"Your hands are scarred from murder, yet I trust them completely."

**************

Natalie's POV

Fiancé?

I must've heard her wrong or maybe it's another Nikolas we are talking about here...Maybe she misunderstood me or maybe I did. Maybe I am in the wrong apartment. It...it doesn't make any sense. He was with me last night, he said he liked me, he asked me to be his girlfriend.

He spent half of the day with me, he went with me to see my dad, we were going to dinner tonight as a...couple.

I extended the phone forward, "Give him this when he comes back," I mumbled, my tone neutral, the total opposite of the war raging in my brain. I was still trying to understand and adjust to this, because the Nikolas I know wouldn't possibly go and do something like that.

But true, I only know parts of him, who am I kidding?

She took the phone from my grip, her eyes drifting back to me, "Who should I tell him?"

For a second there, I just looked at her, taking her features in, her brown eyes, her tanned skin, and the hint of accent in her voice that proved she wasn't from around here. My brain started working, analyzing and reading more into this than what's on the surface. For god's sake, the girl looked barely eighteen or nineteen years old. Even if I don't know him that well, Nikolas wouldn't do this just for the heck of it. The man suffered while he was asking me to be his girlfriend, let alone go and get engaged that easily.

There is something bigger here, there is always more to him than meets the eye. But still, no matter what the purpose of this is, he didn't inform me about it and I wanna smash his head so bad right now.

My jaw clenched, angry at him beyond measures. Refusing to answer her question, I just shook my head, "Not important," I mumbled, "Have a nice day," I added before I turned around and walked away, feeling her confused gaze follow me till I reached the elevator.

I tried to contain my anger and the hint of disappointment that flared in my chest. He will drop by my house at night anyway; I will be waiting, and let's see how Mr. grumpy will explain this.

*************

Nikolas's POV

My gaze traveled from the untouched food on the nightstand to Emma, sitting over the bed and going through her phone, totally unaware of my presence. Her face expressionless, and her eyes less alive than the day before. Roman told me, she is less reactive today, which I think is even worse.

I made my presence known by the light knock on the opened door. Her eyes flickered from the phone and fell on me, "Hey," I said, stepping forward. She gave me a small nod and placed her phone away, giving me her full attention as I sat down by her side on the bed's edge.

I didn't want to ask how she's doing because that would be too stupid to mention at this moment, so I drifted the conversation somewhere else, "When are you going back to London?"

"Tonight," She answered.

"I am gonna take care of a few things here," I said, "Then, I will follow you."

She shook her head, "You don't need to," She mumbled, "I just want to be far away from where Isaac is," She added, her jaw ticking, "If I see him, I might lose it and I can't afford to do that now."

I nodded, understanding, if it wasn't for me losing it the other day, she might still be pregnant now. A low breath escaped my lips as I rested my back against the headboard, my eyelids dropping down for a mere second, sorting through my many thoughts till I felt the side of her head rest over my arm. On instinct, my arm went around her shoulder, letting her lean into me for the second time.

It was normal now, to allow her to find comfort in my embrace. I never thought I'd be the one to do that, but the second I saw her laying on the ground, draining in her blood, I became more sure, that she is my responsibility too, and I need to protect her, I need to take care of her.

For me, I still have Alex, but to Emma, I am her only family. She won't say it out loud, but she needed me and I can't afford to disappoint her anymore.

"What can I do?" I asked, helpless, because killing Isaac was an absolute, but now, at this moment, what could I possibly do to make this less painful.

Air heaved out of her chest, her shoulders slumping down, "Just promise me you won't die again," She mumbled, "I feel like I only have you in this world," She said the words out loud even when I thought she wouldn't.

"There is Roman too," I added, because I would be blind not to have noticed his immense worry and fear the day she got hurt.

She lifted her head up, her lips forming a small smile and she shook her head, "Roman and I would never work."

Before I could comment on that or on the bit of yearning in her tone, the door was pushed open and of course Alex tumbled in unannounced, "Hey, I've been calling you since-" He started to scold, very annoyed before his eyes fell on me and Emma, "Oh, I see a sibling gathering without me," His eyebrow raised, "Why is that?"

He added, totally not satisfied as he strode forward and settled on the bed's edge on the other side. He narrowed his eyes at Emma, "Are you okay?" He asked, trying to act indifferent but nevertheless reflecting a very small tiny part that is actually worried for her.

Emma pulled away from me, straightening herself and she rolled her eyes at him, "Alex, I swear to god if you pity me too, I will kick your most precious part," She threatened ever so seriously and Alex's eyes widened, "Hey, not Alex junior!" He shot out, "First your brother spills coffee on him and now you want to kick him," He shot us both a glare and pointed at us , "You all are just jealous of my super powers."

I shook my head, giving on up on trying to understand him, "Hey you," He addressed me, still glaring, "Where is your phone? I've called you like ten times, why didn't you pick up?" And here he goes acting like the wife I didn't ask for, "You know I don't like to be ignored."

Why do I love him, seriously, why?

I shot him a glare, "I forgot my phone with Na-" Before I could even finish the sentence, I knew I did another mistake as that big giddy smile pulled up at his lips.

"Aww, you forgot your phone at your girlfriend's place, didn't you?"

"Girlfriend?" Emma asked, her wide eyes on me.

"Yes, yes, they're finally dating," Alex said, feeling more happiness at this than both me and Natalie combined, "Pay up, I told you he would do it soon."

Emma gaped me, "Hold on, you actually asked her...like really asked her to be your girlfriend?"

Alex nodded on my behalf, "Yeah, he did," He reached out and patted me on the back proudly. I pushed his hand away and he added, "I raised him well, didn't I?"

