A/N: Just a heads up, there are Greek words along the story. I'm not a hundred percent sure if the Google Translator is reliable enough. I apologize in advance.

Anyhow, I give the credit to Google Translator.

"Sometimes life has a cruel sense of humor, giving you the thing you always wanted at the worst time possible." ― Lisa Kleypas

.......

Zandros' POV

I stretched my legs and I heard a loud thud that caused me to open my heavy eyelids. I realized, I was sleeping on the damn couch on the corner. The room smells awful. As I pulled myself up and sat, I felt the throbbing ache assaulting my head. I can barely remember what happened last night. I know, Stavros was dead drunk and I don't even know how we managed to carry him upstairs with our drunken state. 

And obviously, I passed out here last night, with no idea who was left sleeping here. I shook my head in disbelief as I recall how wild it was. I bet the wildest party I've ever hosted.  I stood up and walk around things that were cluttered around the room. Bottles, wine glasses, cans, and some rotten foods that already staining the mat. I could smell the sperm in the room as well and I bet there are condoms everywhere. I can remember couples shamelessly making out last night on every corner of the room, perhaps they had an orgy here, as well. The room is a big clutter-fuck, and all the more my headache growing. 

I quickly strode out of the room and seek for Laila. She could arrange a cleaner to clean the room, perhaps sanitized or sterilized everything before my parents decided to visit the place.

I remember, I had to call them.

I ventured along the wide hallway, heading to the living room. The place was still quiet, so I sat on the other end of the L-shaped couch and hit the buzzer button. 

Not long, Laila came out wearing her favorite green apron over her long corset dress that looks like in the nineties.

"Good morning, Zandros," she greeted with a full blown smile, then she frowned. "You look rather perturbed?" 

I gave her a reassuring smile, "Just a little headache, Laila." I grinned. "A steaming mug of coffee would surely help a bit," I said as I leaned my back against the couch's back support. The wrinkles on her forehead smoothened and her sweet smile was back.

"Ναι, αμέσως Zandros!" (Yes, right away Zandros!) she nodded. Then I remember what I needed her for.

"And, Laila," she stops on her track and swiveled swiftly to face me, "the bar room needs to be sanitized," I gave her a sheepish smile and she shook her head, but her smile says she's on it. This is not new to her, but that was a long time ago when I was still young and hot-blooded, not that I'm old now. I'm just twenty-eight.

"Θα πάρω κάποιον να το καθαρίσετε καλά !" (I'll get someone to clean it thoroughly) she smiled and then left.

Laila has been working in our family since I was still in my mom's belly. She actually shares a part in raising me and Chrissy, and she's like a mother to me and to my friends. She's actually the only one that calls us on a namely basis among all the Mailov's housekeepers.

Not long, she came back with a China mug full of a steaming coffee. She places it on the end table. Nicolas then appeared, heading to my direction. 

Laila faces him with the same fond smile and asked him if he wants a coffee. He said yes, then two other girls, probably models judging by their looks, soon showed up and wanted a coffee, as well. Laila excused herself. Nicolas sat on the other couch while the two girls sat at arm's length from me.

"Hangover?" Nicolas asked as he leaned his back with hands folded behind his head. He gave a brief glance at the two models, chatting animatedly, then back to me.

I wanted to say a headache when I realized it was gone.

"No, I feel fine." I grinned and carefully took my mug and carefully made a sip of my coffee. "And you?" placing the mug back on the round wooden coaster.

"A little headache. So far, I feel fine," shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly.

Laila and Sabrina showed up with the coffee in a tray and handed each on, silently, then left.

Not long Krystina with her friend, Demetrio, and Stavros emerged from the direction of the stairs. Stavros looked like hell. He was wincing occasionally. I'm guessing he had a massive headache. I'm not surprised.

"Want a coffee?" I asked as soon as he sat next to Nicolas.

"That would be lovely" he replied. "Do you have any Tylenol?" he added after.

"I'll ask Laila." I push the buzzer button again and minutes later, Laila showed up smiling sweetly.

Poor Laila, I thought.

"Would you like a coffee, Stav?" she asked fondly in Greek. I know she was very fond of my friends, which is why we love her.

"Yes please, and do you have a Tylenol, Laila?" Stavros asked massaging his temple.

Laila nodded her head. 

I was just watching as the two converse while I was sipping my coffee.  I heard Demetrio soon ask for one, so as Krystina and her friend. Krystina's friend obviously didn't know which is which she's flirting with, but Krystina was obviously hitting back on Stavros. Too bad Stavros wasn't into any relationship, just like we do. There's one thing we all agree about. No strings attached sex is fun. 

Soon, everyone was laughing and talking about last night. Demetrio looks like he had a good fuck-night, judging by his looks with his shirt's buttons in the wrong hole, his hair looks like it was hit by a tornado. Man, he definitely the Demetrio we knew.

