KNIVES AND HEARTSTRINGS

CHAPTER 19:ANDRONIKOS

Moments later, as I leaned back in the leather chair of my temporary office, I still couldn’t get Adira out of my head. That kiss was far better than it had any right to be. Even now, hours later, her soft perfume lingered on me— not that cloying s**t most people paraded around on their clothes.

Adira was… intoxicating. I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her. Which was a problem cause I needed to focus on my revenge plan. The first step—infiltrating her family’s business—was already in motion, but I my need to make some adjustments to my plans. Why not hurt the daughter of the family that had a hand in my family’s destruction?

That actually sounded good, a cruel smile tugged at my lips as the idea took root.

I could make her fall in love with me. Take her heart, and rip it out. Figuratively, of course. Ruin the Abara family’s precious daughter. It’ll be the highlight of my life—a trophy to add my growing list of conquests. The thought stirred something primal in me, and I savored it.

Adira wasn’t what I expected, though. I was pleased, maybe too pleased, by her beauty—the scrunch of her aquiline nose, the fiery flare in her amber eyes whenever I managed to rile her up. And I did, quite often.

Ignoring the hard situation, I’m currently in—and yes, I mean my c**k— I stood up and stepped out of the office. It was time to meet with Adira. Today, I’ll introduce her to my most trusted men. She’d explain our plans first hand to them and help bring them to life. Besides, I liked watching her work.

“Adira,” I said, stepping into the office she’d just chased me out of. “We have work to do. I’d like to introduce you to my men, and go over the plans we drafted for integrating into the company.”

She glanced at me, likely considering rejecting my offer, but thought better of it. Turning to her PA— Thea, if I remember correctly— she gave a few quick instructions before grabbing her handbag and approaching me. Thea passed me on her way out, her face fixed on the floor, as though looking at me might burn her.

I smirked. Guess someone is still salty about what she walked in on.

“After you, Flogítsa mou.” I said, with exaggerated flair, gesturing towards the open door. She rolled her eyes at my theatrics and walked out. As she walked past me, I couldn’t help but admire the sway of her hips and the abundance that was her ass.

Yup, I was definitely going to f**k her. One of these days.

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

We arrived at my mansion in Sagaponack in less than an hour because I wanted us to use my helicopter. Adira was pleased about the choice of transportation, regardless of the noise of the rotor blades, because she couldn’t stomach staying in a car for close to four hours.

Landing on the helipad, a distance from my home, we were rushed in by my men —and, of course, my captive’s dear friend, Iason.

“At this point, I don’t know why I keep getting surprised when I see your ugly mug,” she said distastefully, still disoriented by the short flight.

“Me too, darling,” he shot back sarcastically. “I’d have thought you’d fall out of the plane or get sliced to bits by the rotors, but I guess I’ll have to pray harder next time.”

They stared hard at each other for a long moment before I decided to intervene. If didn’t, Adira would cut a piece of off him with her teeth, and Iason would retaliate. I didn’t want to have to kill my most trusted guard and confidant for touching my current obsession.

“You two can continue your bickering later,” I said, adjusting my cufflinks. “We have work to do.”

They both nodded reluctantly and we moved towards the awaiting vehicle, flanked on all sides by heavily armed guards.

“Geez, Andronikos, isn’t this a bit too much?” she said, looking around at all the security stationed nearby.

Her naivety was endearing. “This isn’t much compared to what I usually carry around, darling. I have a lot of enemies who want me dead.”

“Wow, I wonder why,” she retorted with an eye roll. Deciding to let her brattiness slide for now, we quickly entered the vehicle and arrived at my mansion. As much as I missed this place, staying at my penthouse had been the better option.

“Nónos,” my men greeted as I entered my home. Many cast curious looks towards Adira, and I wasn’t surprised. I had never brought a woman here—not even her.

Iason must have delivered the message because, as I entered the living area, my men were already gathered, talking amongst themselves. Calling for their attention, I introduced Adira.

“Boys, this is Adira, and she’ll be joining us as the new logistics chief.”

Murmurs, as expected, rose from my men. A woman doesn’t usually hold the title, or any title at all in our world, but there’s a first time for everything.

“If anyone has a problem with my decision, you can take it up with me,” I said, looking around the room, daring anyone to question me.

When no one stepped forward, I continued, “If that’s settled, I’ll let Adira take the stage.”

Adira stepped forward, her voice resonating with authority. “I think it’s blatantly obvious I don’t belong in your world, but I intend to blend in. This organization needs expansion and that’s what I’m bringing to the table.”

She paced leisurely around the room. “To your goods into the U.S. with less hassle, we’ll need a tactical system, which I’ve already discussed in detail with your boss. Essentially, we’ll be making use of the distribution logistics of my company by stowing away all the guns and drugs at strategic points in the incoming vehicle parts.”

Looking at the faces of my men, I could see they were impressed, though some still looked disgruntled about a woman giving orders.

“What about customs?” one of them asked.

“Mr. Karas has that under control,” she said, glancing briefly at me. “In addition to that, you men will discreetly map out positions around the ports, to check out for any inconvenience and handle them. One mishap, and the whole program goes to s**t. Am I clear?”

She met their gaze directly, unflinching, despite some of the intimidating looks. Her father trained her well. After a tense moment, Georgios, my underboss and second cousin, broke the silence. “I like her, Nónos”

That prompted a ripple of agreement from the others. Adira let out a barely perceptible exhale of relief. I guess she wasn’t as composed as she appeared.

Taking her previous position at my side, I bent down and whispered in her ear. “You did well, Flogítsa mou.” She tried to hide her smile behind a faux cough, but I noticed. I smirked. My little captive loves praise—I’ll keep that in mind.

When we were done, we returned to the helipad, and I instructed Iason to oversee the men and finalize the plans.

“The threats are still coming, Nónos.” Iason said, before I could board the helicopter.

Gamó

“Deal with it,” I said curtly. He gave a nod before stepping away.

As the helicopter lifted into the air, I caught Adira’s expression out of the corner of my eye. The worry on her face brought renewed anger to my veins about the unknown threat coming after her.

When I find them—man or woman—they’ll regret ever walking this earth.