KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER 18: ADIRA

Today is the day I introduce Andronikos to the company. Am I scared? Yes. But if there is one thing my father taught me, it is that reaching the top is hard but staying there is an ongoing battle, and I don't plan on letting those sniveling board members intimidate me. Besides, I need to show Andronikos that I can be in control, not because I have to prove anything to him, which I don't, but I have to show him that I'm not to be f****d with in my domain.

My heels clicked against the marble floors as I walked into the company, Andronikos not very far behind. He was dressed impeccably today, as always—black tailored suit, a gold watch that gleamed in the light, and black leather shoes that looked like they were made for a king. He was as menacing and breathtakingly handsome as ever.

Gosh, I really needed to keep my hormones in check around this man.

We moved in silence to the elevator. The weight of what was about to happen hung between us, neither one of us seeming ready to cut the tension first. I knew what was running through the board members’ minds: Who was this guy, and why was he suddenly such a major shareholder in Abara Inc.? They just did not like surprises-and surely not when it meant losing control. But today, they'd have to deal with it because I'm really not in the mood for any bullshit. After 'redecorating' Andronikos penthouse last night as part of my big revenge scheme, I was burnt out, emotionally and physically. You'd think trashing a house would be easy, but surprise surprise, it's not.

We entered the boardroom, and the temperature shifted. The boardroom of Abara Inc. had that unmistakable air of authority. The high glass let in just enough light to contrast with the looming steel and wood furniture-the kind that said, I'm important, and you should respect me. The high-power atmosphere thickened as every head turned to see the new kingpin stroll in. It wasn't a board meeting without a little intimidation factor, and Andronikos had that in spades.

The room quieted down as I took my place at the head of the table, exuding a confidence only a woman with power in her blood could command. I wasn’t the CEO yet; the title, to date, remained with Baba, but it was just an irrelevant fact about to be made by this very development that I would launch. Behind me, Andronikos stood, his presence a towering statement of power.

"I'd like to introduce you to someone who will be playing a significant role in our company from here on out." I said, taking my time to look at every board member seated in this room, including my irritating cousin, Dean.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, meet Andronikos," I said, my gaze sweeping over the table, daring anyone to speak out of line. "Our newest major shareholder. Effective immediately."

My announcement was greeted by a murmur of curiosity. Major shareholders weren't just people with deep pockets; they were power players who could influence the corporation's direction in one way or another.

"Adira," Mr. Jameson piped in, his tone just shy of disrespect. "I believe this wasn't on the agenda. Are you sure this is the best timing?”

The misogynistic cunt. He's always had a problem with me. Letting a woman lead just grates on his nerves so damn much.

I smiled tightly, morbid thoughts of his wrinkled-covered face splattered across the desk flashing through my mind. "You'll find that some things are more than just on the agenda. They're a done deal, Mr. Jameson. And as COO, I really shouldn't have to remind you that you don’t run the show. I do." That shut him up. For now.

Good.

"Andronikos will be acquiring a 15% stake in Abara Inc. This gives him an immediate seat on the board."

My cousin Dean, the typical self-entitled brat who thought Abara Inc. to belonged to him by divine right, stood up with a forced smile. "This doesn't sit well with me, Adira. You never sought our opinions concerning this development. You are putting someone with no history about this corporation at the helm? A man who—"

"Who what?" I cut him off, fixing him with a cold stare. "A man who has a much better sense of business than you do? Please, save the dramatics for the family dinners, Dean. This isn't a democracy."

But of course, that wasn't enough for him. He took another step forward, jaws clenched. "I don't care if he's got connections or cash. This company was built by our family, and it should stay in family hands. My hands."

Before I could tear him a new one, Andronikos stepped in.

"You really don't want to finish that sentence," he said, his voice low and lethal.

Dean whirled on Andronikos, his face a mixture of surprise and defiance. "And who are you to—"

Without missing a beat, Andronikos took one step closer, his overwhelming presence effectively shutting him up. "Let's make this easy, yes? You sit down, or I'll make you regret standing." It wasn't even a threat; it was a fact. I saw his hand migrate to his pockets and knew he was reaching for his beloved knife. Should've known the fucker would bring a knife to a meeting.

Dean hesitated a moment, eyeing Andronikos like a trapped animal, before slowly sitting down. I smirked.