Well, he was good looking as the others. His looks definitely give justice to what the society called him, ' The Chick Magnet'.

When everyone's left, I decided to start preparing to leave. I ran upstairs to my room all the while unbuttoning my white long sleeves. As soon as I got in my room, I took my clothes off, and tossed it in the laundry basket that's in the washroom, then climb in the shower. 

I turned the tap on and adjusted the temperature. When the temperature hits the desired degree  — a bit colder on the side to completely wake my system up — I turned the shower head nozzle spray.

When I felt completely cleaned and refresh, I turned the tap off and climb out of the shower, then pulled a towel from the cabinet. I toweled dry my hair first before drying my body, then wrap it around my waist loosely.

I was about to pull my drawer — where all my boxers are — when the villa's telephone rang. I walked towards the bedside table where the cordless phone was sitting, and pick it up. The call connected and soon dad's stoic voice rang in the speaker.

"I need to you to see me now, Zandros," he demanded icily, and with that tone, I have no reason not to obey. It's Mr. Mailov you don't want to mess with. He has the Russian blood. He can give you a bloody war without retreating. I mean here, is, he will focus on confrontation rather than comfort.

"Coming, dad!" I replied mimicking his tone. I was called like father like son, but he was far heartless than me. Let's say, I have a half other blood flowing in my veins. I am half Russian and half Greek. Not a complete heartless like my father.

I love my father, of course. It's just that, the way he raises us was different from the others. He was never a compassionate father. He was tough but we knew he loves us dearly. He would kill if someone touched us, that's for sure.

I was still contemplating when I realized my father already ended the line. I put the phone back to its receiver and walk back to my drawer and change. This time, with urgency.

Soon enough, I was on the highway to my parent's mansion outside the city. I turned the music on while driving my favorite Veyron. I just purchase it the day I caught my sister with Lauren went clubbing. It was my favorite among my other cars for the reason that Lauren was the very first person who sat on the passenger seat.

All my friends, Stavros, Demetrio, and Nicolas are car nuts. We love to collect fancy cars, but Stavros collected the most. He can change car every week.

I involuntary glance on the empty seat beside me, still remembering her sitting there, clasping her hands trying to get the dress stay lower. Those endless legs that promised endless pleasure maddened me, and until now, it still lingered in my head.

Damnation! I shouldn't think of her. I had to stop this insanity. She's young for goodness sake, Zandros. You will be called a pedophile.

I tried to think of other things other than her. And good heavens, I finally saw the ramp where I need to exit, a shortcut to my parent's place.

Not long, I pulled over into their driveway. The entry to the Mailov mansion is through a tall, automated iron gates, into the long winding driveway. 

I parked in front of the mansion, just next to the up-steps stone. Kristos quickly approached me. He was with them since I was a kid.

"Καλημέρα κύριε Zandros , Πώς είσαι ;" (Good Morning, Sir Zandros, How have you been?) Kristos greeted politely tipping his head slightly as a greeting in respect, then took my keys.

Patting his shoulder softly, "Δεν είναι κακό Kristos . και τον εαυτό σας ;" (Not bad, Kristos, and yourself?) I replied before taking two steps at a time of the short up-steps stone, towards the 12-foot oak double door.

The property includes a more than one large living room with a huge window overlooking the beautiful scenic view. Large dining room, two bedrooms, bathroom, big kitchen with pantry and a huge living room on a second floor, completed the main part of the Mansion, and more rooms. I don't understand what do they need it for, well except for the study with wooden paneled walls and bookshelves from floor to ceiling, a huge carved desk and a red leather chair on wheels.

On two further levels, there are more ensuite bedrooms, all with independent bathroom. In total, there are thirteen bedrooms and thirteen bathrooms.

Outside, there are several terraces with panoramic views, a beautiful swimming pool with a length of 22 meters, a big sun terrace with panoramic views. The villa is surrounded by grounds of about 9,000 square meters.

I twisted the door knob silently and push it to open. I walked into the big round grand foyer, and before I could make a step, I saw the butler, Augustus, just emerging from the kitchen with a tray of teapot and teacups.

"There you are, sir Zandros! Your parents are waiting for you in your father's study," he announced as he smiled with relief. Then he made his way to my dad's study. I followed him. Not long, he walked into the study, after knocking twice, then I followed suit.

Augustus placed the tray with the tea on my dad's desk then he left quietly. I settled myself in the armchair across dad's desk. Mom was sitting in the armchair by the window across us. The room was too big for a study room. That's why they moved the library in his office, too.