"Wow, I am still not able to comprehend this," Emma said, very much in shock as she reached for the nightstand and pulled a couple of bucks and threw them at Alex, "You won cuz, fair and square."

"You really made a bet on this?" I asked in disbelief. I am here trying to find a way to get back on Isaac and they're making bets based on my love life. I was born in the wrong family, that's for sure.

"Well, I didn't think you'd get whipped that fast," Emma said, brutally honest, and my jaw tightened, "I am not that."

Alex chuckled, "You so are," He added mockingly and Emma turned to him, her eyebrow raising, "Look who is talking, Mr. I didn't have sex for two years when Cara was away."

"Hey!" Alex shot out, totally offended at the accusation and I just facepalmed, wishing I just stayed with Natalie instead of this.

Roman walked into the room as well, our stupid argument probably grabbing his attention. Confusion pulled his eyebrows as he watched at the three of us, "What's wrong?"

Alex's eyes flickered from him to us, "Okay, but we can all agree that out of all of us," He pointed at Roman, "He is the one who is whipped the most."

Roman looked more confused and Emma punched Alex's arm, "Don't talk about him," She hissed and Alex winced, clutching at his arm, "Jesus, I triggered the monster," His words had her punching him again and he tried to stop her but without any doubt, she didn't budge the slightest, "Sto- fucking stop!" He shot out, both of them fighting like little kids and I became more sure it was for the best I didn't grew up with either of them...Imagine the chaos.

"I am older than you for god's sake," Alex remarked, pushing her away and to my side, "You should respect me."

Instead of fighting back, Emma's lips pulled into a smirk, "I don't respect people I previously made out with."

Hold...hold on, what?

Alex's jaw ticked, "You little-" He grated out and she shot him a proud look.

"And by made out you mean?" Roman interjected and Emma didn't shy away from it. She nodded her head, "You know it's when two set of lips," She mimicked them with her hands, on purpose triggering Roman while Alex pressed his palm over her mouth, shutting her up but she pushed him away effortlessly, "It's when they move like this-" She continued, acting the kissing action, "Sometimes with tongue and so-"

Oh, for god's sake!

I rushed a hand over my face, "I can't believe I am gonna ask this, but-" I started, my brain failing to process the information as I shot out at Alex, "You kissed my sister?!"

"Hey, SHE kissed me!" He defended and I wanted to punch him for real now, "That doesn't make it any better!" I snapped.

"Just...just a second," Roman said, grabbing our attention, the same shock in his eyes as he talked, "She is your cousin," He pointed at Emma, then at me, "And she is his sister," then he pointed at Alex, "And Nikolas is your brother, so practically that makes her," Roman's face paled and his throat bobbed heavily, "It makes her your sister."

"Don't say that!" Alex shot out in utter disgust before he got up to his feet, "I didn't know we were related back then," He shot out, rubbing at his throat in discomfort, "God, I feel like I am gonna throw up."

I got up to my feet as well, "Do you really have no control or whatsoever?" I snapped, still unable to make sense of this.

"Don't shout at me!" He whined, "I even stopped her, okay? And not to forget you are the one who sent her after me," He pointed out, narrowing his eyes at me, "If it's anyone's fault, it's yours."

"Of course, every wrong thing is my fault, isn't it?" I said mockingly before I looked at Emma, "Seriously, Emma? I sent you to watch him, not...not that!"

She shrugged, innocently, "I tend to always mix business with pleasure," Her eyebrow raised, "How do you think I ended up pregnant?"

I winced and shook my head, "I don't wanna hear that!"

"What the hell did I marry into?" Roman interjected in pure shock as he looked at the three of us, "You people are insane," He looked at Alex, his eyes narrowing, "And you, you are a dead man, I am so telling Cara about this."

Alex shot him a glare, while Roman's eyes fell back on Emma, his jaw ticking and a bit of anger replaced the shock in his eyes before he walked away and left the room, mumbling incoherent words under his breath.

"Are you happy?" Alex asked Emma, shooting her a murderous glare.

She rolled her eyes, "Shut up, you cousin-kisser," She chuckled, "God, it's so funny, cousin-kisser, you know it's like motherfuc-"

"Emma!" I grated out, hoping to just shut the whole damn conversation.

She gave me an exaggerated eye roll before she turned back to Alex, "Am I really your sister?" She asked with a big grin, liking this way too much.

"If you say that word again, I am really gonna throw up," He said, again rubbing at his throat.

"Whatever you say, sister-kisser."

"Shut up!" Alex replied back.

Oh god, I wish I was adopted.

****************

I opened the door to my apartment and walked inside, my head throbbing, having enough of Alex and Emma, let alone both of them combined. I was ready to just change and go pick Natalie up.

As I made my way toward the bedroom, Mia came from the living room, on hesitant footsteps before she halted to a stop beside me. Her throat bobbed and she extended her hand forward, "This came for you," She said and that's when my eyes fell on the phone in her hand.

My phone.

The shock of the moment had me snatching it out of her grip immediately before I asked, "How did this get here?"

"Uh, some...some woman came and said to give it you."

Fuck.

I took a step forward and immediately she took one backward, threatened by the vibe radiating off me, "What did she say?"

Mia shook her head, "Nothing," She answered, her voice dropping lower, "She didn't tell me her name."

My jaw ticked, and my fingers almost crushed the phone in my tight grip, my tone still composed, needing answers, "What did you tell her?"

She gulped down and her hand nervously fidgeted with the hem of her sweater, still not giving me a fucking answer. Her silence only added more fire to my anger and I took another step forward, shouting out, "What did you tell her, Mia?!"

