Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78827 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Even though I’m shaking with fear and my heart is dangerously close to bursting from my tight chest, I still manage to say, “I don’t want to be a mafia princess.” I wet my dry lips. “I’m only here for my mother. I don’t want any part of the mafia or your family.”
Nikolas narrows his eyes on me before he closes the distance between us at the speed of light. I stumble backward, slam into a desk, then he’s looming over me like a thunderous cloud.
Oh. God.
Grabbing hold of the desk to keep my balance, I gasp, but the air is quickly cut off when his fingers clamp around my throat. The tight grip gives me a preview of the brutality that comes so naturally to him.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
My heartbeat is nothing more than a frantic mess in my chest that’s too tight, making it hard to suck in a deep breath. Short bursts of air flutter over my lips, drying them out even more.
“In an hour, you’ll be part of the fucking family, whether you like it or not.” The timbre of his voice is rough, his anger making him seem impossibly powerful. His hold on my throat turns surprisingly gentle, then his fingertips brush over my jaw until his palm engulfs my flaming cheek.
It feels way too intimate, making a new fear flare to life.
The pad of his thumb brushes over my lips, his eyes devouring every inch of my face before settling on the breaths racing from me.
God, he’s relishing in my fear. It’s as if he feeds off it.
“You’ll be a good little girl and do as you’re told, or your life will become a living hell.” His teeth tug at his bottom lip, giving me the impression it’s taking all his restraint to not bite me. “Got it?”
When I nod, my cheek brushes against his palm, heating my skin.
He steps back and adjusts his jacket again. “If you’re not sure what’s expected from you, just follow Athina’s lead. She has it down to an art form.” His tone is normal again, all the bite and brutality gone. It gives me whiplash, my mind racing to catch up.
I watch as he pulls his phone from his pocket. “Take my number so you can let me know if plans change in the future.”
With trembling hands, I dig my own phone out of my bag, but I must take too long because Nikolas rips the device out of my hold. While he’s programming his number into my phone, I turn away from him and take a Xanax from my bag. I quickly place the pill beneath my tongue then close my eyes while focusing on taking deep breaths.
Don’t lose your shit until after he’s left. Keep it together.
Suddenly his chest presses against my back. A squeak escapes me, every muscle in my body tightening. My phone appears in front of me while his breath fans over my ear. “I trust this is the last altercation we’ll have?”
Taking the device from him, I nod.
“Good,” he almost growls like a beast.
I feel his heat leave my back, and seconds later, the door opens and shuts.
All the strength flows from my body, and I sag down to the floor. I cover my thundering heart with a trembling hand as a fresh wave of cold sweat breaks out over my skin.
Shit.
I close my eyes as the impact of what just happened fully hits. My anxiety spikes dangerously high, the traumatic memories of what Irene did to me threatening to take hold and drag me down the hole stuffed full of my nightmares.
It takes long minutes before the pill kicks in, forcing my anxiety levels down until they’re manageable. Only then am I able to process what happened.
Nikolas will force me to bend to his will, and if I keep fighting him, it will probably lead to my death. It’s as simple as that.
I don’t have a choice.
I have to play the role of a dutiful mafia princess.
God help me.
I had to take another Xanax after the ceremony because I’m seated next to Nikolas. Since the confrontation in the office, he’s been glued to my damn side, his presence unbearably unnerving.
At least Irene couldn’t make the celebration, or I’d be screwed today. I overheard my aunt telling Mom that Irene is traveling Europe. Silver linings. With her halfway across the world, I have one less monster to deal with.
As the celebration is in full swing, my plate lies untouched before me, which is rare. It takes a lot for me to lose my appetite.
My gaze is locked on the flower arrangement, and I’m overly aware of every single movement Nikolas makes next to me.
My nerves are frazzled, and when he reaches for his tumbler of whiskey, I can’t stop myself from flinching. The tumbler appears in front of me, then there’s a low murmur from him. “Take a sip. It will help.”