Because You're Mines

"I cannot believe he did that," Chloe Georgiou cried out, her voice shaking as she clutched the torn remains of her dress. Her hands trembled as Andreas Nikolaou put his jacket around her shoulders. The fabric was warm and scented with him, a clean scent of sandalwood and old books that for some reason made her feel a little safer.

"He's a coward," Andreas growled, his jaw tight. He pulled her closer, his arms a steady anchor. "He always was."

Chloe snuggled into him, the cold night air in stark relief to the warmth of his body. "I don't know why. Why me? Why tonight?"

"It was never about you, Chloe. It was always about me. He thinks... he thinks that by hurting me, he can finally win. He's been trying to one-up me since we were children."

"One-up you? By... by doing that?" Chloe's voice was a whisper, the shock of the moment still new. "What did you do to him that was so wrong?"

Andreas sighed, a deep sigh that seemed to have the weight of years behind it. "I am not proud of it, but I put a stop to his little schemes. He was trying to embezzle money from the family foundation. I caught him, I exposed him, and I made sure he could not do it again. He lost everything. He lost his reputation, his trust fund, his inheritance. He lost Ariadne."

Chloe's head snapped up. "Ariadne? But. she's your sister.".

"Exactly," Andreas said, his voice oozing bitter irony. "He tried to turn her into a pawn in his own private game. He told her that I was the one embezzling, that I was trying to ruin the family. Ariadne, God bless her, wasn't having any of it. She confronted him, he broke down, and she disinherited him. He never forgave me for that. He never forgave her, either."

"And he thought... he thought he could get back at you by hurting me?"

"He knows how I feel about you, Chloe. He saw the way I looked at you tonight. He saw that you're the one person who makes me feel... human again. He wanted to take that away from me. He wanted to prove to me that I couldn't have anything good without him finding a way to destroy it."

Chloe was developing a new sob. "I just feel so... used."

"You aren't used, Chloe. You're a victim of his cruelty. But he didn't succeed. I reached you in time. And he's gone. I promise you, he won't be back."

"How can you be so certain?"

"Because he knows what I'll do to him if he shows his face again. He knows that I'll make sure he's not just a pariah in our family, but in the entire city."

Chloe looked at him, truly looked at him, and saw the raw anger in his eyes. It was a terrifying sight, but also strangely reassuring. She knew he would protect her.

"Thank you, Andreas."

"Don't thank me. Just... let me take care of you. We can go to my house. I'll buy you a new outfit. You can tell me all that happened. We can talk to Ariadne. She'll understand."

"I don't know if I can face her. Or anybody."

"You don't have to see anybody. Just me. And Ariadne. And whomever else you want. We'll do this your way."

Chloe nodded, a silent tear rolling down her cheek. She was still scared, but she was also starting to feel a glimmer of something else: determination. She would not let Pavriel Ioannou get the best of her. She would not let him ruin her night, or her life. Not now, not ever.

The next day, as Chloe sat in Andreas's library, all bundled up in a warm blanket and a fresh change of clothes, Ariadne Nikolaou came in carrying two cups of herbal tea.

"I'm so sorry about what happened, Chloe," Ariadne said, her voice soft and full of genuine concern. "I wish I could say I was surprised, but... Pavriel has always been like this. He's always been cruel, always been trying to hurt Andreas in any way he can."

"I just... I don't understand," Chloe said, her voice still a little shaky. "Why did he think that would be a good idea?"

He's not a nice person, Chloe. He never was. He plays with life as if it's a game, and he'll do anything to win. Even hurt innocent people. He's a narcissist, a sociopath. He thinks he's smarter than everyone else, and he thinks he can get away with anything. Until now."

"Until Andreas got involved.

"Yes. Andreas always intervenes. He's the good brother, the one who always tries to do the right thing. That's why Pavriel hates him so much. Andreas is everything he's not: honorable, kind, and strong. He can't take it. He can't take being in his shadow. He can't take that Andreas is better than him in every conceivable way."

