Nikolai was already glaring at Jared, even before he got to where he was. "You should get back in. All I can do to her is talk. But with you, it might be something else." Nikolai said, his words laced with hint of threats. Instantly, two of his men drew closer, keeping their focus on Jared. "Seriously?" Jared scoffed. "You're gonna do what? Have your men beat me up? Well, before that happens, why don't you give the poor lady a break? You're scaring the shit out of her." Adira's heart raced like a wild stallion, galloping uncontrollably in her chest. What has she done? What mess has she created? She noticed Nikolai's hand curl into a fist, seemingly trying to tame himself. "Get in the car." Those words came as a relief 'cause all she wanted was to get out of there at that moment. He got into the driver's seat and quickly, Adira took the front seat, not sparing Jared a final stare. She didn't want to see his expression. Two of Nikolai's men got in the backseat, while the rest made use of the second car behind them. He came with so much securities like he was aware of the shootout. He turned on the ignition and hit the road. ****†****† The engine roared like a caged beast as Nikolai accelerated through the quiet road. The only sound that filled the car was the rush of wind against the window, amplifying the weight of their silence. It was more like Nikolai was venting his anger on the steering, because his speed was something else. Adira had to force herself to remain calm even tho she was frightened. Nikolai... she's never seen him that way before - that angry. It was almost like he was restraining himself from pouncing on someone. Was he the type with anger issues? Conflicting thoughts surged through her mind. Was she to explain things to him? Would he even believe her? How was it even her fault? Suddenly, he slowed down and pulled to a halt by the side of the road. Adira looked around, confused. They were no where home. Why did he stop? He opened his door and walked out of the car, brushing his gloved fingers into his hair. This wasn't looking good - Adira thought as she watched him from the windscreen. The bodyguards rushed out of the car as well but couldn't go near him. Adira decided to do same. Nikolai walked a few steps from the car, backing it. He placed his both hands on his thighs, and right there, Adira could tell he was trying to suppress his anger. It was getting clearer... Nikolai had anger issues. She approached him slowly, being cautious with her steps. He was never going to hurt her, will he? "N... Nikolai," she called softy, but he didn't turn around. "I'm... I'm sorry. Truth is, I really did go there for a meeting. Then, Bonnie had to leave while I stayed back to...to discuss something else with Jared. It was nothing serious, trust me. And I was about leaving before the shootout started. That's the reason I stayed back." Nikolai turned around, and the moment he did, Adira nearly took a step back. His demeanor was eclipsed by a smoldering rage that radiated from his every pore. Nobody ever told her about this - his anger issues. 'It was a bloody fight, Adira. If I hadn't intervened, Vesper would've definitely been hospitalized.' she suddenly recalled his mother's words to her some weeks ago when Vesper tried to force himself on her. That should've been her first hint. "You had to stay back to spend the night with him?" He approached her, causing her to step back. "No! I...I was alone in the room when you called. I promise, we weren't going to spend the night together." She stuttered. "And you were so sure he wouldn't come knocking sometime at night? How can you even trust him that much? Didn't you think of what people would say, seeing both of you together?!" Adira blinked hard. "I'm... I'm sorry, but it was meant to be a harmless meeting. This isn't my first time having outdoor meetings with clients." "Well, the fact that it's Jared makes it wrong!" There was a stunned silence. "First, he gets you gifts and flowers. Next, you're spending nights in his hotel? I guess you're too eager to be with him. Well, can you exercise some damn patience and act like a wife? A real wife doesn't give so much attention to men!" "I'm not giving him attention!" She flared a little. Realizing herself, she drew a deep breath and watched her tone. "I'm not... giving him attention," she scoffed. Tears suddenly welled up in her eyes. "I don't know what you think about me, but I'm not the type to go around, throwing herself at men. For the past two years, you've never cared about any of my actions. So, I had no idea you'd have a problem this. I'm... I'm sorry." "You think I've never cared?" He took more steps towards her, making her step back. He wasn't yelling anymore, but his voice had become deep and rough. "There's never been a day I didn't care, Adira. Trust me, I've been there from the very beginning - from the moment I saved you from drowning. Why do you think I know so much about you? That's because I've been in your life without you knowing. You fall quickly in love with others, yet you never noticed me." Color drained from Adira's face, leaving her complexion pale and her eyes wide with a mix of shock and confusion. With her back hitting the car, there was nowhere else for her to retreat to. So, she stood frozen in disbelief, gazing at him as he closed up in front of her. What was he talking about? How did he... save her from drowning? The anger in his eyes melted into something else. Swiftly, he turned away from her. "Nikolai." Her voice was barely audible, but he heard her and stopped. He backed her for sometime, and when he finally turned around, he surged towards her with a briskness she didn't see coming, pulled her by the waist and crashed his lips on hers.