Chapter 6

“Is something wrong here?” Damien stepped in causing Nico’s eyes to snap to him.

“We’re both fine. If you don’t mind I’d like to have some private time with my wife.” Nico said coldly.

“I just need some fresh air.” My eyes pleaded with Damien, hoping he’d catch on.

“I can take you to the balcony.” He suggested but Nico’s grip didn’t loosen. He pulled me closer to him.

“As I told you, it’s fine. In fact you can take the night off.”

“With all due respect, I work for Mrs Pembroke and she calls the shots so if she’s okay with me leaving then I’ll go.” He said and Nico scoffed.

“It’s fine Damien. You can take the night off. I’ll just go get some fresh air on the balcony.” I smiled. He gave me a lingering look, excused himself and left.

“That bodyguard of yours is getting carried away. He better watch his steps.” Nico sneered as he dragged me off to the balcony.

When we were out of eyeshot, he slammed me into the wall, pinning my hands above my head.

“You’re so fucking pathetic, trying to cause a scene like that.” He snapped and I closed my eyes.

A whimper left my lips. “You’re hurting me.”

“I don’t care, you need to act your part. This event is-

The buzz of his phone cut him off as he busily checked the caller ID. A smile etched its way into his face.

“One of your whores?” I snapped and his eye flickered to mine.

“None of your fucking business. Just go back inside and you better act your role or you’ll be very fucking sorry.”

I scurried away. Rushing to the washroom, I surveyed the damage from where he dug me to the marks that were printed on my wrists.

“Fuck.” I ran my hands under some cold water and it eased the burning sensation from his grip.

The door swung open and to my surprise Damien stood there.

“I thought you left.”

“I was leaving when I saw you both on the balcony. I saw him hurt you.”

“What does it matter? It’s always been like this.” I muttered as I turned off the water.

“That’s not okay Aisla.”

Grabbing a paper towel, I dried off my hands and tossed the paper in the bin.

“Damien, it doesn’t concern you.”

“It does, you ordered me to protect you.”

“Well, don’t make me regret that. Look, I know how to handle Nico. Just stay out of the way.” I brushed past him and returned to the Gala.

I didn’t want him getting involved with Nico, I knew how he could be and I couldn’t risk that.

I was mingling with a few guests when Nico decided to introduce me to some of the people he was working with.

“Well, hello beautiful. I’m Xavier.” The blonde man introduced himself. He was quite handsome but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes.

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Aisla.” He kissed my hand and then glanced over to Nico.

“Why don’t you both come over to my place tomorrow and we will discuss if I’ll invest in your company, hm?”

“We’d be delighted. Wouldn’t we darling?” Nico flashed a smile.

“Yes of course.” I forced a smile as I caught Xavier’s eyes taking over my body.

“Excellent. I’ll send you the location. If you’ll excuse me, I have a few more people to talk over some things with.” He excused himself.

“He seems interested in you.” Nico whispered in my ear.

“Oh? I hadn’t noticed.” I muttered sarcastically.

“You can seduce him and that would land me the deal. He would invest in no time.”

“Seduce him!?” I whisper-yelled, “That’s crazy.”

“It’s effective. Besides you owe me for your outrageous behavior tonight.”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“You’re raising your voice and you need to calm down Aisla. Don’t make me have to punish you further.”

I didn’t say another word as he led me to meet other people. I greeted them and spoke as politely as possible.

The ride back home was uneventful and I was thankful for that. Nico was busy texting on his phone and I just stared out of the window.

Is this all my life is?

“I have some things to handle. Don’t wait up.” Nico said as the car dropped me off.

I rushed to my room and collapsed on the bed. Teas brimmed in my eyes. I almost forgot how horrible he was.

A soft knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts.

“Come in.” I called as I quickly wiped my tears.

Damien entered the room. He didn’t say a word as he strode over to me and pulled me into his arms.