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Five

C ALISTA

My heels clicked against the gleaming white marble as I wound through Laya and Niko’s foyer.

Avra’s baby nursery was coming together beautifully.

I’d spent the morning browsing my phone for the perfect rug that would complement Avra’s soothing colors and whimsical patterns.

Each scroll revealed new options, and I envisioned how those textures and hues would enhance the cozy atmosphere we imagined for the little one’s arrival.

My nose was still in my phone as I descended the stairs searching for Laya. We’d planned to go on another shopping expedition in the city, and it was time to leave .

I was so engrossed, I didn’t notice the butler coming to me with his arms full of white roses in full bloom.

“Ms. Vitalis, these arrived for you,” he announced, bowing his head.

He set the vase on a nearby console, and I looked up just in time to catch a single bloom drifting free. I cupped it in my hand, inhaling the way its scent slipped into my senses.

“Thank you,” I said, lifting my gaze. “Who sent them?”

He touched a ribbon tied around the bouquet. “The card should say.” He untied the silk loop and handed me a small envelope. “Shall I take these to your room?”

“Yes, please.”

As he disappeared down the hall, I untied the ribbon, curiosity warming each finger, and slipped the card from its envelope.

The florist’s name was printed on the corner, Petal & Stem.

This was the farm that had provided all of Laya’s wedding flowers. They weren’t cheap, and placing an order with them wasn’t easy. I wasn’t aware they created arrangements like these. From working at Laya’s wedding, I assumed they only worked on large-scale events.

I eased the tiny card free and read:

Cali,

Our lunch together was the bright spot of my week. I can’t stop thinking about you, and I hope I can see you again soon. Thanks for the sunshine. Call me anytime to chat, or …

Strogiká,

Leon

My heart skipped a beat, my pulse taking on a life of its own.

Strogiká— fondly , in Greek—curled at the end of his note like a secret revelation.

My fingertips brushed the handwriting, tracing each word as if it might vanish.

There, on the back, his phone number was inked, as if he had penned it with the same eager thrill I felt now.

I pressed the card between my fingers and imagined dialing, no pressure, just an invitation.

Leon’s words hovered between us like soft music, nothing demanding or loud. He’d left the choice entirely to me. A gentle thrill spread through my veins.

I remembered Dominic’s approach, overbearing tones and bristling insistence, and felt how differently Leon had reached out.

The contrast made me smile. I rose and tucked the card into my pocket for a moment when I could read it again.

Despite their similar reputations as ruthless and cunning, and sometimes violent, syndicate leaders, in person, the two of them were like night and day.

I was captivated by the contradiction between Leon’s serene and patient presence and the intimidating reputation that followed him like a shadow. That intriguing space where light meets shadow in a person’s life had always fascinated me .

To me, the painful traumas of life, while devastating, ultimately made one stronger and added layers of depth to a person’s character and humanity that I believed were unattainable through any other means.

I’d come to understand this truth through my own painful experiences. But I saw this transformation in many others too.

My sisters and I endured the devastating loss of our parents and the shattering of the lives we once knew. Vik, who was very close to our father, took on the monumental responsibility of caring for three spirited girls in hiding while standing alone as a single man.

I observed it in countless others within the syndicates who had lost everything dear to them, their families torn away.

Something profound lingered after such loss, a deep and enduring change.

Most clearly, I recognized it in me after my rescue. I realized that the darkness would never completely vanish. It was now woven into the fabric of my being, altering me permanently, as much a part of me as my very skin.

Leon carried this darkness as well. He had suffered tremendous losses himself. His deep espresso eyes revealed the same sadness, shadows, and sorrow that I had come to know so well. If there was ever a man who could truly understand me and be attuned to my needs, it had to be someone like Leon.

An intense desire to be near him surged within me, almost overwhelming in its urgency. With a wide smile lighting up my face, I turned the card over again and dialed his cell number.

“Hello, Cali,” he answered immediately, his voice warm and welcoming.

I furrowed my brow, perplexed. “What?” I said. “How did you know it was me?”

My private number was tightly secured, and I knew it wouldn’t appear on his caller ID.

“I just had a feeling,” he replied. In my mind, I could vividly picture him grinning and giving a casual shrug, and the image made my smile stretch wider. “Did you get the flowers?”

“I just did,” I confessed, still a bit in awe. “They’re magical.”

“Fantastic!” he exclaimed with genuine enthusiasm.

“Thank you, Leon,” I said, a wave of shyness washing over me. “That was very thoughtful of you. Your note was lovely too.”

“I’m glad you like them,” he said. “I wanted you to know that I was thinking about you.”

My heart soared at his directness.

“You were on my mind too,” I admitted, the truth spilling out.

Since our lunch, he had been a constant presence in my thoughts, which was quite remarkable and unexpected, given that I never imagined being genuinely interested in a man again.

Then, I asked, “You know what else I’ve thought about?”

“What?” he responded, eager to hear .

“That lamb moussaka you teased me with.”

“Someday,” he finally said, leaving the promise lingering in the air.

“Someday,” I echoed, our voices mingling.

