Chapter 25
Twenty-Five
Maeve
I ’ve fallen for a man with a broken moral compass. Worse, a sick part of me kind of gets a thrill at the idea of him going through the trouble of stalking me. Did my last relationship break me so much that the idea of someone obsessing and giving me this much attention has me willing to sacrifice my morals? We couldn’t possibly have a healthy relationship, could we?
In his defense – oh good grief I’m defending his actions – he has toned it down. At first it was too much, too strong, too obsessive…
This past month, he’s making efforts to respect my boundaries and privacy. When I told him a long-distance relationship would be difficult, he asked if I would be willing to relocate to Las Vegas. I told him I couldn’t leave Gram and the closeness of my family. He didn’t even hesitate, told me he’d be fine living here.
I worry he’ll resent me if he has to make too many adjustments and changes. Leo did. I didn’t even realize we had problems. He confessed he’d been changing himself for me and hated who he’d become. He also said that Trina accepts him and isn’t an uptight prude. It hurt. I don’t recall ever asking Leo to change or do anything different. If anything, he’s the one who wanted our relationship to remain a secret since he’s the accountant for the KO Club. He’d been friends with Vincent for years, and I’d had the biggest crush on him. I’d never felt such humiliation and shame.
Leo is nowhere near as gorgeous, successful, and charming as Nick. If I couldn’t keep Leo, on what planet could I handle Nick. The cold hard truth is that I’m a game. A play thing, minor infatuation.
All afternoon I’ve busied myself with cleaning my house from top to bottom. I’ve even ironed all my clothing for the week in attempt to remain busy and not think about the stalking casino owner who’s turned my world upside down. My music is turned up loud to attempt to block out all thoughts and keep my momentum up. I make it a point to skip every sad song and the too mushy ones.
I shove an armful of towels into the washer and then pour the detergent. A yelp escapes me when I turn around to find Nick standing in the laundry room doorway. Strong hands grab my waist. He lifts me up and sets me on the edge of the dryer. His expression is dark, hungry, and…there’s a tinge of relief.
“What did we say about breaking into my house?” I ask.
“I tried calling. I rang the doorbell. I knocked. I did everything short of breaking down your door from beating on it so hard.”
Goosebumps erupt over my skin at his gravelly voice and strong hands slowly making their way over my body. I jolt in shock as his mouth claims mine in a raw primal need. I want to get lost in his touch, but there’s definitely something wrong. I push him back. The worry and anxiety etched lines on Nick’s face have a knot forming in my stomach.
“Nick.” I take his face in my hands. “Talk to me. If this is going to work, I need communication.” He clenches his jaw so I beg. “Please.”
“Only one person knows my past, Maeve.”
“Cleric,” I guess. He nods. “Okay.” I’m hurt that he claims to be obsessed with me. Him wanting a serious relationship, all this talk of chemistry, when he doesn’t even trust me.
Nick’s voice is thick when he speaks. “I say that for you to know how big this is and how difficult it is for me to tell you.”
I dissolve into his hold. I lay my head on his chest and wrap my arms around him, already knowing whatever he tells me is going to break me. It’s time we both shed our secrets and fears. I have to trust that I’ll survive whatever the outcome. Love or betrayal.
Nick opens up to me and tells me about witnessing his father’s death. He explains that he never knew his mother since she’d died when he was young, and because his father never remarried, Nick was juggled from house to house until he eventually ran away. He found Cleric, who more or less became his idol and father figure. It was only five years ago when Nick went out on his own. Then he confesses the entire truth about me going on the trip. Yes, Cleric wants someone he can trust to be Lani’s companion, but Trina also wishes me ill will.
I explain to Nick the history behind my relationship with Leo.
“He proposed? And you two were still dating in secret?”
“I know. It was pathetic. I think he only proposed to keep stringing me along.”
“Why was Trina desperate enough to go to The Golden Halo and seek out Cleric?”
That part doesn’t add up. I force myself to speak honestly and boldly, no matter how pathetic I might sound. “Trina easily caught Leo’s attention from me. You saw her. She’s a former beauty queen. Her career is far surpassing mine. She’s so confident and –”
“You can’t be serious? She’s fake, shallow, and has the personality of a dead fish. I’m not sure there’d be much difference between fucking her and a blowup doll. Where’d my she-wolf go, Maeve?”
