ANDRONIKOS

“A warning Nónos. This person isn’t playing games anymore,” Iason said, his gaze steady as he looked at me from beneath the glasses perched on his nose. We were seated amidst a mess of documents, desperately trying to piece together which enemy might be targeting us–targeting my little flame. 

Shortly after the attack, we managed to reach my mansion at Sagaponack–my current hideaway from Adira as I was obviously avoiding her. 

Adira! Shit

“Iason, triple the guards tailing Adira. I don’t care about her complaints–they don’t leave her side unless she’s sleeping or shitting. Katanoito?”

(Understood?)

He nodded sharply. “Will do boss. But we need to figure out who this person is, and why we’re handling it alone?”

I looked up at that, surprised and annoyed at his naivety. “Because the possibility of a mole is very high, Iason.” I resumed combing through the papers spread out in front of me. “Now, tell me, how many people knew about the meeting today?” 

His expression shifted as the realization dawned on him. 

“Exactly,” I said, my voice cold. “Round up everyone who had knowledge of it. I want answers. Now. No matter how much it takes to get them.”

“Yes, Nónos.” He left without another word, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I had to find this person. If I didn’t, Adira would pay for it and that wasn’t an option.

ADIRA

It was worse than I’d imagined. The fraud ran deep. Under my nose, this had been happening for six months. Six months! And now I was paying the price, as I stood before my father.

“I made you COO, Adira. Not because you're my daughter, but because of your competence. And yet, for some reason, you didn’t notice that someone was stealing from us?” Baba’s voice thundered. 

My father was fuming, rightfully so. I had been so preoccupied with different things I forgot the company was my number one priority–my family's legacy.

I hung my head in shame, my anger at the CFO boiling beneath the surface. He couldn't have kept it quiet, could he? Still, Baba would’ve found out eventually.

“I have it under control Baba,” I said, firmly. “I’m working on it. This won’t go unchecked. I promise, dad.” 

I didn't bother with an apology. I knew how much he despised them in situations like this. 

My father's stern expression softened slightly. He patted the seat next to him, a silent invitation. I moved toward him, the stifling atmosphere of his office pressing down on me. 

As I sat, Baba grabbed my hand. 

“I know I may be harsh on you sometimes, but you represent me, Adira,” he sighed heavily, his voice quieter, as he continued. “You're my heir, and I'm not going to be here much longer.” 

My heart skipped a bit. Was he stepping down? 

Baba must have caught the flicker of excitement on my face because he let out a laugh. “Not yet, little warrior. But soon. Your mother and I need a well-deserved break.” 

“And how’s Mama?” I asked, recalling her gaunt appearance the last time we saw each other–which was on unfavorable terms at best.

“She’s fine.” His expression shifted briefly, but I didn't comment on it. 

“Just focus on dealing with this mess,” he said, his voice regaining its edge. 

“Yes, Baba. And when I find the culprit, they'll regret it for the rest of their miserable existence.” 

Baba chuckled, a sound I loved coming from him, and patted my cheek affectionately. “Sometimes you're so much like me, it's scary.” Rising from the sofa, he headed for the door. “Do what you must to deal with this, no matter the cost. Remember–” 

“Power moves hands, and no one should take ours,” I finished, interrupting him.

We shared a brief smile before he strode out the door. 

“And enjoy the view,” he called over his shoulder. “This will all be yours soon.”

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

When I arrived at the apartment ten minutes ago, I was expecting a relaxing soak in the tub with some apple juice and maybe Netflix–not a scowling Iason standing in the living room, introducing me to my new ‘security detail’. 

“But, I don't need them Iason.” I said, my arms crossed as I glared up at him. 

“Talk to the boss, not me. Besides, it's for your safety.”

“Safety? From what? A bad hair day?” 

He smirked at that, probably recalling when he told me that during our argument a while back.

“I promise you Adira, it's a lot worse than a bad hair day.” 

The ominous tone in his voice sent a chill down my spine.

Deciding to accept the situation for what it is, I relaxed my stance. 

“So how many are we talking?” I asked cautiously. “One? Two?”

“Twelve.”

Twelve!?

Seeing my confused expression, he continued. “The threat is that bad.”

Suddenly, as if he had summoned them at that very moment, twelve heavily armed men marched into the apartment, each one looking meaner than the last–except for the third guy, who looked oddly excited to be here and even gave me a cheerful wave.

Weird.

Once they had all entered, Iason began introducing them to me, “These are the men meant to guard you. Don't do anything stupid, Adira.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” I could hear the petulant whine in my voice, and at this point, I didn’t care cause I was truly pissed.

“Whatever you take it as.” 

He turned away from me, and with a flick of his hand, the men dispersed around different corners of the apartment, with some headed downstairs.

“Now, if you'll excuse me, I have things to do,” Iason said with a mock smile as he backed away from me. 

“You can't just leave me here with all these men, dumbass!” 

This is so not okay. 

“Figure it out, prigkipissa,” he called out, walking out the door.

(Princess)

“Fucking jerk,” I muttered, glaring at his retreating back.

I sighed, glancing around at my new security team–at least the ones stationed up here with me. The cheerful one waved at me again.

This was going to be a long night, I thought with a sigh.