Chapter Three:

True to his word, Michael didn’t give me any trouble. He left for his trip without incident. Still, I couldn’t shake the growing, gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach that something horrible was about to happen. I knew that it was only a matter of time and this couldn’t last. It never did.

Nick was great. He was being polite and considerate. If anything, he was behaving like a doting, loving husband should and that scared me to my core. He’s never really made an effort to hide how he feels about me. I wonder all the time about how different my life would have been, if I had met Nick, before Michael. I wondered if there was actually a gentler side to him – a loving side. I wondered if he meant all of the things that he’s said to me, if he would actually treat me like a queen. I wondered a lot of things that I knew would never be a possibility or turn into my reality. Why did I torture myself like this? God, what’s wrong with me? I wish I knew.

I was on edge, even with Michael gone. Maybe that’s why I’m so beside myself. I’m not sure. There was something about the fact that I was going away with Nick – alone – that terrified me. When it’s just the two of us, there is a completely different dynamic. I didn’t know what to think or what to expect. That alone scared me more than I’d like to admit.

In a lot of ways, Nick was completely different than Michael. His behavior is totally unpredictable. At least for the most part, I know what to expect with Michael… I’ve known him long enough. Nick is just another story entirely.

I can’t help but think that our new neighbor is going to change things around here. Everyone else around here pretty much keeps to themselves. Maybe it’s my fault for asking him to take me to the market. I was just terrified of having to ask Nick to take me. Call it my gut instinct or whatever, but when Michael goes through that much effort to impress somebody, there is always a reason behind it. Always.

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“Oh, come on. Is spending time with me really that bad?” Nick asked me, with his signature charming smile. It’s the smile he always uses to dazzle his prey. If only people could tell that he is really a devil in disguise. No – that’d be too easy. When in my life has anything ever been easy? Ha, yeah right.

“I’ve had worse.” I replied, honestly. His smile slid into an easy smirk. My answer seemed to satisfy him enough.

“Just try to relax. Let me show you how good things could be, if you chose to be with me, instead of Michael. You know that my family and I could protect you. I’m twice the man that he is. I know how much you’re worth. He doesn’t. To him, you’re just something to possess. He doesn’t appreciate the woman you are.” Nick lamented. I couldn’t stop the snort that escaped me. I couldn’t help it. Is he serious, right now?

“And you do?” I asked him, before I lost my courage. He looked over at me and nodded. He seemed to contemplate his next choice of words, carefully, as he continued to drive.

“Of course I do, but you aren’t mine… not yet, anyway. Sure, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy the aspect of pain that Michael brings to the situation. Who wouldn’t? But, you probably don’t. Things don’t have to be like that with me. I wouldn’t force you to be with me, if you couldn’t even get anything out of it, yourself. I’m not heartless.” He continued. He couldn’t actually be serious – could he? Does he really not remember forcing himself on me, just yesterday? What planet is he on? “Things would be different, Lace. I’m going to prove it to you, while we’re away together. Just give me a chance.” He pressed. What am I even supposed to say to that?

“I… Michael would kill us both, Nick. You know that.” I reminded him. Nick didn’t seem fazed in the slightest.

“You know me, Lace. You do, but you don’t know everything about me. Your husband has more than a few enemies. I could protect you. I never would have said anything to you, unless I absolutely sure.” He argued. If I did anything but agree with him, I had no idea what he would do. Right now, I just can’t take that chance.

“Okay,” I agreed. His face lit up and he broke into a grin.

“Okay?” He echoed. I nodded, not trusting myself to use my voice again. “You won’t regret this.” He promised, before reaching over the center console in his car to hold my hand and give it a gentle squeeze. I don’t know what to think. “Just give me until our retreat is over to prove it to you.”

“Okay,” I agreed, again. What did I just get myself into?

Notes

Wow y'all, I'm so sorry for leaving everyone hanging. It's been an insane couple of years. A divorce, a career change, two moves... Just ridiculously stressful. I haven't forgotten about my stories. I have some chapters written and will try to update somewhat regularly.

Lots of love,
Katie