Trouble in Paradise



Claudia had left, yet it still felt like someone was standing there. The tension of a silent standoff stirred something deep within me. But under the cover of darkness, whatever I couldn't hide would still remain unseen.This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Was it you?" Nicholas's voice carried no hint of emotion, and his gaze was unreadable. His reason for asking was clear.

I lifted my gaze to meet his. "Did she come to you to complain?"

Nicholas scoffed, giving a noncommittal answer. "She mentioned a few things."

I brushed past him, opening the door, and stepping inside. He followed close behind. "Aren't you curious about what she told me?"

"Nothing to do with me." I kept my tone neutral. I knew she would just blame everything on me.

Tabitha's things were scattered across the living room. I picked up each item as I walked, stopping here and there.

I wasn't concerned about whatever had gone on between Nicholas and Claudia. After all, Nicholas wasn't going to die again.

The faint scent of tobacco lingered in the air as he trailed close behind, making me feel uneasy. When I stopped suddenly, he almost stepped on my foot. Thrown off balance, we both toppled toward the floor.

My heart jolted as I shut my eyes, bracing myself and clutching my arms tightly. There was nothing else I could do.

I was sure I would be in for some pain, imagining the impact with the floor. Those few seconds felt drawn out, just enough for me to anticipate the crash. But in the end, I fell into someone's arms instead.

When I opened my eyes, I realized an arm was wrapped securely around my waist. Nicholas had turned us mid- fall, taking the hit himself.

I was unscathed, but I heard a low, muffled groan escape his lips. I bit my lip, lifting myself up slightly. "Are you okay?"

As I shifted, he let out another sound of discomfort, so I froze. After catching his breath, he finally spoke. "What are you so afraid of? I'd never let you get hurt right in front of me..."

I wasn't exactly experienced in love. But I knew I had only truly loved one man in my life, and he had never acted like this before. I wasn't sure how to respond to him now.

Maybe these words would work on a young girl, but not on me. I looked away and nudged his shoulder. "Get up." He winced as I moved. Nicholas bit his lip, holding back the pain.

He looked like he was in real agony. Yet, his expression and voice seemed to carry a warmth to wrap around us. I felt like I was being immersed in warm water.

I heard him say, "Don't move. Just give me a second."

"Where does it hurt? Isn't lying on you even more uncomfortable?"

His arm around my waist only tightened as he replied with his eyes closed, "It has been years since you've been this close. Can't you stay like this a little longer?"

I didn't want to figure out what he really meant-it was too awkward.

'Try to move. Tell me where you're hurt. If it's bad, I'll take you to the hospital."

"Are you worried about me?"

Nicholas's warm, dry hand pressed slightly against my waist.

"You're unbelievable!" I punched him hard in the chest, pushing myself up.

I couldn't help but feel frustrated as I looked at him.

Nicholas slowly sat up, a rare embarrassed expression crossing his face. "Sorry, I couldn't help it."

When did I start to realize he was faking it? Probably the moment one of his body parts had gotten hard.