Zeus

Zoe

When I got to my room, I slumped on the bed, trying to calm my racing heart.

How was I going to survive a week with Zeus? He was getting on my last nerve, and it'd only been an hour.

It didn't help that time had somehow made him better looking than I remembered, his once boyish features sharpening with age. The way his silvery gray eyes had held me in place at that tea table brought a rush of emotions I wanted to shove back down. Immediately. And lock up for good.

The last thing I needed this week was any further heartbreak at the hands of a Petrakis.

I'd just avoid him, I resolved. Busy myself with my booth at the Expo and finding a new shipping partner to help close the deal with John.

And then I'd return to New York and go back to pretending he didn't exist.

Sitting up, I looked around my room, taking everything in. It was spacious and elegant, with a queen-size canopy bed draped in soft white curtains and a fluffy carpet below. It also had a living room, all set up with a coffee table, bookshelves, magazines, a desk, and a TV.

The stone walls and wooden floors made the room feel cozy and classic, and I could see the gorgeous garden from the big steel windows.

I ventured out of my room to the bathroom at the end of the hall. Like the bedroom, it was lovely, with stone walls and a clawfoot tub near a stained-glass window, all softly lit by a vintage chandelier.

A large mirror hung above the vanity, matching the modern glass-enclosed shower. Neatly folded soft white towels and robes sat on a rack, and the air smelled of a wonderful and relaxing lavender scent.

I removed my clothes and shoes, then stepped into the shower. After a long flight and a surprise run-in with my greatest enemy, I was looking forward to this moment. I let out a sigh of relief as the warm water ran over my body, easing my tired muscles and nerves. The delightful scents of shampoo and body wash filled the air, revitalized my senses, and energized me.

By the time I finished, I felt completely recharged.

After putting on a robe and blow-drying my hair, I stepped outside the bathroom—

And collided with a hard, muscular body.

"You should really watch where you're going," said a deep voice. I didn't need to look up to know who it was—his unmistakable cologne and sharp tone gave him away.

"Sorry, Mr. Petrakis." I stepped away, tightening my robe. "I'll be more careful next time."

He arched his brow. "Are we really going to continue this charade?"

I looked up at him, resolute. "As far as I'm concerned, I don't know you anymore. Unless you'd rather explain to John and Margaret why we haven't spoken in 8 years."

Zeus scowled at that, his jaw clenching as his eyes scanned me.

"Alright," he agreed, stepping out of my way. "Let's pretend we don't know each other."

"Great," I said, then practically raced down the hallway.

"See you at dinner at seven," he called after me, as if he was enjoying my frustration.

I shut the door to my room, locked it, and called my parents to inform them I had settled in at Somersby Estate and avoided spiraling about Zeus. Even at 26, they still liked to check on me. They were very protective of their three kids, especially me—their only daughter.

I laid on the bed with my iPad resting on a pillow. The screen flickered, showing my mom's worried face and my dad busy at his desk in the background.

"There you are!" My mom, Sweet Stavrakos, exclaimed. "Where were you? I've been calling for hours."

I groaned, rubbing my temple. "Mom, I called you just three hours ago."

As soon as I landed at the airport, I'd let them know I'd arrived safely and was heading to the Somersby Estate.

My dad, Sebastian Stavrakos, chuckled. "You know your mom. An hour feels like days when she's worried."

"I'm all good, Mom. No turbulence, no crashes, and the pilot didn't throw me out mid-air."

Mom sighed. "Ha-ha. Very funny."

Dad leaned forward and asked, "How's everything for the trade expo?"

I sighed, plastering a smile on my face. The last thing my parents needed to know was that I was living with Zeus Petrakis. They'd be even more displeased than me.

"Everything's good. I'm working on closing the distribution deal with John."

Dad nodded. "We're so proud of you, Zoe."

I felt a surge of relief. "Thanks, Dad, Mom. I appreciate your support. I really want to prove I can do it."

Mom studied me through the screen. "You know... London is full of eligible bachelors."

