Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125020 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 625(@200wpm)___ 500(@250wpm)___ 417(@300wpm)
“I’m going to see Pappoús. That’s all I plan to focus on,” I grumble.
“Your grandfather has babied you. We all have. Josh, you will meet with your grandfather and listen to the next steps you need to take to solidify your position.”
I clench my fist and clamp my mouth shut. I’ve never wanted this position and I’m not going to roll over to take it now. At times, I feel like he’s demanding this as punishment for what I saw when I was younger.
Jeff and I were told not to go out in the field and to stay away from the shed. However, we never listened and walked right in on the truth of who my baba is.
“I’ve prepared you for this because I see me and this life in your eyes. You were meant for this,” he says as if reading my mind.
“Adrian will fall in line. He wants this.”
It’s the truth. My younger cousin wants a title, a name for himself. He’s in Pappoús’ face every chance he gets.
“Adrian isn’t my son. It isn’t his right. You, Josh, are my son and you are right for this. You’re calculating. You have the instinct.”
“What you mean is I don’t want what you’re after. You can run things and you never have to watch your back with me. Adrian or Constantine will have your head as soon as the opportunity arises,” I reply.
“I fear no man. Especially not my nephews.”
“You should,” I mutter under my breath.
“Ti ítan aftó?” he questions.
“Nothing, Baba. I’m tired. I’m going home to get some rest before my flight.”
* * *
“Wow, this place is gorgeous,” Phoebe marvels as we walk into my grandfather’s Crete home.
“I used to love coming here.”
“Why stay at a hotel when we could be in all this opulence?”
“I don’t allow just anyone to stay in my grandfather’s home.”
She frowns and looks me in the eyes. Let’s not get this fucked up. We mess around, but she’s not my girl.
“Tzósoua,” my grandfather croons as he walks over to me. He pats my cheek before pulling me into a tight hug.
“Pappoús, you look well. It will be good to spend time with you. It’s so good to see you.”
“Who do we have here?”
“This is Phoebe, the friend I told you about. We’ve worked together a lot in the past.”
“Ah, yes, it’s nice to meet you. Helena, come. Take Tzósoua’s friend on the tour of the gardens, so I can talk to my grandson for a bit,” he says, waving his assistant over.
“I’ll find you when I’m done,” I say.
Phoebe nods and tucks her hair behind her ear. To be honest, her vibes have been off since she arrived for the flight. I almost left her behind. I’m not in the mood for bullshit.
“How’s the modeling?” Pappoús says, turning his focus back on me.
I smile sadly. “I had to give it up. The burns and scarring weren’t for everyone.”
His blue eyes grow sad. He searches my face. “This accident, it has changed you.” He points at my chest. “In here and here.” He taps my temple. “No matter what, you are always a Nikolaou. Don’t lose who you are. They don’t want you. You model for yourself and show them what they gave up.”
“I wish it were that simple, Pappoús.”
“It is. Say the word. I will make sure you have anything you want. You have so much time to live, Josh. Do you know what your name means, Tzósoua mou? Yehoshua.”
“God is Salvation.”
“Yes, you survived that wreck for a reason. Don’t mistake a gift from God. I get the final say on who takes my place. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want. I will name my next successor and the one after if need be.”
He winks at me as his words sink in. My mother had three sisters. The two I know each had a son after I was born. They’re still here in Greece. Both my cousins are spoiled and my grandfather doesn’t care much for either of them, but everyone thinks he’ll pick from the two of them to run everything in his place.
I know better. My grandfather has never intended to leave either of them a thing. Greek families can get vicious for power.
At least this one can. To this day, I don’t think my mother’s death was a true accident. I wouldn’t put it past either of her remaining siblings or their husbands.
Blake Knight is the one person outside of my grandfather who I trust these days. I trust him because my grandfather trusts him, and for as long as I can remember, Blake doesn’t fuck with my father or my aunts. There’s something to be said for that.
“I see the wheels turning, Tzósoua. This is still a decision you will make. I will not rush it and I won’t push you either. I think you should spend more time with Blake when you return to the US. It will be good for you,” Pappoús says, breaking into my musing.