Before he knew it, Nichs was already in the bathroom. Scarlette slowly sat up, suddenly aware she was still soaking in the bath. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.


    "Get out," she said firmly.


    Nichs casually dangled a key in his hand. "You''ve been staying away too long, so I got a key for your sister''s room. Locking the door won''t help."


    He tossed the key onto the sink and crouched beside the tub. Just as Scarlette was about to speak, footsteps echoed from outside, and Rose''s voice followed. "Nichs, I brought you some hot chocte. Drink it after your bath before bed."


    Scarlette''s eyes widened as Nichs covered her mouth with his hand. He leaned closer, biting her corbone gently and licking away the water droplets. "Go ahead, scream if you want. I''m not bothered."


    In the Greenard household, Nichs feared no one.


    Furious, Scarlette tried to p him, but he caught her wrist effortlessly. Nichs grinned, nibbling on her fingertips, one by one. "I don''t mind a p, but you always hold back. If Mom and Dad notice any marks, how would I exin?"


    "You!" she eximed.


    In an instant, he pulled her forward, and the sound of sshing water filled the room. Outside, Rose set the cup down with a curious tone. "Did you slip?"


    Scarlette quicklyposed herself, replying in a steady voice, "No, Mom, just washing my face."


    Rose nced around the room with a sigh. "When you''re done, I need to talk to you."


    Scarlette was about to ask what it was about when Nichs lifted her onto the sink. She couldn''t fight back, couldn''t yell, and definitely couldn''t make a scene. Her fingers gripped the sink''s edge tightly.


    Nichs knew she wouldn''t dare make a fuss, especially with Rose just outside.


    Lowering her voice, Scarlette pleaded, "Nichs, can we discuss thister?"


    Nichs leaned in, trapping her between his arms. "Later? Scarlette, how long have you been saying that? Do we even have a future? I''m not in your ns."


    Scarlette pressed her lips together, noticing him undoing his belt. Shock washed over her face. "You!"


    Before she could finish, he bit her shoulder, making her gasp and knock several bottles off the sink.


    Outside, Rose rubbed her forehead, "You''re as clumsy as Nick now."


    Scarlette felt a chill run down her spine. She pushed against Nichs''s chest, but he didn''t back down, his bite leaving a mark on her shoulder. Fearing the noise might draw attention, she whispered, "Nichs, Nick..."


    As soon as she spoke, her eyes filled with tears, and she turned her head away, crying silently.


    Nichs paused, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. He could see the fear in her eyes.


    Scarlette had always been obsessed with her reputation-striving for the top in everything, basking in admiration, proving she was the best.


    With difficulty, Nichs held himself back, his voice rough. "Tell her to leave, and you''re mine tonight. Or she stays."


    He no longer believed anything Scarlette said. She''d nned every exit strategy, even considering leaving the country.


    How naive.