“If catching fish was a competition, I won today,” Cassia gloated.
Nikos scoffed. Then he leaned back and lay down across the rock.
“I haven’t had that much fun for as long as I can remember,” he sighed.
Cassia’s heart immediately went out to him. She remembered his nightmares, the night he was tortured and the scars she saw when she cleaned his wounds.
She also lay down on the rock and looked at the sky.
“What happened two years ago, Nikos?”
He stilled and the mask he always wore slid back into place.
He never spoke to anyone about his kidnapping, except for the doctors he consulted to help him. Even they had difficulty in having him open up about what he experienced. But right now, only one question from her and he ached to spill everything. Something in her called out to the pain he carried inside him. He turned to his side and looked into her hazel eyes.
He saw concern there. No judgment. No pity. No curiosity. Only concern.
He started recounting his tale.
“Antonio and I were on our way to a business conference. Suddenly, there was an explosion and the car I was in swerved to the side. Then, they fired on us. I felt a pain in my side and realized I was shot.”
Her eyes widened. Now she knew where the scar on his side came from. But why did it look like the skin was burnt?
“From there on, I drifted in and out of consciousness. Maybe it was from blood loss. I would have died if they didn’t do anything about it.”
Nikos gritted his teeth as he flashed back to the scene. He recalled how they dug out the bullet and then seared his skin to close the wound. Shame washed over him as he heard his own voice crying and begging for them to end his torture.
He looked at Cassia to gauge her reaction. She reached for his hand and squeezed.
“They will pay, Nikos. We will make them pay for all they did to you two years ago. And for what they did now,” she vowed.
Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. They were not of pity or judgment. She cried for him because she shared his pain. His heart ached at those words.
“How did you manage to get off the island?”
“First I’ll tell you about Elise.”
She nodded.
“She was the daughter of one of the leaders of those who kidnapped us. But she was not like them. At first, Antonio and I thought she was sent in to torture us. She came to our cell carrying her knives and a whip.”
He breathed in deep and summoned the courage to continue.
“She asked for a bucket of water and threw it over me. She laughed and so did all the guards. She asked them to leave and then told us she was not the enemy. She’d help us but we had to scream as loud as we could.”
Nikos gave a bark of laughter. He remembered the look of confusion on Antonio’s face when she told them she’d help but they had to shout as though they were being beaten within an inch of their lives.
“She laid down those knives and retrieved medical supplies from under her dress. The water she threw over me was so she could clean my wounds and avoid an infection. She really did help me while Antonio and I screamed. We didn’t trust her at first but she came back night after night.”
“I guess that’s when Antonio fell in love with her?” Cassia said with a small smile.
“Yes. I was still too weak then but when I wake up during the night, I saw her sitting outside our cell and the two of them were talking. Before the sun rose, she was gone.”
“She helped you leave the island?”
“Yes and no. She wasn’t allowed to leave the island either so she couldn’t smuggle us out, if that’s what you’re asking. But she found a way to help. We were about to be transferred to another place where they would keep us. Elise overheard them and she told us. Antonio asked her to contact Alex and she did. When we were transferred to the place, Alex and his team were there waiting.”
“What about Elise?”
“Antonio grabbed her and carried her to the helicopter himself. He refused to let her go. He didn’t want her to go back to what she did in the island. He told her she deserved a better life and that he would give it to her.” Nikos smiled. “They were married a few months later.”
When he finished with his story he saw Cassia dash away her tears with her hands. Then, she smiled at him and he felt as if a huge burden was lifted off his chest.
The doctors were right after all. Speaking about what happened in the past truly did help. Maybe the problem was that he never really opened up about everything. He chose the bits and pieces that he shared. And when he spoke, he always believed that people would look down on him with pity. He hated that.
Now, he felt free.
Before he could think further, he dipped his head lower and his lips met hers. She gasped as he deepened the kiss and he used that opportunity to dart his tongue inside and taste her.
It was exquisite.
It was exactly how he remembered it ten years ago. Maybe even better.
Cassia’s first thought when Nikos kissed her was that she should punch him in the face but there was another part of her that wanted this. He kissed her just how she remembered in her dreams of their wedding night and it set her blood on fire.
She sighed against his lips and threw her uninjured arm around his neck to pull him closer. She returned his kisses with a passion of her own as she ran her fingers through his hair. Nikos groaned and she truly became lost.
Nothing else existed but him and her and the pleasure they felt in each other’s arms.
Just like their wedding night ten years ago.
Cassia felt as if she was doused with another bucket of cold water when she remembered that night. She gave herself to him fully, asking for nothing in return. She just wanted to make memories with him that she could take with her when she left.
That night was perfect.
But the next morning, Nikos showed her his true colors. She then realized it was true what they said that the devil wore the face of an angel.
She pulled back and scrambled away from him.
“Cassia...?”
“We have to go. We still have to find somewhere we can cook the fish without being seen before the sun sets.”
