Bought

By Danika Jeffries

Following the deadly attack on the palace, Nikolus Simarin has become the head of his family, a family of one. The last remaining member of an Erumari founding family, he needs to start a family, and the sooner, the better. Unfortunately for Niko, being an Elementalist and a successful businessman isn't good enough for those in his social circle. After a terrible accident left him paralyzed, Nikolus Simarin became a social pariah, so where will he find a willing bride?

Lia Terner is a student working full time to put herself through school. She wants a degree so that she can finally return home and prove to her disapproving father that she's not the useless daughter after all. When Niko happens to stop by her place of work one day, they form an unlikely relationship. Can the pair work through the social expectations that threaten to keep them apart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Danika Jeffries
• Release date: Dec 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463992791

Danika Jeffries

Danika is new to the genre of romance, but has been writing fantasy for a few years now, under her real name.

Book preview

cover-image, Bought

Bought

An Elementalist Novel

Danika Jeffries

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2020 Danika Jeffries

Discover other titles by Danika Jeffries at Smashwords.com

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 1

With a sigh, Nikolus moved his way up to the bar, happy to be able to drown his sorrows… or at least try. He’d never been in this particular establishment before, and the anonymity was exactly what he needed tonight. It had been harder than he thought, going to the wedding, and right now, he just needed a good, stiff drink… or ten.

What can I get you?

Looking up, he met the inquisitive gaze of the bartender. She tilted her head to the side as she asked for his order, her light brown hair catching the lights as it slid across her bare shoulder.

I’d like a shot of whatever’s strongest, he replied. Vullan rum, if you have any.

Niko watched her dark eyes widen a little before she nodded and grabbed a shot glass and a bottle from behind the bar. Pouring him his drink, she slid it toward him and then turned to take the next order.

Cicely had been a beautiful bride, and he was truly, deeply happy that she’d found someone to love her as much as her new husband obviously did. But the combination of the missing faces and the way he’d been avoided — always the social pariah — had been excruciating. It was like rubbing salt in a bleeding wound, and it grated. Niko downed his shot and signalled the bartender for another.

The bombing at the palace had happened a week ago. Seven short days for Erumar’s nobility to try to pick up the pieces of their lives and figure out what the fuck they were going to do with them. Seven days since Niko became the only surviving member of House Simarin, with all of the duties and responsibilities that entailed. He drank his shot and asked for a refill.

One would think that as the ruling lord of a founding family, Niko would be a good catch for any of the myriad of noble women looking for an advantageous match. One would think that marrying into the family that controlled the majority of Erumar’s mining operations would be a good thing. One would think that people would be able to overlook the small issue of his infirmity… but since the only women to talk with him tonight were the bride and the queen, Niko was obviously mistaken. He tilted his head back and let the alcohol roll its way down his throat, tracing a blazing path that brought blessed numbness right behind it.

Are you trying to get roaring drunk? the pretty bartender asked with a smile. No judgement, but if you keep going like this, I’m gonna have to call you a ride.

Niko chuckled. Yes, I’m trying to get drunk, but you don’t need to worry about my ride. I’ve already got one. He gestured somewhat bitterly to his hover chair.

"I’m not sure that operating any sort of vehicle is going to be a good idea," the woman protested, and this time Niko laughed.

I meant that I have a ride arranged, something to accommodate the chair, he shared. In my experience, trying to call for a ride with this thing last minute is just asking for a headache.

Well, I’m glad you’ve planned ahead, he was told as another shot came his way. If more people did that, my job would be easier.

Easier?

Yeah. I wouldn’t have to worry about trying to find rides for everyone too drunk to make it home on their own. Easier.

A shout from the other end of the bar drew her attention, and Niko watched her go, a smile still tugging at his lips. He’d have to remember this place; the alcohol was decent and the bartender was easy on the eyes. There were worse ways to spend a night.

After the first few shots started to work their magic, he slowed down with his alcohol consumption, suddenly more interested in prolonging his time at the bar than in drowning his sorrows. Sipping his new drink, Niko turned his chair a little, angling himself so that he could look around the rest of the space and see who else was in the room. There seemed to be a nice mixture of students, business people off from work, and a few government types. In a corner, he even noticed a few Protectorate soldiers, apparently recently off-duty, since they were still in uniform. They weren’t too deep into the third ring of the city, so the clientele was a little on the higher end of middle class.

