little girl running around to everything in the room.

He couldn't help but look at her with pure adoration. While he had just come to the knowledge of her existence, it was as if she had already become his everything.

Silas wasn't good at relationships, never knew the right things to say or do, it was why he stuck to one night stands.

And while he hated Sasha for keeping his little angel from him, he couldn't help but be extremely grateful for bringing her into the world.

Because while the world was cruel and dark, his little angel brought a light in his life no one else could ever even manage.

Silas would forever be in debt to Diovanna for helping bring Arabella to him. No words could express the gratitude he felt.

And as a mafia don, he never felt gratitude, not for anything. However his little angel was and will always be an exception.

After all, she was his mini.

And he is her dad.



"Alright dear, I'm sorry but visiting hours for the day are coming to an end and we must get Ms. Rylee started on treatment." Keiara said coming back into the room with a soft smile.

I reluctantly nodded, a little afraid to leave Rylee alone here. I was regretting my decision. Anxiety gnawed at me from the inside.

You'll see her again.

She'll come back once she is better.

"Right." I nodded, clearing my throat.

A firm hand grasped mine but i didn't look over to see who it was. I knew from the cold rings against my skin that it was Nikolaos.

With his hand in mine, he led me over to where Rylee was still slightly shaking in her sleep.

"Rylee." I whispered quietly. She stirred but didn't wake. "Rylee." I repeated, my finger tapping her shoulder.

Her eyes opened slightly as she squinted due to the light.

"We have to go." I spoke softly, holding myself together. I didn't want her to leave me again. "I'll come visit tomorrow, if not the day after."

She nodded her head, eyes filled with tears. I have a hatred for drugs. One things that could enrage me would be those pills, the needles, the powder, all of it.

Because the only thing it did was hurt. It hurt the people who took it, it hurt the relationships that person had, it alters everything causing a complete path of destruction.

I didn't just hate drugs, I fucking loathed them.

"I'll b-be okay-y." Rylee stuttered, her voice light. "W-we alway-ys a-are."

She was right. We pulled each other out of the gutter every time. Lucien, Rylee, and I had been through hell together. We'd always came out okay, no matter what.

I just hope this time is no different. I'm not sure what I'd do if anyone I loved was hurt or worse.

I leaned down and wrapped my arms around Rylee who tried her best to hug me back. "I love you." I whispered.

"I-I love y-you too."

I pulled away slightly, allowing Lucien to tell her goodbye as well. He kept making light hearted jokes, something he does to cope. "I promise to visit, besides, I'll be right here when it's time you can leave." His childish grin was infectious, Rylee smiled with him.

"I'll see you on the other side of all of this Rylee." Nik spoke, his tone was gentle, almost tenderly. A smile grew on my face at his tone.

He cared. Rylee reminded him of his sister, I knew that. But now he was treating her like his sister, and that, that is special to me.

"See y-you." Rylee replied, a gentle smile still resting on her face.

We told her one last goodbye before the nurse led us out of the building. She explained Rylee's routine and what would occur at her time here. She also explained visiting hours and how long we could stay in order to not mess up the strict routine set out for Rylee.

The three of us made our way back to the car in silence. No one spoke and no one needed to. It was like a silent understanding.

I seated myself in the passenger seat this time- Nik in the drivers seat and Lucien in the back.

The quiet playing of the radio filled the silence until Lucien spoke up.

"Are we going home? Or back to Nik's?" He asked, his voice soft in order to not disturb the silence.

I glanced over towards Nikolaos, "I need to see Arabella and talk to Sebastian so probably home and then later on we might go back to Nik's." I replied, looking over towards Nikolaos as if silently asking if that's okay.

Nikolaos gave me a short nod.

"Okay, that's good. I kinda want to see Luca." He revealed sheepishly.

I merely chuckled softly. "That's perfectly fine. We would have drove you back anyway if that's what you wanted." My tone was light.

We didn't speak after that and I didn't want to.

~|~|~

"Dio!" Bella shouted running over to us. "Nik! Lucy!"

It was now later in the afternoon, almost five-o'clock. We'd been so busy and caught up today that I didn't visit the warehouse nor did I check on Arabella this morning.

"Hey Bella, how was your day?" My tone was soft as I crouched down to be eye level with her.

Her arm was wrapped around Nik's leg while she smiled at me.

"It was so good." She exclaimed excitedly. "We got to see my dad today!" She informed me.

I smiled at her enthusiasm and turned my head to Sebastian slightly who was leaning against the wall.

"That's good, Did you have a good time?" I questioned Arabella, ignoring the sense of worry that creeped up in me.

Sebastian better have taken extra guards with them. I'm not risking anything with Lucia missing, Vito missing, and the Russian mafia being MIA the last couple days.