She flinched at my tone, "Uh, she...she asked me who I am, I-" She shook her head, "I didn't know what to say, I thought she could be someone from dad's side, I-" Tears gathered in her eyes as she shook her head again, "I said I am...I am your fiancé."

"Who gave you the right to say that!" Was it my tone, or my anger, or the threatening look in my eyes as I strode forward that had her cowering away, staggering backward till her back hit the wall, closing her eyes, "I am so sorry," She mumbled, hiding herself behind her hands, "Please, don't hurt me, I didn't mean to."

The sight of her small figure cowering away from me like that in fear, the sight of the terrified tear that strode down her cheek and that shaking tone in her voice snapped me back in. I mean...I wasn't going to hurt her, or was I?

The anger still pressed over my chest but now something more prominent took over at her current vulnerable state; at how sure she is that I am going to hurt her. My jaw clenched and my hand gently went to her wrist, to the hand she used to hide her face, trying to make her look at me, but the second my hand made contact with hers, she hiccuped a sob and tried to pull away, "Please, I didn't mean to," She begged, thinking I am going to hit her or something, "I would never do it again, I promise..."

"Mia-"

More tears fell down her cheeks, "Ple...please, don't hurt me-" the raw pain in her voice hit something in me, it triggered that human part that feels, the one that is newly learning to be compassionate, and to care, "I am not going to hurt you," I tried to keep my voice steady, a bit gentle, not to scare her more than she already is.

She sniffled, her eyes finally meeting mine, still keeping her distance, hesitant on whether she should trust me or not, and I really don't blame her for that, "I am really sorry, I didn't know what to say then and-"

I shook my head, "It's okay," I said, dismissing the subject. I am just gonna need to find a way to explain this to Natalie. At least, it wasn't Ronald who she came bumping into at my place. That would've been harder to explain. I need to be more careful with that from now on.

She wiped at her cheeks, kicking the tears away and I watched her, trying to understand her reaction. It wasn't normal. Only someone who has been hurt before would react like that. I would know, I was both the abused and the abuser at different points of my life.

"What did Joseph do to you?" I asked, not holding back and her eyes grew wide.

She shook her head, "Nothing, what do you mean?"

He really scares her this much, that she isn't willing to even rat him out on his bad doings.

"Did he hurt you?"

It was obvious he did, but I only asked to read her body language, and true to that, her hand immediately curled over the hem of her sweatshirt, pulling it down, hiding something and I seemed to glimpse a sight of a severely red skin. I wasn't surprised. He threw her into my arms knowing all there is about me. He didn't care whether I'd hurt her or not. He wouldn't care for anything else.

"Mia, I told you, I am not going to hurt you," I added, hoping my tone could at least convince her, "Joseph is not here, you're safe from him."

She shook her head, "No, I am not," She whispered, ever so weakly, "I know that...that you aren't going to go through with this," Her throat bobbed, "And he told me if I don't make sure we get married, if I ruin it in some way, he will-" She shook her head, refusing to continue her words as the terrified tears gathered in her eyes again.

"And what do you want?" I asked.

Lines etched between her eyebrows and she wiped at her cheeks again, "I don't know," She shook her head, helpless, "I...uh, it's just no one asked me that before."

Air pushed out of my chest and I looked away for a second before I turned again to her, "If you could have anything, what would you want?"

She stared at me for a long second, her eyes lost and her mind thinking, "I would just want to not be scared all the time," Her request was as simple at that, it had my chest tightening and I fucking hated that, "To be able to sleep at night," Tears choked her voice and she shook her head as the truth tumbled out, "To never go back there again."

I nodded, understanding, "If I told you I would give you all of that, would you trust me?"

She swallowed hard, undecided and confusion vibrated off her in waves, "Why would you do that for me?"

I sighed, "Let's just say I have blood on my hands," I said, "And I would like to wipe it away."

It was more than blood. It was an innocent women's life that I recklessly ruined. It isn't easy to wipe away. But for now, this is the least I could do; Help this abused girl, not let her fall again into the hands of the likes of me. I know that it wouldn't erase my sin to prevent hers, but...I still felt the fucked up need to do it.

"You really won't hurt me?" Mia asked, shaking me back in and my eyes settled on her, nodding as I said, "I won't, I promise."

"I thought...I thought you were just like them," She mumbled, her head tilting as she watched me, trying to understand me and I bet failing to do so.

"I am like them." Sometimes, worse even. She has no idea what else I am planning to do, and for it, I need her trust.

She shook her head, "If you were, I'd be dead now," She said, the tears clearing out of her eyes as she watched me. They weren't looking at me, no, they settled on my neck for way too long. When she noticed that I caught her, she immediately looked away, "I am sorry," She mumbled before her hand curled over the hem of her sweatshirt, pulling it up the slightest, exposing what she tried to hide, "I think...I just think we all have our own scars," She added, showing me, as if to make up for the fact that she stared at my scar, longer than she should.

My eyes fell on her waist, where a big portion was pure red, as if the initial skin was ripped off and replaced. My jaw tightened and I looked away, "What...uh-"

"Third degree burn," She answered before I could even complete my question.

And somehow, I knew this wasn't the only part of her that was tortured this way.

I breathed out and rubbed a hand at the back of my neck, "I should go now."

She nodded, "I am really sorry again, I hope I didn't ruin your relationship or anything," She said, already understanding that it is a relationship alright, "If you want, I...uh I can talk with her and explain-"

I shook my head, "I will take care of it," I interrupted her. Natalie would understand, it's not like this engagement-to-be is authentic, I just need to prepare myself for her anger and I need to know how in god's name I am supposed to deal with it.

She gave me a nod, stepping away, and giving me space to head for my room. As I reached the door, she talked again, "Thank you," She said, out of the blue and I turned around, my eyebrows pulling closer, "For what?"

