chapter2227

Nathaniel propped his chin on one hand, eyes like ice. "Cecilia said nothing. That's why you're here. Tell me—what did you do to her last night?"

The question finally cracked Nicholas's composure.

"I said Ceci never repeats gossip."

He drew a long breath. "May I sit while we talk?"

Nathaniel glanced at the bodyguard, who promptly placed a chair behind Nicholas.

Seated now, Nicholas's eyes gleamed with calculated sharpness.

"Last night Ceci and I finally did what should have happened long ago."

What should have happened long ago?

Nathaniel's brow tightened. "Plain words. What exactly?"

Riddles irritated him.

"A husband's rights," Nicholas said, each syllable clear.

Nathaniel sprang up and drove his foot straight into Nicholas's chest.

The kick landed with a dull crash; Nicholas hit the floor, clutching his sternum as blood trickled from his mouth.

Nathaniel closed the distance, grabbed him by the collar, and yanked him upward.

"Say it again."

Staring into that murderous gaze, Nicholas laughed. "Say it twice, say it ten times-l had Cecilia."

Nathaniel's fist slammed into his face.

The heavy blow turned Nicholas's cheek a mottled violet, leaving it numb.

He sucked in a breath and still managed a crooked grin.

"You've no right to rage. I should be the angry one-you stole the woman I loved first."

Nathaniel's last restraint snapped; he wrapped one hand around Nicholas's throat. "How dare you?"

He had spared his brother repeatedly, never imagining Nicholas would sink this low. Fire shot through Nicholas's neck as every breath caught in his tightening airway. Nicholas choked out, "Wh-... why wouldn't I dare?"

Scorn filled his eyes as he stared at Nathaniel. "Nathaniel, it was

who made me lose the woman

loved

Nathaniel's fingers tightened around his throat, in that moment he wanted nothing more than to strangle him.

Nicholas's vision swam, and air refused to reach his lungs.

The guard called just in time, "Boss."

Nathaniel jolted back to himself, let go, and flung Nicholas aside.

Nicholas hit the floor again and lay spread-eagle, too weak to rise. "Why not finish me?" Nicholas laughed. "Is that all you can do?" Nathaniel said nothing.

Nicholas tilted his head toward him "Brother, envy you; from the womb I on, everygoodthing

you

belonged to

"But!" he added, "now it's different-I've finally taken what you treasure."

Nathaniel's fist clenched so hard his knuckles cracked white.

"I'll make you wish you were dead," he threw over his shoulder and walked away.

Nicholas sucked in great gulps of air, watching Nathaniel's shape and the hallway light vanish together.

The door locked from the outside, plunging him into absolute darkness.

Outside, Nathaniel stared at his hand; Nicholas's blood still smeared his skin.

His narrowed eyes held only confusion-why would his own brother do this to him?

He slid into the car, and the driver asked, "Boss, where to?"

"Just drive around."

Nathaniel had nowhere to go; an ugly storm churned in his chest.

Sensing the mood, the driver kept silent and piloted the sedan in slow circles through the city.