Nick shakes his head with a pained expression. His hands fist the hem of my shirt before he jerks it over my head. I swallow back the urge to cover myself as he reaches around and easily unhooks my bra with the flick of his wrist. Someone’s done that a time or two.
He takes a step back and allows his eyes to get their fill. “You are the only woman who has ever left me speechless.”
Nick comes back to stand between my knees. “Place your arms around my neck and lift yourself up.” I do as I’m told and he pulls my shorts and panties down and tosses them to the side.
I shriek when he sits me back down on the dryer. “Sorry. Even though I was just sitting here the metal is cold.”
He shakes his head again. “It baffles me how you could think someone like that is – She’s not half the person you are.”
Barely above a whisper, I ask the question that plagued my heart for far too long. “Then why did Leo choose her?”
“Because he’s a fucking loser. Did it ever occur to you that he wasn’t brave enough to be with you? Secure enough? It’s him who is beneath you.”
I can’t help but smile. “Does that mean you’re worthy?” I tease.
“Not even fucking close, baby. But I’m a selfish prick. You already know my moral compass doesn’t point north.” Nick gives me a devilish smile that sends warmth throughout my body.
“You said you never wanted to have anyone in your life, that if you lost them, it would weaken you.” I take a moment to study his face. He nods in understanding. “You never wanted to experience the pain like with your father. And that’s how you’ve become so powerful…no weaknesses. Nick, would I be a weakness?”
“Yes. You would be my one weakness. But you should know, if I have a problem, I eliminate it.”
I wait for him to elaborate on that little tidbit. When he doesn’t, I ask, “Are you going to kill me because I’m your weakness? I’d be the problem.”
“What? No. I’m going to simply kill all my enemies.”
“A massacre over one person?”
“Well, when you put it like that it makes me sound quite the romantic, doesn’t it?” His voice comes out deliciously seductive.
I can’t help the wide grin that stretches my face. “You sound insane.”
“If they’re my enemy, I need to dispose of them anyways.”
“So you’re not doing it for me then?” I tease.
“Oh, now you want me to go on a killing spree in your honor?”
“This conversation is insane…like you.”
He leans forward and nips my shoulder and then sucks on it. “You’re the one that’s talking in circles because you can’t make up your mind.” Next, I feel his lips on my neck. “It’s like you refuse to let me make you happy. Is it because I said my enemies?” Nick’s face and tone are so innocent despite how dark the topic is. “I mean ours. Your enemies are now my enemies. Give me their names. They’re as good as dead.”
“No.” The word comes out as a strangled laugh. I can’t believe this is our conversation, and it’s happening so casually.
“Always playing hard to get.”
“No. I don’t want anyone to die because of me. Murder is a big one. Hard to come back from that. Besides, I don’t have any enemies. I’m charming and everyone loves me.”
“Leo and Trina?” He cocks his head to the side. Then his eyes become bright with excitement. “What about your boss?”
“You’ve terrorized them enough.”
“Instead of ending their miserable existence, you’d rather we continue with terrorizing them? Prolong torture.” His voice lowers and a mischievous smirk plays on his lips. “You’re dark, my little she-wolf.”
“They’re not a threat. Forget they even exist.”
“Fine. But the offer is there should you require my services.”
“There’s only one service I require.” I place my wrists at the back of his neck. “Come here.”
“Talk of slaughtering and torturing got you wet?”
“No.” She bows her head and sighs. Then she looks up at me with a look of adoration. “But speaking of torture, I’ve been sitting here on this metal dryer wet since you undressed me. But you won’t stop talking.”
“Is that right?” He chuckles.
“I appreciate our talk and opening up. But now, I’d rather you use your mouth for something else.”
“Something other than talking?” When I nod, he growls. “Go lie down. Be prepared for me to torture you with my mouth until you’re weeping.” Placing a kiss full of promise against my lips, he then whispers. “I’m going to give you so many orgasms you’ll be unable to walk.”