VILLA OF THORNS

LINES IN THE SAND

Adrian, Yiannis' best friend, was already waiting when Yiannis pulled into the garage of the villa. He was leaning against one of Yiannis' car, arms crossed, his expression stormy.

Yannis killed the engine and got out.

"You're really going to stand by my car like an angry girlfriend?" Yannis muttered, brushing past him.

Adrian followed him into the villa.

"Milly called me." Adrian said.

That stopped Yannis cold. "Is she still here?. I totally forgot about her".

"She already left. She said you stormed off," Adrian continued, "that you were acting... off."

"I handled a situation that needed my intervention". Yannis replied as he entered the villa and dropped his car keys on the marble table in his living room and sat on one of the sofas.

"Yeah, that's the problem." Adrian's voice rose. "What the hell were you thinking?"

Yannis looked up at his best friend and confidant, his eyes flashing. "I was thinking someone needed to stop that bastard before he broke Katie any more than he already has."

"You stormed into a law firm, threatened a senior partner, and nearly triggered a buyout investigation in less than an hour. That's not 'handling it.' That's obsession."

Yiannis stared at him, jaw tight.

"You don't even realize what you're doing," Adrian said, stepping closer. "You're not acting like a fiancé. You're acting like—"

"Don't finish that sentence."

"Why not?" Adrian snapped. "Because it's true? You're slipping, Yiannis. Losing control. And over Katie, of all people?. When have you ever been into loud girls?."

Yiannis's hands curled into fists at his sides. "She was crying, Adrian. Hiding in a bathroom. Afraid".

Adrian flinched like the words struck something real. "So what? You want a medal for playing hero?"

"I want to make sure she never has to feel that way again."

"And where does that leave Milly?"

Silence.

The air between them thickened. For the first time, Adrian's voice softened—not out of kindness, but out of disappointment.

"She loves you, man," he said. "She's planning your wedding. Defending you even when she doesn't understand you. And you're out here going full mafia prince on her best friend's boss. If anyone finds out—"

"They won't."

"That's not the point."

Yiannis looked away, finally. Eyes dark, unreadable.

"You think I wanted this?" he said, voice low. "You think I planned to feel anything for her?"

Adrian didn't answer.

"I'm not some i***t getting distracted by a pretty face. It's not about s*x either. It's not even about attraction anymore."

Adrian folded his arms again, watching. Waiting.

"It's about the fact that every time I look at Katie," Yiannis said quietly, "I feel like a better man than I am. And I don't know what to do with that."

Adrian sighed and dragged a hand through his hair before settling on the seat opposite his best friend.

"You're playing with fire, Yiannis. You can't have both."

"I know."

"Then stop before this gets worse."

Yiannis didn't reply.

Because the truth was—he already knew.

And it was already too late.

⸻

Katie sat at her tiny kitchen table, hair wrapped in a towel, cradling a mug of lukewarm tea. She'd barely slept the night before. After crying in the office bathroom, she'd taken the rest of the day off, claiming a migraine. She'd avoided Milly's texts, ignored her group chat, and silenced her phone.

Everything felt heavy. Like she'd finally let the mask slip and now couldn't find the strength to put it back on.

When her phone lit up that morning, she expected Milly again.

But it wasn't Milly.

It was Mr. Callahan.

Katie froze. Her thumb hovering over the screen, unsure if she should answer or throw the whole phone into a sink full of soapy water.

It rang a second time.

She answered.

"Hello?"

A pause. Then—

"Katie." His voice was quieter than she'd ever heard it. Measured. Flat. "I'm calling to apologize."

She blinked. "I—I'm sorry, what?"

"I want to apologize for my behavior. It was inappropriate, unprofessional, and entirely out of line. You should never have been made to feel uncomfortable at this firm. I take full responsibility."

Katie sat back, stunned. The mug wobbled slightly in her hand.

"I also wanted you to hear from me that, effective immediately, I'll be stepping down. The board has been informed. I've recommended you stay on under new leadership. If you're willing."

This couldn't be real. She glanced at the time. 8:43 AM.

"You're... retiring?"

"Yes."

Another long pause.

She almost asked why. But something stopped her.

Because deep down, she knew this wasn't just guilt. Callahan had the emotional depth of a barstool. This wasn't a man moved by conscience.

This was fear.

And suddenly, it clicked.

Her heart sped up.

"Milly didn't call the firm," Katie said softly. "She wouldn't have done this behind my back."

Silence.

"You are not doing this because you found out who my parents are, right?". She asked him.

No response.

But she didn't need one.

Her mind flicked back to the trembling tone in Yiannis' voice. The sudden anger. She wondered if this was Yiannis doing, after all he was the heir to one of the most powerful families in the country. The fact that Mr Callahan hadn't just apologized—but surrendered made her certain that this was not about her parents but a more powerful person.

Someone had made that happen.

Someone with power.

Someone like—

Yiannis Kyrkos.

The realization hit her like cold water down tho her spine.

After that call yesterday, the quiet strength in his voice, the way he'd told her no one would treat her like that again, the way he hadn't hesitated...

He hadn't just said it.

He'd meant it.

And he'd done something about it.

Katie ended the call with a polite thank you, still in a daze. She lowered the phone and stared out the window, thoughts racing.

He'd protected her but why?. Was it because of Milly?. He must love Milly so much to even care about her best friend in such a manner.

She smiled, happy that her childhood friend and bestie had finally found a man worthy of her. Milly had been the one to protect her all through childhood now Yiannis was protecting both of them.

⸻

Later that day, she finally answered Milly's texts.

Milly: Can I come by later? I have wine. And gossip.

Katie: Yes. But only if you bring those sea salt brownies from the bakery. I think I want to get high today.

Milly: Done. You okay?

Katie: (Typing... then deleting. Then typing again.)

Better. Just... processing.

She didn't ask if Milly knew what Yiannis had done. She wanted to wait until Milly got to her apartment. Pouring out the rest of the tea into the sink, she quickly washed the dishes and cleaned the apartment as she waited for Milly.