Trouble in Paradise (Arianna and Nicholas) novel Chapter 537

Claudia had left, yet it still felt like someone was standing there. The tension of a silent standoff stirred something deep within me. But under the cover of darkness, whatever I couldn't hide would still remain unseen.

"Was it you?" Nicholas's voice carried no hint of emotion, and his gaze was unreadable. His reason for asking was clear.

I lifted my gaze to meet his. "Did she come to you to complain?"

Nicholas scoffed, giving a noncommittal answer. "She mentioned a few things."

I brushed past him, opening the door, and stepping inside. He followed close behind. "Aren't you curious about what she told me?"

"Nothing to do with me." I kept my tone neutral. I knew she would just blame everything on me.

Tabitha's things were scattered across the living room. I picked up each item as I walked, stopping here and there.

I wasn't concerned about whatever had gone on between Nicholas and Claudia. After all, Nicholas wasn't going to die again.

The faint scent of tobacco lingered in the air as he trailed close behind, making me feel uneasy. When I stopped suddenly, he almost stepped on my foot. Thrown off balance, we both toppled toward the floor.

My heart jolted as I shut my eyes, bracing myself and clutching my arms tightly. There was nothing else I could do.

I was sure I would be in for some pain, imagining the impact with the floor. Those few seconds felt drawn out, just enough for me to anticipate the crash. But in the end, I fell into someone's arms instead.

When I opened my eyes, I realized an arm was wrapped securely around my waist. Nicholas had turned us mid-fall, taking the hit himself.

I was unscathed, but I heard a low, muffled groan escape his lips. I bit my lip, lifting myself up slightly. "Are you okay?"

As I shifted, he let out another sound of discomfort, so I froze. After catching his breath, he finally spoke.

"What are you so afraid of? I'd never let you get hurt right in front of me..."