So what’s got you feeling all sad and lonely tonight? the bartender asked, slipping Niko his fifth shot.

That obvious? he asked in return with a small smile.

Anybody who slams back three shots in less than two minutes is not in a happy place, she observed with a smile of her own. Wanna talk about it, or want me to leave you to your thoughts?

Niko chuckled. It’s just the usual shit. Family stuff… personal stuff… pick your poison.

Well, I’m the poster child for parental disappointment, so let’s talk about personal stuff, if I get to pick, the woman suggested with a laugh.

Ah… Niko paused, not sure what, if anything, he could say. I attended the wedding of a good friend today.

And since you’re here talking to me, I guess there’s nobody special waiting at home.

Niko inclined his head, saluted the bartender, then downed his shot.

Hey, cripple! How about you get the hell out of the way so that someone else can get a drink?

Niko watched the bartender take a step back, instinctively trying to distance herself from the conflict she could sense building. For his part, Niko glanced over his shoulder to take a look at the ass who was trying to send his night spiralling back into ‘crappy’ just when it was starting to get better. The guy was tall, towering a good two feet above Niko’s seated self, and he was muscular; he was also very drunk, if the way he swayed on his feet was any indication.

Niko turned his attention back to the bartender with a reassuring smile. Can I have another, please?

Didn’t you hear me, buddy? Get the hell out of the way!

This time, the drunk grabbed Niko’s shoulder, spinning him around. Unfortunately, with the settings on the hover chair, the spin also sent the chair gliding backward to hit a nearby table. Based on the slight cry of dismay behind him, Niko assumed that he’d knocked someone’s drink over, and he grimaced with displeasure.

I don’t think you want to start anything right now, Niko stated firmly, sending his chair moving forward once more. Trust me on that one. Just replace the lady’s drink, grab one for yourself, and move on.

Instead of heeding his warning, the drunk took a step forward, and Niko reached out with his power. Currently the only founding family Elementalist outside of House Amari — the royal house — his gift called out to just about everything in the room. Stone, wood, metal… they were all part of an Earth Elementalist’s influence. A flick of his finger, and a floor board popped up, tripping the drunk and sending him stumbling forward. He barely managed to catch himself on a bar stool.

Is there a problem here?

Niko turned his attention away from the drunk to see that a pair of the Protectorate soldiers had come over. The corporal who’d spoken was looking at the bartender as opposed to either of the men, and Niko glanced her way.

I think this man has had enough for the night, she told the corporal, gesturing to the drunk. Would you mind escorting him outside for me?

No problem, ma’am.

With a gesture, the corporal directed his companion over to the drunk, and together, the soldiers got him on his feet and on his way. Niko moved his chair back up to the bar with an apologetic smile for the bartender.

Can you please replace the drink at the table I crashed into? he asked. And I think it’s likely time for me to head home as well. I’ll settle my bill, please.

While he waited, he sent a message to his driver, asking to be picked up, and then he used his power to fix the floor board, pushing it back into place. When the bartender brought him the bill, he paid and left her a generous tip.

Thank you for a lovely evening, Niko told her, sliding the chit back across the bar’s surface. Sorry for any trouble.

It wasn’t your fault, she assured him, not even glancing down to read the total on the display. I hope to see you again. Maybe we can compare family troubles, next time.

Niko chuckled and inclined his head. Maybe.

Getting his hover chair moving, he navigated his way carefully to the door, his burgeoning good mood officially ruined. It wasn’t that he’d never heard someone call him a cripple before, of course, it was mostly that he came to this ring of the city to avoid the prejudice of it. Oh well.

How was your evening, my Lord? Lex asked after Niko maneuvered his chair into the waiting transport and locked it into place. Did you find what you were looking for?

If that’s your way of asking me if I’m drunk, Lex, then the answer is sort of, Niko told his driver. I’m definitely not able to drive myself home, but I’m not drunk enough to forget anything.

Would you like to try another establishment, my Lord?

