Trouble in Paradise



I ended up not attending Christopher's wife's birthday party after all.

As soon as my car pulled into an empty spot and came to a halt, someone swiftly grabbed me by the waist and shoved me into a black SUV parked nearby.

The movements were so smooth and practiced. If I hadn't seen Nicholas's dark face, I would have screamed for help.

Christopher had invited quite a number of guests, with luxury cars lining the parking lot. Oddly enough, the only open space happened to be right next to Nicholas's car. It was clear he had been waiting for me, patiently biding his time until I fell into his trap.

We were far too close. Even a simple exchange of glances between us could be mistaken by anyone as a moment of deep connection.

It was so close as if we were trying to sear each other into memory, where a single glance could leave one's heart aching.

I sighed and shielded my eyes with my hand. "Can you get off me?"

Nicholas didn't move. Instead, he shut the car door behind us and seized my wrist. His gaze seemed to be blaming me.

"Let's see who's being disobedient."

His car was incredibly private. No one could see inside, no matter how hard they tried. And with that secrecy, his actions became even bolder.

I was wearing a dark red silk dress, low-cut and delicate. The smooth fabric slid easily beneath the rough texture of his suit jacket.

Even if I had been as slippery as an eel, Nicholas had me pinned down completely. His heart practically pressed against mine.

The dress was thin, and there wasn't much fabric to cover me. In such a compromising position, it felt like anything inappropriate could happen.

"Nicholas, I really have something important to do!"

The difference in strength between men and women was glaring. If he didn't move, there was no way I could break free. A wave of grievance washed over me.

I couldn't help but think about Tabitha, who was waiting for me at home. Once I dealt with these troublesome people, I would leave with her. Nicholas would never see us again.

Nicholas lowered his gaze, shamelessly scanning me from head to toe. "What could be so important for you to show up here dressed like that?"

He pretended to lose balance, and his whole body pressed down on me. The buttons of his shirt dug painfully into my chest, making me wince.

I let out a soft groan. When I caught the deepening look in Nicholas's eyes, I bit my lip in humiliation. His breath was hot. When he spoke again, his voice was hoarse.

"I told you before. If you dared to attend Christopher's wife's birthday party, I would fuck you right here. Ariana, you walked straight into this. If you hadn't come, none of this would be happening."

I forced myself to stay calm, speaking as politely as I could.

"Nicholas, who are you to say this to me? My ex-husband? Or Mr. Hawk, the man who has power over everything in Radiant City? Whatever title you use, you can't control me. My legs are my own. If you're so upset, why don't you throw me under your car and cripple me?"

"Your legs may be yours, but it seems they obey me when it comes to spreading them."

Nicholas pushed himself even closer, utterly disregarding the embarrassment I felt from his actions.

Tears welled up in my eyes. "Nicholas, you're always like this!"

He froze, caught off guard by my frustrated outburst. He pulled back a bit, lifting me off the back seat.

I looked up at him, anger rising once more.

"When I just returned and went to see you at Coral Villa, I asked you what you wanted, but you wouldn't say. You just threatened me, insisting on interfering in my life. I don't get it. What do you gain from this?

"I told you, if you wanted to sleep with me, fine, let's get it over with. We could settle our grudges that way, once and for all. But you didn't want to touch me then. And now? Now, you're pressing me down like this? Nicholas, this isn't how you get revenge. If you're still sick, go get help!

I blurted it all out in a rush and reached for the car door handle. But before I could open it, Nicholas grabbed me from behind, pulling me tight against him.

He held me close. His breath tickled my ear as he whispered, "What if I'm willing now? If we're both already tainted, maybe we could be together after all."