(Nicholas)
I stood hidden in the shadows near the stables, watching as Isabella laughed with Kieran.
The way she leaned in, her eyes sparkling, twisted something inside me. I had followed her after our argument, and now I regretted it.
I never wanted to see her like this with anyone else, especially not a guard. Kieran was charming, and I could see the way he looked at her. It made my blood boil.
Isabella had always been stubborn, but lately, she had become a different person. I had tried to control her, but I was starting to realize how difficult that was. She was determined to find freedom, and it frightened me. I couldn't lose her. Not like this.
The laughter echoed through the courtyard, and my hands clenched into fists. I knew I couldn't just stand there. "Guards!" I called out, my voice cutting through the night air. They appeared almost immediately, eyes wide with surprise. "Arrest Kieran," I commanded, my voice firm. "I'll deal with him later."
They exchanged glances but didn't hesitate. Kieran noticed them approaching and stepped back, confusion replacing his earlier smile. "What's the meaning of this?" He asked, but I didn't let him speak. Not now.
With Kieran in custody, I turned away, my focus shifting back to Isabella. I had hoped to catch her before she left, but she had slipped away.
Moments later, I found her sitting alone at the dining table, a small plate of food in front of her, looking lost in thought.
Her expression shifted from surprise to irritation when she saw me. "Nicholas," She said. "What are you doing here?"
"Isabella," I said, trying to keep my tone calm, but I could feel the tension building. "We need to talk about Kieran."
Her eyes narrowed, and she crossed her arms defensively. "What about him?" She asked, her voice filled with annoyance.
"I had Keiran arrested," I stated flatly, watching her reaction closely. "You're not going to see him again."
Her reaction was immediate. "What did you do to him?" She asked, her voice rising in panic. "What do you mean he's arrested?"
"I didn't hurt him, Isabella," I replied, trying to keep my voice calm. "But he's not safe to be around you. You don't understand the danger."
Isabella's face turned pale. "You can't just take him away like that! He didn't do anything wrong!" Her voice trembled with anger and fear.
"I'm trying to protect you," I insisted, stepping closer. "You don't see how he looks at you. He's not just a guard to you. He wants more, and I won't let that happen."
Isabella stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. "You don't get to decide who I can see, Nicholas! This isn't about you!" Her eyes blazed with defiance.
"I don't want you to get hurt," I said, desperation creeping into my voice. "You don't understand the risks of getting close to someone like him."
"Then maybe I don't want to be close to you," She shot back, her voice filled with hurt. "You think you can control everything. You can't just arrest him and think that will solve everything."
Her words struck me hard, like a punch to the gut. "Isabella, I'm doing this for your safety," I said, but my heart was racing. I had never felt so powerless.
Before she could respond, Elara stepped into the room, a frown on her face. "What's going on here?" She asked, glancing between us. I could feel the tension in the air.
"It's nothing, baby; I was just talking to Isabella about something important," I said, hoping that she wouldn't be too angry with me.
"Nothing? You were supposed to be by my side, yet you told me that you wanted to sleep alone tonight and this is where I found you?" Elara argued, making me gulp.
I was torn between wanting to drag Isabella with me and punishing her for trying to flirt with someone else.
Then I wanted to take Elara away and make sure that she was the happiest woman on earth.
"You're right. I was supposed to be by your side. Can you forgive me?" I asked, wanting nothing more than for her to say those words that I needed to hear.
Elara sighed while shaking her head, I could see the way she glared at Isabella like she couldn't stand the sight of her.
Elara was jealous and she had every right to be.
I watched as she turned to leave and I could tell that she was disappointed. My heart raced, and I couldn't let her walk away like that. I reached out, grabbing her hand gently but firmly, stopping her in her tracks.
"Wait," I said, turning her around to face me. I looked deep into her eyes, trying to convey everything I felt. Without thinking, I leaned in and kissed her, hoping to show her that she was the one I wanted.
The kiss was soft at first, but then I deepened it, pouring all my emotions into that moment. I could feel the heat rising in the room, the way Elara melted against me. I didn't miss the sound of Isabella gasping, a mix of shock and disbelief.
As I pulled back, I locked eyes with Elara. "You're the one for me," I said, my voice steady. "I want you. I need you to understand that."
Isabella stood frozen, her expression a mix of hurt and anger. I turned back to her, hoping that she could see how serious I was. "You need to know there's no way out of this marriage. If you think you can flirt with someone else, you're wrong." My voice was firm, cutting through the tension.
"I'll put a stop to any relationship you try to form. Kieran, or anyone else. You're mine, and I won't let anyone come between us." Isabella's face flushed with anger.
"You can't control me, Nicholas! This isn't how it works!" She shot back, but I could see the uncertainty in her eyes.
I stepped closer to Elara, wrapping my arm around her waist. I wanted Isabella to see that I had chosen my path. "I'm doing this for your good, Isabella," I said, keeping my tone steady. "You need to realize that no one will take care of you like I will."
I turned back to Elara, feeling her warmth against me. "Let's go," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. I wanted to show Isabella that I wasn't just trying to control her; I was protecting what was mine, and I'd be damn if I allowed her to walk away from me.