𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑| ✍

Chapter 16 • Inevitable •

Nicole watched as Aiden paced around the room in circles. Anyone could see - feel - how tensed he was.

Nicole realized something after the scene in the dining hall. She thought he just didn't want to see his grandmother, but it was more on the place itself. The aura it held. She sensed it when they had first arrived together, but made nothing of it.

She spoke up hesitantly, "Maybe...Maybe you should take a shower." She suggested. He stopped in his tracks and focused his attention on her. She knew he was angry at her. "To ease your stress."

He nodded slowly before walking past her and entering the bathroom. She was shocked that he had agreed with her instead of one of them turning it into an argument, as usual.

Nicole felt her tiredness catch up to her. She laid her head onto the soft cushion of the couch with the fluffy blanket curled around her.

•••

The heavy steps made it hard for her to sleep as her eyes fluttered open.

Confusion laced over her features as she found herself on the bed instead of on the couch where she had fallen asleep.

A blush rushed to her cheeks as she who had placed her there.

She then rested her body against the headboard as she glanced at the figure on the balcony. Pure beauty. She thought, staring at Aiden's sculpted back.

Nicole watched as he took a seat on one of the chairs. Even with the distance between them, she could still feel the anxiety he was giving off.

Sighing, she stood up and made her way towards him. She felt a shiver run up her spine as the coldness of the night embraced her. The crackling of the sliding door made Aiden look up at her, taking him off guard.

"Can't sleep?" She ask, sighing a bit as she sat on the stool next to him. He leaned back into scratching his chin through his stubble. It looked hot under the moonlight.

"Yeah." He let out looking straight at her. "Why aren't you asleep?" He asked.

"I don't know." She answered softly. "I just feel bad. I mean, if I had just agreed to leave that wouldn't have happened."

"Yes. It is your fault. At least next you know now that you should follow instructions."

"Excuse me." Nicole breathed out. Right there and then, she was reminded of how much of an asshole he was. "I'm taking all of that shit back. How was I supposed to know you had a crazy grandmother?"

"Nicole think, will you?" He sighed. "Why do you think I didn't want you there, even though Evora insisted. It's because she wanted me here. She doesn't care about you. You were simply baited." He finished.

Nicole was shocked but didn't let it show.

A long silence took over them, but it was dwelled in thoughts. While Aiden was thinking of a way to get out of his situation, Nicole was stuck on the mystery of his scar.

She moved closer. She wanted to ask him so many things but didn't want to force out tragic answers. As if taken into a trance, Nicole reached for his face, her fingers trailing down his scar. To her surprise, Aiden didn't push her away, rather he froze under his touch.

A million thoughts went through her mind and Aiden felt as though he could hear every one of them.

"You can't stay here." Nicole finally spoke up, they were now inches from each other. Her eyes trailed over his beautiful features, before landing onto his mesmerizing eyes.

"I know." He responded, glancing down to her lips.

Nicole caught the action and wanted to move away. Desperately wanted to move away. They both never wanted something like this to happen; being caught in the moment. Nicole had already pledged to herself that she wouldn't give herself over to his man.

Even though things got heated, like, five chapters ago. Though it was truly cringe-worthy. That was pure desire and lust, nothing intimate. Nothing like this.

"I'm sorry." Nicole apologized again, her eyes closing in defeat as she leaned in closer, pulling herself closer to him. At that exact moment, she realized they were fighting the inevitable and so...She kissed him.