Chapter 12

“What are you doing here?” My eyes widened in shock.

“I should ask you the same thing, Kura.” He retorted with a grit of his teeth. My silence made him continue his speech. “Do you know how much you made everyone worried for you? You suddenly disappeared without letting anyone know where you were. We couldn't contact you.”

I roll my eyes. “I left my phone at home, Nile. Can you please calm down and let’s talk somewhere else?” Worried that people are gonna watch us like a soap opera.

“No. I had to order my men to find you. You made trouble for us, Kura. You just got out of hospital and avoided death and then suddenly performed a disappearing act! Your friends are worried sick for you.”

“I’m not a fucking child, Nile. I can disappear when I want to, where I want to. If you don’t want to talk somewhere else then leave. As you can see I’m fine.” I retorted with an extra sass.

“I’ll leave alright.” He then grabs my wrist. “And you’re going with me.”

“What the fuck.” I glued my feet to the ground, not intending to go with him as he dragged me out. “Let me go. You’re making a fucking scene here, Nile.”

Although there are only a few customers at this time, it was embarrassing enough that they're watching us.

He growled. “We won’t if you just be a good girl and go home.” He said between his gritted teeth, still not letting go of my hand.

“Hey, hey, hey. Let go of her.” Colton finally interrupted. He stood just beside me ready to help.

Nile narrowed his eyes at him. “I advise you not to meddle, Mister Steele.” Colton and I stiffened at his knowledge of his name. He not only searched for me but he clearly investigated who I'm with as well. “You won’t like the consequences.”

“He’s my friend.” I defended.

His glare shifted towards me. “You will go home with me.” He deadpanned.

He then started to drag me again. Colton immediately came forward and tried to remove his hand around my wrist. Nile whirled around, fuming. My eyes widened at his sudden movement. I moved in Colton’s front to cover him. I ended up receiving the punch instead.

“Fuck.” I mutter as I help my aching cheek and jaw.

“The hell, Kura! Why the fuck did you do that?” Colton chided as he went instantly to support me. Nile did the same. “Get away from her. You did this.” Colton yelled at him.

“It was meant for you.” He retorted with a growl.

I felt slightly dizzy because of the impact. Damn, this guy could throw a punch. “You’re fucking insane.” My eyes shifted towards Nile. Concern was written all over his face. I think I like his sorry guilty face.

The two decided to let me sit at one of the vacant tables and far enough so the customers won’t be disturbed. Colton offered to get some ice for my poor face.

“Why did you cover for him?” He asked finally. I peered at him. He was trying hard not to scowl.

“He’s my friend, Nile.” I answered with exasperation. Oh my god. I didn’t even get an apology from him.

“Is he?”

“If he isn’t then it’s none of your damn business.” I flinched when his fist slammed the table. “What the fuck is wrong with you?!”

“You’re frivolous, aren’t you?” He was raging. The veins in his hand protrude as he clenched his fists hard.

I raised a brow. “So this was it all along, huh. It was just one night, Nile, and you’re acting all possessive.”

He suddenly got up, lips in a firm line, eyes glowering at me. He then took my hand swiftly and roughly pulled me up. He started dragging me towards the exit.

“Nile, stop. Stop. I said stop.” He ignored my plea. I was thankful when Colton finally emerged from his office. He was holding a compress.

Nile snatched the compress as we passed by him. Colton stood stunned at his action. I eyed him while trying to ask for help as Nile took me away by force. He was so strong. I couldn’t shake him off.

Colton shook his head and mouthed, “I’ll call you.”

I looked down seemingly disappointed and frustrated at the unexpected situation I was in.

Nile backed me up against his black audi. His car was annoyingly sticking out amongst the cars parked here. It was screaming that the owner was a god damn billionaire. I winced at the slight roughness he was handling me. His hand was pressed against his car, brushing my arm at the movement. His other hand rested on his hip, an act of frustration and rage.

“What?” I spat as I noticed he was only staring at me.

He scoffed before quickly leaning in and swooped me in for a kiss. It was rough and overly passionate. His tongue dived right in with no hesitation. I gasped at the suddenness, making him tightened his hold and locked his lips deeper than before.

I felt light headed and warm but then reality poured like a cold water on me. I pushed Nile away with force. He staggered back, looking confused. “Nope. No.” I waggled my index finger in the air between us. “I’m not gonna fall for that trick.”

“Really?” He frowned.

“Yes!”

Does he actually think kissing me would make me submit to him? Well, maybe in the first few seconds… or minutes, yes. But no, nuh-uh.

“Then get in the car before I seriously do something that you will regret.” He dared, closing our gap like a predator to his prey.

“Try me.”

“Get. In. The. Car, Kura. You won’t like what I’ll do to your ‘friend’.”

I breathed. I looked through his eyes if he was bluffing but it only confirmed it more that he wasn’t. I whirled around, forcing myself to follow his orders.

I don’t know Nile Veselov. I don’t know enough to what extent his money or power could do but I certainly don’t want to risk knowing it. And not to Colton.

Nile went around towards the driver’s seat as I already buckled my seatbelt. The drive on the way to Veselov Industries was quiet and full of tension. The clench and unclenching of his fists bothered me. One hour later, he was still so furious. His nostrils were still flaring.

However, the trip calmed me down and I had the time to think for the repercussions of my actions. Four words. Quinn will kill me. Make it five. Quinn will definitely kill me. It’s not like it’s a sin to forget my phone in the apartment.

And the fact that I wanted to stay away for at least a while.

I was serious when I confessed to Colton the truth. My secret was a huge burden. I thought it got lighter as the days or years went by. It didn’t. It was the first thing my mind was reeling in when I was alone in that hospital room. And with all the wedding plannings and the cloud nine the two are in, I couldn’t possibly ruin it by telling her. She would feel guilty. She would find him and probably do something that I’m sure we’ll regret. I found out many times that when it comes to the people she loves, no one messes with them.

That’s because it’s simply the way she is. She’s determined and stubborn when she wants to.