Ariadne handed Chloe a cup of tea. "Drink this. It will settle you."

Chloe took a sip. Mint and chamomile, soothing. "Thanks, Ariadne. You're... you're very kind."

"It's the least I can do. You're one of us now, Chloe. We take care of our own. And we don't let anyone, least of all Pavriel, hurt those we care about."

Chloe felt a warmth spread through her chest. It was not just the tea; it was the kindness in Ariadne's voice, the sincerity in her eyes. She felt safe, she felt loved, and she felt like she had a new family.

Later that week, at the annual charity gala, Chloe was introduced to Danae Demetriou, a stunning woman with a sharp sense of style and a quick mind. Andreas made the introductions, having decided to take Chloe as his date.

"Chloe, this is Danae. She's a close friend of mine, and a great architect. Danae, this is Chloe. She's a fine artist, and... the woman I love.".

Chloe's heart missed a beat at his words. Danae simply smiled and had a knowing glint in her eyes.

"It's lovely to meet you finally, Chloe. I've heard so much about you. All good, of course. Andreas cannot stop talking about you. I was beginning to believe you were an imaginary creature."

Chloe laughed. "I can assure you, I am very real.".

Good. I'm pleased you're real. Since I'm getting a little tired of listening about this phantom woman who has won Andreas's heart. Time I got to meet her in person."

"Danae," Andreas cautioned.

"Oh, don't be so stern, Andreas. I'm just kidding. I'm truly happy for you guys. It's time you found someone who could make you smile once more.".

Danae turned her attention back to Chloe. "So, tell me, what's it like being with the most eligible bachelor in the city?"

"Eligible bachelor? I thought he was just... Andreas," Chloe said, smiling playfully.

"Oh, no. He's the whole package. Rich, handsome, and single. At least, he was. Until you came along."

"Danae, you're incorrigible," Andreas said, his head shaking in an affectionate smile.

"I know. It's my charm. I'm just being honest. It's a rare quality in this city."

Chloe found herself liking Danae. She was confident, funny, and she didn't seem intimidated by Andreas at all. She was a woman who knew her worth, and she wasn't afraid to show it.

"Well, I'm just happy to be here," Chloe said. "It's a beautiful event."

It is," Danae concurred. "And the food is incredible. Have you tasted the baklava? It's to die for."

Later in the evening, Chloe found herself surrounded by unfamiliar faces-all of Andreas' friends. There was Kalliopi Papadopoulos, a kind and gentle woman who headed the charity foundation. There was Darianna Georgiou, a young woman who was bubbly and full of energy and was an upcoming fashion designer. There was Georgios Andreou, a shy but intense artist who did abstract sculpture. And Nefeli Niu, a hard-nosed, outspoken journalist who wasn't afraid to ask the difficult questions.

Chloe was a little overwhelmed by it all, but Andreas was always right there beside her, a steady presence in the whirlwind of introductions and conversation. He was her anchor, her safe harbor in the storm.

Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low with concern.

### "I'm fine," she said, her eyes shining. "I'm just a little... overwhelmed. But in a good way. Everyone is so nice."

"I told you they would be. They're my friends. They're good people."

"They are. It's just... it's a lot. I'm used to a quiet life. This is... a lot.".

"I know. But you'll adjust. And if you don't, we'll simply retreat into my library and never emerge. How's that?"

### Chloe laughed. "That sounds like a pretty good plan."

As they spoke, a stunning woman with vibrant red hair and a piercing gaze came up to them. It was Zina Ioannides, a rival art gallery owner who had been trying to poach Chloe for months.

"Chloe. So happy I ran into you," Zina said, her voice a silky purr. "I needed to speak with you. I have an offer to make you. A very profitable offer.".

"I am content where I am, Zina," Chloe asserted in her voice.

"You are?" Zina probed. "You really are? You're an artist, Chloe. You deserve to be in a gallery, not in some wealthy man's pocket. Andreas can provide you with a comfortable life, but I can provide you with a career. I can turn you into a star."

"I do not wish to be a star, Zina. I wish only to create art."