My smile immediately faded. "Oh no. Here we go again. Bye..."

"Hey, wait. Don't hang up." Dad chuckled. "You know, she's got a point. You're not getting any younger, princess."

I groaned. "Not you too, Dad."

"You're in a romantic city. Who knows? Maybe you'll meet someone," Mom said.

I crossed my arms and heaved a long sigh. "I came here for business, not for—"

"A future husband?" Dad teased.

I gasped. "Dad!"

Mom giggled. "It could happen, you know. You'll meet a handsome business owner at the expo. Or a charming British gentleman in a café—"

I held up a hand. "Stop it. I'm not listening to either of you anymore."

Dad chuckled aloud. "Just saying, if some rich CEO sweeps you off your feet, let us know."

I groaned dramatically. "I regret this call."

Mom smiled sweetly. "We just want you to be happy."

"I am happy," I insisted. "And single. And focusing on my business."

Dad smirked. "For now."

"I'm hanging up, okay?"

"Love you, sweetheart," Mom said, laughing.

"Love you, princess." Dad threw a flying kiss.

I sighed, but smiled. "Love you both. Bye!"

After ending the call, I fell on my back in bed. My parents were impossible, but they had a point. I was not getting any younger.

Suddenly, I felt sleepy, the jet lag and exhaustion of seeing Zeus weighing me down. I usually never napped for more than thirty minutes, so I closed my eyes and drifted off without setting an alarm.

While dreaming, I heard someone knocking. The knocks grew louder and more persistent.

I woke up feeling disoriented. I looked around, trying to make sense of my surroundings.

I glanced at my phone on the bed and saw it was 7:15. My eyes grew so big in shock.

I was late for dinner.

I quickly got out of bed and went to the door. When I opened it, Martha—the maid—was there, smiling.

"Sorry, I was sleeping," I said, stammering.

"Good evening, Madam. I'm sorry to wake you," Martha said. "Mr. and Mrs. Somersby want to know if you'll have dinner with them. If not, I'm sure they'll understand you're tired from your flight.."

My goodness. It was my first day—missing dinner would make a horrible impression on the Somersbys.

"Oh, no...no. I'd like to join them for dinner," I said in a panic.

"Of course, madam. The dinner is in the Grand Hearth Hall, in the west wing."

"Where is the west wing?" I asked, worried. The mansion was so big, it felt like a maze just getting from the balcony to my room earlier.

"At the opposite side. Don't worry, I'll take you there, madam," she said, then took out her phone. "I'll let the butler know you're coming to dinner."

"Thanks, Martha. I'll be quick."

Unfortunately, I hadn't unpacked my luggage yet, so I chose the first dress I found—a figure-hugging red dress with a sweetheart neckline, delicate spaghetti straps, and a high slit. It was a last-minute addition to my luggage, reserved for an occasion where I might meet someone and have a special date.

It didn't matter what I wore, the important thing was making it to dinner. Yes, punctuality was important, but being late was better than being absent.

Ten minutes later, I arrived at the Grand Hearth Hall with Martha. The butler, Edgar, greeted me.

"Good evening, Miss Stavrakos. I'm so glad you could make it for dinner!"

"Hello, Edgar." I said, catching my breath. "Is everyone there inside already?"

"Yes, they are. Everyone's already at the dinner table. Come, I'll show you inside."

I expected to find John, Margaret, and Zeus seated at the dining table. I planned to greet them, sit down with a polite smile, and explain my lateness due to oversleeping.

But, I was very wrong.

The moment Edgar opened the giant door, thirteen pairs of eyes stared at me.

Silence.

I blinked, taking in the scene before me. The long dining table stretched across the room, covered in pristine white cloth, expensive dinnerware, and flickering candles. John sat at the head of the table, with Margaret seated to his right and Zeus to his left.

The other guests—all dressed in black and neutral shades—gazed at me.

I felt so red and out of place, like a walking stop sign.

I swallowed. Oh no...