"Good boy," Andronikos muttered under his breath; loud enough that Dean heard him. He turned to me, his eyes flicking briefly to mine, some unspoken understanding passing between us.

"Now, as I was saying," I continued, "Andronikos will be responsible for the international market development and resource management. This company is moving forward whether you like it or not, and we need to expand."

With that, I wrapped the meeting up quickly. The board members were still tense, whispering amongst themselves, but they all knew the score: it was done, and nothing was going to change that. Well, except my father, of course.

*************************************************

I walked into my office and stretched out my neck, trying to work out the kinks that were there due to stress and built-up tension. Behind me, I heard the click of Andronikos polished shoes on the floor. Of course he'd followed me in without asking.

"I know I shouldn't ask at this point, but do you take pleasure in tormenting me." I asked, turning to look at him.

He smiled smugly, "You already know the answer to that, Adira."

I did, and that’s what enraged and confused me. The man was a walking mystery. I literally had no idea what he wanted from me half the time—hot one minute, cold the next. He was never constant, always this push-pull dynamic. One minute, he's kissing the senses out of me; the next, he's casually threatening to kill me. The mind games were wearing me thin.

"What do you want with me Andronikos." I said looking into his eyes. He moved closer, his intoxicating cologne clouding my thoughts and senses.

All of you," he said, his fingers lifting my chin so my gaze met his. "I want everything until there's nothing left to take." I probably shouldn’t be turned on by that, but I'll blame it on all the dark romance novels I've r******w I have a warped mind that thinks ownership is a turn-on.

Barely giving me time to protest, his lips crashed onto mine. He wasn't gentle this time; he was demanding, raw, and overwhelming. His hands gripped my waist pulling me flush against him, his chest pressing into mine. I gasped against his mouth. That brief flash of vulnerability only seemed to spur him on as he dove deeper into the kiss, his teeth grazing my lower lip before soothing it with his tongue.

My hands found their way to his chest, palms pressing against the firm planes of muscle beneath his shirt. I wanted to push him away, to assert control, but instead, my traitorous fingers curled into the fabric, pulling him closer.

One hand roamed up my back, tangling in my hair to pull my head toward him, while the other closed possessively around my ass, as though he was marking his claim. His kisses trailed down my jaw, his tongue and teeth teasing the sensitive skin of my neck, sending shivers through me with every breath he took.

“You drive me insane," he growled against my skin, his voice low and husky with frustration.

"Likewise," I managed to gasp, my nails digging into his shoulders as his hands slid lower, anchoring me to him.

He pushed my back against the desk, the edge pressing into my thighs as his hands slid under the hem of my blouse, fingertips tracing the curve of my waist. My hands found their way to his tie, yanking him back up to kiss him again, the clash of lips and teeth a battle neither of us wanted to lose.

My head was a blank slate, completely consumed by the flames burning between us, when suddenly—

BANG!

The door of the office swung open, cutting through the s****l tension like a blade.

"Adira, the meeting—"

Thea, my PA, stood frozen in the doorway, her face flaming crimson as she took in the view before her. Papers were scattered over the desk, Andronikos's tie was undone, and my hair was probably screamed 'I almost had s*x here'.

I shoved Andronikos back, my face burning as I struggled for composure. Andronikos didn't appear the least fazed. If anything, he looked amused, the smirk firmly back on his face.

"Thea," I said, my voice tight as I struggled to straighten my blouse. "What is it?"

She cleared her throat, not looking at me. "The meeting with the Taiwan investors… it's will soon begin. I thought you'd want to be there."

"Right. Of course. I'll be there in a moment."

Thea nodded quickly and disappeared as fast as she'd come, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I turned to Andronikos, my glare sharp enough to cut steel. "This is your fault."

He raised an eyebrow, still smirking as he adjusted his tie. "Seems I remember you pulling me closer, Flogítsa mou. But if you wish to blame me, I'll take it."

"Get out of my office," I snarled, pointing to the door.

He chuckled and leaned down, so his lips were just a whisper from my ear. "See you later, Flogítsa mou." He said, murmuring, before turning and strolling out of the office, leaving me to pick up the remaining pieces of my composure.

I let out a deep breath, my glare fixed on the disarray of my office. I had a company to run, a board to face, and no time whatsoever to waste on that demon.