CHAPTER ONE

OPEN MARRIAGE.

Nina's POV.

"I think we should have an open marriage." Nate, my husband suggested and it felt like my world had just crumbled.

Did I hear right or was I hallucinating?

"An open marriage?" I repeated, just to be sure because currently, my hands that were holding the concealer to cover up the bruises on my face and neck were trembling.

"Yes, You heard right, Nina." He frowned, showing his displeasure at being asked to repeat himself and I bit my lower lips hard.

"But why? What did I do wrong?"

"Well, I am tired of you Nina. You are just too fat and have almost crushed my bones multiple times." He half-yelled and I jolted on the chair I was sitting on, my heart tightening in pain from his words.

"You lay like a log on the bed and sweat profusely all the damn, fucking time. You know this is the reason why we lost our child." He began, his words slicing through me like a blade.

"Because you are just too heavy. It is also why you slipped down the staircase and had a miscarriage, because you are not fit to be a mother." He snarled as my lips quivered.

I was trying to hold back my tears. How could my husband say all of these to me?

"Also there are a few rules you must follow if you miraculously find a man that would want you." He paused, his expression tightening.

"1. You can flirt, date, kiss and even sleep with others but don't you dare to bring them home." He warned with a dark glint in his eyes, sending shivers down my spine.

I found myself nodding as he continued.

"2. You must disclose every partner's name, job and STD history."

"And finally, you must cover all costs yourself because I am sure as hell not paying for your freedom." He said and I fought the urge to laugh bitterly.

I didn't want to get smacked on my face again, my head was still seriously hurting from the previous one.

But then he was funny. He wanted me to pay for a freedom I didn't even ask for, one he was imposing on me forcefully to probably make himself feel better about cheating.

"You can get out now." He ordered but I sat down, watching as he collapsed on the bed without sparing me a second glance.

Words couldn't express the emotions bursting through me right now, especially the pain.

I didn't want him to see or hear me cry so I dashed into the bathroom and burst into heavy tears, shivering as I sniffed.

What crime did I commit, apart from loving him?

I did everything to please him and yet all he wanted was to still look outside.

Everything happening now just made me remember my brother, Ryan's warning against Nate but I refused to listen then.

I thought I could handle him but all I got in return was bruises.

I finished the rest of my makeup, took in a deep breath and then headed to the bar for some drinks to clear my head, because I couldn't stay in this house anymore, it was too suffocating.

As I entered the club, the loud noises made my head pound heavily but I just ignored it, sat down and gave the bar man my orders.

While waiting, I felt someone wrap his hands around my neck and shudder because it felt like thousands of bugs were crawling on my skin.

"Hey beautiful." A raspy voice said and I turned to see a creepy, looking guy flashing his awful looking smile at me.

"Hi, can you let me go." I tried pushing his hands off but his grip tightened as he bent towards my face like he wanted to kiss me.

"Why should I? I mean how about you come with me to my hotel room? I will pay you." He said and I frowned.

Who does he think I was?

"I don't know what idea you have but I am not a hooker." I struggled and he scoffed.

"Are you trying to ignore me? You should feel lucky a man like me even wants anything to do with a pig like you. Now let's go." He tried forcing me when;

"She said you should let her go." I heard a deep voice, that sent goosebumps all over my body, behind me and turned to see him.

Axel, my brother's best friend, standing there like the boss he was. His hands clenched into fists.

My heart skipped a beat from panic.

What the hell was he doing here?

"And you are?" The guy holding me snarled, still refusing to let me go but Axel didn't answer him and instead punched him hard in the face.

I heard a cracking sound, indicating his nose was probably broken as he collapsed to the floor, bleeding and passed out.

Axel snapped his fingers and some guards appeared immediately to bundle the stranger from our presence, while I sat there, stunned.

What just happened?

"You okay?" Axel inquired, stretching out his hand as if to touch me but suddenly paused and withdrew it as he sat down.

"Thank you." I appreciated as I sat beside him, burying myself in the vodka in front of me.

I tried to pretend like he wasn't there because how dare him show up after years of disappearing?

There was silence in-between us, neither of us saying a thing and in no time, I was drunk, feeling tipsy so I stood up to try and dance but wobbled and almost tripped.

"Yo, easy." Axel caught me in my arms before I could hit the floor, my head meeting his chest as I inhaled his wonderful, Nivea cologne.

He smelt so nice and felt so warm.

I raised my head to look into his face and gulped from the deep intensity I caught in his blue eyes.

He was so handsome, with those full lashes of his that always made me envious. His chiseled features hardened as he patted me slowly on the back.

"You have had too much to drink, let me get you home." He whispered, trying to pull away but I refused to allow him and rather, wrapped my hands around his neck.

He froze and I chuckled, wondering if it was the work of the alcohol.

"Nina?" He called in a warning tone but I refused to listen and instead tiptoed to smash my lips against his.

He groaned and pulled backwards, narrowing his eyes at me.

"What are you doing?"

"I want you." I answered truthfully and his jaw dropped. "I always have."

I started pulling on his jacket as I pressed my body against his while rubbing my thighs together furiously.

It was like I needed him bad. I could feel myself getting wet.

"Are you sure?" Axel asked again and I nodded but before I could blink, he already covered my lips with his.

He tasted like chocolate, so delicious as he pinned me against the wall, his hands wrapping themselves around my waist.

He drew me into him in a way that I could feel his bulge pressing against my stomach. He trailed kisses all over my face, down to my neck and chest.

His hands left my waist and fondled my boobs through my gown. I let out a moan, throwing my head backwards as the pleasure overwhelmed me.

I shouldn't be doing this, it was all shades of wrong but despite being married to Nate, I had secretly hosted a desire for Axel, in fact he was my mate that rejected me because he didn't want to betray my brother, who was his best friend and because I was hurt, I found solace in Nate.

Anyways, since Nate gave me the permission, then I can fuck my brother's best friend right?