With out hesitation, Nikolaos drew his gun with a swift, practiced movement. The sound of the gunshot shattered the silence of the alley, resounding like a harsh verdict in the midst of a courtroom. His bullet hit its mark with lethal precision, proper in between Alexander’s eyes, and straight away, blood splashed throughout the chilly alleyway, some droplets splattering in opposition to my cheek and down the size of my costume.

Alexander’s physique jerked from the affect. Then, as if in sluggish movement, he collapsed to the bottom behind me in a heap. I lastly pulled in a breath and stepped away from the wall, urgent my hand to my chest.

Nikolaos turned to me, his expression softening barely. “Are you alright?” he requested, his voice now laced with concern.

I straightened up, lifting my chin and adjusting my costume again into place, a combination of aid and lingering adrenaline coursing by way of me. “Once you play the sport of thrones, you win otherwise you die,” I replied, my voice tinged with a mixture of sarcasm and gratitude.

“There’s my queen,” he smirked.

CHAPTER 28

Eight weeks later

Maci

The marriage had been a day to recollect.

As I walked down the aisle, adorned in an beautiful Elie Saab robe with its delicate lacework and elegantly trailing practice, I felt impossibly regal, transcending from mere princess to queen with each step.

The venue bloomed with vibrant golden yellows and wealthy oranges, adorned with sunflowers and marigolds that radiated heat and pleasure. The environment was inviting and vigorous, an ideal backdrop for our big day.

Our reception had been like stepping right into a fairytale, surpassing even the grandest charity balls I had attended. Held in a corridor that was the epitome of class and sophistication, the setting was nothing wanting magical.

The culinary choices, ready by a famend Michelin-starred chef, have been an absolute delight. We indulged in luxurious lobster thermidor, risotto tinged with the delicate earthiness of truffles, and a dessert unfold that was a feast for the senses. The spotlight was a towering chocolate fountain, surrounded by an irresistible array of macarons and petit fours.

Including to the enchantment had been the dwell orchestra, their melodies weaving a spellbinding aura all through the night. The climax was a spectacular firework show, illuminating the evening sky in a kaleidoscope of colours, marking our wedding ceremony not simply as an occasion, however as a rare, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

It was exhausting to think about that it had solely been yesterday. With a lazy smile, I leaned in opposition to the railing of the balcony and seemed out, the gentle waves of the ocean breaking on the sand solely a few dozen ft away. The morning solar glistened on the water, making a shimmering pathway that appeared to result in the horizon. The shoreline was adorned with a mixture of rugged cliffs and delicate slopes, dotted with lush greenery that added vibrant splashes of shade to the panorama.

The sound of the tv within the background broke the tranquility, and I circled, listening to the sounds of a newscaster trailing off particulars about one information story after one other till one particularly caught my consideration.

“In breaking information, the Pappas household, a distinguished title in Greek enterprise circles, has been arrested on costs of human trafficking, ties to organized crime, in addition to the act of terrorism within the bombing of the Stefanidis delivery fleet. This main crackdown follows the current surprising discovery of Alexander Pappas’ physique, additional intensifying the investigation. His father, Ioannis Pappas, is amongst these arrested. The household, influential in varied sectors, now face a sequence of grave allegations. The arrest and the hyperlink to Alexander’s dying have despatched shockwaves by way of the enterprise group. Questions are being raised about their alleged felony actions. Stick with us for extra updates on this creating story.”

Nikolaos strode out to the balcony and wound his fingers round my waist, pulling me in opposition to him.

“It will appear our plan labored,” he murmured.

“That it will appear,” I agreed, leaning again in opposition to him. “Although, I need to say, it was principally my good technique that made it occur.”

He chuckled, a low sound that vibrated by way of me. “Oh, actually? I appear to recollect it being extra of a joint effort, my queen.”

I turned in his arms, going through him with a playful smirk. “Effectively, possibly a tiny bit, however it’s important to admit, I used to be the mastermind.”

Nikolaos raised an eyebrow, amusement in his eyes. “Is that so? I assume I ought to simply depart all our future plans to you then.”

“Perhaps you need to,” I teased.

Nikolaos leaned in nearer, his breath heat in opposition to my ear. “The Secretary-Normal talked about you claimed it was all of your concept,” he whispered with a touch of playfulness and intrigue in his voice. “However let’s not overlook who’s in cost right here.”

A shiver raced down my backbone.

“It’s me, isn’t it?” I taunted, my voice breathy and gentle, realizing full properly what I used to be doing.

With a growl, he pulled me in for a kiss. It began off gently at first, however I may sense the underlying depth in the best way his lips sought out mine. His hand discovered the again of my scalp, gripping my hair simply firmly sufficient to ship a shiver of pleasure down my backbone.

The kiss deepened, our tongues intertwining and spiraling collectively. He stole my breath, and I stole his, each of us attempting to claim dominance over the opposite although I knew who was going to finally win.

Although I do know it isn’t going to be me.

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