"Yes! He showed me and Seb this secret room." She whispered the last sentence as if she wasn't supposed to be saying anything.

I chuckled softly. "I'm glad you had a good time Bella, how about after I speak with a few of our brothers we bake a chocolate cake?"

Arabella's eyes lit up at the mention of chocolate cake and I internally smiled.

"Okay!" She agreed instantly. "Come on Lucy! While they talk we can play games." Lucien didn't have time to argue before she was pulling him away.

I heard her say something about getting Luca and Ares as well. She had everyone wrapped around her finger.

I waited until I knew Arabella and Lucien were gone before I started speaking business.

I don't want Bella in this life- at least not right now while she is still a child.

"I need to speak with You, Dom, and Eli in your office." I told Sebastian. "Nik will be there as well."

My brother gave a nod of acknowledgment. "If this is about what I think it is, I'll fix us all a drink." Seb murmured as he made his way up the stairs.

I let out a low chuckle and glance towards Nikolaos. His eyes run over every inch of me as a smirk makes its way to his face- a shiver running down my spine at his intense gaze.

"Come on όμορφο κορίτσι," he murmurs while walking closer and wrapping his arm around my waist. "Let's get this over with so I can take you home." I placed my hand on the back of his neck, my lips hovering right over his in a teasing manner.

"Mhm," I mumbled. "I can't wait." My hand trailed down his chest, then down his abdomen, before stopping at his belt.

I pulled away before his lips could meet mine- my hands leaving his body completely.

I could feel him glaring daggers at my back as I walked away and towards the direction of Seb's office.

I didn't glance back, I loved teasing him. Besides, after the last week we've had, I need some fun in my life.

It took approximately thirteen seconds before his footsteps sounded from behind me and his arm snaked around my waist once more, pulling me closer to him as we walked through the mansion.

"Careful," he warned. "You don't want to start something you can't finish." And with that he pushed open the office door, ushering me inside.

I scoffed slightly at his words.

What a dick.

"Hey guys," I greeted my brothers.

Domenico was the first to crack a smile. "Hey Dio." I really need to spend time with just my brothers, it feels as if we've never hung out together.

I sat on one of the couches which Nik took a seat on the armrest beside me.

Elijah, Domenico, and Sebastian all had glasses of what looked to be whiskey.

I'm definitely not a whiskey fan.

"You have any bourbon? Or wine?" I asked Sebastian. He nodded, pouring a glass of red wine.

He offered a glass of whiskey to Nikolaos who took it, offering my brother a nod of appreciation.

I crossed on leg over the other and leaned back into the chair.

"We lied." I blurted out as my starting sentence- confusing everyone.

Even Nikolaos and Sebastian- who know the truth- are confused.

"What about Diovanna?" Elijah questioned, his tone cautious as he placed down his glass of whiskey.

I took a fat gulp of my wine.

I glanced over at Sebastian who raised an eyebrow at me, silently asking what the hell are you doing?

"Lucia isn't dead. She was kidnapped bye three anonymous people who I'm assuming are the ones who smashed into our car on the way to the safe house after the ball." My confession left Elijah and Domenico even more confused while Nik and Seb were finally understanding what I was yapping about.

Before anyone could cut me off I spoke again. "We didn't tell you or anyone in the family because we have a traitor in this family. I've yet to find out who but I know there is a rat on the inside."

Eli and Dom seemed to be in taking my information for a second before Elijah seemed to have a question.

"If we have a traitor on the inside, why not just say the Russians took Lucia back? I'm sure the traitor already knows." His thoughts were valid, but he wasn't there, he didn't see the three people.

"The people who took her weren't Russians." I spoke softly. "They weren't Blood Doves either." Now they were confused. "We're dealing with someone else now."

Domenico threw his head back with a heavy groan- probably wanting to kill himself for all the people who have a problem with us.

"Are you sure?" Elijah asked for clarification.

I took another huge sip of my wine- handing it back to Sebastian for a refill.

I nodded. "My vision was hazy and I couldn't really see but I knew by the sound. There were two women there that day and a male- I knew by the sound of the heels compared to his boots. They weren't Russians because they would have taken us captive as well and you know how the Russians feel about women."

"No way would they have let a woman go and they sure as hell wouldn't have been able to wear heels." Nikolaos added, rubbing his chin as if to be thinking.

"So we're talking about a whole new organization? There are no other mafias with woman in power yet." Domenico said thoughtfully.

"Si." I confirmed.

"Great." Sebastian muttered, speaking for the first time. "Dannatamente fantastico." [Fucking Great]

I sighed. "At least we know they don't have a problem with us yet, if this new organization did they would have taken the chance with the car crash." That was the only good thing we knew.