Niko shook his head. Let’s just head home. I can self-medicate in my rooms, which is likely safer for everyone.

Very good, my Lord.

Niko had no idea what the staff actually thought of him. He’d never asked them, obviously, but he’d never had the need to ask, either. While his mother was still alive and running the family, Niko was simply the son who ran the business. Now, he was the man who ran it all. With a shudder, Niko laid his head back against the headrest of his chair and closed his eyes, hoping that he’d had enough to drink after all.

Chapter 2

Just a few more, Niko, and you’re done.

Niko just grunted, pausing for a moment to wipe the sweat from his forehead before bearing down on the weights once more. He pushed hard, forcing his legs to move, doing his damnedest to get the muscles to fire, but he was exhausted — he’d reached the limit of what his broken body was capable of. Shaking his head in frustration, Niko flopped back onto the mat, closing his eyes.

You did good, he heard Hugh say, the trainer crouching down beside him to start massaging the abused muscles in his thighs and calves. Niko felt a ghost of sensation, but honestly couldn’t really tell what the man was doing. He sighed.

You always say that, he stated, drawing a chuckle from the physical therapist.

Because you always work hard. You’re stronger now than you were even a year ago, and you’re a hell of a lot better than you were after the accident.

Niko suppressed a shudder at the mention of the accident that had, for all intents and purposes, ruined his life eight years ago. He hated thinking about it, but he lived with the consequences every single day. He pushed himself up into a seated position, Hugh moving to stand by his side and offer a hand.

You sure you can make it to your room okay? Hugh asked, passing Niko the crutches he often used to get around the upper floor of the house. You pushed yourself hard.

I’ll be fine, Niko stated firmly, slipping his arms into the cushioned cuffs and grasping the handles. It’s not far.

Hugh nodded, stepping back, but Niko knew that his trainer would watch him the entire way to the door to the bathroom. Shaking his head at the man’s concern, he pushed himself into motion — he needed to shower and get ready for the meeting with his lawyer.

Reaching the bathroom that joined his bedroom and his personal gym, Nikolus shut the door and turned on the water, letting it heat up. He took the time to lay everything he needed within easy reach, and then maneuvered himself over to the walk-in shower and the seat that awaited him. As much as it made him feel like an invalid to sit while bathing, trying to stand in the shower was asking for an accident.

The hot water cascading over his body felt wonderful, and he quickly washed away the sweat of his workout. He met with Hugh every day for an hour, the personal trainer/therapist helping him to maintain and build the muscles in his legs, trying to hold the inevitable degeneration at bay. Niko also worked his core and arms, which helped him to be more mobile with his crutches. It was hard work, but at least it was something that he could track, something where he could see his progress. It gave him something to hold onto right now, when his life seemed to be falling apart.

After drying himself thoroughly, Niko levered himself carefully to his feet. He’d tried really hard to avoid splashing water onto the floor, but accidents were certainly a possibility, and he was careful. He’d taken a few bad tumbles back when the accident had been fresh, and the resulting injuries had been bad enough to ensure that his caution these days bordered on paranoia. Still… better safe than sorry.

Entering his bedroom suite, he found a classy suit laid out and waiting on the bed. It was black, with just the faintest hints of silver striping to match the silver tie and vest. The shirt was white, of course, and Niko was able to dress quickly. Moving slowly to the dressing table, he chose some silver, monogrammed cufflinks and double checked his reflection, his brown eyes narrowed critically. His short, black hair was neat, but he ran a comb through it anyway. Finally, he ran his hand over his beard, just to make sure that there weren’t any loose hairs from his shave. Declaring himself ready, Niko left his room to head for the elevator to take him down to the foyer — stairs were not his friend.

Are you ready to go, my Lord?

Niko relinquished his crutches, settling himself into his hover chair with a sigh. The padding shifted beneath his weight, conforming to his body, and he felt the tension drain out of his back and shoulders. Using the controls to move toward the door, he nodded to his driver, who opened the door and waited for Niko to float past him before striding toward the waiting transport and repeating the process.

