Nicklaus pov
*Harrington Group*8pm“Who dared to intercept our new arrivals?!”“This unimaginable boldness is intriguing!” I thought as I held the wine glass so tight I feared I might crush it.Standing in the pitch black room with only the moonlight reflecting through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.My cold sharp eyes giving reference to the murderous aura emanating from me effortlessly.Taking interval sips from the glass while swirling the wine to the rhythm of my ire.“Whoever it is, better prays to God I don’t find em!”. Cause I swear no where on earth will be safe!.”*Door opens*“Nick, we’ve got him” klaus annouced“Who?” I growled with impatience.“Mr Thompson of the Huzari Clan”.Klaus answered watering my itching curiosity“That Perverted fool has the nerves to steal from me?!”I asked with a smirk others like to call the devil’s grin.“Putting fools like these in their place is my forte”.“Where is he?” I asked“He’s currently on his way to the Boutam Auction,Boss, should we apprehend him?” Klaus asked“No. Have R2 stationed for extraction of our arrivals”.“Kill anyone who stands in their way”.“And finally get the car ready, we’re going to Boutam auction”.I said with a stern expression as I grabbed my coat and headed for the exit.*phone rings*“Hello”-I answered in my usual deep voice.“You son of a b*tch!, is this how you greet your father?!.You finally decided to pick my call huh? You punk!” He roared from the other end.“I guess that makes you the bitch” I said in an indifferent tone just to further agitate him.“Or would you rather I call you by your name. Adam, just like old times?”.I moved the phone from my ears cause I could swear he was raining curses at me.“What do you want Adam?”. I asked sternly.He knew I wasn’t joking around and responded.“A wife for you”.I stayed silent.“The coronation is due in two months, you are well aware that without a wife you won’t be able to succeed me.Or do you want to be stripped off your birth right and hand over the clan to your brother Lucious?.” He added.“Adam”-“No more excuses Nicklaus, your mother has taken the leverage and found a suitable family’s heiress”. He interjected.“You mean Juliet my Stepmother” I snorted.“Another engagement dinner has been fixed tomorrow by 7pm, don’t even think of pulling an absent stunt like the last time!”.I ended the call with a furrowed brows, there’s no way I’m gonna let Juliet have her way with selecting a bride for me!“Boss, we’re here”the chauffeur announced.I took long strides into the hall and as always the crowd stared in awe.My eyes fixated at the old hag who doesn’t seem impressed by all the girls paraded on stage.But I wasn’t bothered in the slightest, after all there’s more than one way to kill a rat.Soon the auctioneer announces the final piece, the Phoenix, and his eyes light up.“Jackpot” I voiced out.“Boss, since when were you swayed by pretty girls?” Klaus asked obviously misreading the situation.I shot him a death glare hoping that’s enough to shut him up but of course I was wrong cause he went on,“I mean, there’s nothing to be shy about boss,with so many beauties it’s only natural that at least one catches your eyes, after all you’re a functional man, huh?”“You obviously have a death wish...”just before I could give him a piece of my mind the auctioneer declare,Going. Going...Unaware of the initial bid thanks to klaus that d*ck head, Ivoiced“Ten million dollars!”Don’t know how much these usually cost but the stares told me I went overboard. Well it doesn’t matter, as long as I ousted that perverted scum.Leaving the hall and letting klaus handle the necessary process.“Get me every information on that girl, and I’ll be needing a document.”***“Nicklaus, she’s in, everything’s prepared.” Klaus said.Entering the room I was welcomed to a dim lightening and a young lady probably in her early twenties sitting blindfolded on the bed.I took hurried strides towards her and tugged on her blindfolds unveiling huge pairs of siren blue eyes.Grabbing her chin tightly while she wince in pain as I stared deep into her eyes, surprisingly she held my gaze.“Get up and strip” I commandedA ton of emotions flash through her eyes most of which were disbelief then sudden realization as she gets up.I let go.She walks towards the counter and downs a full glass of wine to my bewilderment, then attempts to strip.“It’s stuck, pls help me” she saidThis girl is really something...Closing the gap between us while she retreats and soon hits the wall.I stared down at her rosy full lips and soon captured them.A quick tease was my intention but as my lips met hers,a soft peach blossom fragrance filled my nostrils, I found myself leaning in for more.But that thought was short lived and instantly replaced with fuming anger, I was beyond furious.“Such nerves!” I growled with burning rage“I’m sor-sorry,” she went on pleading.