Chapter 21
MILENE’S POV
The next morning, I quickly showered, keeping my arm outside the stall so it wouldn’t get wet. The painkillers had eased the pain. I didn’t expect Nicolas to be so considerate, though I suspected he had a hidden reason for it. But it gave me another clue. The scars on his palms meant something special. 1 felt they were linked to the scars his tattoo covered.
The sound of the lock made me jump. I hurriedly put on one of Kiara’s long summer dresses before stepping out of the bathroom, my hair still damp and barefoot.
Nicolas stood by the window, arms crossed, tall and dark like a character from romance movies. He turned and looked me over, his gaze making my skin feel like it was being touched.
“I’m taking you outside for a walk in the gardens.”
I raised my eyebrows “Why”
“Would you rather stay locked in here!”
“No, but I’m skeptical about your reasons
Nicolas gave me a dark sinile. “I want to keep you healthy. It would be a shame if these walls broke you before I get the chance.”
1 stared at him angrily. I was tempted to give him the middle finger but refrained from doing so.
“Come,” he said, nodding toward the door, his eyes lingering on me.
I followed him, almost bumping into him when he stopped in the hallway and looked at my feet. “Aren’t you going to wear shoes?”
“I would, if I had any that fit, Kiara’s a six, and I’m a seven and a half-
Nicolas looked at me before touching my back gently. I jumped at the unexpected touch. He motioned for me to go ahead, a smirk playing on his Hips as he studied me.
My body tingled from his touch, and my heart raced. His closeness scared me, and he knew it. I kept my distance, but he followed closely behind me, his gaze burning into the back of my neck
I felt some relief when we stepped into the sunshine outside. Nicolas led me through the gardens, which had pools, shooting targets, and perfectly maintained plants. The grass felt amazing under my feet, but I didn’t let myself get distracted. My mind was on one thing: observing the area.
Nicolas was unusually quiet, which made me uneasy. I knew he was forming a different plan to torture me in his mind
“You can try to run, but you can’t escape,” Nicolas said when I looked at the high walls surrounding the property. The walls had barbed wire, and i could hear the sound of electricity when we got close.
“Looking for a weakness in our security?” he asked with a hint of amusement. “You won’t find one.”
“Everything has a weakness. It’s just about finding it,” I said softly, stopping,
Nicolas stepped in front of me, his eyes dark and triumphant as they looked over me. “And you are Daniel’s weakness, Milene.
“I’m just his niece. Dante has condemned so many men to death. Do you really think he cares about one girli
Nicolas grabbed the back of my head, pulling me close. I let him, feeling soft in his grip. His eyes searched mine, and I had to fight the urge to look
away.
“I wonder if you believe it or just hope I believe it,” he said quietly.
“It’s the truth,
He smiled cruelly. “The truth is you’re a woman. Something precious. They think they need to protect you, it’s in their blood. From the day they’re born, they’re taught to keep you safe. Every second you’re with me, they’re failing you. Failing themselves. Their pride and honor are everything. and I will tear it all down”
I couldn’t breathe, my mind struggling to process what he said. Maybe I had underestimated Nicolas. His actions were violent, but he was smart. Dangerous Ruthless. He had the power to take revenge.
“They’ll feel guilty, but they won’t give up. They won’t risk anything for me. Not my life, my body, or my innocence. So take whatever you want.
1/3
1:14 PM ch c
Chapter 21
You won’t weaken Dante or my family.” I said quietly.
Nicolas thumb stroked my throat. I wasn’t sure if he did it on purpose, but the look in his eyes made me shiver
“They will protect your innocence. It’s the only pure thing in their lives. They think it could erase their sins, but it can’t. We all breathe sin. One hundred virgins can’t wash it out of us.”
“Not even an angel?” I whispered, looking up at him through my lashes, my heart racing. I was taking a risk, but I was already caught in Nicolas‘ game. I could either play along or be a pawn
Something shifted in Nicolas‘ eyes, hunger, a deadly spark. He leaned closer, his breath warm against my lips. “You’re playing a dangerous game. Angel.”
I smiled, despite the danger. “So are you”
He kissed me suddenly. It wasn’t what I expected. I thought he’d tease me with small kisses. But this kiss was real, intense, like a warning of what was to come. I held his gaze, stunned. When I pulled away and raised my hand to slap him, he grabbed my wrist, pulling me closer.
“That’s the kiss Daniel would have given you in church, or maybe on your wedding night. Polite. Controlled. But it’s not a kiss.”
Anger flared inside me. “You bastard!”
Nicolas kissed me again, his fingers bruising my side. He held my wrist against his body as his lips took over mine. His tongue pushed into my mouth, tasting me, his heat overwhelming. I couldn’t pull back. When he finally let go, I gasped for air, confused, light–headed. I could feel my panties getting wet.
“That, Angel, was a kiss,” he said in a low voice. “It’s the kind of kiss you’ll
u’ll measure every kiss against”
I pushed him away, shaking. “How dare you?” I whispered with tears rolling down my eyes while touching my lips with my fingers. “That kiss was supposed to be Daniel’s”
Nicolas shook his head, anger in his eyes. “I cut you, and you didn’t cry. But a kiss makes you break down in tears”
I turned away, fighting to control my emotions. I’d been raised to be the perfect wife, to save myself for my husband. And now, I’d let Nicolas take that from me. For a second, I almost cried. Then I felt him close behind me, his warmth lingering but not touching.
“Are you afraid of what Daniel will think if he finds out his angel hides some darkness!” he asked softly,
I looked over my shoulder. “You don’t know anything about Daniel or me.”
“I know your weakness, and his too.”
1 turned to face him. “You have weaknesses too. And one day, your enemies will use them against you, just like you use others‘ weaknesses.”
“Maybe,” he grumbled. “But not everyone can rise from the ashes”
I rolled my eyes. “You s
sound like a martyr. What do you know about burning
Nicolas didn’t respond. His gaze was full of dark intention, the same look he’d had when he cut me.
My eyes dropped to the wound on my arm, and Nicolas followed my gaze. Slowly, I was breaking through the wall he thought he’d built around
himself.
He grabbed my arm and led me back toward the mansion. I didn’t speak, didn’t even look at him. I knew when to retreat. This battle was only beginning.
I poured cold I water or
on my face to help me relax after I was by myself in my room. I flinched when I saw my swollen lips in the mirror.
I could still feel his touch. How had I let that happen? I should have pushed him away, but I didn’t. And somehow, I’d let Nicolas take my first kiss.
I sat looking at the wall from the bed. I found myself drawn to him for some reason. I looked at the wound on my arm. It still hurt, but it was healing. I was glad for it. It wasn’t just a reminder of Nicolas cruelty, but of his power. And I couldn’t forget that he was a monster.
I put my hands over my face, taking deep breaths. I wished I could talk to my brother, Michael. Without him, I felt lost. He’d figure this out. But what would he think if he knew I had allowed Nicolas to kiss me? What would Daniel think? That kiss was promised to him. I prayed my family would never find out about this kiss, but I feared Nicolas would tell them.
