Chapter 6

On the massive bed inside the room, two bodies were tangled in a feverish embrace. It was Maverick and Chloe. Maverick was shirtless, his movements intense as he pinned Chloe beneath him. "Remember, Chloe. This doesn't mean anything. It's just the antidote. I'm only doing this to save you." Chloe's eyes were unfocused, her face flushed with heat. Her hands clung tightly to his shoulders as she writhed beneath him, giving in to the pleasure. "Maverick… Maverick… please… tell me you love me. Even if it's a lie, just say it once… please…" But Maverick kept his jaw clenched tight. No matter how much she pleaded, he refused to let those three words escape his lips. It wasn't until Chloe could no longer endure the intensity and passed out that Maverick finally slowed to a halt. He collapsed against her, chest heaving, sweat dripping from his sharp jawline. He stared at Chloe's face for a long, silent moment. Even in unconsciousness, traces of her tears still clung to her cheeks. Then, as if he had finally shed all his disguises and restraints, he leaned down and, with utmost gentleness and care, kissed Chloe's swollen lips. In a raspy voice brimming with infinite love and agony—a voice Nicole had never heard before—he whispered clearly, "I love you." Nicole felt her entire world come crashing down. She clamped a hand over her mouth, desperate to choke back the wail rising in her throat. She spun on her heel, bolted down the stairs as if possessed, and raced out of there. Outside, a torrential downpour had begun, ice-cold rain soaking her to the bone in an instant. But she didn't feel the cold. All she felt was the gaping, hollow void in her chest where the freezing wind seemed to howl right through her. She ran aimlessly through the rain, countless images flashing uncontrollably through her mind. The way he had clumsily tried to braid her hair when they were children. The way his palms had been slick with sweat the first time he kissed her. The night he first took her, whispering into her ear over and over, "Nicky, I'll never want anyone but you." And the focused, adoring look in his eyes every time he surprised her with a gift. Every memory she had once cherished had turned into a serrated blade, flaying what was left of her shattered heart. Why? Why was he doing this? What had she done wrong? Rain mingled with tears, blurring her vision. She ran until her strength failed her, sharp pains clawing at her chest as her breathing grew shallow and labored. Finally, the world went dark, and she collapsed into the rain. … When Nicole came to, she found herself back at the villa. "Nicky, you're awake?" Maverick's low voice, tinged with concern, drifted into her ear. Nicole turned her head and found him seated in a chair by the bedside, his handsome face etched with worry. He reached out, intent on checking her temperature. "Why did you pass out in the rain? Do you still have a fever?" Before his hand could touch her, Nicole jerked away. The sudden movement sent a jolt of pain through her aching body, and a surge of anguish and anger hit her all at once. Tears began to spill, hot and uncontrollable. Seeing her cry, Maverick instantly panicked. "Don't cry, Nicky. Are you in pain? Tell me what's wrong." Nicole bit her lower lip hard, burying her face into the pillow as her shoulders shook with suppressed sobs. What could she possibly tell him? That she had seen him in bed with Chloe? That she had heard him say he loved her? And then what? Watch him continue this performance? Listen to him weave more pathetic, transparent lies? No, she couldn't stomach another one of his explanations. It only made her feel more repulsed. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. "I just wanted some fresh air. It started raining while I was out, and I fainted." Looking at her pale face and swollen eyes, Maverick believed her. A look of heartache crossed his face as he pulled her, along with the blanket, into his arms. "Next time you want to go for a walk, let me go with you. Thank God someone found you and brought you back. You scared me to death." He pulled back slightly and added, "You must be hungry. I had them make that almond baked oatmeal you love. I'll go bring it up now. Wait for me." Nicole watched his retreating back, her teeth clamped firmly on her lip to keep the sobs from escaping her throat. A few minutes later, the door pushed open again. Nicole assumed it was Maverick and instinctively restrained her emotions. But to her surprise, the person who stepped into the room was Chloe, her expression a mask of triumphant malice. "Nicole, yesterday was your birthday, and Maverick didn't come home to spend it with you. Do you have any idea what he was doing?" Nicole felt a sharp pang in her chest, but she didn't let her expression flicker. Chloe let out a mocking laugh. She pulled out a stack of photos and flung them right at Nicole. "He was in my bed! With me!" Chloe leaned in, her eyes gleaming. "Look how obsessed he was with me. He kept calling my name, wanting me again and again. Nicole, he's been sick of you for ages. If you have any sense, get out on your own. Stop taking up space where you're not wanted." If this had happened even a day ago, those photos and those words would have shattered Nicole. She would have lost control and broken down. But now, as she looked at Chloe, whose face was distorted by a mixture of jealousy and smugness, Nicole felt a strange, absurd sense of pity. They were both just as pathetic. "Are you finished?" Nicole said, her gaze calm and unnervingly steady as she looked up. "If you are, please leave." Chloe flew into a rage at her indifference. "Nicole! Don't you act like you're above this! You—" "What are you doing?" Maverick stood in the doorway, tray in hand. His gaze shifted from Chloe to the photos scattered across Nicole's blanket, and his face turned ashen.