She just gave me a small shrug and I shook my head, "Don't thank anyone because they didn't hurt you, okay?"

She gulped down and nodded, understanding how twisted the situation is.

I closed the door behind me and stood there for a second, trying to understand what the hell just happened. My jaw ticked and I looked at the ceiling, asking whoever was up there for a fucking answer, "What the hell am I doing?"

Pushing all of this behind me, I took a quick shower, changed my clothes and drove to Natalie's apartment. When I arrived, I parked the car and stayed in it for a couple of seconds, sorting through my thoughts and preparing myself for the worst. I thought about asking help from Alex but immediately decided against it, knowing very well for how long he would tease me about it.

I went down the car and made my way up the stairs. I knocked once and waited; A few seconds later and light footsteps got closer before the door got opened. Natalie's eyes fell one me, she immediately shot me a glare and without saying a word, she just turned around and walked away.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me before I caught up to her, my hand circling over her arm and turning her around to face me. She didn't fight back, instead, she just looked at me with that same angry cute glare. Her hair was pulled up into a messy bun and she was wearing her pink striped pyjama. So, even with her hard angry expression, she is still looked way too adorable.

"Can you say something," I urged, "So I know how to respond to it and fix this."

She rolled her eyes and kept silent, "So, you're not gonna talk at all?" I questioned and when I was met with her silence again, a low sigh parted my lips and I mumbled, "This is worse than I expected."

She pulled her arm out of my grip and crossed her arms over her chest, waiting for me to speak, so I just explained, "Natalie, it's not even real, she isn't my fiancé...yet," At that last word, her eyes grew wide and she broke her silence, "Yet?" She questioned, gritting her teeth, "Oh god, I so want to punch that pretty face of yours!"

I shook my head and carried on, "When I went to London, my father arranged all of this and I only went along to see what's his motive, I am still going along just to see how I am going to use it to my advantage, there isn't anything else, I am sure you know that already," I added, "The whole plan changed anyway, the engagement won't happen, that's for sure," I have other plans now.

I promised to not hurt the girl, I am just not sure to what extent I will be willing to keep my word.

She still looked unsatisfied, "Natalie, you saw her, she is a kid, do you really think I would go and do that?" I tried to reason up my situation. Isn't it obvious that I can barely manage one relationship, let alone two.

Her eyes narrowed at me, "And it never crossed your mind to mention this small tiny information with me?" She questioned, accusing me, "I know that we agreed not to open the past and I am totally okay with that, but what's happening now, if you hide it from me, it means you're lying and I can't accept that!"

I nodded, "I get that, but I just-" I said, "I just didn't think it was worth mentioning."

Her eyes widened, "Oh god, seriously?" She shot out, "You think that that fact you have a fiancé back at home isn't worth mentioning to the girl you just asked to be your girlfriend last night?"

"She isn't my fiancé for god's sake, nothing happened yet, nothing ever will," I stressed back, her anger triggering mine but I tried to keep my control over it, scared to lose it somehow.

She scoffed, "And what?" She asked, way too bothered by this, "She will stay in your house? Till when?"

I shrugged, "I don't know, till I find a way to fix this."

She shot me a glare, "Unbelievable," she muttered in annoyance before she turned around and headed for the living room, leaving me standing in the hallway all alone.

My jaw tightened and I rushed a frustrated hand over my face. I counted to ten in my head, regaining my control and keeping my anger at bay as I followed her. She had already settled on the couch, her legs pulled up comfortably as her hand gently rubbed over that little monster's head.

I walked closer and settled on the other couch beside her, "Natalie," I called for her, urging her to look at me but with no use. She just ignored me and looked at her stupid cat, "Do you hear someone talk, Massie?" She pretended to talk with the cat, "Because I don't."

"Seriously now?"

Why do I put myself through this? Emma and Alex at one hand, and now this...I really miss the days when I didn't care about anyone's feelings.

"What do you want me to do now?" I asked, frustrated.

She turned and looked at me, very serious, "Apologize."

My eyebrow raised, "I didn't do anything wrong."

Her eyes grew wide and a frustrated sound left her mouth, "You didn't do anything?" She questioned, "You lied to me, you're out there living with some girl and still have the audacity to act like nothing happened."

I huffed out, hating this whole meaningless argument and my eyes flickered to my watch, "Aren't we going to the damn dinner?"

She lifted her shoulders up like a little annoyed girl, "No, I am not in the mood for it anyway, thanks to you."

I nodded, "Even better," I said as I leaned back in my seat, triggering her on purpose, "I didn't want to go anyway."

And just like that, she quickly got up to her feet, "On second thoughts, I am going," She said, her tone daring and her eyes narrowing at me, "And you're coming with me because I already told Sarah that I am bringing someone," She added, pointing her finger at me, "But I am still angry at you and I still want to hit you so bad, so you better behave!"

With that, she whirled around, so angry and dramatic as she headed for her room, totally falling for it. That stupid cat jumped off the couch and settled down beside my feet. I leaned down, glaring at the thing, "Look, I have no patience left today," I threatened that thing, "Stay away from me or I am gonna have to make that small head of yours-"

"Nikolas!" Natalie scolded from the hallway, hearing my very honest threatening.

I rolled my eyes and backed away in my seat, the cat probably understood my hostility because she meowed and walked away, following her owner and I just sat there comparing my old life and this messed-up joke I am living these days.

When some time passed, I got bored of waiting and headed toward where Natalie is to check up on her. My feet paused by the room's door as my eyes fell on her standing in front of the mirror. She tilted her head to the side, swiping her hair to one side as she fixed her earring. Mesmerized by everything she is, I couldn't help but stand there and look at her.

