Nico was about to speak when Bianca emerged from behind him, taking his arm.
"Roxanne, I heard you have amnesia. I've been so worried. You and Preston look so happy together."
Her words dripped with false concern. When I saw the fresh marks on her neck, my breath hitched.
When the party finally ended, Preston received an urgent call about "family business." He asked Nico to take me back.
But as soon as we got in the car, Bianca pressed a hand to her forehead.
"The lights in there made me dizzy. We should probably go to the hospital."
I wanted to call my own car, but they insisted on dragging me along.
The doctor simply told Bianca to go home and rest, but she frowned, saying weakly:
"Nico, what if something happens in the night and I need a transfusion? I heard our family's blood type is very rare."
The moment she finished speaking, Nico grabbed my wrist.
"You have the same blood type. Draw some, just in case."
I stared at him in astonishment, trying to pull away.
He frowned, his patience wearing thin.
"You've been targeting Bianca ever since you came back. What's wrong with giving a little blood? Roxanne Callahan, how can you be so cold-hearted?"
His grip tightened, and I couldn't break free.
I could only stand there, pale-faced, as he ordered a nurse to stick a needle in my arm.
Bianca watched with a triumphant smirk, her red lips curved in victory.
Nico continued to berate me as if I were the one at fault. "Why couldn't you just cooperate? Why throw a fit? Don't be so petty. It's just a little blood—it's not like you're going to die."
He seemed oblivious to my pale lips and trembling body.
Then—
A heavy fist connected, and Nico crumpled to the ground.
Preston stood there, his face a dark mask, his eyes cold enough to kill.
"Nico, is this how you take care of my fiancée?"
As he spoke, he scooped me up and gently placed me on a chair. Then he hauled Nico, whose face was already swelling, into the nearby emergency stairwell.
Seeing this, Bianca grabbed her purse. "It's getting late, I'm heading home."
She beat a hasty retreat.
I followed them without a sound.
The tension between the brothers was a physical force.
Nico mumbled, holding his face, "Roxanne is my fiancée. I can do what I want. You, on the other hand—don't tell me you've actually fallen for her."
He clearly didn't see the murderous intent in Preston's eyes and continued:
"You've never even touched a woman. A scarred-up tool for a political marriage like her is nothing but trouble. You won't like her. I'm already tired of her, go find someone cleaner—"
He was dead wrong.
Preston's kick sent him flying into the wall. Nico curled up, clutching his chest and coughing.
The next second, Preston's hand was around his throat, pinning him in place.
"Nico, have I been too good to you?" Preston's grip tightened. "As the Underboss, my entire life has been cleaning up your messes. If you're unhappy with the engagement, tell her the truth. Don't you dare humiliate her like that again."
Nico's face turned purple as he choked out, "I get it... I spoke without thinking. But you still need to stay away from her. It'll ruin your reputation. You don't need to get so invested just for my sake."
And that was that.
But a strange look flashed in Preston's eyes. It was far from normal.
Back at the apartment, Preston made me chicken soup.
He watched me finish it, then pulled me into his arms and lay down with me.
The man who said he wouldn't get too close was now holding me as I slept, as if his brother's warning meant nothing.
That night, I dreamed of the day I was captured by Nico's enemies.
He was always so reckless, making enemies as easily as he breathed.
He'd said he would pick me up for a gallery opening. I waited for an hour. Instead, his enemies showed up.
They dragged me to an abandoned factory, their hands roaming over my body, their foul breath on my skin.
The one who saved me was Preston.
As for Nico? He was busy escorting Bianca to a charity piano concert. At the time, he'd told me, "She's your future family. I'm helping you maintain ties."
And I'd actually believed him.
I woke with a start, drenched in cold sweat, tears streaming down my face.
Preston, not yet fully awake, instinctively pulled me into his arms. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."
I looked at his half-asleep face, dazed. He once wouldn't spare me a single glance. Now, this tenderness came so easily it felt suspicious.
Or was he just trying to teach Nico a lesson?
