A plate is set down before me, drawing my attention back to the dinner. The corner of my mouth lifts slightly when I notice we’re having moussaka. It’s dad’s favorite. Athina once tried to make it but only managed to burn it to a black crisp. Needless to say, my sister’s not a good cook.

I glance at Dad and Helena and watch as he presses a kiss to her hand in thanks for preparing the meal.

When Dad first told me he was thinking of marrying again, I was unhappy as fuck. Our mother passed away two years ago, and no one will ever take her place. She was the most loving and perfect mother, and everyone else will always pale in comparison to her.

But seeing him happy and knowing Helena is good for him, I’ve accepted my father’s wishes. If he wants a new wife at the age of seventy-two, who am I to stop him?

The conversation keeps revolving around the wedding while we enjoy the meal. Not interested, my thoughts return to business.

I took over from my father twelve years ago and have since expanded our operations with an iron fist by not only owning every square inch of Greece and Cyprus but Canada as well. Dad only left Greece after Mom’s death, whereas Athina and I made Vancouver our home over a decade ago.

The Sicilian mafia, trying to move in on my territory, is the first resistance I’ve met. Sure there have been complications over the years, but nothing like this. The Sicilians have been coming in waves during the past three months, like a pest that just won’t die out, and I get a feeling it's because Liam’s tightening his hold on Chicago. I’ll find out at the meeting tonight.

Once dessert is brought to the table, I notice Tess is just as quiet as me, only listening but not participating in the conversation. When the bridesmaids' dresses are discussed, she scrunches her nose as if she hates the idea of wearing a yellow gown.

“You don’t agree?” I murmur softly so the others won’t hear.

Tess visibly startles before her gaze snaps to my face. “I didn’t say anything.”

The corner of my mouth lifts. “You didn’t have to. The expression on your face spoke volumes.”

Even though fear for me dances in her irises, she frowns slightly. “You’re an expert at reading facial expressions?”

“Yes.” It’s one of the things that makes me so damn good at my job.

She rolls her eyes before focusing her attention on the baklava, making my right eyebrow lift dangerously. Leaning my head to the right, so I’m closer to her, I whisper, “Pas gyrévontas Gia mpeládes.”

Her gaze slants toward me again, irritation making golden flecks spark to life in her irises. “My Greek is rusty. Care to translate?”

The corner of my mouth lifts higher. “You’re looking for trouble.”

Tess keeps eye contact for a moment longer before fear tightens her features. “Is this how things are going to be? You’re going to threaten me every chance you get?”

This time I give her a full-blown smile. She blinks a couple of times before a frown mars her forehead.

“Stop disrespecting me, then I’ll stop with the threats.” Tess doesn’t seem to understand how lucky she is right now. I’ve killed men for less.

Her eyes flit over my face, then she says, “Luckily, we won’t have to see each other after the wedding, so there shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s just agree to ignore each other until then.”

A chuckle escapes me, making my family’s attention turn to me because it’s not something I do often. Rising to my feet, I look down at Tess as I adjust my cuffs and jacket. “As amusing as this has been, I have a meeting to attend.” My gaze moves to my father’s, then back to Tess. “I’ll let our parents explain how things will work once they're married so there won’t be any unpleasant misunderstandings.”

Nodding at Dad and Helena, I walk out of the dining room, wishing I could stay to watch Tess’ reaction to the bomb that’s about to be dropped on her.

Chapter 3

Tess

Mom gives me a pleading look, silently asking me to understand, then Peter says, “Not a lot will change.”

Nikolas doesn’t seem to think so.

Peter gives me an overly patient smile that doesn’t do anything to lessen the dark expression in his eyes. “You’ll be expected to accompany Nikolas, Athina, and Basil to social events, so the family shows a united front.”

Ahh… I don’t do social events. At all. I’m a homebody, not a social butterfly. Besides, spending time with Nikolas is something I want to avoid at all costs.

Before I can try to explain myself, Peter continues, “Every Sunday, you’ll be expected to attend lunch with us.”

What happens if I’m busy with exams?

This time I open my mouth, but Peter keeps going. “And you’ll have two guards with you at all times.”

Tags: Michelle Heard Sinners Dark
Source: readsnovelonline.net