Natalie's POVI wanted to hit him.I wanted to grab that gun he keeps around and hit him on the head with it."I won't understand?" I questioned, not caring to hide how I felt offended because how dare he, "It's my job to understand," I added, taking a step forward, frustrated at his words and actions, "For god's sake, even when you keep me at an arm's length, even when you hide away every single thing about you, even when I know you for just a couple of months now, I still understand, maybe parts only, but I do.""You killed in front of me, Nikolas, I saw in your eyes how by doing so, it soothed you," I explained, "You keep warning me, telling me that you did all these horrible things," I added, "You wanna talk about red flags, they are all over the place but that's only for someone looking at the surface," I pressed my hand over my chest, "I don't look at the surface, I studied it in books how not to look at the surface," My eyebrows pulled closer, "Do you think that if for a second

Nikolas's POVHe threw his words proudly, the smug look in his eyes proved to me he is hiding something; that one single thing which I can't put my finger on, the missing unknown in the equation, the one that could finally give me the upper hand over him.His eyes drifted to Natalie, one last time before they fell on me again, in his gaze a warning and a threat to get away from her or else. My jaw tightened, my unwavering gaze telling him I am no way near submitting to his orders. His lips twitched, hiding his sadistic smile before he ended it there and turned around, leaving, followed by his men and I tightened my arm around Emma, feeling her determination to break free and run after him.A groan rumbled from her throat and when I was sure he's gone, I loosened my grip, finally letting her go. Her chest heaved with each angry breath she took, the rage pushing in and out, spreading like wildfire over the skin of her neck and painting it red, "He should die," She grated out, her eyes o

Natalie's POV"What did you do?" I asked again when he didn't answer, his previous tone scaring the hell out of me, and the worst scenarios cooked up in my mind.When it comes to his lifestyle, I can't help but think of the unthinkable.He just rested the side of his head over my chest, pretty much comfortable. My hand moved from his cheek to his hair, running my fingers through it and smoothing it back. I couldn't deny that I was partially enjoying this little moment by having him this close, he isn't usually the very touchy type, but drunk him is breaking all the rules."Nikolas," I called for him again."Hmm?" He said, nuzzling his head as if I am the most comfortable pillow ever."You said you did something, what happened?" I asked, "You're getting me worried."He just shook his head, "Shush, let's not talk about that," He mumbled and as I stared down at his innocent expression, I couldn't hold back my smile and shook any other thought away. If it's serious, he will tell it to me

Natalie's POVI didn't understand a single thing.Not that I ever do when it comes to Nikolas and his messed-up life.But that didn't stop me from crouching down beside the little kid, taken aback by the immense agony in his beautiful eyes. My heart ached and I forced on a smile, warmly approaching him when he seemed to be distancing himself away from everyone, whether it's from Nikolas, or the other kids playing around the small field.He placed his small hand in mine, shaking it, "It's Christian," He mumbled when I asked for his name, hesitant to be telling such information to a full stranger but my warm approach gave him the slightest comfort as he added, "But you can call me Chris."My head tilted as I gazed at him some more, trying to understand his situation. He looked too skinny for his age, not the healthy type but the one coming from improper nutrition. His skin was whitish pale and the eyes that should be all bright and innocent at this age, looked so broken, severely pullin

Natalie's POVI could see the heartbreak wrap up with the shock in his gaze and I wanted to cry and just cry till no tears will be left...but I held myself back."What do you mean?" The words left him as a mere whisper and I wanted to step forward and wrap him up in my embrace, I wanted to tell him that I don't want this either, that just last night I slept in your arms and realized just how intense my feelings for you are.I wanted to tell him that I am falling for him, faster than the speed of light, but instead, "It's better if we break up, Nikolas," The words left my mouth with so much certainty that split my heart into half."But," He tried to say, lines etched between his forehead as he took a step closer. I involuntarily took one backward, scared of his closeness and what it could do to me, "But we didn't even talk about what happened, Natalie."I shook my head, "There is nothing to talk about," I mumbled, "There will always be lies with you, there will always be things hidden,