Chapter eight: Party’s over

Nicklaus’s POV

Dressed 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 a long ride I’ve gotten quite used to it, the same can’t be said for the restless being beside me turning and tossing all the way undoubtedly distracting me.

We arrived and the look of relief on her face was quite amusing. I gripped her waist from behind taking her completely by surprise but there was no time for explanations, she’s about to step into a world of vipers.

As far-fetched as this may sound, I’m the only one she can trust and the key to her survival otherwise she’ll be eaten alive in this ruthless world.

Taking sturdy steps to the dining area I held her like a shepherd protecting his sheep, I couldn’t imagine the abrasive thoughts running through the mind of that old scum.

As expected Juliet was present with Veronica my said fiancé. Oh shit! I left out that crucial detail, I hope Arya wouldn’t be too shaken by the news. I thought as we took our seats at the table.

The brewing storm lurking in the atmosphere which was diligently waiting for a trigger intensified as I locked gaze with Adam who had on his usual scornful expression. “I heard your arrivals

got intercepted”. He stated casually but only I knew it held a deeper meaning one that echoed a warning. Younger me would’ve been shaken to my bones at the inhuman punishment that awaits but I was no longer a child.

“There’s no need to worry, Everything is under control”. Saying this I averted my gaze to Juliet and watched how she minced her emotions in the flash of an eye satisfying my hunch that she had something to do with it. That’s all the answer I needed tonight.

“Never in Harrington clan history has this ever happened, you’re starting to show signs of weakness”. He said staring straight into my eyes as though searching for a conviction but he found none as I held on my cold resilient gaze. Weakness is like a disease to the Harrington clan a slight show and it’ll be rooted out.

He released his gaze and focused on his food while I let out a spasmodic laugh. “Of course such an act could only be done internally”. I stated staring into Juliet’s eyes.

“Stop with the trickery and tell me what you mean”. Adam asked already getting agitated as he dropped his cutleries but I wasn’t in the business of feeding someone else’s curiosity.

“I already told you I’ll take care of it. Plus this isn’t the setting for such conversations. I’ve brought a wife as you requested, aren’t you gonna acknowledge her?”. I asked changing the subject to the real order of the day.

But right that instant Veronica sought to open her mouth and sprout meaningless gibberish causing my blood to boil a few degrees.

“What’re you talking about Nick, we’ve been betrothed since kids”. She spat causing clueless Arya to sputter water from her mouth and break into a coughing fit.

I shot Veronica a deadly stare to shut her up while tending to Arya but Juliet immediately followed suit.

“You can’t just break the promise between the families, it could cause trouble for you”. She said as though she had my best interest at heart. “Watch me” I responded with no ounce of sympathy as I watched Veronica’s aggrieved stare towards Arya.

“As far as it stands we’re already engaged and nothing’s gonna change that Nick”. She said dwelling on false illusions.

About to end this word play but hesitated as I felt soft fingers graze pass my face as though checking my temperature, I squinted my eyes to scrutinize her movements and figured she was tryna play along, I was mentally pleased with myself for selecting her, she sure has potentials, her method of getting on Veronica’s nerves were indeed interesting.

She offered me a forked up stake but my mom was the only one I ever allowed to feed me.

So I hesitated staring into her eyes filled with expectations while not wanting to disappoint our audience my eyes lit up with a glint of mischief.

“I prefer this” I said while leaning in not to take the stake but to seize her full rosy lips which now tasted of the sweet wine into a kiss taking everyone including Arya by surprise.

“Nick!” Veronica bellowed breaking the sweet sensation as I had no intentions of explaining.

“Enough!” Adam roared cutting Veronica’s incoming wailing to a halt while I caught Arya’s flustered expression and how she bit down her lower lip making me feel a certain way down there. God damn it! Get a grip Nick.

“What’s your family name?” Adam asked dropping the bombshell on Arya and I watched her surprised face turn pale, she was really helpless.

“Her family’s name isn’t important”. I responded defensively, if the old man wanted to have it he should take it out on me.

“That doesn’t mean you can bring in a nobody”. He stated gritting his teeth as evidence of his brewing internal rage but I wasn’t bothered in the slightest “I’m not asking for your permission, just as you didn’t ask for mine when you brought in your nobody”.

I responded darting my gaze to Juliet whose mask wavered for a second, I scoffed, I’ll like to see how long she can put on that pretentious mask.

“You!” Adam muttered flaring his nostrils as he stomped his hands on the table nearly knocking down the dishes. “If you cannot bring a lady from a prestigious family then you’ll have to honor your betrothal and get married to Veronica Lucas and that is final”. He announced

“I’ve made my decision, if you’re not going to accept it then go ahead and hand over the clan to Lucious”. I spat to further provoke the old man.

“You punk! How dare yo-!” He retorted aggrieved by my audacious retaliations but his words were cut off by his stimulated coughing while he held on to his chest as though he was having a heart attack but I couldn’t care less as he brought this hell upon himself, how is it that he doesn’t know he’s living with a vixen or did he choose to turn a blind eye to Juliet’s doings?

I narrowed my eyes dangerously as Juliet ran to his aid with a pill and a glass of water after which he became stable. How long has Adam had those symptoms, I wasn’t aware of such, just before I could question that suspicious movement I received a text from Klaus which changed my demeanor instantly while my lips coiled up into a diabolical grin.

Mission successful: New arrivals sealed and secured. We’ve apprehended Mr Thompson, now awaiting your orders boss.

Standing up abruptly I shifted my gaze to Arya and noticed her troubled expression like a kitty waiting to be picked up by its master. “Party’s over” I said while extending a hand to her and observed how colors appeared on her face.

“We’re not done talking” I heard Adam say while controlling his breathing for fear of another mini heart attack “But I am” I replied storming out of there with Arya who followed suit like an obedient little kitty.