Chapter 9

Angela

"I’m impressed. Like Anna said, no one has managed to take her down except my daughter."

Looks like Nikolai has a sister he didn’t mention. Not that I’ve been completely open about my secrets either. "What’s your name? You’ve got some skills, especially for our mafia."

"Cora," I replied.

"Cora, I’m Petros Vasilios. I’m guessing my son, Nikolai, didn’t mention to me—" He stops mid-sentence when he spots the ring on my left hand, which I forgot to take off and put on a chain. "Everyone out. Except for the two of you." He gestures between Nikolai and me.

Everyone clears out immediately. Jessy is the last one to leave, shutting the door behind him. Petros clears his throat and looks at Nikolai.

"Nikolai, care to explain why this girl is wearing the wedding ring you bought specifically for Kyra?"

"Papa, let me explain—"

"You have five minutes," Petros cuts in.

I couldn't help but chuckle at the whole situation. I mean, Nikolai is a grown man, and he should be free to marry whoever he wants.

"Alright, let me get this straight. So, Nikolai, you fell for Cora about two years ago. Then you two split because you—" Petros points at Nikolai. "Couldn't handle a long-distance relationship. So, after that breakup, you started your little escapades. Then, out of nowhere, you bump into each other at our hotel and decide to tie the knot because you—" Petros points at me this time. "Moved back, and now that's what? A happily ever after?"

Nikolai and I exchanged a glance before turning to Petros. We both nodded and said, "yes," in unison.

"Well, Cora, welcome to the family, I guess. Nikolai, I’m a bit annoyed you didn’t mention you had a first love before." I could tell he wasn’t buying our story.

"You’re always annoyed with me," Nikolai shot back, making his dad laugh.

"Cora, why don’t you join us for dinner tonight? I’m sure my wife would love to meet our son’s first love." He stressed those last three words while looking at Nikolai, who just rolled his eyes.

"Come on, Cora. Let me show you to our room before my dad decides to grill me some more."

Before I could even suggest that Petros keep 'grilling' Nikolai, he whisked me out of the room, up some stairs, and down a long hallway.

"Welcome to my—well, I guess our room now. Dinner’s at seven sharp, just a heads up if you need time to get ready. You’ll be meeting my mom and sister... who should be landing soon. I’ll be in the room we just left to work out. See you soon, love."

With that, Nikolai closed the door behind him, leaving me alone in this massive room. What on earth am I supposed to do until dinner?

I decided to explore his—our room.

That sounds so strange to say. While I was at it, I stumbled upon a shelf packed with books. Honestly, I've never met a mafia boss who reads. It's kind of endearing, actually.

Wait, did I just say endearing?

I seriously need Clio to give me a reality check.

An hour later, I hopped in the shower, and wow, this bathroom is massive—probably as big as the bedroom! I should probably ask Nikolai how to dress for dinner since I have no clue if his family prefers a more polished look.

As I’m throwing on some basic black shorts and a white shirt, I hear a knock at the door. "Hold on a sec!" I shout.

"It’s me, love." I swing the door open to find a sweaty Nikolai standing there.

"The bathroom's all yours," I say, brushing past him. I set the lotion and perfume I used on the vanity, which had a card with my name on it.

Next, I start looking for a place to hang my towel and a hamper for my dirty clothes. "Hey, Nikolai?"

"Yeah?"

"Where can I hang my towel to dry and find a hamper for my clothes?" I ask.

"Just head into the closet over there," he points behind me. "Once you’re in, there should be a hanger on the left for your towel and a hamper right underneath it."

"Thanks!" I reply, walking into the closet to hang my towel and toss my clothes in the hamper before shutting the door.

"Oh, and love, there should be some new clothes in your size on that same side. Also, my dad mentioned that we’re all going out to a fancy restaurant for dinner. If you need me, I’ll be in the shower."

"I think I’ll manage without you, thanks!" I call back. I hear the water start running and realize I forgot to tell Nikolai that he didn’t need to buy me new clothes. I’ll have to figure out how to explain where I got the money because he’s definitely going to ask.

I went for a high bun today and let two strands fall in front. I picked a dark blue dress that hits my knees and matched it with some black heels.

I figured it was better to skip my usual bold lip for this outfit so I wouldn’t look too over the top. I didn’t even notice Nikolai stepping out of the bathroom; he actually came out of the closet dressed head to toe in black—long sleeve collared shirt, dress pants, and shoes.

"You decided to wear something other than black," he remarked.

I raised an eyebrow while putting on some nude lipstick. "Is there an issue with me wearing colors other than black?" I shot back.

"No, it’s just that I like seeing you in colors. You look amazing."

A smile crept onto my face. "You look sharp," I replied, grabbing my purse and turning to face him.

"Shall we get going?" he asked.

"After you, love." Nikolai placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me out of the room and shutting the door behind us. We made our way down the hallway and stairs, finally stepping out of the house.

Nikolai mentioned we were the last ones to leave since everyone else was either on their way to the restaurant or already there. I gave him a hard time for not telling me we were running late, but he didn’t seem to care.

After a quick ten-minute drive, we arrived at the restaurant. Just like before, Nikolai had his hand on my lower back as we entered. He chatted with the host for a moment before leading us to a section where I spotted his family and the other guys, including Anna.

I noticed Nikolai was about to say something when a ⁹voice interrupted him from behind. "I’m not late, right, papa?"

"Nomiki," Nikolai replied.

The girl turned around, gave Nikolai a quick hug, and then looked at me.

"And you must be Cora, my sister-in-law."