She took the bucket and placed the fish inside. Without waiting for Nikos, she sprinted towards the opposite side of the stream.
Nikos pushed himself off the rock.
He also ran a hand through his hair in frustration. What was the matter with Cassia? One moment she was very sweet and tender and the next she was back to being a spitfire. He had her in his arms and was kissing the hell out of her one minute and the next she pushed him away and disappeared.
He shook his head and set off to follow her.
“Women. The day that men understand them is the day of the apocalypse,” he muttered to himself.
He also gave himself a mental shake but no matter what he did, he could not forget the events that recently transpired. Now, he was even more convinced that he wanted his wife back. Her passion for him was still like it was ten years ago.
Maybe, no matter how small, she still felt something for him. She could deny it all she wanted but it was clearly there.
For the first time in a long time, he felt a spark of hope. Maybe Antonio was right and that he was not really living his life anymore. Now, he felt truly alive for he had a purpose. He’d win back his wife whatever it took.
He was ready to forget his biases in order for both of them to move on. Also, something happened in the past which wasn’t their fault and he would discover that.
This time, nothing else would come between the two of them.
Nikos sat quietly in the dark as he and Cassia ate their fish.
Earlier, they cooked the fish over the fire then took it back to the cabin to eat. Since that event by the stream, Cassia still hasn’t talked to him. When he tried to ask her a question, she simply replied with a yes or a no.
Even when he teased he
r, she ignored him. He found himself missing the easy camaraderie they shared these last few days.
“Cassia, if this is about what happened earlier...I’m sorry.”
She only grunted in reply and went back to eating her dinner.
“Cassi—“
“I don’t want to talk about it Nikos, okay? I’d also appreciate it if it won’t happen again.”
“Why?”
“You know why! Everything between us is over! I’ve moved on with my life and you’ve moved on with yours. We are getting a divorce! It’s best that we don’t complicate things further.”
“Cassia, you know how I feel about the divorce. I won’t allow it.”
“Well that’s just tough then.”
“We have to talk about this,” he implored.
“I don’t have anything more to say, Nikos.”
“I want another chance, Cassia. I know you wanted me ten years ago. I want that back.”
Cassia scoffed.
“Damned arrogant, aren’t you? Whatever I had for you ten years ago, you already killed it. Nothing’s left, Nikos. You don’t even deserve anything from me.”
“We already spoke about what happened in the past, Cassia. We could discuss it more and you’d know what happened was all a misunderstanding.”
“I explained that ten years ago but you did not believe me. And talking about things doesn’t set them right, Nikos. It’s over between us.”
“You say that yet I know you still want me. Your lips say one thing but your body says another.”
Cassia laughed.
“Don’t mistake lust for something else.”
“Lust? Lust is two people scratching an itch, Cassia. But when I kiss you, you melt. You sigh against my lips just like you did ten years ago.”
“Don’t turn nothing into something, Nikos. It’s over between us. I have Hector now. I am happy with him. I’ve agreed to marry him that’s why I need a divorce from you. Now.”
Nikos’ patience ran out after hearing Hector’s name together with the word marriage.
His blood pounded in his ears and his heart thundered in his chest. How dare she mention another man’s name? His blood heated and his entire body roared with possessiveness. He’ll show her who she really belonged to.
She just had to forget about Petrides for he was never letting her go.
“Marriage is for life, Cassia. No divorce. I won’t let you go to Hector Petrides. You’re mine.”
He tugged her to his chest and then claimed her lips once more. But this was unlike any other kiss before. This one was a brand of possession, a stamp of ownership. It was fierce and demanding. He kissed her as though he was never letting go.
Nikos placed his hand on her nape and held her steady as he deepened the kiss. His other arm wrapped around her and brought her into contact with his hard body.
Cassia’s senses reeled at the onslaught. She knew she should be fighting this. She knew she should push him away. But even to save her life, she could not do it.
This felt so perfect that she just couldn’t let it end.
Deep in her subconscious, this was what she’s been dreaming of for ten years now.
As Nikos kissed her, she also realized what she thought was missing in her relationship with Hector.
Passion.Desire.
When Hector kissed her, it was nice but it didn’t set her body on fire for him the way Nikos’ kisses did. He made her melt with even just one glance the way Hector never did.
He backed her up against the wooden table and lifted her against it without breaking their kiss. He separated her legs and stepped between them. She moaned again when she felt the evidence of his desire against her.
Nikos unbuttoned the blouse she wore and slid it gently off her injured shoulder. Somehow, she also found herself lifting her hands to unbutton his shirt. She sighed with bliss and ran her palms down the hard ridges of his muscles.
Nikos flinched when she touched his scar.
He didn’t like anyone to see or touch it for it reminded him of the horrors he experienced. This was why, after he was kidnapped, he never let another woman get close. For over two years, his bed was empty. For more than two long years, he hadn’t felt another’s touch.
