Trouble in Paradise

Rubbing my wrist, which was reddened from Nicholas grip, I said calmly, "I nearly got taken by the big bad wolf. We should leave. I'm terrified."

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Pete chuckled sardonically, his voice tinged with mockery. "Is there anything that still scares you? quite a tough cookie!"

I glanced up at Pete. He seemed to be on edge today, snapping at me with a quick temper. He seemed unusually unsettled, frequently running his hand through the strands of hair on his forehead. Catching the sight of Nicholas approaching from the corner of my eye, I gently placed my hand on Pete's chest without hesitation.

Tears still lingered in my eyes from my recent conversation with Nicholas. Meeting Pete's gaze through my watery eyes, I offered a gentle smile and said, "I'm not tough at all. I could really use your help with something. Could you possibly help me?" Pete quickly took a few steps back, his face contorted with disdain, though his ears quietly tumed red." Ms. Ari, I'm warning you. Say what you need to say, but don't lay a hand on me!"

It was the first time I had ever asked him for anything. He seemed incredulous, while I felt goosebumps break out across my skin.

I managed to restrain my urge to explode. My smile grew warmer as I said, "Pete, Mr. Harmon has other things to take care of, so we're leaving now. I'll text you later tonight to catch up on our longstanding friendship. We can talk freely about anything." Silas was a true gentleman. He said goodbye to Pete and Nicholas with genuine thoughtfulness, far more gracefully than I managed.

I took the initiative to leave. The atmosphere of the meal had upset my stomach so badly that I couldn't bear to stay a moment longer.

As I shut the car door, a hand unexpectedly prevented it from closing. Nicholas yanked me out from Silas' car's passenger seat.

He positioned himself before me, leaning casually against the car window frame as he addressed Silas. You don't have to worry about driving my wife, Mr. Harmon."

I watched as Silas expression hardened instantly. I was impressed by the commanding presence he effortlessly projected. He stated firmly. "She still has work to do!"

I became increasingly certain that Silas was indeed a formidable lawyer. It took someone of his caliber to strike fear with just a glance.

However, Nicholas' presence was even more formidable. I had to acknowledge he excelled in every aspect of his life except being a husband.

Not wanting Silas and Nicholas to escalate things because of me, I decided to say goodbye to Silas.

With no one else around, Pete dropped his façade. He walked over slowly, hands in his pockets, eyes shifting between me and Nicholas. After watching for a moment, he suddenly clapped his hands. "What's happening with you two? Are you arguing?"

I glanced down, smoothing out the wrinkles Nicholas had caused in my outfit as I explained, "We're not arguing. We simply-

Nicholas cut in. "I'm taking her with me."

I went quiet as I couldn't help but notice how Nicholas kept interrupting me. His patience with me seemed to have reached its limit.

Coupled with his usual aloofness, it was as if he had bestowed upon me the greatest gift just by being here to speak with me.

I sighed. As Nicholas strode ahead, he seemed to loom like an obstacle, blocking my view of Pete completely. All I could do was navigate around Nicholas, silently hoping Pete would bear with me a little longer.

Approaching Pete, I took his arm, and my voice softened. "Pete, I'd rather not go with him. Could you take me home instead?"

I could sense Nicholas' impatient breaths even without looking back.

My voice sounded soft and sweet, like a tempting piece of gummy. There was a time when I shamelessly flirted with Nicholas, using this tone to capture his attention whenever I craved his touch. My heart couldn't help feeling desolate.