"And you can do it with me. I'll give you a gallery showing, a percentage of every sale, and all the creative freedom you could possibly want. Think about it, Chloe. This is your chance to be someone. To be something more than just... Andreas's girlfriend."

I am more than Andreas's girlfriend, Zina. And I don't require you to remind me who I am. I know very well who I am. I'm a human being, a woman, and an artist who is extremely happy with her life."

Zina's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "Well, the offer is there. My number is on my card. Call me when you come to your senses."

She walked away, trailing a cloud of expensive perfume in her wake. Chloe let out a deep breath she hadn't realized she was holding.

"She's... intense," she said, facing Andreas.

"She's a shark," he said, his voice rough. "She sees something she wants, and she strikes. She's been trying to steal you from me from the moment we met."

"I'm not a painting, Andreas. I can't be stolen."

"I know. But she doesn't. She thinks she can buy anything. But she can't buy you. She can't buy your talent, your heart, or your love."

"No," Chloe whispered. "She can't."

FLASHBACK TWENTY-ONE DAYS AGO-

Chloe Georgiou adjusted her button-down shirt, wrinkling the neckline up to conceal more of her cleavage. She smoothed creases on her skirt, a nervous habit she was unable to shake. Decades as a career nanny hadn't prepared her for the same adrenaline and fear she experienced with every new interview. This time around, the feeling was doubled up by the fact that her potential employer was Andreas Nikolaou, who was one of the wealthiest individuals in the country. The job came not just with a great pay, but the promise of a fresh start.

As a final look in the rearview of her Mini, she tucked her resume into her pocket, squared her shoulders, and stepped up to the imposing double doors of the mansion. The spotless grounds, a sea of absolutely manicured greens, seemed a universe away from her small apartment. She breathed deeply, steeled herself.

The door creaked in to disclose not a butler, but Andreas Nikolaou himself. He was more beautiful in the flesh than in the photos she had viewed. Tall and dark-haired, with piercing green eyes, he was an imposing figure. Chloe's mouth dried out as he looked her up and down.

"Chloe Georgiou?" he said, his deep smooth voice commanding her attention.

"Yes, that's me," she blurted out, her voice a little too high. She extended her hand. "I'm here about the nanny position."

He took her hand, and a jolt of electricity passed between them. His touch was firm and warm, and Chloe felt a blush rise to her cheeks. She pulled her hand back, feeling suddenly self-conscious about her simple outfit.

"You're early," he said, his gaze cool.

"I. I apologize. I figured more traffic. I can come back in twenty minutes if that would be better," Chloe offered, her pulse pounding.

"It's fine. Come in," he said, stepping aside to let her in.

Chloe stepped into a beautiful foyer with a vaulted ceiling and a sweeping staircase. The house was as clean and modern as the front had been, with minimalist furniture and abstract artwork. The quiet was eerie.

"Please, have a seat," Andreas said, gesturing to a sofa. He took a seat across from her, his posture rigid. "Tell me about your experience."

Chloe began to talk about her years as a nanny, her love for children, and her philosophy on childcare. She spoke with a passion she didn't know she possessed, her nervousness slowly fading as she talked about the one thing she knew she was good at.

"So, you're good with children?" he asked when she finished, a hint of skepticism in his voice.

"Yes, I believe so. I've never met a child I was unable to reach," she stated firmly.

"My daughter, Ariadne, is not like other children. She's. difficult. She's been through a lot. She doesn't trust easily."

"Yes, I understand. I'm happy to spend time earning her trust. I'm not looking for a band-aid solution. I'm looking for a long-term position."

Andreas studied her for a moment, his eyes unreadable. "Alright. Let me be honest with you, Ms. Georgiou. I've interviewed dozens of nannies. They all come in here with a smile on their face and a list of qualifications. But none of them... none of them have been able to connect with Ariadne. She sends them away within a week."

"I'm not a quitter, Mr. Nikolaou. I'm willing to put in the work. I'm willing to be patient. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help Ariadne feel safe and happy again."

