Chapter 67 Chapter 67
“Sir, is a woman's appearance really that important to you men?” Fernanda retorted, irritated. “Does a pretty face trump everything else? I thought you were different from the others. Who would have thought you're just as superficial!”
Nicholas narrowed his eyes, his lips curving into a cold smile.
“Superficial? Who are you and what do you know about me to think I'm different from other men?” he asked, his tone sharp as a blade. “And do you really think your opinions are that important?”
His gaze became even colder.
"A woman's appearance isn't the most important thing, in fact. But a woman like you... ugly inside and out... is the worst of all. Any man would be disgusted by someone like that.
Fernanda's eyes widened, her face burning with anger and shame.
“You...”
She only managed to utter one word before the ferocity in Nicholas's gaze silenced her instantly.
His cold stare suffocated her.
A shiver ran down Fernanda's spine, and fear took over her body. She wanted to respond, but her voice simply disappeared.
Nicholas did not intend to waste any more time with someone so insignificant.
“Be careful what you say.” His voice was calm but laden with threat.
“If I hear one more insult about my wife, I won't just give you a warning.”
His tone was so firm that the air seemed to freeze in the room.
Fernanda and Ianca turned pale. They both knew what he was capable of—after all, he had already ruined Soraya and Kate's lives without even raising his voice.
Even so, their fear only fueled the hatred they felt for Caroline.
...
The new dormitory was in another building—and it was another world.
While most students shared simple, cramped rooms, this was a real college apartment.
Two bedrooms, a living room, a mini kitchen, and even separate bathrooms. Comfort came at a price—almost a thousand reais a month—unaffordable for many.
But to Nicholas, it seemed just “acceptable.”
“Mr. Nicholas, can we really stay in this room?” asked Tania, her eyes shining like a child at an amusement park.
“Of course,” he replied with a half-smile, carrying his suitcase in one hand and keeping his other arm around Caroline. “You're my wife's friend. That gives you some privileges.”
He glanced around quickly, assessing the environment with disdain.
“This is the best room in your school? Hm. It'll do for now. I'll find something better.”
“What do you mean? This place is a palace!” Tania laughed and took her suitcase to the smaller room. “I'm going to take a shower and sleep. And I'll warn you now: I don't intend to leave this room for anything tonight. So, honey... you and Prince Charming can do whatever you want. Just pretend I don't exist.”
She winked mischievously before disappearing behind the door.
Caroline was speechless.
What did she mean by “do whatever you want”?
But Nicholas just let out a hoarse, amused chuckle.
“She's a really good friend. Sensible... and thoughtful.”
“Nicholas, just ignore what she said!” Caroline bit her lip, blushing to her ears.
He raised an eyebrow, amused, watching her embarrassment with that look that seemed to strip her soul bare.
Caroline, nervous, took a deep breath and pushed him lightly, taking the suitcase from his hand.
“I'm going to unpack my things too.”
Nicholas followed her with slow steps and a satisfied smile on his lips. There was no rush—the best things in life deserved to be savored.
...
The master bedroom was spacious and elegant.
A large, soft bed dominated the center, covered with inviting white sheets.
Caroline stopped in front of it, her heart racing.
He noticed her gaze and chuckled softly, approaching her from behind. Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and the warmth of his body made her forget how to breathe.
“Carol...” he murmured against her ear, his voice low and deep, vibrating like a forbidden touch. “I'm not leaving tonight.”
She stood still.
“What...?”
“I'm staying here.” He smiled, his warm breath brushing her skin. “I can't leave you alone after all this.”
“No, Nicholas!” She turned away, distressed. “The college doesn't allow visitors at night.”
He brought his face closer, his dark eyes fixed on hers.
“I said I'm staying... so I'm staying.”
His voice was a firm, dangerous whisper.
Caroline took a step back, her heart beating wildly.
“You... you can't.”
“Of course I can.” He brushed his lips against the corner of her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. “And you don't need to be afraid. I promised I'd give you a week to get used to it... and I won't break my word.”
His fingers slid down her arm, gentle and possessive at the same time.
“I just want to hold you while you sleep.” His voice was hoarse, intimate. “Only with you can I rest. I haven't slept well without your scent, without your warmth... It's horrible to lose sleep every night. Do you really want to see me suffer like this, hm?”
Caroline felt her legs weaken.
He wasn't trying to be seductive—but he was, naturally.
He whispered in that deep voice, looking at her with tenderness and desire.
Every word was a caress.
Her face burned.
She knew he was serious, and yet... it all sounded indecently sweet.
“You're losing sleep...” she murmured, trying to catch her breath. “What does that have to do with me?”
Nicholas laughed, a low sound, almost a muffled moan.
He pulled her back into his arms and, leaning down, lifted her chin toward him.
“Everything,” he replied with that smile that made the world stop. “Absolutely everything.”
The man tilted his face toward hers, gently cupped her chin, and stared at her with those deep eyes that always disarmed her.
A slow, dangerous, and utterly charming smile appeared on his lips.
“If I sleep with you, I won't lose sleep.” His voice was low, deep, irresistibly seductive. “That night, I held you until you fell asleep... you were so soft, so small... so perfect in my arms. My love, tonight...” His eyes grew even warmer. “...I want to hold you the same way. Until you fall asleep.”
Caroline felt the air leave her lungs.
In his eyes, she saw the reflection of her own nervousness—and also a glimmer of desire that made her shiver.
The man's handsome face was dangerously close...
His hot breath brushed her skin...
“N-Nicholas...” she stammered, lost.
His lips touched hers before she could think.
“Call me Nick,” he murmured against her mouth. “Or darling.”
Then the kiss came.
Strong, intense, dominating.
Filled with desire and a hunger that made her whole body tremble.
It was as if he wanted to mark every inch of her with that kiss—as if she were a precious treasure he could finally touch.
Caroline felt the world disappear.
Her legs went weak.
Her fingers tightened on his shirt, trying to hold on.
He was heat, strength, possession.
And everything in her responded to him.
But Nicholas didn't push her further.
Even overcome with desire, he kissed her with almost painful control.