"What do you need me for, dad?" I fire straight away as soon as my ass kiss the chair, staring at my father with impatience. Just then I notice, something is odd. Dad looks sullen face. For the first time in history, he looks anguished. Dad was known for his stoic face. Immune to sufferings. I looked at my mom, who look just like him, solemn. "Is something wrong, mom?" now I'm beginning to feel anxious as I face my mother. The only girl I love so much other than my baby sister.

"It's about Shannon and Adrian Leventis," she croaked then she looks at my father, despondent. As if their eyes were doing the talking. I felt that she's stifling her tears. She looks distressed.

"What about them, mom?" I asked, swallowing thickly. My heart starts to beat at a faster pace.  I love them as much as I love my parents. They were my second parents, too. They were my parent's best friends and they were very close.

Mom heaved a loud sigh of anguished. "They're dead!" she croaked then she burst out crying. I shuddered inside, and Lauren instinctively crosses my mind. I'm sure she's devastated. I suddenly felt the pain, too. I was shocked and I couldn't fathom if it's a joke or what? I can't believe they are gone.

Lauren! My heart aches to see her now. She needs someone. 

"How? When?" I asked, trying to shake it off. I felt like all my bones left my body. "How about Lauren?" I mumbled with my voice weakening.

"That's one thing why we called you," mom responded shortly, wiping her tears away. I had a feeling it's not good but I listened anyway. I knew Lauren never brought good things to her parents. She was the darling of all the magazines. How every night she was with socialite friends, partying wild while her parents were working hard, for her only to spend on her lavish lifestyle, that I think was too way beyond appropriate her age.

You're just too paranoid she will find her match, my inner-self teased.

"Then what is it, mom?" I inquired impatiently after a lengthy pause. She looks at my dad again. I hate it when hey do that. It's like they are keeping secrets, and yes a secret.

Dad showed no emotion. Mom continued on. "Lauren needs someone to guide her to the world she's about to infiltrate. She needs a training so she can run their business now that her parents are gone," mom explained briefly. I had a hard time grasping what just mom said. I'm still shocked by the news of the Leventis' death.

I absentmindedly snorted. She meant a babysitter. That's what she needs. And, they want me to babysit her?

Babysit her?

When her words sunk into my head. I stood up abruptly.

"This is insane, mom!" My voice boomed inside my parent's study room.

Babysitting that spoiled brat Lauren Leventis?

Hell, NO!

Oh, shut up, Zandros! You know very well you love that spoiled brat as you referred to her! My subconscious mind teased.

"Just for the time being until she gets back on her feet, sweetheart," mom cajoled sweetly.

I groaned in frustration. There's no way in hell I'm winning this battle.

Crap!

How am I going to avoid her?

I was pacing back and forth in their study while dad was sitting on his high back swivel chair while watching my reaction with his poker face. Mom was standing on dad's side all the while trying to calm me.

The tension is pretty thick that you could cut it with a knife.

"She's coming to see us, so please just be polite to her, will you?" My mom begged.

"She's 20 years old mom, for crying out loud! She doesn't need a babysitter!" I stop pacing and I narrowed my eyes at my mother. "She needs to stand on her own two feet. That's why she grew up spoiled brat!" I grit out gruffly in exasperation.

"He's right, theia Beatriz." Lauren's cold voice, full of confidence resonated in my ears. I was too mad that I didn't notice the door opened with Lauren walking in, and unfortunately, she heard everything what I just said, loud and clear. "I'm old enough to handle my own life. I don't need him nor anyone!" She smiled. My mom was glaring at me furiously and then, she shifted her eyes to her, apologetically.

She was staring at me squarely, her chin tilted up in defiance.

I was stunned. Tongue-tied.

The girl in front of me is not the cute girl I used to know, but a glamorous, stunning woman, with elegance in every movement.

I swallowed thickly. She definitely turned into a very beautiful lady, which I didn't doubt she will. The last time I saw her was when I found them at the bar. She was wearing the most revealing dress a 15 years old fine lady shouldn't wear, but I can't deny it. She looked irresistible that night. If only she was not young ...

I shook the negative thoughts off, and gave her my stoic face, concealing well my emotions promptly, just the way I always do whenever she's around me.

"He doesn't mean what he just said, Lauren. I hope you understand him. He's dealing with some problems at the company right now," mom tries to reason out my action in an apologetic tone. Shifting her eyes back to me, she shot me a warning look.

"I mean it ... every word, mom!" I stated in my strict-stoic tone. I know I'm being an ass, but she needs to start learning to stand on her own feet, alone.

"Stop it, Zandros!" mom snapped angrily. I gritted my teeth and I knew better not to provoke her.

"Thank you for the concern, theia. I should be ok. I just came here to see Chrissy. I'm flying to New York tonight, and finally, meet Mr. David." She gave my mother a reassuring smile as she shifted her gaze between my father and mother. My parents are staring at her with fondness. "And probably live there for good. I have all my cousins and aunts there so I should be fine." She explained with determination without glancing at me, but I could feel it in my bones, she's hurting, but I shouldn't feel that way. I should feel the opposite.