As soon as the transport door was closed behind him, Niko maneuvered his chair into the correct position, then locked it into place. The trip between his home and the lawyer’s office should only take twenty minutes or so, but vehicle safety was something else that Niko took seriously. If he’d been more cautious eight years ago… Shaking his head to clear away the awful memories, he turned his attention to the window and the city drifting by outside.

The difference between the first ring of the city, where the nobles lived, and the third, where all of the public buildings were located, was glaringly obvious. Gone were the wide, cobblestone avenues, the lush gardens and the ostentatious manor homes. They were replaced with busy roads that were jammed with traffic, boring stone buildings that all basically looked alike, and moderate homes with tiny lawns and perhaps a few flowers for colour. The university campus was an exception, with buildings covered in vines and large, green lawns broken up by quaint pathways, but the university had been here long before the rest had grown up around the property.

The building that Lex pulled up to was one of the boring ones. Three storeys tall, the law firm was housed behind a facade of locally quarried stone, nothing to make it stand out from its neighbours except for the clientele that crossed its threshold. It did have an underground parking lot, allowing clients to be at least a little discrete, and Lex pulled the transport carefully onto the ramp that disappeared under the building.

Would you like me to wait, my Lord? Lex asked just before Niko exited the vehicle. Or would you like me to come back for you later?

I’ll call you, he decided. I don’t want to make you hang around here, especially since I have no idea how long this is going to take. I’m hoping that the will was pretty cut and dry, but you never know.

Lex nodded, but Niko wasn’t sure if he was agreeing with him, or simply acknowledging his words. With a sigh, Niko maneuvered his chair out of the transport and made his way over to the elevator. Pressing the button for the second floor, the head of House Simarin headed upstairs to meet his fate, according to his late mother.

Thank you for coming to meet me here at the office, his lawyer greeted him a short while later. The man rose from behind his desk upon Niko’s entry and performed a low bow. This shouldn’t take long. Please, make yourself comfortable.

Niko barely refrained from rolling his eyes, but was happy that the man hadn’t invited him to take a seat.

Let’s begin with the business, shall we? The lawyer flipped through the files on the tablet in front of him, finding the one he wanted. The mining company goes to you, my Lord, with all rights and privileges. Considering you’ve been operating as owner and manager of the business for some years now, nothing really changes, except your stock. Your mother directed that all of her shares be transferred to you immediately, giving you seventy percent control over the company.

Niko nodded, not having expected anything less. The lawyer continued.

Your personal inheritance is not quite as simple, the man revealed. It comes with some… conditions.

Conditions? Niko repeated. What do you mean?

Well, it seems that your mother had some concerns about the continuation of the family name, and put conditions on your inheritance to help alleviate those concerns.

Explain. The command was clear.

Your mother’s will stipulates that for the next year, all of the household expenses will be paid from the estate, handled by us. That includes paying the staff, utilities, taxes, and whatnot. You, my Lord, will receive a generous monthly allowance, and if there is something you happen to want or require, you simply need to apply to us here for additional funds.

And at the end of the year? Niko growled, not liking the sound of this at all.

"At the end of the year, if you have not married and produced an heir, the entire Simarin estate will revert to the crown until such time as you meet these conditions. And by entire , I mean everything… the house, the lands, the other properties, the money, all of it."

So if there’s no baby within a year, I’m left with nothing.

Not precisely. Anything that you do not spend from your monthly allowance for the next year will be automatically deposited into a savings account in your name, my Lord. If you do not happen to meet the conditions of your inheritance, the savings account will be turned over to you, and you will draw a salary from the business, beginning at that time. You could live a comfortable life on that, my Lord, though you would, of course, need to purchase a new home and vehicle.

Are there any specific stipulations about my future wife and child? Niko demanded, starting to lose his very tenuous grip on his temper. Does the child need to be an Elementalist? Does the woman need to be blond? A red head, maybe?

No, my Lord, there are no stipulations beyond producing an heir.

Niko took a deep breath and let it out slowly. And if it takes me longer than two months to find a wife? What if there is no baby, despite my best efforts?

You will be able to apply for three month extensions to the cut off time, my Lord. As long as it is obvious that every effort is being made to meet the conditions of your inheritance, then the extensions will be approved.

