With zero strength to argue, I take the glass from him. The amber liquid sloshes against the sides and taking a small sip, my breath is stolen as the fluid burns down my throat.
My mind hasn’t stopped racing since the fight with Nikolas, trying to come up with a way to escape my inevitable, grim future.
A joyful sound draws my attention, and I watch as Mom laughs at something her new husband said. She’s so caught up in her blissful day she probably wouldn’t even notice if Nikolas decided to snap my neck right here.
There’s an intense pang of loss in my chest because it feels like I’ve lost my mother. I’m no longer the most important person in her life. Peter Stathoulis has taken over that spot.
Nikolas takes the tumbler from my numb fingers, and my eyes dart to the rim of the glass as he takes a sip, his lips touching where mine were less than a minute ago.
Seemingly relaxed, he casually rests his arm on the back of my chair. My body tenses and arches to put some distance between us, but then his arm wraps around me, and I’m tugged against his side. He lets out a chuckle. “Tell me, little sister, how are your studies going?”
Like you care.
I clear my throat, my gaze jumping to his handsome face, where there’s no sign of malice, before lowering to the black vest complimenting his solid chest.
“Good,” I whisper. I try to pull away, but it only has Nikolas tightening his hold on my shoulders.
When my eyes dart to his again, I feel his thumb brush against my skin. The touch sends a streak of nervous energy through me.
“You’ll be done by June?” he asks, his demeanor still casual, giving the impression to the other guests that we’re comfortable in each other's company, which couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never felt more unsettled around another human being before.
“Yes.”
A smile tugs at his lips, changing him from looking like the grim reaper to sinfully attractive. “Good. The sooner I arrange a marriage for you, the better.” His words shudder through me, then he sweeps his other hand over the hall. “Is there anyone here who catches your eye? If I start negotiations now, we can have you married by the end of July.”
What. The. Hell?
“I’m not getting married,” I object, my tone weak instead of filled with the strength I seem to lack whenever I’m in his presence. It’s as if he drains it from me only to use it against me.
The man is a damn strength vampire.
Nikolas’ gaze locks with mine, dark and brooding. He’s probably planning my demise.
“You are. The sooner I can hand you over to another man, the sooner you won’t be my problem.”
Thank God for the two calming pills and sip of whiskey, or I’d lose my shit.
“Why can’t you just ignore my existence?”
The corner of his mouth twitches again. “You represent the Stathoulis family, Tess. Your actions will either reflect poorly or favorably on me.” Tilting his head slightly, the smirk on his face grows with potency. It’s hot and terrifying. The devil is the most beautiful sinner, and being the arrogant asshole he is, he freaking knows it. “It would be in your best interest to try and gain my favor.”
“How would I do that? Sign my life over to you, give up on every dream I’ve ever had, get married, and squeeze out two kids?” Either it’s the medication, or I’m braver than I feel.
“Hmm.” The sound from deep in his throat sends goosebumps scattering over my skin, making me feel more alive than I’ve ever felt in my entire existence. “I like the idea of you signing your life over to me.”
Shaking my head, my eyebrows draw together as I take in the monster that’s now my stepbrother. Surely he has a heart somewhere in that chest of his? He can’t be all evil. “Don’t you care at all?”
Maybe he’s cut from the same cloth at Irene, soulless and cruel?
His expression grows serious again. “You haven’t given me anything to care about. Change your attitude and show me you’re an asset to the family, and I might start to care whether you’re happy or not.” He leans forward, holding my eyes prisoner with a brutal look. “Piss me off, and I’ll hand you over to the oldest fucker willing to marry you.”
My stomach revolts at the thought, and it seriously puts the fear of God in me. “I’d rather die.”
“That can be arranged.”
My mouth dries up so severely I reach for his tumbler of whiskey and down the rest of the fiery liquid.
Knowing I’m stuck with the devil for a stepbrother, and it spells nothing good for me, my shoulders sag beneath the weight of his arm.
He pulls me into a sideways hug. “Obey me, and we’ll get along just fine.”