"See, mom? She's ok!" I uttered trying to feel the opposite, to feel relieved.

Shut up, Zandros. I know your heart is probably bleeding right now! My inner self, taunting.

"NO, Lauren!" dad suddenly stood up. He leaned forward with both palms props on his desk, he stared at her with impassive eyes. "I promised your dad to help you to get started on managing your company, in case something happened to them. And Zandros can definitely do it." dad sent me an expectant look, his tone is low, his stare is sharp, and it says, do-it-or-die. Well, not literally, but dad is not to mess up with.

There, my fate is sealed!

-----

Lauren's POV

I looked at him defiantly. He is still the arrogant brute I first met. Nothing had changed, only his physical appearance which maybe made him all the more arrogant. He looks more handsome than the last time I saw him. Yes. And I hate him. His word still glued in my head. Stuck and tattooed.

I casually took in his features. His striking appearance that I once loved. Unruly hair that I had longed to run with my fingers, his almost chiseled jaw line, stubborn nose, long dark lashes that every woman would die for, bushy eyebrows, and his thin lips which always twitch when he's mad. And his body? Oh God, I don't want to start with. Let's just say he's like one of Da Vinci's works.

I had to shake the thoughts off, averting my eyes elsewhere other than the fine specimen in front of me, seethingly mad.

"I'm over him. I'm over him," I chanted inside my head.

Well, I still love him but I could control my emotions for now and hopefully forever. And I want it to stay that way. I can't let this feeling rules over my pride. I can't let him laugh at me again or humiliate me.

I will never let him intimidate me again or even call me a slut. He doesn't have the right to judge me. He doesn't know me well enough to call me whatever names he's comfortable with calling.

Shut up! I mentally shut my heart. Beginning this day, my head will rule over the other part of my body. Whatever left in the past shall be buried and never be revealed.

When uncle Vladimir insists, I didn't utter a word of objection. I know how close he is with my father and certainly, I don't want to ruin his promise to my father.

I mentally sighed and prayed that he will insist on not taking over. But to my dismay, Zandros didn't say anything and that means, it's final. I'm under his watch. Definitely, not the life I wanted after my parents left me. My life is already is a mess and for sure, he'll make it a living hell.

What worst could it be, than being under his care? Am I too bad? Or did I do something bad in the past that I had to suffer this much?

"You two needs to talk. Let me know if he's been too hard for you, Lauren!" Uncle Vladimir exclaimed as he stood up from his chair and walked towards me, giving me a kiss on my cheeks after a brief hug and then, theia Beatriz followed suit.

The couple was already gone. I was now sitting in the armchair since I felt like I will collapse any minute from the overwhelming news. The silence was deafening and the tension was palpable. My heart was hammering in my chest but I tried to gain control of my heart. He was standing in front of the big paneled window, with his hands resting deep down his pockets. Neither of us wants to break the silence.

I can't contain anymore his animosity. "You don't have to do it," I said in a cold, bored tone. "I can work this out on my own," I stated coldly. My pride was too high to admit that I'm actually at lost.

He snorted. "Do you think dad will let that happen? He is an honorable man. He never breaks promises and surely he won't start it now, not with your parents whom he had cared so much more than his life," He sneered gruffly locking his eyes on mine. His piercing bluish/green eyes were staring back at me. It felt like he can see me through.

I looked away.

"Only if we tell him," I insist. Thinking of seeing him every day was making me feel light headed. I don't know either if I could control my action, not to succumb to what my heart wants.

"You will not do such thing. I will train you, and that's final," he grits out firmly.

I heaved a frustrated sigh.

My eyes involuntarily look heavenward while mentally calling for my mom's help.

"I will see you when you're ready. The talk is over," he said in dismissal tone and strode towards the door. Even his strides, they were powerful.

As soon as he disappeared, I let the tears fall freely. I've been holding it back since he objected, and even called me a spoiled brat. Again, that feeling he always inflicted to me was unbearable. It seems that everything that comes out from his mouth was like an arrow that hit right through the center of the heart. Like cupid, but his arrow doesn't inflict love, instead, a pain.

"I hate you, Zandros!" I grumbled under my breath. I was quietly sobbing still sitting in the armchair with my back facing the door. I didn't notice him standing on the door.

-----

Zandros' POV

I came back to tell her that I can give her a month to rest before I will start training her when I heard her sobbing and mumbling something I can't comprehend. My heart clenched at the sight of her.

Damnation! I mentally curse.

Again, I hurt her. 

I quickly left the place before I lost my sanity. I was driving like a madman back to my place cursing the fate.

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