“How dare you lay a finger on me?!, you sold yourself and now you suddenly have pride?Are you trying to show me you have a good upbringing?. Something that you learnt from your mother?!”I roared while staring straight into her eyes.Her gaze intensified, it was fierce and sharp. I stared on intrigued. Not only was she holding gaze with my intimidating eyes but she was currently staring daggers at me.“I’m sorry I raised my hand against you , I had no right”. She said sympathetically“But what I would not tolerate is you insulting my mother!. Yes I sold myself and I would do it all over a again if it means I can save a precious life.And you have no right to judge me when you don’t know me!” She spat back with burning rage, then added“I’m not a fool to think the agreement still stands, I will do everything in my power to pay back the Ten million dollars.” She said as she walked passed me.*clap* clap*“Congratulations, Arya you passed the test” I said as she stopped in her tracks“What?!”“I had to be sure you wouldn’t fall for my brother’s charm.Over there is a contract, sign it.It’s a one year marriage contract with all the conditions listed.”“Wait, what?!” She asked with a raised brow“Did I stutter? I hate repeating myself”“This was intended to be a one night stand, I didn’t sign up for this”. She responded“Your terms clearly state you will oblige to anything I ask of you tonight.” I said indifferently then added.“Don’t think you’ve got a choice, if you want your mother to safely receive treatment you better do as you’re told!” I said hinting a threat.Oh, and next time you lay your hands on me, I promise you’ll lose them”.“Tomorrow’s dinner is at 7pm, prepare for war!”.Arya’s point of view I almost voiced out my irritation at the way he roughly tugged the cloth off my eyes causing my hair to cascade down my shoulders.Already at the climax of my curiosity, I locked his gaze immediately the wrap left my eyes.This man...Is this the man that bought me? He’s.. he’s so handsome, Oh my gosh!.Saying I was spellbound would be an understatement! This man must be a Greek god like in the movies, with his exotic facial features there’s no doubt women swoon all over him, honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if men did too.For short, he’s the perfect description of your dream idol. From his sharp jawline and high nose bridge to his masculine broad shoulders and long slender legs all screaming perfection.Although I wouldn’t have pictured him for the type who buys girls at an auction especially with this stoic expression of his, plus he could get any woman he wants!Well, it’s as they say, you can’t judge a book by its cover, tsk.All these thoughts running throu
Author’s POVThere’s a saying that sleep isn’t enjoyed in a new environment,Arya thought as she sat up while stretching her limbs on the king-sized bed. She let out a yawn in satisfaction while walking towards the floor-to-ceiling curtains and spread them apart with one swing giving way for the mild morning sunlight to envelop the room with some refreshing theme color to its interiors.Taking in the nice fresh air in a deep breath she said out loud.“Whoever made that saying hasn’t tried sleeping in a magnificent castle-like mansion”.This place is beautiful and very soothing to the eyes she thought as she kept looking at the well gardened surroundings through the window in a daze and for a moment wished for such a peaceful life like the birds and butterflies flying around in harmony.But that moment of peace was fleeting as she heard a loud thud on the door and without waiting for a response the door was immediately flung open followed by a tray of maids flocking in with all sort
Arya’s pov Unfathomable emotions washed over my features as I stared at the groom’s name column on the certificate. “Mr. Nicklaus Harrington”.How did I get involved with the most dreaded and dangerous man in M country and undoubtedly the world?Oh my gosh! I instantly regretted my previous actions. A man that is known for his brutal nature and ruthless actions in the business world, rumors have it that he’s a mafia and a tyrant of the underworld, the most merciless one at that. Is the supposed man I’m getting married to? What do I do?.“What’re you doing? Sign the papers”. His deep voice interrupted my dilemma while I batted my eye lids continuously to get back my composure, but all to no avail as my face grew pale white seeming like all blood has drained from it.I stood there frozenly rotted to the ground not being able to utter a response or take action. Am I making the right decision? So many questions but no forthcoming answer. I bit on my lower lip subconsciously, my ha
