Chapter 79 Nicholas's Methods
No time to waste.
After strategizing with Melissa, I checked the time—10:30 PM. I figured Nicholas probably wasn't asleep yet. I immediately jumped out of bed, wrapped in my pajamas and fuzzy slippers, and headed out the door.
I knocked on his door. The first knock went unanswered. I hesitated about whether to knock again.
"Is Nicholas already asleep?" I muttered to myself.
After debating, I raised my hand and knocked once more, deciding if there was still no response, I'd just give up. Just as I turned to leave empty-handed, light footsteps sounded from inside. Then a man's low, rich voice penetrated the door. "Who is it?"
"It's me, Catherine."
I called out clearly.
"Come in."
Nicholas didn't come open the door for me. We both knew each other's entry codes. Initially, it was just so we could look out for each other.
I entered the code and stepped inside without thinking twice.
"Nicholas, I—"
The moment I looked up, I froze completely. Blood rushed to my head.
Nicholas stood there with a towel in one hand, drying his hair. Water droplets slid from the ends, trailing down his jaw and flowing all the way to his shoulders and collarbones. His bathrobe hung loosely on him, exposing a large expanse of chest. His toned, solid muscles were firm with clear, defined lines.
Caught completely off guard by such a provocative sight, I felt the impact hit me hard. I let out a short gasp and quickly turned around.
Hot liquid trickled from my nose. I hurriedly covered it and tilted my head back. Still stammering, I managed to say, "Ni...Nicholas, put some clothes on!"
Faintly, I seemed to hear the man behind me chuckle softly.
The next second, two soft tissues appeared before me.
"Here, wipe up."
Nicholas's voice was low, inexplicably tinged with desire. I instinctively swallowed, the metallic taste of blood spreading in my mouth.
Thanking him quietly, I took the tissues. Frantically wiping away the blood, I caught a glimpse from the corner of my eye—his bathrobe was still just as loose. My face flushed as I quickly turned in another direction.
Nicholas moved closer. His body still carried the dampness from his shower. The sweet scent of body wash invaded my nostrils. My mind went pleasantly hazy for a moment.
"What are you afraid of?"
"Embarrassed?"
"Do you like it?"
With each sentence, Nicholas drew a step closer. His voice lifted at the end, making him sound exactly like a seductive demon!
I squeezed my eyes shut, desperately trying to stay calm. Repeating to myself internally—this is Nicholas's tactic. He's definitely trying to seduce me. I absolutely cannot fall for it!
The temperature in the air skyrocketed. I actually felt a bit overheated. Definitely the pajamas' fault! I consoled myself with that thought.
I kept backing up until my lower back nearly hit the hard entryway cabinet. A warm, large hand caught me just in time. Startled, I opened my eyes and found myself staring directly into Nicholas's deep gaze.
His Adam's apple bobbed. His head lowered bit by bit.
At the critical moment, I shoved him away. Averting my eyes, my tone unnatural, I said, "Nicholas, I came to talk about something serious."
Nicholas scoffed lightly. From the corner of my eye, I saw him staring blankly at his now-empty palm. After a long moment, he silently withdrew his hand.
He casually pulled his bathrobe together and strode over to sit on the sofa.
"Catherine, you made me very unhappy today."
My brow furrowed as I looked at him, confused. Since I'd known Nicholas, I'd never seen him have such intense emotional fluctuations, especially such obvious anger.
Because I'd never seen it before, I instinctively didn't take it seriously. But thinking about it again—no matter how mature and steady Nicholas appeared, he was still just a regular person. Everyone has emotions and desires. Right now, he seemed more real.
I took a deep breath. Needing a favor from someone meant showing some attitude. I forced out a formulaic smile. "What can I do to improve your mood?"
I asked sincerely.
A shallow arc curved at the corner of Nicholas's lips.
"Depends on your performance. As long as you can please me, anything goes."
He was like a wolf king controlling his prey's life and death, looking down on everything.
I straightened up and met his gaze. Only after confirming he wasn't joking did I press my lips together, my expression darkening.
"If you want me to do something, I'd appreciate you telling me directly. I don't like guessing, and I definitely don't like begging. If you don't want to help, I'll find another way myself."
I took a deep breath. "Sorry for bothering you."
With that, I turned and walked toward the door without hesitation.
I'd always put Nicholas and myself on equal footing. Whether as friends or any other relationship, I wanted respect. Needing his help didn't make me inferior. My willingness to humble myself and follow his lead didn't mean I had no principles or boundaries.
Besides, things obtained too easily are rarely cherished. If Nicholas wanted to get into my heart, he needed to show complete sincerity.
Why should I lower myself?
"Catherine!"
A suppressed shout suddenly came from behind me. Nicholas seemed extremely surprised by my reaction.
After all, who would like the feeling of their prey slipping from their control?
I paused but didn't turn around. I faintly heard Nicholas stand up behind me, striding toward me with large steps.
My hand was on the doorknob, about to press down, when a large shadow loomed behind me, covering my form. Nicholas's unquestionable hand followed.
He gripped both my wrists with one hand and raised them high. My whole body followed his movement, forced face-first against the door, my back to him.
Nicholas's hand roamed across my back, slowly moving forward, passing my abdomen to pull me in, forcibly trapping me in his arms in an extremely humiliating position.
He leaned down, coming close to my ear.
"Catherine, if you don't ask me for help, who are you planning to ask?"
"Samuel? Liam? Or... someone else?"
His warm breath hit my ear. I squirmed restlessly.
Furious, I snapped, "Nicholas, let me go!"
"Who I ask is none of your business."
He snorted coldly, seemingly equally angry. Nicholas's hand released my waist and grabbed my jaw instead, forcing me to turn my head.
The instant my head turned back, he bit my lips again without explanation. Harder and more crazed than in the stairwell.
In that moment, I thought I must have a death wish to provoke such a lunatic!
I was forced to respond. This kiss lasted a very long time.
The oxygen available was pitifully scarce. Survival instinct forced me to end this absurdity. I gathered my strength.
But in the end, I only gave a light push against Nicholas, who was almost completely pressed against me.
"Nicholas..." I gasped for air. The moment I opened my mouth, he blocked it again. After finally escaping once more, I managed, "Don't make me hate you!"
Those words were like a seal. Nicholas froze completely and quickly pulled away.
He pressed his brow, looking down at me calmly with lowered eyes. "What is it?"