Laura's POV:I knew immediately who it was without even glancing back. Who else but the loud and boisterous Nicholas. Abraham looked at him with surprise, "I thought you said you weren't coming down for breakfast?""I have every right to change my mind whenever I want to, don't I?" he quizzed."Of course, you do!" Abraham said, pulling out a chair for him as a smile played at the corner of his lips."Besides," Nicholas continued as he strode to the chair and sat down, "if anyone should have breakfast in their rooms, it sure as hell shouldn't be me; this is my house," he spat, glaring at me with vicious eyes.I remained silent, choosing not to say anything that might further anger him. I needed to apologize to him, though. After all, I was the one who had asked Abraham to call him on the phone as we had unfinished business. Once I was done apologizing, I also intended to tell him about my plans to move back to London.The table was set with a variety of dishes, their pleasant aroma fil
Nicholas' POV:I took out my phone from my pocket to check the caller's identity; it was Carlos. Annoyed, I rolled my eyes and answered the call, snapping, "Yes, what is it?""We just arrived, boss. We're heading to the mansion now," he replied.I heaved a sigh of relief and said, "Good, come to my room as soon as you get there.""Okay boss."Thank God he was finally here. I needed to clear my head, and leaving this house for a while would help with that. Once they arrived, we would go to the bar and meet the men there.I sat on my sofa and poured myself a glass of vodka, sipping it while staring at the curtains in my room. My mind was occupied with thoughts of my recent encounter with Laura.About fifteen minutes later, there was a knock on my door, and I already knew it was Carlos. After all, who else would it be? They should have arrived by now."Come in," I said.The door opened, and Carlos walked in, looking around my room as if he were seeing it for the first time."It's a good
Nicholas' POVWe entered the room and took our seats. I glanced at James, puzzled, and inquired, "What exactly happened?""We were returning from picking up a shipment. There were only about 5 of us in the truck," he said, resting his hand on the desk."We became suspicious when the driver noticed shiny objects on the road. It quickly dawned on us that something was amiss," his eyes widened as he recounted, "we might have all been killed since they had set up an ambush right in front of us."I listened attentively, as did the others. While he had briefed me on the incident earlier, it had been a summary. Now, I wanted the full details."How did you realize they had laid an ambush ahead?" Carlos asked. He was the only one audacious enough to ask questions in my presence without seeking permission first.James looked at Carlos and then at me, awaiting a nod of confirmation before proceeding. I subtly nodded, and he began, "We knew they had set an ambush because as soon as we saw the shi
Nicholas's POVHe appeared bewildered, clearly not anticipating my refusal to shake his outstretched hand. Glancing at his hand, he coughed and settled into his seat. Lighting a cigarette, he took a drag, releasing a cloud of smoke into the air.We locked gazes, and I broke the silence."This time, Vladimir, you've gone too far. You've crossed a line," I growled."Because of you, why did you choose to sell to another Russian in Italy? My new competition? And you didn't even bother informing me?" he inquired, his eyes fixed on me as he took a prolonged drag from his cigarette. I felt an urge to snatch the cigarette from his grasp and discard it."The cocaine is mine to distribute. I decide my buyers, and I answer to no one," I responded coldly, my gaze unwavering."We've been partners in business for years, Nicholas. We've never encountered any problems. Why stir up trouble now?" he asked, reclining in his chair."I can procure as many supplies as you can. You needn't supply any other
Laura's POVI stood in the corner, watching them with a pang of envy gnawing at me. He hadn't engaged with me much, not even offering a hug except when it led to intimacy. This newfound connection between him and Laura left me feeling uneasy.It all began during her mourning period. Prior to her departure from the secret hideout, he'd even shared his number with her, suggesting she reach out if she needed anything. Initially, I understood it as a gesture of pity for her loss, but now it seemed their rapport had blossomed into a close friendship.I do trust Sonia, though. I knew she held no malicious intentions; she would never do anything to harm me. She's been my support for years.I approached their location, still chatting, and greeted Nicholas. He briefly glanced at me and offered a slight nod in response.I was seething inside, though I concealed it. I wasn't going to let him believe his attempt to get under my skin was succeeding."Sonia, I'll be upstairs. Come find me when you'
Laura's POV"Nicholas mentioned that you've already made a decision to leave in a few days. Is that true? You told him that?" I was confused by what she had just said and the barrage of questions she was throwing at me."Wait, he said that?" I asked, puzzled."Yes, he did. Is it true?" she inquired."That wasn't exactly how I put it. First, what prompted the conversation?" I needed to know, as there can't be smoke without fire, especially with someone like Nicholas; something must have triggered that statement."He received a call from a certain dignified person about a birthday party happening next weekend," she said, rising from her seat. "Apparently, the person reminded him to bring a plus one, to which he declined, saying he would come alone," she folded her arms across her chest."After the call ended, I tried prying and asked him why he didn't want to go with someone.""He straightforwardly said, 'I don't have anyone to go with. Besides, I'm fine going alone.'""When I inquired
Laura's POVI was too scared to look back. So, I acted like everything was okay. He went right to the chair at the table's end and sat down, making a loud noise with the chair. When I looked at him, I realized he did it on purpose and he was looking at me.His face looked very serious. I felt nervous and said a quick hello."Well, I thought maybe I was too small for you to notice," he said in a joking way. Sonia looked at him, then at me, and did what she's good at—making things better."Laura isn't feeling well, Nicholas. That's why she's a bit distracted," she looked at me and gave me a quick wink, telling me to play along. "She's had a fever since last night. I barely slept, taking care of her," she added, stifling a yawn.I faked a cough and put my hand on my forehead, acting confused. Nicholas frowned and got up from his chair, coming over to where I was sitting. My heart started beating really fast. I didn't expect this when I decided to go along with the plan. I only thought he
Nicholas' POVAs the evening descended, I wrapped up my tasks at the office and decided it was time to return home. My intention was clear: I aimed to persuade Laura to reconsider, not merely through words, but by demonstrating my commitment. She was in for a surprise, one she wouldn't see coming.Arriving home, I noticed the time; it was already past 10 pm. Everyone seemed to have retired to their rooms for the night. I positioned myself beside Laura's door, my ear pressed against it, hoping to catch any sign of her being awake. However, there was nothing to hear.After a brief pause, I lightly tapped on the door, and moments later, I could hear the rustling of sheets, indicating she had hesitated before responding.As footsteps drew near the door, I straightened up and took a step back, slipping my hands into my pockets. The door swung open, revealing her standing there in nothing but a nearly transparent, red nightgown. Her hair flowed gracefully around her face, adding to her allu