Trouble in Paradise

"It doesn't matter." I caressed Nicholas' cheek and asked wearily, "Where are you planning to sleep tonight?"

As soon as the words left my mouth, I was stunned for a second. I realized how much it sounded like I was asking an ancient emperor where he wanted to stay.

I couldn't help but laugh, but Nicholas' face darkened visibly. His silent black eyes were colder than ever as he scrutinized me.

After a long moment, he finally spoke with a hint of irritation. "You said 'it doesn't matter,' not 'I trust you." His tone was one of incredulity mixed with a probing edge.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

"It really doesn't matter, honey. I don't mind. You said it yourself-being Mrs. Hawk is all that matters."

Iwrapped my arms around his shoulders and pressed myself close to him. Having just showered and ready for bed, I wasn't wearing a bra. The silk nightgown did nothing to hide the sensations, and Nicholas' body immediately responded.

"I used to be naive. Now, after hitting a wall, going to jail, and losing Mom, I'm tired. I find myself thinking that this place is the best."

I realized Nicholas was particularly easy to seduce. My previous methods seemed

too tame.

As long as I slowly traced my fingers down from his Adam's apple, even if he tried to maintain his composure, he would end up swallowing hard like a hungry wolf,

At that moment, any questions he had seemed insignificant compared to the raw primal impulse.

Holding me by the waist, he buried his face in my chest and took a deep breath. "Let's do it in bed."

I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist and gripped the doorknob. "Don't go. I like doing it while standing."

He lifted his head, and his deep eyes glinted with playful amusement. "Why weren't you this proactive during the day? I really want Pete to see just how horny you can be with me. When his childhood friend becomes-"

I bit his face in a playful reprimand, as I didn't want him to continue. He winced in pain and set me down, leaving just one of my legs wrapped around his waist.

1 secretly cracked the quest room door open That night, I moaned as loud as I could. When everything was over, I clung to him like before. I slipped my fingers into the buttons of his pajamas to stop him from fastening them. "Can you stay here tonight?"

He took my hand and kissed it. "Since the last time Claudia..." Then, he paused and glanced at me. Seemingly reluctant to spoil the tender mood, he left me things unsaid.

"She started having nightmares. I'll just check on her. If she's asleep, I'll come back."

I obediently withdrew my hand and helped him fasten his buttons. Noticing that he had calmed down after our earlier frenzy, I smiled warmly. "Go on."

Suddenly, he pulled me by the arm and tossed me onto the bed. Then, he

immediately pressed down on me.

The guest room bed wasn't as comfortable as the master bedroom, so his treatment made it a bit painful. "Why are you not leaving when I ask you to?" Nicholas' eyes locked onto me. He gradually frowned, and his gaze took on a dangerous edge.

*So generous?" He lifted my chin as he squeezed out a dangerous hum. "Hmm?"

I lay there like a limp rag, silent as he handled me roughly. He deliberately tore open two buttons on his shirt to expose the hickies on his neck.

"You did this to me and tried to cover it? Ariana, you really know how to deceive yourself.

My body trembled uncontrollably under him, but my voice carried satisfaction from the peak of pleasure.

"What do you want me to do, honey? It's still the same question. If you had to choose between Claudia and me, would you pick me?"

He looked at me expressionlessly. His eyes were inscrutable.

Just as he was about to speak, I gently pressed a finger against his lips. "Don't say anything. If you feel even a shred of guilt toward me, then marrying you is worth it."

After a brief moment of silence, he stood up and looked down at me with al dangerous glint in his eyes. He then said in a slightly hoarse voice, "You sound like

I've treated you badly. I have nothing to feel guilty about."