The Arrangement

Chapter Twenty-Six

Taylor's POV

A MONTH LATER

I stretch my arms and yawn as I wake up in my comfortable bed. I scratch my head and look around, eventually getting out of bed and showering.

While I'm in the shower, I zone out.

After I visited Ryan last month, the past few weeks flew by pretty quickly. It's already time to start preparing for the next event to capture Ivan, and honestly?

I'm more scared now more than ever.

It's a week before we go to the club. It starts at eight and today I'm going shopping with Nicolas to find me a dress to wear and anything else I'll need.

Now that I know who Ivan's brother is, Victor won't let it go unnoticed that I know he's Ivan's brother.

It'll all be pure torture.

Nicolas has been opening up to me more and I'm not going to lie, it feels good to know that I have someone like him by my side.

I appreciate his help and I couldn't be more grateful.

I turn off the shower and step out, wrapping a soft white towel around my body.

Once I dry off I brush my teeth, closing my eyes and sighing.

What has my life become in the last year? How did I get here?

Scared for my life and barely able to sleep because of nightmares?

I finish getting myself ready to go before getting dressed in a sweater and jeans.

I brush out my hair and do my everyday makeup routine. Putting on my rings, I grab my purse and leave the room.

I quietly walk down the stairs, familiar voices stopping me from going any further.

"Do you love her?" I hear Nathanael ask.

Someone sighs, who I'm guessing is Nicolas.

"What are you talking about?" He said. "Why are you asking me this Nathanael?" Nicolas asks.

"Because, I know you. And you've been different the past few months. You've been more...happy?" He says more like a question.

"That's just how I am," I snort before covering my mouth.

"Nicolas, you don't have to lie. I'm your little brother, and a girl like Taylor, is perfect for a guy like you. I'm just saying. You might want to make a move before someone else does," Nathanael says, receding footsteps heard shortly after.

My eyes widen as he mentions my name.

Me?

Because I clearly couldn't think of a better way, I slowly straightened myself up before running back to the top of the stairs quietly, like I wasn't just standing there eavesdropping on their conversation.

I loudly stomp down the stairs, walking normally once I'm in their view.

"Hey guys," I say, walking to the island counter.

"Hey Taylor," Nicolas sighs, sliding me a plate full of pancakes, eggs, and other breakfast items. I thank him and immediately dig in.