Chapter 60
Nicolas knew Elly had a big heart. But he didn't realize just how big.
Taking a deep breath, he still felt something was off. Was she holding back her true feelings? "Elly, tell me honestly, when you heard Damon say those things earlier, did it really not hurt you?" Nicolas cupped Noelle's face gently, urging her to look at him.
"Huh?" Noelle lifted her gaze to meet his, her deep, dark eyes blinking innocently, her expression still carefree. "Not really," she said lightly. "Damon is weaker than me anyway. Even if he wanted to kill me, he couldn't. And if he hired an assassin? Well, I'm the world's top assassin. Anyone he hires would just be walking to their own grave."
"That's not what I meant," Nicolas sighed, feeling like her focus was completely off. He carefully explained, "Damon is your biological brother. For him to threaten your life just to protect Leia, doesn't that make you feel cold inside?"
"Nope, not really," Noelle replied bluntly. "He's always been protective of Leia. Nothing he says surprises me."
The way Noelle dismissed it so casually made Nicolas' heart ache. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. "Then why stay with family like that? Do you really think it's worth it?" he asked, his voice firm.
"Do you think it's not worth it?" Noelle countered.
"I don't think so," Nicolas said resolutely.
"Hm." Noelle pursed her lips and raised her eyes to him. "What about you, Nick? Your family once hired assassins to kill you, yet you're still with them?"
"That's different," Nicolas said, his tone dropping as a cold glint flashed in his eyes. "I stay involved with the Sawyer family because of unresolved business interests. When the time is right, I'll sever all ties with them."
"Oh." Noelle nodded, mimicking his tone. "Then I'm the same as you. Once the time is right, I'll deal with the Anderson family too."
But her words made Nicolas laugh softly. Pinching her cheek lightly, he teased, "What's your plan? Are you going to cozy up to them and then take over all their family assets?"
"No way. I don't care about their money. If I want money, I can earn it myself," Noelle replied. She rubbed her head against Nicolas' large hand before nestling against his chest, her gaze lowering. Her fingers brushed against the silver necklace around her neck, the metal cool against her skin as thoughts swirled in her mind.
Her decision to return to the Anderson family wasn't her own; it had been dictated by the voice that came from her necklace. The task was clear: build a good relationship with her blood relatives.
But why? What was the purpose? she thought.
An unshakable trust in the directives given by the voice tied to Nicolas, Questions of right or wrong, or the missions Deep in her instincts ultimate goal, weren't hers to ponder. So, no matter how the Anderson family treated her now, it didn't bother her. This was just a task to complete. Once it was done, the Anderson family's affairs would no longer concern her.
Nicolas observed her silently, his arm tightening around her. Elly appeared innocent and straightforward, but the secrets she carried ran deep. He could sense there was more to her return to the Anderson family, but her motives were an enigma. Whenever he asked, she always deflected, brushing it off. She could openly talk about being an assassin or an agent, yet her true purpose remained untouchable, clearly guarded. If she wasn't willing to share, Nicolas wouldn't press her. For now, it was enough to know she wasn't hurt by the Anderson family's actions.
His mission accomplished, Nicolas lightened his tone and said, "Elly, didn't you say you wanted barbecue? Let's go now."
At the mention of barbecue, Noelle's attention immediately shifted, her face lighting up with a bright smile. "Nick, are we going now?" she asked, her excitement palpable.
"Yes," Noelle said.
Watching her radiant expression, Nicolas felt his heart soften. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on her soft cheek, his voice brimming with indulgence. "How could I ever say no to you!"
Noelle's joy bubbled over as she threw her arms around his neck, kissing him lightly on the lips. Her smile was dazzling as she said sincerely, "Nick, I like you the most, the most, the most!"
After their barbecue, Nicolas took Noelle back to his place. It was nearly 2:30 am when Bryan handed Nicolas a bag. "Mr. Sawyer, here are the items you requested."
"Thank you." Nicolas took the bag and nodded. "It's late. Find a hotel nearby and get some rest."
"Yes, sir." Bryan left.
Nicolas turned back inside, just in time to see Noelle wandering around the house like a curious kitten. He scooped her up in one swift motion, handing her the bag. "Alright, adventurer, that's enough exploring for today. It's late, so let's get you to the bathroom for a bath."
Hearing the word "bath," Noelle's eyes lit up with mischief. She tilted her head and looked up at Nicolas with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. "Nick, how about we take a bath together?"
Nicolas froze. This girlโฆ what goes on in that head of hers? How does she always steer the conversation into adult territory! If it were anyone else, they'd have taken full advantage of her by now.
"Nick, Nick, please, okay? Please?" Noelle's voice was soft and sweet, like a clingy little kitten. Her body kept rubbing against Nicolas, the soft, sticky sensation constantly stimulating his senses, almost like a tiny spark igniting on dry tinder. In an instant, it could catch fire and burn fiercely.
Nicolas' breath inevitably grew heavier as he restrained himself. He pushed Noelle, who had been constantly rubbing against him, away slightly and said, "Don't even think about it. You wash your own, and when you're done, go to sleep."
Her invitation was rejected once again. Noelle pouted unhappily and bargained with Nicolas, saying, "Well, no bath together, but how about we sleep together tonight? That's okay, right?"
Nicolas was speechless. Are you sure that request isn't even more unreasonable?
"No," Nicolas firmly rejected her.
Now Noelle really protested. She grabbed Nicolas' arm and wouldn't let go, whining, "I don't care. You have to choose between the bath or sleeping together! If not, I'll sneak attack you tonight."
"Noelle, who was now teasing him," he joked. "You little pervert, huh! Talking about sneak attacks like that?" Nicolas couldn't help but laugh in disbelief.
Looking at Nicolas, she added , "Nick, we're already engaged. You won't do grown-up things with me, and you won't even agree to sleep together? If you keep this up, I might as well find someone else?"
Hearing this, Nicolas immediately pinched her cheek hard and, in a slightly deeper voice, asked, "Find someone else? Elly, do you really want to find someone else to sleep with?"
Seeing that Nick was angry. Noelle stuck out her little tongue and sheepishly said, "I was just kidding. Nick is so handsome, I only want to sleep with Nick."
"So if you find someone better looking than me, will you sleep with him?" Nicolas narrowed his eyes.
Noelle actually took a moment to seriously think about it. This move clearly irritated Nicolas. She's really considering its feasibility?
Nicolas' lips curled into a thin line. He suddenly leaned forward, grabbed Noelle's wrist with one hand, and locked eyes with her.
"Nick?" Noelle blinked at Nicolas' slightly darkened face, wondering what was wrong with him.
Nicolas kept getting closer to her. His deep, dark eyes reflected her figure, and his low, rich voice carried a cold anger as he said, "So you really want to sleep with a man? Fine, I'll satisfy you."