Chapter 5 An Attack

A sudden, sharp warning prickled in Nicole's chest, alerting her to danger looming close by. Keeping herself composed, she said earnestly, "I've done some research on you and discovered that you're infected with a toxin that you've probably had since birth. Unless you treat it soon, you'll become paralyzed, your muscles will waste away, and no amount of training will stop it."

Instantly, Aidan's gaze turned ominous, eyes locking onto hers with deadly intent. His voice emerged slow yet piercing. "And you actually dared to investigate me?"

"Because I want to help you."

A cold smirk formed on Aidan's lips. "And what exactly do you expect in return for your kindness?"

Meeting his stare directly, Nicole replied candidly, "I'll be honest. If you reject me, my mother plans to toss me back into that mental hospital. Saving you is the only way I save myself. So, in a sense, I'm using you."

Never before had a woman been bold enough to openly declare such intentions right in his face.

Eyes narrowing slightly, Aidan said in a low, dangerous voice, "Do you have any idea what happened to the last person who dared speak so boldly?"

Nicole bit her lip, suddenly aware she might have stepped right into danger without realizing it. Still, words spoken were words that couldn't be taken back.

For several intense seconds, Aidan studied her silently, unreadable thoughts flickering behind his cold stare. Without warning, his fingers brushed against her collarbone, sending a tense ripple across her skin.

"How determined are you?" His hand moved slowly downward, resting lightly on the zipper at her waist.

The unexpected intimacy of his touch sent Nicole's pulse racing, momentarily stealing her breath.

Just what was he implying? Did he actually intend to let her stay, suggesting they immediately make their relationship that intimate?

Growing visibly impatient, Aidan stared straight into her startled eyes. "So, will you do it yourself, or shall I handle it for you?"

"Damn! This wasn't part of the deal!" Nicole panicked internally.

An idea sparked instantly. Softening her posture, Nicole gracefully slid her arms around Aidan's neck, her voice becoming charmingly sweet as she teased. "I couldn't possibly trouble you. Allow me."

Without hesitation, Aidan's grip tightened around her waist, smoothly flipping their positions until Nicole found herself pressed firmly atop his chest. He watched her closely, as though daring her to continue.

Nicole froze in astonishment. This definitely wasn't how she had thought things would proceed.

She had thought those superior and aloof men would reject women's filthy touch. After how cold Aidan had been earlier, she figured he'd push her away with a glare and a harsh warning to stay out of his space.

However, Aidan's patience was clearly waning. "What are you waiting for? Didn't you say you could handle this yourself?"

Nicole was rendered momentarily speechless.

Slowly, she reached out and started unbuttoning his shirt. Despite her best efforts to remain composed, a subtle trembling betrayed her nerves.

With two buttons undone, his sharply defined collarbone and flawlessly toned chest were suddenly visible.

While she was still trying to figure out a way to slip free, Aidan's breathing suddenly quickened. His normally pale complexion drained even further, sweat glistening on his forehead, eyes turning glassy and unfocused.

Alarm flashed in Nicole's expression. This looked serious-possibly a medical emergency.

Quickly sliding off him, she asked urgently, "What's wrong? Are you having an attack?"

Pressing a hand tightly to his temples, Aidan clenched his jaw, clearly battling to control himself. With visible strain, he gestured towards the door. "Leave now!"

Nicole shook her head firmly. This was her chance to stay; she couldn't abandon him now.

Taking his hand confidently, she instructed firmly yet gently, "Aidan, stay calm. Breathe slowly."

At that moment, the door flew open abruptly, and Lilah Buckley, Aidan's childhood friend, rushed into the room. She instinctively moved toward Aidan, reaching to comfort him before catching herself mid-motion. Pulling back anxiously, she asked hesitantly, "Aidan, what's wrong?"

His eyes turned colder, practically freezing Lilah in place with an indifferent glance.

Noticing Aidan's deteriorating state, Nicole acted decisively, grabbing his hand and applying firm pressure to his fingertip.

Lilah quickly intervened, cautioning, "Ms. Wilson, you shouldn't touch him like that. Aidan can't stand women touching him-he usually reacts very badly."

Yet in the very next instant, Aidan's hand suddenly tightened around Nicole's, his fingers gripping hers so firmly that his knuckles turned white.