A gentle silence enveloped us, and I knew we were both wearing matching smiles. The sensation that filled the quiet was so delicate, so light and feathery, like a ray of sunshine dancing across my skin.

I think it may have been happiness. Pure, pristine happiness…

“Would you like to come over for dinner Saturday night?” I blurted out, the words tumbling from my lips before I could overthink them.

As soon as the words slipped from my mouth, I wished I could reel them back in.

My mind raced, questioning whether I should take the initiative and invite a man out. But then, I dismissed that notion with a roll of my eyes. That was such an outdated mindset.

After all, he was practically waiting for me to make the first move, even though we were still getting acquainted. Asking him over for dinner wasn’t such a big deal.

“Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Yes.”

“Where would you like to go?”

“I’m inviting you to my sister’s estate. Laya and Niko have shown remarkable kindness and hospitality by allowing me to stay here,” I explained.

“I’ve heard it’s certainly big enough,” Leon quipped .

“It certainly is. I have my own wing. It’s quite impressive, and the vineyards are exceptional,” I replied. “They’re among the best in the region.”

“I know well the remarkable empire Niko has created. It feels as though I’m being offered a glimpse into the vastness of my rival’s operations. In comparison to what he oversees, my vineyard is relatively modest.”

“Well, then, is he really your rival?” I questioned. “And besides, what’s wrong with finding some inspiration to elevate your own work, Leon?”

He chuckled, a sound that made me feel light. I was relieved he found my comments entertaining. Many might have taken it as a jab at their pride. But Leon’s self-assured nature allowed him to embrace the banter with ease.

“Fair point,” he conceded. “It’s a date!”

“Wonderful! How about you come over around seven?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied with a warmth that sent a delightful blush to my cheeks.

As I hung up the phone, a sense of exhilaration washed over me. Leon was so at ease, so effortlessly engaging in conversation.

With my heart skipping in excitement, I moved forward, continuing my search for Laya. Each step was buoyed by the anticipation and thrill of what was coming.

“Hey!” Laya’s voice shot through the quiet hallway.

I lifted my head, heart stuttering, to see her leaning over the banister at the top of the staircase. The late afternoon sun painted her hair in copper tones .

“Hey, there you are,” I called. “I was just coming to find you.”

I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and let the warmth in my cheeks spill down my neck.

“Is that so?” she cooed, the amusement evident on her face. “Because it sounded like you were flirting with Leon Boscos on the telephone.”

I pressed a hand to the receiver, my cheeks growing warm. “You heard all that?”

She dropped her shoulders. “I did indeed.”

I rose from the carpeted landing and reached the bottom stair. “Is it okay if he comes over for dinner on Saturday?”

Laya’s gaze swept the familiar walls, the framed sketches I’d made in college. “You live here, Cali. You can invite anyone over at any time.” She descended the staircase step by step, each board creaking under her weight, until she stood before me. “So… Does this mean you’ve made your choice?”

I shook my head, running a fingertip along the polished banister. “I don’t know. I’ve tried not thinking at all.”

She cocked her head. “Are you sure? That conversation sounded friendly just now.”

I let out a breath. “I like Leon a lot.”

A gentle smile formed on her lips. “He seems like a good choice, for what it’s worth.”

“Thanks. It means a lot to hear you say that.” My voice wavered. “I feel the same way. Obviously.”

Laya folded her arms across her chest. “Then what’s the problem, Cali? It seems simple.”

A tight knot formed in my stomach. I twisted the sleeve of my sweater. “But is it? I judged Dominic the moment I met him, based only on how he made me feel. Maybe I never gave him a proper chance.”

She lifted a brow. “What’s wrong with deciding by feeling?”

I turned toward the window and watched sunbeams drift across the floor. “That’s not how you and Avra did it. You both chose for business reasons. Emotions didn’t lead you. They were set aside.”

Her lips curved, not mocking but gentle. “Is that really what you think?”

I met her gaze, most of my courage in my chest. “Well, yeah.”

Laya shook her head, dark curls swinging. “I can’t speak for Avra, but I knew I cared for Niko the moment he walked into that meeting. Those feelings only confirmed I’d made the right decision.”

My shoulders eased their tension. I dropped my arms to my sides. “Okay.”

She moved closer and rested her hand on my elbow, her skin warm against mine.

“Cali, pay attention to your instincts. Observe how your body responds to others. It’s a way to perceive things your mind may not comprehend.

You can think until you’re exhausted, but if something feels off, it is.

I refer to it as our Vitalis superpower. ”

“Do you really believe that?” I asked.

She lifted her chin. “Mama talked about it when we were kids. She said never to doubt that instinct. I’ve never been wrong. You have it too—that’s why you’re torn. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet Dominic again. You’ll know if your heart flutters when you see him.”

I smiled and closed the gap between us to hug her. She folded her arms around me and squeezed.

“What would I do without you, Laya?”

“Most likely die,” she said.

I pulled back and hooked my arm through hers, leading her toward the front door. The air outside carried a promise of spring.

“You might be right,” I replied. “Now, let’s splurge on baby items. Do you think our little one will have that superpower?”

Laya’s grin spread wide. “I certainly hope so!”