#Chapter 158: Secret Kisses

The ferocity of Nicholas’s protection of me gave me more comfort that it probably should have. I certainly didn’t want Nicholas to kill anyone, but knowing that he would go to any limits in order to keep me safe helped me feel truly cared for. Still, I decided to move beyond that topic, for fear the anger would root in him and cause him to seek out vengeance for me. “Susie wasn’t at breakfast,” I said. “I’m worried about her, so I’m going to check on her. Would you like to join me?” Nicholas softened somewhat at the subject change. “Susie’s okay. She probably just wants to rest.” “She won’t mind me checking on her.” “I think you probably shouldn’t,” Nicholas said. “Why not?” He pressed his lips hard together and would not answer. Odd. Was he hiding something? “I’m worried. I’ll only stay a minute,” I said. “When I see she’s okay, then I’ll leave.” I understood Susie liked her alone time, especially after events where she was forced to be so social. So I knew she might not wan