LOGINNICOLESebastian helps me all the way to my Chevrolet, and then, he stands beside me and watches me cry desperately.In the end, he says, "I can't let you drive in this state, Nicole. Tell me where you want to go."I shake my head. "Anywhere. I don't care.""Alright. I'll need you in the passenger's seat."I move there without stepping out, and Sebastian gets in my car. I press my forehead to the window as he starts the car. Though I feel his eyes on me, I don't meet his gaze for a second.He starts driving away from the hospital. I don't even find it strange that he doesn't ask me where I want to go; I just assume he's going to take me to Mason's place. But we're nowhere near that area, and when I look around, I realize that I don't recognize the road we're taking at all. Fear claws at my chest. I sit up straight and ask him hysterically, "Where are you taking me!?"Sebastian looks at me with confusion written all over his face. "I'm sorry...I thought I could treat you to some tea o
NICOLEKatie says, "I know this is shocking for you. You've lived your whole life thinking the truth was something else. Your Ma never wanted you to know this, but to tell you the truth, I always felt guilty watching you struggle when you could've had a better life. A golden opportunity. Your biological father is a rich man, and if you go after him, your whole life could change."Katie's going a little too fast for me. I shake my head and ask her, "You're sure about this? Like absolutely sure?"She laughs. "Oh, my darling. How I'm going to miss you. Yes, I'm sure. Your Ma confided in me many times about this. I'm sure of what I'm saying. And I'm sorry for piling this on you—I always thought that keeping this from you was unfair."Oh, God. I need to sit down. I'm weak in the knees and my head is spinning in a strange way. It's like my mind wants to detach from my body and leap out the window. "Why...she cheated on my father? I mean...Mason's father?""Well, the matter is more complicat
ROMAN I feel like crap without Nikki, and my guilt at leaving her at the flat all by herself without saying a word threatens to choke me every once in a while. But it was necessary for me to do. Otherwise, I'd never be able to leave. I've been keeping tabs on her, though, as I still have one of my guys watching her every step. They're not going to let her out of their sights and this time, these guys are reliable. So, when I received the call that she was headed to one of the hospitals in town, I was worried and I still am. What could she be doing there? Is someone sick? Is she the one who's not feeling well? I have to admit that I'm always close to dropping everything and going to her to find out exactly what's wrong. Not having any intonation is torture. I'm still waiting for my guy to get back to me. My phone rings several minutes later and I hurry to pick it up. I know it's my guy. "Yes?""She's not a patient.""What do you mean, she's not a patient? What's she doing ther
NICOLE I've had an awful night, all thanks to Roman. The circles under my eyes look even darker than my bruises, and as I stare into the mirror, I suddenly feel so tired that I grab the sides of the sink just to stay on my feet. I have to visit Katie today, and I'm almost ready; the only thing left to do is apply my makeup and I'll be good to go. But suddenly, I have this feeling of just giving up. Do I really want her to see me in this state? I'm so bitterly disappointed by how things turned out with Roman, but even more with the fact that my phone is dry and there's not even a text or call from him. How could he? He just left me after dropping the most destructive bomb right at my feet. He did this before, and I was stupid enough to think that this time would be different. I just never learn, do I?Maybe this is a punishment for always making the wrong decision. And I hate how he framed the whole breakup like it's the best thing for me. It should be my choice to stay on his
NICOLE"Talk about what?" I ask almost breathlessly. I don't like the way he's watching me, and how he seems to be walking like he's forgotten how to. His feet are dragging across the floor and his shoulders are hunched. I've never seen Roman like this. He's always stood tall and proud, even when we were all broke and didn't have anything. Before he even answers me, I start to worry about what Mason said to him. I can tell he hasn't been punched, so what really happened between them?"This whole thing. Us.""What else is there to talk about?""A lot, Nikki," he says softly. I'm finally standing in front of him. I wrap my arms around his waist and stare up at his face encouragingly. "Tell me what's wrong. Was it Mason? Did he say something to offend you?"His eyes harden a little and the sight takes me by surprise. "Offend me? He didn't tell me anything that wasn't the truth.""Calm down, Rome...what's wrong? I don't understand it.""Well, you will in a second, Nikki," he continues
ROMAN Once Nikki's gone, Mason waits a few more beats before he says, "What did you do to my sister? Why's her face all busted up like that?"His tone is accusatory and I can tell by the way he's shaking that he's trying his hardest to control himself. "I got into trouble and she paid the price for it," I admit. "What kind of price?" he demands. "What the fuck have you gotten my sister into, dick?""It's hard to explain, but it won't happen again.""Yeah?" He steps forward. "How can you be so sure?"I'm not sure. That's the truth. I stare back at him without saying anything because I know he's right. Mason shakes his head at me, getting redder by the minute. "I should punch your face in!""You should," I agree. He stares at me in disbelief, then he lunges. He pushes me against the front door, and as I stare back at him, I find myself thinking that if he punches me, I'll just take it. I deserve it. Maybe then I'll feel better about this whole thing. But Mason lowers his fist and s