She was wearing white pants with a color-matching white top that was too small for my own liking but all I could focus on at the moment was the raging in my heart and the flicker of madness she sent hurtling through my mind. With her hair falling down the way it is, waves of soft blonde caressing the bare skin of her shoulder, accompanied with all the white she was wearing...she looked like an angel.

A one sent to break the devil writhing in me, and god, that devil wanted all of her, it wanted to take all she is willing to offer. True, she can break him, and the thing is, he wants her to, he is finally seeking peace and she is craving some chaos...but isn't she aware of how that would ruin her in the end?

Her eyes found mine through the mirror, a crystal blue that was slowly taking me in, dragging me deeper and deeper each day. She was doing things to my mind that weren't legal, she was making my heart rattle harder each day and it terrified me, because she was so close to open that door, and I just keep wondering; what would happen if I let her in?

Would she understand? Would she handle it? Would that darkness taint her pure heart, or is she really stronger than all of that?

The softness in her gaze had me moving forward, dismissing those thoughts because they would only push me away from her and I don't want to be away. I paused my footsteps when I was right behind her and maybe it was an instinct, but she involuntary leaned into me, seeking assurance after this meaningless news. I was powerless to do anything but thread my fingers through her hair, gently moving it to one side as she anchored herself to me, and I did the same.

She kept looking at me through the mirror, our eyes silently communicating because she knew how much I hated words, how I despised to say things out loud, to explain and to justify my feelings and intentions. Blood thundered through my veins as my finger lightly brushed the bare skin of her shoulder before it went down, lightly caressing the length of her arm. The small contact had goosebumps erupting all over her skin. She didn't say a thing, just watched me with wistful eyes, ones that understood me more than I understood myself, with warmness and yearning...yearning for what could never be, because our future was so uncertain.

And she knew that. She understood it too.

My fingertips grazed up the sensitive skin of her neck and she leaned more into my touch, her back crashing against my chest, heaving for her lost breath and I wanted nothing more than to claim her all, to let my lips find their home in the softness of her neck, to forget about everything, about everyone and just have her body pressed all over mine but I knew I couldn't, I knew I was wrong, that I was only making it worse, prolonging the inevitable.

It took everything in me to grasp at the fringes of control, to stop myself from starting something that would only end in devastation on her part. My fingers rested over her jaw, gently tilting her head so she can look at me as I mumbled, "I am sorry," I said, wanting that hint of sadness in her expression to fade away, "I should've not hid that from you," I added, wanting her beautiful smile back.

She slowly turned her body around, facing me, "I know your life is not easy, Nikolas," She said, "I walked into this willingly," She added, that one word calming me down in ways I can't explain; she willingly walked into in it, "So, as I try to get used to it, I need you to not hide from me what's going on."

I nodded, "I am trying to get used to this too," I said, because this was way out of my area of expertise.

And just like that, her lips pulled up into a small smile that had that temporary peacefulness rush all over my chest, "It's okay," She playfully patted my shoulder, "You're better than you give yourself credit for."

"But keep one thing in your mind," She stressed out, her tone turning playful but with a hint of seriousness, "As long as we are dating, I don't want to share you with anyone, let alone that...Mia or whatever her name is," she added, so annoyed at this.

I shook my head, "You don't need to worry about that," I said, involuntary a small smile pulling up at my lips. She was unreal, she couldn't be, I thought perfect didn't exist but the longer I gaze at her, I am proven wrong every day.

"You know it's not fair that you have a face like that, it makes it harder to stay mad at you," She added, her eyebrow raising in total dissatisfaction.

"So, this means you are not mad at me anymore?"

Instead of answering, she tiptoed and pressed her lips over mine in a very quick peck that only left me needing more, "It's impossible to stay mad at you when you have that cute lost expression on your pretty face," She said, making my smile drop down immediately, "Don't call me that," I stressed out and her smile grew wider, loving annoying me way too much.

"Okay now, I am almost done," She moved away from me and I just wanted to grab her again, forget about the stupid dinner and just have it both of us only for the rest of the night, "We should leave immediately, we are already late."

"Fashionably late," I added and she gave me a knowing look, "Is that why you were always late to our sessions?"

I shrugged and her eyes narrowed at me before she shrugged the white blazer over her, she fixed her hair quickly and turned to me, "I am all ready, let's go," She said and I gazed at her long enough that her eyebrow raised, "What?" She asked, shaking me in.

A smile pulled at my lips and I shook my head, "Nothing, it's just white suits you a lot."

My compliment had redness creep all over her cheeks. She stepped closer and fixed the lapels of my jacket, tease fluttering all over her lips as she said, "And black suits you, mr. grumpy pants."

"How about we don't go to the dinner?" I suggested, my arm sneaking around her waist and she chuckled, immediately pulling away, "No, no way, come on," Her hand curled over my wrist, pulling me along, "You will behave there," She stressed out, "No threatening to kill anyone, no guns, nothing."

I rolled my eyes at her words, what's the fun in that?

***************

Natalie's POV

"Give it to me," I stressed out again, extending my hand forward and waited.

His jaw ticked and he didn't budge. I groaned in annoyance, "Nikolas, give me the damn gun," I repeated, trying to convince him to keep the gun in the car before we go in, "There are kids in that house," I pointed out and he gave me a knowing look, "It's not like I am gonna go in with guns blazing or something," He defended and I shook my head, "Still, people can notice it, come on, just leave it here, what would you lose?"

He shook his head, "It's just..." He tried to explain but failed, "What if something happened?"

"It's an innocent dinner with my college friends, what could possibly happen?"