We're not on the new organizations hit list yet.

"What about Vito Pierson? He's missing, Si?" Elijah redirected the conversation to the second part I would get too.

"Mhm." Sebastian confirmed. "I've spoken with Silas Marucci, we've discussed what this could mean for our mafias."

"Atlas and I have spoken as well." Nikolaos let me know when I glanced at him.

"Good." I nodded. "We need to be prepared, we don't know where he is, who took him, or if he was even kidnapped at all. Everyone knows that idiot was a bad choice from the start."

Its true.

I don't know why his father thought putting him in charge was a good idea.

He's an imbecile.

I decided to take another big gulp of my new glass of wine.

"Have you spoken to the Americans?" I asked, directing my question to Seb.

With everything going on, it's best we get allies to help us take down Aleksei and his father.

The plan is to take down the Bratva. Once we're sure there is no one left who was or is still loyal to Vladimir, I'll hand off the remains of the Russian mafia to Kazimir and Kirill Ivanov.

They're a set of twins. Two people I know could never turn down a chance at revenge like this.

And they were Russian.

That was the bonus.

I'd met them a couple times when their father would come to the school for business. He always brought his boys who'd seen me training when roaming around. Their father always went to see the organizers of the school so the twins were left alone.

We argued the first time we met when I was seven. Then we'd became friends by the time I was eight. And by the age of nine they had learned sign language to speak with me.

We'd grown to be friends overtime before the school organizers- the people who ran the assassin organization- killed their father.

They never came around after that. But when Kirill found out about his father he swore revenge on the organization and everyone involved.

I never spoke to him or his brother until after I got out. I had one of my brothers help me track them down about a month ago.

I'd went over what I was going to do and both Kirill and Kazimir were more than willing to join in.

That was what led to them taking the remains of the Russian mafia and building it up. They'd form an alliance with us as well which will officially end the vendetta between Italians and Russians.

"Not much." Sebastian answered honestly. "They are very reluctant to form any sort of alliance with anyone."

I sighed frustratedly. But I understood.

They had every right not to trust anyone.

"Let me speak with them and I'll let you know what happens." Seb nodded, knowing I could handle myself. "We need as many allies as we can get. We will not loose this time."

I downed the rest of my second wine glass. I went to get another but Nikolaos's warm hand found its way to my thigh- squeezing slightly.

The look he gave me screamed; you better slow down if you want to walk out of here.

So maybe I was drinking a little fast.

I nodded at Sebastian's statement, glancing at my other brothers to see them nod as well.

I forwarded my gaze over to Nik's once more - receiving a firm nod of approval from him.

"Good. I think that's all for now, go enjoy the free time now before things get complicated." Sebastian sighed, running a hand through his hair.

I stood up from my position on the couch, Nikolaos following suit once I was stood.

I gave a nod to my brothers before making my way to the door.

I only stopped when Sebastian called out my name. "Yes?" I answered.

"This will all end soon, I can promise you that."

~|~|~

"Arabella!" I shouted playfully, the flour now covering every inch of our body's.

I couldn't keep up my stern act, not when her giggles filled the kitchen, and soon i couldn't help but join in.

My hand wrapped around my stomach as laughs escaped without my permission.

"You two trouble makers." Nikolaos's firm voice had us sobering up instantly.

"Oh," I muttered as I turned to face him with my hands behind my back, Arabella following my lead. "Hey, we didn't see you there."

Little speckles of flour coated his dark black hair, indicating he'd been here for a while, and I didn't even notice. The look in his emerald green eyes was enough to tell me he'd definitely been here a while.

"You got flour in my hair." He grumbled dejectedly as he took a seat on a stool, his eyes narrowing at me.

Not once did he glare at Bella, why am I being singled out?

Is it because I'm Italian?

Greek bitch.

"Cry me a river baby." I winked at Nik, my tone mocking.

His glare told me everything I needed to know: I was fucked.

"What's cooking good looking?!" Matteo's annoying ass voice came from the doorway.

I released a groan and threw my head back, "Nothing Matteo, you can't have any."

"Why?" He pouted.

"Last time you ate everything we made! We didn't even get one!" I defended my ban on Matteo eating my freshly baked food.

"Can I have some?" Nik questioned, his tone much happier now.

I shook my head, "What do you think Bella?"

My eyes glanced down towards her where she made a thinking face.

Her finger tapped her chin while she looked deep in thought.

"Nope." She answered, popping the P.

"No?" Nik questioned.

"No." She answered simply, bored of the conversation.

A triumphant grin spread across my face before I could stop it. "You heard the boss."

Nikolaos merely grumbled in response. Matteo waltzed over, sulking in the chair next to Nik.