"She doesn't need a friend. She needs a nanny. She needs discipline, she needs routine, and she needs someone who will not coddle her."

I can do that, too. I think in a healthy mix of love and discipline. Children must be loved and cared for, but they must also have boundaries. I'm a firm believer in that."

Andreas stood up from his chair, which marked the conclusion of the interview. "Fine. I'll call you.".

Chloe's heart fell. She had hoped for better. She had hoped for a second opportunity to lay eyes on Ariadne, to make him understand that she was not just any other nanny on his list.

"Thank you for the time, Mr. Nikolaou," she stood up from her chair as well.

"Wait," he placed a hand on her arm before she could leave. "My sister, Ariadne. she wants to meet you. She saw you come in your car."

Chloe saw a flicker of hope. "Your sister? But your daughter's named Ariadne."

"It's complicated," he said, a look of anguish crossing his face. "My sister has a very big influence on my daughter's life. She's been trying to take care of her, to be there for her, but my daughter... my daughter pushes everyone away. She even pushes away her aunt, who loves her very much."

"Ah," Chloe replied, her own heart aching over the little girl she had not yet seen. "I would love to see your daughter. And your sister."

Andreas led her to a large, sunlit sunroom full of books and plants. A woman with dark, long hair sat in a chair, reading. She looked up when they came in, and her warm brown eyes met Chloe's.

"Ariadne, this is Chloe Georgiou," Andreas told her. "She's here for the nanny position."

"It's nice to meet you," Ariadne said softly and warmly. "Andreas told me everything about you."

"All good things, I hope," Chloe smiled cynically.

"Of course. My brother is very particular. If he didn't think that you had potential, you wouldn't be sitting in my living room."

Ariadne's smile was warm and inviting, in complete contrast to Andreas's cold remoteness. Chloe felt a little more at ease.

"Ariadne," a small, trembling voice said behind them.

Chloe turned to see a little girl, barely five years old, who stood in the doorway. She had Andreas's dark hair and Andreas's beautiful green eyes, but they were brimming over with tears.

"Sweetheart, come in," Andreas said, his tone getting softer. "This is Chloe. She's going to be your new friend."

The little girl, also named Ariadne, didn't stir. She just looked at Chloe, her eyes wide with suspicion.

"Hello, Ariadne," Chloe said softly. "It's nice to meet you."

The little girl didn't reply. She just stood there, her hands locked behind her back.

"Ariadne, hello," Andreas remarked, his tone too abrupt.

"It's fine, Andreas," Chloe said, resting a reassuring hand on his arm. "She doesn't have to talk to me. I'm a stranger. I get it."

Chloe sat down to the little girl's height. "I brought you something small," she told her, holding up a small, beautifully wrapped box. "It's a book. It's about a little bunny that's afraid of the dark. But with a little help from his new friend, he's brave."

The little girl's eyes widened as she looked at the box, but she still didn't move.

It's okay, Ariadne. You can have it," replied her aunt, her voice soothing. "It's a gift."

Carefully, the little girl stepped forward and took the box. She looked at it for a moment, her small face a mixture of fear and wonder. She looked at Chloe next, a flicker of something new in her eyes.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely louder than a breath.

Chloe smiled, a genuine one that reached her eyes. "You're welcome, Ariadne. I hope you like it."

The little girl whirled round and ran back out of the room, clutching the book to her chest.

Andreas and his sister gazed at Chloe, their faces a mixture of shock and relief.

"She... she accepted it," Andreas said, a note of skepticism in his voice. "She hasn't accepted a gift from anyone in months."

"She's a very special little girl, Mr. Nikolaou," Chloe said, standing up. "She just needs someone to be patient with her. Someone to show her that not all strangers are bad."

"You're hired, Chloe Georgiou," Andreas said, a small smile playing on his lips. "You start tomorrow morning at eight a.m."

Chloe experienced a wave of relief wash over her. She had succeeded. She had gotten hired. And she knew that this would be more than a job. It was going to be an adventure.