"Still, I need to be prepared," He stressed out again and I let out a frustrated sound, "You need to stop being on alert all the damn time," I grated out as I moved from my seat and toward his, my hand going to his pants and trying to pull the stupid gun out.

"Hey, hey!" He shot out, his hand circling around my wrist and effortlessly moved it away. Damn him, he is ten times stronger than me, how am I going to beat him?

I had one option and I took it. I moved forward toward his drivers seat till I was straddling his lap. His eyes widened, a bit taken aback, "What are you doing?" He asked and I used my upper position to reach for the gun, "Give it to me," I stressed out, trying to take it but also failing.

"Natalie, Nat...stop-" He tried to say as he kept having the upper hand and stopping each attempt.

I groaned, "Ugh, you're ruining my outfit," I shot out, noticing how my pants got wrinkled on the side from pushing and pulling.

"Then, get off my lap!" He stressed out and I shook my head. I leaned my back against the steering wheel, crossed my arms and just sat there, annoying him just like he annoys me.

He rushed a hand over his face, the frustration in his eyes multiplying by the second and I couldn't help my smile at our stupid arguments all the time, "Do you realize that since we started dating, we have only been fighting?" I asked, the thought quite amusing.

He nodded, "I am fully aware of that."

"We suck at this relationship thing," I said.

"We do."

My eyebrow raised at his immediate agreement, "Hey, I am good at this, you are the one who is very hard to deal with."

He shot me a glare, "What the hell did I do?"

I playfully punched his shoulder, "Stop using that damn tone when you talk to me," I ordered, "And well, you started this by being all grumpy this morning when we went to visit my dad that I had to take your phone and then newsflash, I discover you have a fiancé-to-be waiting for you at home," He pressed his palm over his forehead, furious as I keep bringing the same topic over and over, "And now you are refusing to do the simplest task, which is leave the damn gun here as we go and have a somewhat peaceful dinner."

His jaw ticked and I added, "You officially failed the boyfriend test," I announced.

I thought he would throw some grumpy response in return and trigger me more. Instead, he did the unexpected as usual; something seemed to snap in his eyes, a rope that was binding his sanity and control in, because all I felt after were his lips slamming into mine and his fingers wrapping over my neck, keeping me in position as his lips bruised mine in a kiss that went all the way to my core.

I gasped as he claimed my mouth with so much frustration and anger and need; one part pouring all of his distress into this captivating moment, the other part punishing me for annoying him so much and I reveled in both parts, kissing him back with a feverish need I didn't know I had to this extent.

I easily opened to him, defenseless, and when his tongue stroked over the side of mine, I rubbed it back against his languorously, a low throb building up between my legs. His taste filled me, like a drug I was getting addicted to without noticing, and this drug was shooting forward to my heart. It was making me feel more...and more was dangerous. Especially with a man like him.

I didn't care though. My fingers fluttered over his shoulders and I curled my hands around the back of his neck, my nails involuntary scratching his skin as I desperately tried to draw him closer to me. On impact, his fingers tightened the slightest over my neck and the action triggered a soft noise out of me.

He played with my tongue a little, and sucked gently on my lower lip. His other hand trailed under the fall of my hair before he slid it upward to cradle the back of my head in his palm, taking all of the control, the upper hand on me and that motion got me pinned as I savoringly and leisurely submitted to his hungry mouth.

I wanted nothing more than to drag him back home and have us do this and more for days and days, till I get enough, although I doubt I ever will. His taste was the most dangerously addictive drug ever known. When he retreated back, I took a second to clear my vision and notice his eyes, a green that have darkened like a night forest.

I was hangover still under the intensity of the moment, "I take it back," My voice was barely audible as I talked, I am panting still, aching, and wanting, "You win the boyfriend test."

His smiles. And god, that smile.

That smile alone is enough for me to lose my heart in the dark forest of his eyes. To be honest, in this moment, I am so willing to lose it.

He stroked his curled index finger down the line of my jaw and I just watched him. The most imperfectly perfect human I've met. I watched as emotions played across his features as he opened his hand and caressed my face and neck. There was Determination. Control. Hunger. And more control.

Sensing his hesitation, I rested my hand over his cheek, urging his eyes to look into mine as I asked, "Do you regret starting this with me?"

He shook his head and asked, "Would it be selfish if I said no."

My heart calmed down, my smile peaceful and I shook my head, "No, it's not selfish."

I licked my lips, my gaze drifting to the window and watched the house, "We are really late, it's no longer fashionable," I said with a low chuckle and Nikolas nodded, his hand pressing over my thigh, "Let's go."

My smile widened at my devilish thought and I inched my face closer to his, "Yes, but first," I started to say, my voice low, a bit seductive and his beautiful eyes fell into my lips. I used his distraction to reach for the gun and finally, successfully snatched it away.

"Yes!" I shot out before I immediately pushed myself away from him and back into my seat. Nikolas's shocked eyes fell into the gun in my hand and his jaw ticked, his dissatisfied accusing eyes on me, "You tricked me," He said, not angry though, a bit amused even.

I nodded, my accomplished smile not leaving my face as I placed the gun in the glove box, "This stays here till the dinner finishes," I stressed out and Nikolas huffed and puffed as he went down the car.

Acting all gentleman like, he opened my door and we both walked toward the house, his palm rested over my lower back, taking the lead.

I rang the bell and waited but my grumpy man started whining, "I should go get the gun, I feel bare without it," And right then, Sarah opened the door. I elbowed him in the stomach, shutting him up before I stepped closer and gave Sarah a quick hug as she welcomed us both in.

Her eyes fell on Nikolas and she smiled warmly, "We met before," She said and he gave her a nod, "Sorry for being late, but she took forever to get ready," He said, pointing at me and I gaped at him in pure disbelief.