Fucking children.

Arabella laughed from her spot next to me.

We are truly evil.

~|~|~

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

"I'll be back tomorrow Bella, don't worry." I assured her. "Lucien and Luca are watching a movie tonight, I want you to stay with them or one of our brothers okay?"

We had both showered and changed due to the flour that covered both of us.

However that cake came out delicious.

Bella nodded her head wordlessly at my request, not fighting me on it. "You can curl my hair tomorrow?"

A grin spread on my face at her request, "Yes I can curl your hair tomorrow. We'll have a girls day." I love curling her hair.

She smiled brightly at my words, "Okay! Bye!" She ran off without another word causing me to chuckle.

I turned my attention to Sebastian who was leaning against the doorway.

"I'll stop at the base tomorrow and check on my acquaintances." I informed him.

He nodded pushing off the wall and walking towards me. "Be safe." He mumbled before pressing a feathery-light kiss on my forehead.

He turned his attention to Nik, "I trust you'll go with her tomorrow." He raised an eyebrow as if daring him to say no.

I rolled my eyes. I don't need a fucking babysitter.

I interjected before either one could speak again. "I'm more than capable of handling myself."

I crossed my arms over my chest, narrowing my eyes at my brother.

"I know you can." He sighed, easily catching onto my irritation. "But I don't want you to go alone. Nik goes with you, or you're not going."

I went to speak but Nik beat me to it. "I'll go with her, you have my word."

I rolled my eyes at the two of them. Finally talking and getting along when it involves pissing me off.

"Good." Sebastian murmured. "I'll see you tomorrow Dio."

I grumbled a response as Nikolaos led me out the front door- his hand resting dangerously close to my ass as we walked to his car.

He opened the door for me, helping me into my seat before closing the door.

I placed my seatbelt on as he rounded the car- getting into his seat.

We didn't speak, the tension in the car clear as day. His hand shifting the gear as he backed out the open gates.

I guess he didn't like my teasing games.

Oh well.

Once out onto the street, he placed his warm hand on my inner thigh- his hand so close.

My breath hitched slightly at the placement before I played it off like it was nothing- continuing to look out the window.

He didn't look over, his eyes fixed on the road, one hand flexing as he turned the steering wheel.

I couldn't help my smart ass comment. "You're supposed to have both hands on the steering wheel, placed opposite each other."

I watched as his grip tightened on the wheel, his jaw clenching, and his hand giving my thigh a warning squeeze.

"Do I look like I give a shit?" His hardened gaze landed on me for a few seconds before returning to the road.

"Yes." I answered, dead serious.

His hand moved impossibly higher. "Careful όμορφο κορίτσι." His voice a low murmur, his accent thick. "Or i could stop this car right now, and fix this teasing attitude for you."[italics = Greek]

"What?" I asked, voice filled with confusion.

He didn't answer, merely kept his hand in place.

The rest of the ride was silence, the tension unmistakable, my gaze constantly shifting from the window and back to him.

When we reached the mansion, the guards surrounding the mansion opened the gates once they got a look at Nikolaos.

He hopped out the car wordlessly, coming over to my side and helping me out once the car was stopped.

He pressed his hand against my lower-lower back and nudged me forward.

I complied, our footsteps falling together as we made our way towards the doors of the mansion.

He opened the front door and pulled me inside. I didn't have anytime to move before I was pushed up against the back of the front door.

Nik's arms caged me in, one hand placed on the door by my head, the other around my throat- not tight enough to hurt or bruise, but enough to keep me still.

"You know," he drawled. "Your snarky remarks have done nothing but piss me off."

A smirk grew on my face. "Really? I didn't notice."

His hand tightened slightly before loosening to its original pressure.

"Jump." He said, his hands moving to my hips. I took the hint and wrapped my legs around his waist, him catching me instantly.

He began walking in the direction of the stairs, his strides long and powerful.

"What are you doing?" I asked breathlessly, my eyes never leaving his.

He pressed his lips to mine lightly. "Fixing this attitude problem of yours."

Shit.



A/N: Hey guys, long time no see...

It has come to my attention that Google Translate has been LYING to me. So if any translations are wrong in this book- I'm sorry. I WILL be writing a 1 star review for google translate.

I'm really sorry to update so late. I've been hella busy but at least I passed my drivers test!!! Well, the written part at least. And you know, I had to add in some drivers expectations because- you know, new driver?

Anyway, I don't like this chapter. It's boring and merely a filler. Next chapter will have ✨Spice✨. It was supposed to be in this chapter but I promised an update and smut always takes me forever.

I'll probably have the next chapter up within the next couple of days, since I already have it planned out.

Lots of love💗

Oh and happy new year😉