Chapter 176


    The rules stated that we were to avoid the personal rooms of the royal family unless explicitly invited. I


    was taking a great risk by sneaking here now. But for Elva’s sake, this was only the beginning of the


    level


    of danger I was willing to take on.


    I walked to Julian’s door and lightly tapped on his door. I pressed my ear against it, listening for any


    sound of movement within. Then I knocked again, a bit louder.


    There was no answer. Beyond the door, I heard no sound of footsteps or talking. The room was most


    likely empty. Still, I tried for the handle. I cursed when I found it was locked.


    “He’s not in there.”


    My heart leapt from my body, and I nearly fell, catching myself on Julian’s door as I turned around.


    Nichs stood behind me, his arms crossed over his broad chest. He peered down at me with mild


    disapproval. Otherwise, his face was an emotionless mask.


    “Julian left two days ago and didn’t tell anyone where he was going. He hasn’t been seen or heard from


    since.”


    “You aren’t worried?” I asked.


    “About Julian? No. He always does this to escape his responsibilities. He’s not dependable.”


    I wasn’t sure that was entirely true. At least, not totally. Julian was a free–spirit, sure, but he usually had


    reason for his actions, if they weren’t entirely put on. He ced into people’s perceptions of him. How


    easy it was for Nichs to believe the worst.


    That itself wasn’t shocking either. Nichs believed the worst about everyone, and he was stubborn


    too. It was nearly impossible to change his mind once he was set on something.


    “So you won’t be able to meet up with him tonight,” Nichs said.


    “I suppose not.”


    Nichs’s veneer cracked and anger shone through. “So you won’t be able to fuck him tonight.


    “… wait, what?” I had to have misheard. Did Nichs think I came to see Julian for sex?


    Unhooking his arms, Nichs walked closer. He leered down at me with fire in his eyes. “Is this the


    person you are now? Sneaking out in the night for casual trysts with my selfish brother?”


    “It’s not like that..”


    +15 BONUS


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    Words failed me as Nichs closed the distance between us. His hands fell onto my shoulders and he


    guided me backwards until I was up against Julian’s door. Then he closed in around me, his arms on


    either side of my head, his chest pressed to mine. He was taller than me, I had to look up.


    “I bet he takes and doesn’t give. You deserve better.” Nichs’s voice was growing rougher, like he had


    gargled with sandpaper between hisst sentence and this one.


    I shiver ran down my spine. I might have been embarrassed by how quickly I was aroused for him, if


    the lust wasn’t currently fogging my entire brain. I pressed my thighs together to give me a hint of


    friction. More than anything, I wanted him to touch me.


    1


    “He can’t give you what you need,” Nichs leaned down. His hot breath brushed against my cheek.


    Only I can fuck you like you deserve.” 2


    God, when he spoke so filthy, it made me dizzy. I pressed my hands to his chest for bnce, but the


    hard muscle there only amplified my desire.


    I wanted to be tough and demand he stop bullying me. He was being a pushy asshole right now, and I


    should want to push him away.


    Instead, I curled my fingers like ws and pulled him closer.


    “You talk a big game,” I said, giving a soft growl of my own. “Why don’t you prove it?”


    His lips curled into a snarl. That was the only warning I was given before he pressed his lips to mine


    and imed my mouth as his own.