Chapter 83 - Eighty-three : The Gala (2/2)

My insides clenched but that was nothing compared to the ugly scowl on Niklaus's face. Anger was rippling through him and I felt it through the way his nail was digging into my arms and the way a muscle ticked in his jaw as he fought to keep his composure.

”Let's go ” His grim voice came alive and he led me up the stairs to the exclusive ballroom already filling in with guests and familiar faces.

My stomach did a double flip the moment Eden's eyes and mine met and held from across the room .

What was I expecting anyway, that he would be absent? Oh come on, this was a family business and he was obliged to be here.

Even without that, how could he miss a chance to irritate Nik the rest of the night, he'll rather die than do that and I've just realized just how much Niklaus has suffered.

Though his presence was unsettling but that didn't mean I did not take in his appearance. Eden was dressed in a burgundy two piece suit with his hair slicked back and I had to admit he looked pretty good - maybe a tad bit better than good but who cares! shut up Maya.

”Where is your mind? ” Niklaus asked breaking my reverie.

” Oh sorry ” I smiled sheepishly and he shook his head.

”Just don't land yourself in an unusual situation as you normally do ” He pointed out causing me to pout a mean moue.

”I can stand my own, I'm not that clumsy ” I defended myself.

With an amused look he pointedly said ” Says someone who glugged coffee laced with - ”

”Don't say it ” I cut him halfway and pressed a finger against his lips, not wanting to hear that embarrassing memory.

How could I have known Izzy had planned such a cruel prank? Suddenly my tongue began to produce more saliva than necessary as if reliving that bitter experience.

Without warning, Niklaus opened his mouth and captured my finger pressed against his lips with his teeth causing my eyes to widen.

” What the - ”

”Ahem! ” Someone cleared his throat from behind and I withdrew my hands, turning to meet Sir Adam who looked like he hadn't aged a day since the last time we met.

”Nice meeting you again Adam ” I greeted him and placed a kiss on both sides of his cheeks .

” Nice meeting you too Maya ” he replied and his eyes flickered to Niklaus ” And it's obvious Niklaus has been taking very, very good care of you ” he said but I couldn't help but feel there was a hidden meaning to those words.

”Of course, why wouldn't I? Else the vultures around would eat her flesh without even leaving her bones behind ” Niklaus replied his comment with an edge to his voice.

I looked between the father and son and couldn't help but notice there was a huge tension between the both of them. What the hell is going on?

But before I could say a word, an all too familiar voice rang from behind causing me to stiffen.

”What a pleasure to finally meet you here Niklaus ”