Niko took a breath, ready to ask another question, when his communicator began to buzz. Glancing down at his wrist, he took note of the name, and a feeling of concern settled into his chest.

I’m very sorry, but I need to take this, he told his lawyer.

Certainly, my Lord. Would you like me to step out?

Niko shook his head, already answering the call.

Keri? What is it? What’s wrong?

Funny you should ask, the woman on the other end of the call said, her voice thick with tears. I’m at the hospital, and David… They can’t get him here for days. Would you…

Of course, Keri, I’ll be right there.

Thank you, Niko!

See you soon, Keri. Just hold on, okay?

The call disconnected, and he immediately sent a message to Lex, asking to be picked up.

I need to go, he stated, looking up to meet his lawyer’s gaze. Is there anything else, or can I just sign the acknowledgement?

You can just sign, my Lord. We covered everything.

The man slid the tablet across his desk toward Niko, who signed his name and passed it back.

Thank you, my Lord. If you have any questions, or need anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

Niko nodded, then turned his chair and headed for the elevator. He had to get to the hospital.

~ — ~ — ~

She’s beautiful, Keri. Niko sat holding the sleeping newborn in his arms, a smile on his face. Just like her mom.

I bet you say that to all the sweat-soaked, exhausted women, Keri muttered from her nearby hospital bed. I’d kill for a shower, but I’m just so tired!

You have every right to be tired. It’s not every day you bring another life into the world. It’s hard work, or at least it looked like hard work, from my position.

Keri made an unintelligible noise, and Niko smiled again.

I sent David a couple of pictures, he told his friend. He told me to tell you that he’s sorry and to beg for your forgiveness. Apparently, your husband thinks that I’d do a better job of begging.

Keri laughed, sitting up a little and opening her eyes. It’s not his fault, though I’m sure I can hold the fact that his missed the birth of his daughter over his head for awhile. He would have been back from his mission in plenty of time, if she hadn’t decided to make her appearance five weeks early.

Moving his chair closer to the bed, Niko passed the baby to her mother.

Is there anything else you need? Or would you just like your last good night’s sleep for the next year or so?

Keri blushed, and Niko tilted his head, curious. Yes, Keri?

Well… if this precious little monster had behaved, everything would have worked out fine with work. I was going to work until the holiday break, then return afterward — the timing was perfect. Now, I have a class with no teacher.

You can’t honestly be asking me to take over your teaching job, Niko stated, incredulous.

It’s just for a few weeks, until the holiday. The syllabus is already set and the grad students do most of the heavy lifting, Keri pleaded. Please, Niko, I can’t think of anybody better for the job.

Keri, I don’t have the patience to teach, he tried to explain. Surely they can find someone to take your class for a few weeks. Hell, couldn’t a grad student lecture?

If a grad student could lecture, why can’t you? You, at least, have a doctorate.

Nikolus sighed. What class?

Keri grinned, knowing that she’d won. Soil science. It’ll be easy.

Fine, he agreed. When does class start?

In about an hour, Keri told him with another blush. It’s a twice a week, ninety-minute class. Just assign them a reading or something for today, and use the time to get caught up on the syllabus.

With a long suffering sigh, Niko nodded. You will owe me for this, Keri, I hope you know that.

Of course! Anything… anything at all.

He was tempted to ask Keri to set him up on a date or two, the need to start at least trying to date having been recently impressed upon him, but he let the moment pass.

You rest up, and I’ll send Lex to take you home when you get discharged tomorrow. Just call me, okay? And if you need anything, just let me know.

Thank you, Niko. I love you!

Nikolus laughed. Does your husband know that you feel this way?

Of course he does, Keri stated, her expression serious. I regularly use you as a model for his good behaviour.

Please tell me that you’re joking, Niko said with another laugh. That’s just cruel.

Making his way to the door, he glanced back at mother and child one last time before moving into the hallway. First Cicely, now Keri. It seemed like all of his friends were realizing their dreams and building their lives, but he… he was stuck. Shaking his head, Niko called for Lex. He’d deal with this class that had just been dropped into his lap, and then he’d worry about trying to meet the conditions of his inheritance.

Chapter 3

Lia rolled out of bed with a groan, rubbing at her