Nicklaus’s POVDressed in my usual exotic tuxedo while standing in front of my broad-way stairs reading through Arya’s past, but I couldn’t understand why I felt a tightening in my chest the moment she came to view. She’s a girl whose been through a lot of betrayals and scorn from the people she calls family. Maybe the feeling in my chest is a result of the guilt I feel dragging her into my mess, I thought to convince myself.The emotions in her eyes stared at me with expectations, a luxury I just cannot afford to offer. I looked away knowing she had no idea the new world that awaits her, she probably wouldn’t be giving me that look if she knew the monster I was.She doesn’t deserve any of this. Not what she went through in the hands of her family, definitely not what she’s gonna go through with me and she certainly doesn’t need to dye her hair while she’s with me, I voiced out and I could see her eyes lit up at once.The engine roared to life and began the ride, although it was
Arya’s povThe first person that came to view immediately we stepped into the dinning section was a young lady seemingly around my age, I caught her reaction when she noticed our ambiguous posture and how she fought hard to keep her composure while twitching her lips upwards into a forced smile that gradually turned to a wide grin revealing all her dentures.She approached us with a burst of enthusiasm or rather she approached Nicklaus as she completing ignored my existence and tried bridging her way to give Nicklaus a peck that didn’t get a chance to reach his cheeks as he tossed her aside with a swing of his unoccupied arm and headed straight for our seats leaving her forced to flash another half-hearted smile.I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her, she’s just a poor sister craving her brother’s love, did he really have to push her like that? So heartless. Although I felt their relationship was kinda strange but this was a family dinner after all, if she wasn’t his sister then who
Lucious POV“Why’re there still so many papers to sign?”. I asked to no one seeing I was alone in my now dark office as time was far spent. Soon the door opened and my assistant Dylan approached me. “Sir, you still have one more agenda scheduled for this evening”.Hearing this I furrowed my brows, as if today’s arrangements for the new movie shooting wasn’t enough, there was more to add?. “Which is?”. I asked irritably.“Your mother’s invitation to a family dinner which I believe to be a disguise for an engagement between your brother Nicklaus and his fiancée”. He responded earning a raised brow from me, “you mean the bride in the photo with the ginger colored hair you sent to me just yesterday?”. This is just hilarious, why was he in such a hurry? He couldn’t be thinking I’ll fight to be Adam’s successor, could he?. Anyways that’s none of my concern.“No, it seems your mother has arranged someone else for Nicklaus. I believe her name was Veronica Lucas”. Dylan revealed and I co
Nicklaus POVWith Arya out of sight my dark and terrifying demeanor returned but this time it intensified at the very thought of what awaits my prey. Not letting even a second slide, immediately my call ended I dashed for the car but for some odd reason I looked over my shoulder only to reveal a now empty space, although I found her restless and childish behavior quite annoying, I couldn’t deny that it was lively and added a little color to my usually mundane and humdrum drives. “Snap out of it Nick” I murmured at the realization of my sudden drifting.“Yes boss?” My Chauffeur inquired. “It’s nothing” I dryly replied as I met his surprised gaze through the rear mirror “Uhm hmm” I cleared my throat in an attempt to alleviate the awkward atmosphere knowing he was perplexed at my change in attitude, it was of course very unlikely to find me talking to myself even I can’t fathom my words or actions lately especially my little display back at the dinning. Why on earth did I kiss her know
Arya’s POVRushing to the reception counter to inquire my mom’s current location and I felt my heart sink as a shiver pass through my veins the moment the receptionist gave her feedback “Mrs Melissa is currently in the theater on the 21st floor ma’am”. She announced in a professional tone while I felt my legs giving in to the intrusive thoughts that filled my head but I somehow found my way to the elevator and leaned over by the railings least I faint from my continuous shivering.Standing in front of the shut emergency doors and breathing shakily while actively trying to calm my rising pulse which didn’t go halfway subsiding the situation,I find a seat and relax my legs but the pressure in my chest was getting worse as I clenched it tightly fighting hard to breathe but the more I tried the harder it became. It was evident I was having a panic attack and there’s no surprise there, I’ve had several cases of panic attacks in the past when my mom collapsed or fainted and this case was