With the Lights Off...

(67): Back to Sleep

*So, we're pretty much nearing the end. I'm pretty excited. Also, I just wanted you guys to know that you are amazing. I have nothing else to say except I hope you still keep reading. Love you!*

Nina's POV

"You're so lucky I came right on time to pick you up," Paul snapped, closing the door as soon as I got settled in. He made his way to his side, got in, and closed the door behind him. He started the car and began driving, weaving his way through the crowd of paparazzi. Without another word, he reached behind him and retrieved a bottle of water. He tossed it at me and shook his head. "What the friggin' hell is going on with you, really?"

I unscrewed the bottle cap and took a long swig, feeling some of the dizziness disappear. I put the cap back on and shrugged. "I have no idea," I sighed. "I really don't."

"Nikolina, no one is going to have any idea but you," he said. "You're lying about not eating, aren't you? You're not eating again."

"Paul, honest to God," I said. "I'm eating more than I usually do. It's really probably just because of lack of sleep. I've been way too worried about so many things lately."

"Maybe it's time to visit a doctor?" he asked.

"What for, Paul?" I asked. "It's fatigue. I'm just exhausted."

"You don't honestly believe it's just that, do you?" he asked.

I rolled my eyes and leaned my head back. "Did Ian ask you to check on me?"

"Why? Were you sort of, maybe hoping he was?" he asked. "Because no, he didn't. He went back to Nicky just like you asked him to. You know that he's the best at doing whatever it is that you want."

"What's with the attitude?" I sighed.

He shook his head. "You two just don't get it, do you?" he snapped. "It's so fucking frustrating that the two of you don't understand why everyone is so upset. You two are making yourselves miserable and you don't deserve it!"

"Paul, calm down..."

"Don't," he said. "I've done that calm thing and it does not work for me or for you two. Me being calm is not getting me anywhere with either of you. I have to be mad as fuck just so you'd hear me out. What are you two doing, really?"

"Paul, you know what we're doing," I said.

"Then why, pray tell, are you two not resolving anything?" he said. "Why are you two making shit worse? Why are you the only two visibly suffering? Because as far as I can see, everyone you're worrying about are living their lives without worries right now."

"You don't know that," I said.

"I don't KNOW it, I can SEE it," he said. "Nina, are you two really that easily fooled by Nicky? She can't hurt anyone. She's only capable of hurting herself and sooner or later she's going to get tired of that, too."

Without another word, he brought out his phone and dialed a number. He brought it up to his ear and signaled me to shut up. "Hey, yeah," he said. "I have her. We're on our way there. We'll see you in 10."

He ended the call and I stayed there, gaping at him. "What the fuck?" I snapped. "Are you kidding me? You're kidnapping me right now?"

"It's not really kidnapping if I bring you to your house, huh?" he said, tossing his phone to the back. He shook his head and rolled his eyes. "You need to understand something, Nina. And I'm going to help you do it."

"Paul, I don't understand what you're telling me," I said.

"Not now you don't," he said. "But when I get you home, you will understand."