LOGIN“Nico, I think that’s enough. You’ve tried so many times and it’s gonna get dark soon,”Nico shook his head without taking his attention away from the machine. He looked as though winning that stuffed animal had suddenly become a matter of life and death.“Give me a few more minutes. I’m gonna get this thing, I swear!”He was taking the challenge so seriously that the tip of his tongue appeared at the corner of his lips while he concentrated. A small bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, yet he refused to give up.Daniela folded her arms and smiled as she watched him continue.There was something strangely adorable about seeing someone as powerful and intimidating as Nico become completely obsessed with a claw machine. He had probably fought stronger opponents without breaking a sweat, yet a stuffed animal was giving him the fight of his life.“Yes!”They both exclaimed excitedly when the claw finally caught one of the stuffed animals and lifted it toward the opening.Nico immediate
The night sky was breathtaking. Daniela had never seen so many stars scattered across the darkness before, and their faint light seemed to reflect beautifully in Nico’s dark eyes. She found herself staring at him longer than she should have, quietly wishing she could stay like this forever.It was such a shame that they could never be together.“Can I ask you a deep question?” She broke the silence.Nico looked back at her, and Daniela gave him a small, gentle smile. He seemed to consider her question for a few seconds before finally nodding.“What do you think about Charles’s…new betrothal…?”He kept his eyes on her for a moment before reaching over and carefully tucking a loose strand of hair away from her face.“Daniela Blackthorn From the Crimson Vanguard,”Her pulse jumped the moment he said her name.For one ridiculous second, Daniela thought he was talking about her. Then she remembered that she had specifically asked about Charles’s new betrothal, and Nico was simply answering
By the time Daniela finished showering, she found a towel, a shirt, and a pair of shorts waiting just outside the bathroom door. She wrapped the towel around her wet hair and quickly changed.As expected, Nico’s clothes were far too big for her. The shirt hung loosely around her body, and the shorts were nearly as bad, although at least they stayed in place this time.“Nico?” She called softly as she stepped outside and looked around.There was no answer.She checked the small living room before moving toward the porch. When she stepped outside, she immediately spotted him.Nico was sitting beside the stream, close to the bank, with both legs dangling into the cool flowing water. His attention was fixed somewhere ahead, and the peaceful sound of the stream filled the silence around him.Daniela walked toward him and lowered herself onto the ground beside him.For a while, neither of them spoke.The quiet was surprisingly comforting, but Daniela still had the apology sitting in her che
They arrived at a small cottage beside a narrow stream in the early evening. As soon as Daniela climbed off the motorcycle, she turned slowly to take in her surroundings.The cottage stood in the middle of a beautiful green field, with a wide stretch of land extending far behind it. The breeze was cool and fresh against her skin, carrying the clean scent of grass and flowing water. Everything about the place felt peaceful. It was simple, quiet, and somehow perfect.She had expected Nico to live in some enormous mansion, especially after everything she had learned about him. Instead, this was nothing like what she had imagined.“This is where you live?” She asked as she got down from the bike, gazing in awe.“Yeah,” He replied, watching her stare around.“This is so serene,” She said softly, “It’s wonderful,”A small smile appeared on his face before he led her toward the cottage and opened the door.The inside was just as modest as the outside, but there was something warm and comfort
“This is so fun,” She laughed a little too loudly before quickly covering her mouth when several people turned toward her.She lowered her hand and giggled instead.Daniela focused on the movie, reaching into the popcorn bucket every few seconds. The comedy was surprisingly good, and she laughed so much that she nearly choked on popcorn more than once.She had never been to a cinema before.She had never known something this simple could be so enjoyable.Nico barely paid attention to the movie.His eyes kept returning to her.He loved the way her eyes brightened whenever something funny happened. He loved the sound of her laughter and how easily it seemed to push every unpleasant thought from his mind.And then there was her beauty.He had noticed it before, but seeing Hellcat like this made him see her differently.Relaxed.Happy.Free.There was something strangely feminine about her that he had never paid attention to before.Maybe it was the way she giggled.Maybe it was her energ
The woman drove away in horror, and Daniela continued glaring after her until the car disappeared down the road.When she finally turned around, Nico had finished pumping the gas. He stood beside the motorcycle with his arms crossed, wearing the most irritatingly satisfied smile she had ever seen.Daniela’s angry expression immediately melted into embarrassment.She lowered her face.“You’re jealous,” Nico stated.She refused to look at him.That lasted until he stepped closer, gently lifted her chin, and made her meet his eyes. He looked far too pleased with himself, and there was a strange sparkle in his eyes that she had never seen before.“You don’t have to be,” He continued softly, “I’m with you, and no one else, remember?”Heat spread across Daniela’s face.She gave a small nod.For one dangerous second, she wanted to lean forward and kiss him right there. She wanted everyone who had been staring at him to know that he was with her.She almost did.Perhaps Nico somehow knew exac