The next morning, Chloe arrived at the Nikolaou mansion to a warm welcome from Kalliopi Papadopoulos, the housekeeper.

"Mr. Nikolaou is in his office," Kalliopi said, her voice sweet and gentle. "He asked me to take you to your room and help you get settled."

Chloe was taken to a beautiful, light-filled room with an enormous bed, a walk-in closet, and an en-suite bathroom. The room was simple but chic, and it overlooked a large garden.

"This is lovely, Kalliopi. Thanks," Chloe said gratefully.

"You're welcome, dear. We're glad to have you here. The house has been too quiet for too long. We need some life here again. And I think you're just the one to bring it."

Chloe smiled, a real, smiling smile. "I hope so."

A few minutes later, there was a soft knock on the door. It was Darianna Georgiou, a lovely young woman who looked as if she had just stepped out of a fashion magazine.

"Hi! I'm Darianna. I manage the house staff, but feel free to call me Dari," she said with a warm smile. "I came by to greet you. And to give you a tour.".

Darianna led Chloe through the home, showing her the kitchen, the library, the sunroom, and the various playrooms for Ariadne. As they moved from room to room, they talked of their lives, their hopes, and their dreams. Chloe found herself sharing with Darianna in a way she hadn't in many years.

"A person who creates art, eh?" Darianna asked, wide-eyed with excitement. "That's great! I'm a fashion designer. I sell my own line of clothing. It's not big yet, but I'm sure it's going to be."

"I'm sure it will be," Chloe replied, genuinely impressed. "You have a great sense of style."

Thanks! I try my best. Anyway, if you ever need something, anything, just let me know. We're a team here. We watch out for one another."

Chloe's chest was filled with warmth. She knew she was going to love it here. A lot.

Throughout the day, Chloe fell into a comfortable routine. In the mornings, she was with Ariadne, reading to her, drawing together with her, and playing in the garden. The child was still shy, but she was slowly starting to open up, little by little.

In the afternoon, Chloe went to the art studio to work more on one of her paintings. As she labored, a quiet, solemn man entered. It was Georgios Andreou, the artist Chloe had met when she attended the gala.

"Hi there," he said, and his deep voice was a growl. "I heard we had a new artist in the building."

"I'm no professional painter, Georgios. I simply... paint for fun," Chloe responded, becoming a little flustered.

"Your painting is not for fun, Chloe. It's for something. It's beautiful. It's emotional. It's... real. I can sense the passion in your strokes. I can sense the story you're trying to tell."

A flush crept into Chloe's cheeks. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Don't thank me. Keep painting. The world needs to see more of your paintings.

With each passing week, Chloe was become a part of Nikolaou family. She had a special bonding with Ariadne, who was smiling and laughing as never before. She had a lovely friendship with Darianna and Kalliopi. And she had a deep bonding with Andreas, which was growing day by day.

One evening, as she sat in the library reading, a woman with a red bob hair entered. It was Nefeli Niu, a journalist conducting an interview on Andreas.

"Chloe Georgiou," she stated, her voice sharp and smart. "I have been trying to reach you. I am compiling an article about Andreas Nikolaou and his family. I understand you're the new nanny. I was hoping you might be able to provide me with some insight."

"I am not able to help you, Ms. Niu. I am not at liberty to speak about Mr. Nikolaou or his family," Chloe said flatly.

"Come on, Chloe. I'm not fishing for secrets here. I just want some color. What is he like, really? As cold and standoffish as everyone says? Or is there another side to him? The one you see."

"I am not at liberty to discuss that, Ms. Niu. My relationship with the Nikolaou family is personal. I ask that you respect that."

I see. So you're one of his puppets, then? Another female he's managed to seduce and manipulate?

"That isn't fair, Ms. Niu. I'm not a puppet. I'm a person. I'm a professional. And I am very happy with my life here. And with my job.".

Nefeli just smiled, a sly look in her eyes. "All right. But I'll be back. I get the impression that there's something more to this tale than it seems. And I'm going to find out what it is.".