The nerve of this man-

I narrowed my eyes at him and he kept his hand over my back, pushing me further inside, "This is what happens when you take my gun," And here comes the man-child, acting like I took his toys away.

My eyes fell on Sarah's husband, Steve, in the dining room and arranging the plates. I said hi and introduced Nikolas to him. They shook hands and thankfully, Nikolas was being civil so far.

On cue, Malcolm joined us, his eyes falling on me as he walked inside the room, a big smile over his lips as he showed me the wine bottle in his hand, "Sarah told me you're coming so I got your favorite wine," He said and I chuckled, stepping forward, an instinct only as I gave him a quick friendly hug, "Well, you know me better than anyone," I said, chuckling.

It's not till I pulled away that I remembered I have a boyfriend who kills people and I just happened to hug one of those people. I knew keeping the gun in the car was a good thing. I gulped down when I felt Nikolas step closer, right by my side and Malcolm's eyes drifted to him.

Oh please Malcolm don't die, please don't die...

Much to my shock, instead of acting all grumpy and make a scene, "I think we met before," Nikolas said, his tone normal, not angry or threatening, instead calm and composed.

Malcolm's eyebrows raised, "Did we?" He joked around, smiling and recalling our small meet at the restaurant, "I don't seem to remember that."

Nikolas smiled, not the smile he gives me, a different one I couldn't decipher as he extended his hand forward, "Nikolas," He introduced himself and Malcolm shook his hand, smiling as well, "Malcolm."

My eyes fell on their hands, at how Nikolas tightened his grip, maybe harder than he should. Oh god, look at the testosterone clashing together with these two men. Unbelievable.

When they broke contact, Malcolm eye's flickered to me, "Well, didn't know you are bringing someone," He said, his smile kind of genuine as he turned to Nikolas, "But any of friend of Natalie is a friend of ours."

Nikolas returned his words with a low chuckle before he looked at me, "We are not friends," Now, he gave me my smile, the soft real one as his arm gently wrapped over my waist, and he leaned closer, his lips leaving a small tender kiss over my temple, "Right?"

I nodded before I turned to Malcolm, "Uh yeah, Nikolas is my," I cleared my throat, "My boyfriend."

I would be lying if I say I didn't notice the little disappointment that flashed in Malcolm's eyes after hearing the words out loud, because I did but he hid it right away and smiled, "Oh, that's...great," He said, faking happiness before he nodded his head toward the kitchen, "I'll go get glasses," He said, placing the wine bottle over the table before he walked away.

I sighed, a bit sad at that part before I looked at Nikolas, his smile was long gone and his jaw ticked as he stared at Malcolm's retreating back, "You are such a kid," I whispered, addressing how he marked his territory.

His eyes fell on me, "You're lucky I didn't break the wine bottle over his head," He hissed.

I shot him a glare and he shook his head, "You know I am trying my best over here, right?" He said and I couldn't possibly be angry at him, "I know," I said, smiling as I leaned into his arm, "And I appreciate it," I knew how uncomfortable normal situations were to him, but at least he is trying, for me.

He used the chance that I leaned into him to pull me even closer. He is becoming all touchy lately and I love it. I pressed the back of my head against his chest as I tried to look up at him, his eyes flickered to me and I inhaled the scent of him with every breath, "If I ask something from you, would you do it?"

Lines etched between his eyebrows and without hesitation, he nodded, "Yeah, sure."

"Don't lie to me again, okay?" I requested, because that part still stings a bit, "Because if you do, this will end," I shook my head, the words honestly tumbling out, "And I really don't want it to end so fast."

Deep down, there is that gut feeling, that this is going to end one day. This isn't meant to be forever and I know it's crazy to think of this when we had just started dating, but still, the past that broke his trust in himself, I have a feeling that past is enough to break whatever this between us is.

So, till then, I just wanna savor each moment.

Nikolas didn't say a thing after my request, a bit hesitant to give me that promise, as if again hiding something else. Before I could dwell on that thought, Sarah brought the food and I had to break away from Nikolas as I helped her and we all sat down to eat our dinner.

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Nikolas's POV

The second I got inside the car, I opened the glove box and pulled my gun out, securing it in its place and Natalie gave me an exaggerated eye roll, "Okay I won't take your toys again," She said, joking.

She fixed her seatbelt, "So, did you have fun, just a little bit?"

I shrugged, "It wasn't utterly bad," I answered and she mumbled the word grumpy or something.

I turned to her, "They were...nice," I said and she smiled, "See, even Malcolm is, right?"

I scoffed, "No, except him."

Air harshly pushed out of her lungs, "Anyways, it was an enjoyable normal peaceful dinner, I bet you don't have a lot of those."

I nodded, agreeing, "Our dinners usually ends with someone dying so yeah, this was a nice change."

She chuckled, as if I am joking or something.

A moment of silence settled between us before she called for me with that soft tone, "Nikolas," I turned to her, "Yeah?"

"Stay at my place also tonight," She said, requesting with her angelic sweet voice.

"Why?" I asked, my eyebrow raising and she shrugged, "I want you to."

"Is that so?"

She huffed out, "Okay, I don't want you to sleep in the same house alone with that girl," She admitted, straightforward as usual.

I fought my smile and I felt her hand lightly punch my arm, "Don't smile, it's not funny."

I just nodded, "Okay, but I need to drop by my place first, Emma is there and she is leaving in a bit, I want to see her before that."

She nodded, "Can I go with you?"

I gave her a knowing look, understanding her motives, "What?" She shot out, "You marked your territory in front of Malcolm, it's time I do the same."

I chuckled at her crazy thought, "As you say."