This was also why he was ravening for her.
Nikos took his time admiring the creamy swell of her skin that he uncovered. Before she had any chance to be self-conscious, he stepped closer again and covered it with his hands. She moaned against his lips and her grip on his arm tightened.
He removed her bra and placed his hand on the middle of her back. She arched her back against him to make herself more accessible for his mouth. When his lips touched her heated skin, pleasure shot down her spine and pooled low in her belly. He moved to the other nipple and she moaned his name.
“You’re mine, Cassia,” he whispered against her ear after he gave one tentative lick.
She shivered in his arms but this time, it wasn’t from the cold.
Her head spun and she opened her lips to contradict his statement but what came out was only a breathless gasp for he slipped his hand inside the waistband of her jeans. Finally, he touched her where she craved him the most. She was so wet for him that he almost came right then and there.
He prayed for control.. He wanted to make this night last and he wanted to savor her. This wasn’t a dream. She was really here in the flesh and he wanted to make it special.
“Tell me you’re mine,” Nikos whispered as he kissed a path down her neck. “Tell me.”
Her only reply was a sharp intake of breath.
He unzipped her pants and drew them down her legs. Her underwear soon followed. He knelt by the table and parted her legs. Then, he used his fingers and his mouth to drive her wild and make her soar.
He knew she was nearly there and he lifted his head.
“Don’t stop. Nikos...” she pleaded.
“Tell me you’re mine,” he repeated.
She was silent for a long time. She merely closed her eyes and lay down on the table.
Telling him that she was his was like admitting what her greatest fear was: that she never really moved on. That somehow she still wanted him and that she still had feelings for him no matter how deeply buried they were inside of her. That she was just in denial all this time.
Telling him would be admitting what she’s known but feared and kept a secret for ten years of her life...
“I’m yours,” she whispered in defeat.
He stood up, removed all his clothing. She felt him pressing against her.
“Tell me this is what you want.”
Nikos forced down his desire and wrestled with control. He had to make sure she wanted this too. He’d waited for this for ten years and he didn’t want her to have any regrets. It would be hard to pull away but he would do that for her if that was what she wanted.
“I want you...”
Without wasting another moment, he pushed inside her. This time, it was he who moaned her name. She heard him whisper endearments in Greek and she held on to him tightly.
“...like I’ve always wanted you.”
He started to move. His breathing deepened as pleasure assailed him. He cupped her jaw and forced her to look at him. He wanted to see her face as he made love to her. He saw her desire mirrored in his eyes and he knew she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.
She bucked her hips and heard his quick intake of breath. Once more, she opened her lips to his and the sensation of their tongues twining almost sent him to his knees. He pulled back to look at her and the way her features were twisted with pleasure would forever be in his memory.
She drew him back to her by wrapping her arms around him and moving her hips against his. He couldn’t take more of this wicked temptation and he succumbed to it. He moved against her faster and harder, and she returned his passion equally.
He bent his head and flicked his tongue against her nipple. Then he sucked and it was just too much. Cassia held on to him t
ightly as she shattered in his arms as while she moaned his name.
Her climax triggered his.
“Cassia!” he writhed against her as ecstasy consumed him.
Afterwards, he carried her carefully to the bed. He was much stronger now and he also made sure that he was careful of her shoulder and his broken wrist.
He didn’t give her time to think, for he didn’t want her to have any regrets. The moment that she was settled on the bed, he pulled her against his chest and laid her head on his arm. He placed one last sweet, lingering kiss against her swollen lips and pulled the covers over them.
“Sleep...” he whispered.
CHAPTER 18 - ESCAPE
“What do you mean they escaped?!” Sebastian roared.
He was on a plane to Greece. He’d anticipated finally getting his revenge but now he was being told that the man he hated the most was gone.
“They knocked two guards out and ran. We did not find them right away because most of the men were busy down on the docks for the latest shipment and recruits.”
“They couldn’t have escaped on their own. There’s a traitor within us. Find him and make him pay.”
“Noted, boss.”
“Find Demakis and his wife. Now!”
November 23, 2013
A stream near Elise’s cabin
An unknown island in Greece
“God, I am the stupidest human being alive!” Cassia shouted.
She woke up today naked in Nikos’ arms. And she wasn’t even cold!
The moment she opened her eyes, the events of last night came crashing down. She carefully extracted herself from his arms, looked for pen and paper and left a note as to where she was going. Then, she ran all the way to the stream. She screamed and cried, kicked some rocks and cursed herself.
How could she sleep with Nikos Demakis?
Cassia laughed bitterly. Sleep wasn’t really the technical word.
Cassia smacked herself on the forehead. How could she let that happen? How could she sleep with the person who hurt her most? Hadn’t once been enough? Hadn’t she been hurt enough to last her a lifetime?
The Billion-Dollar Marriage Contract Page 23