Carmen
Letting out a loud huff, I scrambled off my bed and began changing out of my pyjamas. It had been a week since I last saw Nico, and I was already bored out of my mind.
Our last meeting hadn't gone as planned. The memory of him telling me he was attracted to me felt more like a nightmare I'd rather forget.
He's just trying to get under your skin, I reminded myself mentally as I changed into more comfortable clothes.
But recalling the way he had looked at me—with such open, naked desire—sent a shiver right down my spine.
"He's an asshole," I grumbled, tying my hair into a ponytail and taking a heavy breath, as though I were arming myself for battle.
Father's will reading had been postponed, and I received a letter—one I was sure had also been delivered to Nico. I wanted to reach out to Gordon and find out why, but I already had a feeling it was Bianca's handiwork.
Working quickly, I stepped toward the door, hoping to see Nico before he headed out.
But the moment I opened it, I froze.
Vera was standing there.
Her hands rested on the door, as though she had been about to knock.
"Vera!"
She simply nodded back at me, a faint smile on her face. One that betrayed her pain.
She held a walking stick, and her leg was heavily bandaged.
"Can we talk?" she asked.
I nodded and pushed the door wider so she could step in before closing it behind her, but she began speaking before I could even settle.
Her tone was far more desperate than the last time she had spoken to me—understandable, considering the new state of her toes.
"I'm sorry about your—" I began, but she was already shaking her head, gesturing that it didn't matter.
"Do you really want to stay here when he can… will do the same thing to you?" she asked.
There was anger in her tone—one that seemed directed more at me than at anyone else.
I didn't blame her. If I were her, I would probably do the same.
"He will carve you up! You need to find valuable information about his finances and businesses, and I know someone who can help us both."
There was an almost desperate look in her eyes that worried me as I slowly nodded.
"What's their name?" I asked.
Even before the words fully left my mouth, I already knew she wouldn't answer.
"The moment we leave here, you'll meet them! Isn't leaving here a priority?" she pressed.
I nodded vigorously, even though I didn't entirely agree.
Leaving was a priority.
But not as much as knowing where I would land.
The last thing I wanted was to jump from a frying pan straight into naked fire.
"Vera, rest. I was just about to head to his study and speak to him," I told her gently, moving closer to pat her back.
Slowly, she relaxed and nodded.
I walked her out of my room, promising to speak to her again once she was better.
The truth was, I didn't give a shit.
Just as much as I knew she would toss me under a bus if it meant she could own the bus. She had something to gain, and she would use me to get it.
Still, I smiled softly at her, putting on a deeply concerned expression as we stepped out of my room.
I watched her head toward the stairs before turning away, making her way toward the servants' housing located within the estate.
I headed down the stairs as well, but this time I walked straight toward Nico's study.
If I wanted to make another attempt to leave—or pay off my debt—I needed access to allies.
Or at least people who would benefit from my freedom.
How was I supposed to find Father's killer while locked up in my room?
Gritting my teeth, I knocked on his door, ignoring the guards stationed in front of it.
No response.
I was about to knock again when the door suddenly swung open, revealing a cleaning maid who stepped out with a confused expression.
"It's morning. Boss Nico would usually be in his room at this time," she said before shutting the door behind her.
Her ranking had to be high for her to be vetted and allowed to clean the space alone while he wasn't there.
Still, the last thing I wanted was to head to his room.
Gritting my teeth again, I turned and walked down the corridor toward where I knew his room was—the same direction the maid had pointed.
I hated how unsettled I felt over doing something as simple as knocking on a door.
But the moment I reached it, I knocked.
I was taken aback when I immediately heard his voice—much colder than usual.
"Enter."
I didn't hesitate.
I stepped inside, only to freeze halfway through the doorway, suddenly unsure whether closing the door was a good idea.
A slow smile spread across his face as he stared at me.
He was half-naked, wearing only a pair of pants. His chest and stomach were completely exposed, his abs clearly defined.
He stood there with a towel in his hand, watching me with obvious amusement.
The guns scattered across the table and nightstand didn't surprise me.
If anything, they were exactly what I expected.
I closed the door before turning to face him, deciding not to show the slightest bit of fear where he was concerned.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked.
He sat down on his huge bed, legs spread wide, his torso upright—almost as if he wanted me to take in every inch of him.
Leaning forward with his hands resting on his knees, his gaze remained fixed on me as he beckoned me closer.
Slowly, I obeyed.
With how massive the room was and the distance between us, we would practically have to shout just to hold a conversation.
But the moment I moved closer, I regretted it.
He looked good with his clothes on.
He looked even better without them.
His body was lean yet powerfully muscled. Tattoos covered the expanse of his skin, and I had to struggle to keep my gaze fixed on his face instead of the rest of him.