I pulled my phone out, texted Emma to check if Ronald is there as well, making sure before I take her along. She asked me not to lie anymore, but how can I possibly explain this to her? My fingers tightened over the steering wheel as I thought it through; I am gonna have to tell her in the end, one way or another.

Once we got to our destination, my hand curled over hers as I pulled her along till we reached the apartment. I unlocked the door, my hand still over hers, assuring her there is no need to mark anything. She didn't have anything to worry about. I just didn't understand why Mia bothered her this much. What would we do if she learned the girl is her cousin after all?

There is hell a lot hidden from Natalie still, about her family, her mother and the truth behind her death and everything else. I don't think I can ever get myself to explain it to her, which again means lying. Fuck, this relationship is complicated. How the hell does Alex make it look so easy?

Emma's eyes fell on us as we walked inside, they drifted to Natalie and a big smile broke over her face before she jogged forward toward us.

"Hey," Natalie said, smiling at her, a bit nervous because I asked her not to bring the whole pregnancy thing in front of Emma.

"Hey," Emma said, "You and I really need to have a long talk some other time," She added, "You need to tell me in details how did you get my very-hard-to-deal-with-brother to ask you to be his girlfriend?"

Natalie chuckled before her eyes flickered up to me, "He isn't easy to deal with," She patted my arm, enjoying the tease, "But nothing I can't handle."

"Can we stop talking about this?" I requested with a sigh, looking at Emma and asking her to just drop the damn topic off.

The bell rang and Roman went to open the door, the little shit acting like it's his house. My eyes flickered to the door, curious because it can't be Alex, he has a key. It can't be Ronald, I made sure he was already working on something and away from here.

The shock on Roman's face had me stepping forward, my eyes falling on no one but Isaac himself as he stepped inside, so casually, as if he owned the damn place. Without thinking, I pulled my gun out, while my other hand wrapped around Natalie's wrist, pulling her behind me, shielding her from whatever the fuck he is planning.

For a mere second, my gaze flickered to Emma, assessing her state. If no one holds her back, hellfire will rain on us today.

My jaw ticked as he stepped forward, followed by a couple of his men, "What the hell are you doing here?" I grated out.

His eyes went from Emma, to me, then to the girl I was hiding behind me, "I see you didn't listen to me yet," He simply said, casually addressing this as if he didn't attack us two days ago and literally killed his own grandson.

I looked at Emma again, her face twisted into a deadly expression. She was more than ready to march forward but Roman's hand curled over her wrist, temporarily guarding her down in place.

But Isaac cared about nothing, his eyes focused on Natalie behind me, his unwavering gaze had her curl her hand over the back of my jacket, holding into me, uncertain and scared.

"Natalie," He said and behind me Natalie mumbled, utterly confused, "He knows my name?"

A small smile pulled at his lips, "Sweetheart, don't you think you can do much better than him?"

I stepped forward, having enough of him, "Get the fuck out of here," I hissed, my fingers tightening over the gun.

"I think you are the last person to tell me that," Natalie's words had me turning around, she was glaring at Isaac and my eyes widened, silently telling her this isn't the time for her to use her straightforward trait.

Isaac chuckled, amused, "And why is that?"

My hand tightened over her wrist, "Natalie-"

She didn't listen to me, her eyes at him, "Because you are a terrible person."

He smiled, "But my son is even more terrible, don't you know that?"

"No, he isn't!" Natalie defended and I again tightened my grip, begging her to just stop talking.

Isaac gaze drifted to me and he sighed at my defensive state, "Chill, Nikolas, you think I would knock on your door if I wanted to kill anyone," He said with a scoff before he looked back at Natalie, "There are just some loose ends we need to take care of."

His head tilted as he gazed at her, "Do you really think he is a good person?"

Natalie nodded, "Yes, he is."

Isaac's eyebrows pulled closer, "Did he tell you about his ex-wife?" He said, playing it dirty like I expected him to do, bringing up the one thing that could easily push Natalie away from me, "Ask him about her, then tell me, is he a terrible person or not?"

As if his mission was done with her, he turned to look at Emma, "You know you were my favorite, Emma," He said, faking concern, "Whether you believe me or not, it does hurt me to have hurt you, but that was supposed to happen," He was only adding more fuel to the fire, Emma was seconds away from snapping, "You were raised to be strong, so I know that this little inconvenience will not break you."

Those specific two words had Emma breaking free of Roman's grip, growling as she marched forward. A knife in her hand, ready to attack and when I saw his men moving, I let go of Natalie's hand, "Get back!" I ordered her before I moved forward, my hand urgently went to Emma's arm, grabbing her, my arm went around her body, holding her back and stopping her from making a mistake now, from losing it and having other people get hurt again.

Emma groaned and tried to break free but I didn't let her. For god's sake, she was shaking, her gaze focused on him as she grated out, "You will die," She said, a big promise in her word.

The mad-man only smiled, "So?"

"You will fucking die and that throne you love so much, it will be burnt to ashes," She said, her voice loud and clear, venom dripping within her words, "That kingdom you spent years building will crumble down, it wasn't build in one day but it will burn in one, you have my word father, when you die, nothing will be left to speak of you!"

He shook his head, "That's where you're so wrong," He said, so calm toward our threats, so comfortable with idea of his demise, his words holding a double meaning, neither of us to understand now, "Because even dead, I am gonna still be the winner, Emma."

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Hey!

So, how was the chapter? What's your thoughts?

I hope you enjoyed it!

Seeing Nik struggle with the whole relationship thing is quite amusing xD poor man, guns are the only thing he can handle.

We didn't get an Emma and Roman scene in this chapter, but we will next chapter.

See ya later, bye! Love y'all!