Trouble in Paradise

From the moment I got in the car, Nicholas hadn't spared me a glance. Even now, his eyes remained closed. I couldn't discern his emotions. What kind of façade was he keeping up?

I suddenly felt like laughing. I knew exactly what he wanted.

Realizing that there was no need to beat around the bush with him, I began, "I want you to help me keep Yasmine and Pete safe."

Nicholas's eyes snapped open, his gaze so piercing that it felt as if my eyes had been stabbed. As a jolt of instinctive pain shot through my eyes, tears started welling up in them. My body was trying to help me relieve my agony. His expression darkened at the mention of Pete. "I told you yesterday that you're asking for too much."

I met his gaze boldly and said, "You also want something that I happen to have."

He snorted, propping his head with one hand as he turned to look at me. He still looked stunning, but the disdain in his expression was like he was weighing my worth and assessing whether I was worthy enough for this invisible deal. "Is this how you ask for a favor?"

I bit my lip and clenched my fists. "What do you want?"

"I don't have time to waste with you. If you can't figure it out, get out."

At this point, I knew Nicholas was furious. He was simply taking it out on me. As long as his anger dissipated, he'd help me.

"Get the fuck out!"

Suddenly grabbing my neck, he opened the car door with his other hand and prepared to shove me out.

I glanced up and saw Leila at the hotel entrance, who was still waiting eagerly. If she found out that I had been thrown out of the car by Nicholas, her hopes would be shattered.

"No!"

The force Nicholas had exerted was so great that my collarbone throbbed painfully under his grip. Clinging to his sleeve like a leech, I implored, "Don't make me leave!"

I had no idea whether he genuinely didn't want to see me or he was merely acting out of spite. Nevertheless, I was well aware that if he kicked me out right now, no one else would be able to help me.

My tears fell onto his hand, and he jerked back as if he'd been scalded. The next second, he wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me onto his lap.

Nicholas leaned close to me, his breath hot against my ear. "I gave you a chance. If you don't leave now, there's no turning back."

I nodded. Then, he had me straddle him with my arms braced on his shoulders.

"Look at me."

I obeyed, complying with his assessment to test my obedience. However, my mind was somewhere else as I mulled over the fact that we always ended up back at square one no matter how much time had passed.

A sharp jolt of pain shot through my lips. Snapping back to my senses, I realized Nicholas was devouring my lips with a frenzied fervor.

It wasn't a kiss. It was more like a vengeful outburst. I flinched from the pain, but I didn't pull away. Soon, a metallic tang spread in our mouths.

After quite some time, he finally pulled back. His gaze was cold and menacing, but his voice remained gentle.

Gently brushing away the blood from my lips, he said, "Now you've shed blood for me too."

It was different from what I'd imagined-no flotation, none of the usual intimacy between a man and a woman. Merely an insignificant amount of bloodshed was enough for him to forgive me.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

The driver got back in, and I had no idea where he was taking us. I wanted to speak, but Nicholas closed his eyes again.

Watching the view outside warily, I noticed the car was leaving the city. I thought Nicholas must've been crazy to have the driver take us back to Radiant City, but then again, this car was registered there.

This was none of my concern. I could only close my eyes, attempting to mask my heavy heart. I had just finished a "bloody deal" with Nicholas earlier.

Somewhere along the long journey, I accidentally fell asleep. Nicholas nudged me awake after that.

Looking indifferent, he said stoically, "Get out of the car."

I looked around and realized that we were back at the apartment Pete had bought for me...