Taking Nicole (Vegas Mates Series)(#4) Read Online Free PDF Page B

time and she gave without hesitation to keep Nicholas alive.
    When he’d asked her if she told Nicholas, she nodded yes. She said it couldn’t have been hidden even if she’d tried. They shared everything through the mate bond. Every feeling and emotion. Nicholas was her partner. Her comfort, even when everything had been taken from them.
    He checked his watch. It was time for him to head back inside. He needed to grab a quick shower, a bite of something from the kitchen, and be back in the dining hall at Carlotta’s beck and call.
    Magick rippled off his skin in waves as he tried to push down his anger. He had to keep it in check. The whole groveling, slave boy routine is what allowed him so much freedom on the grounds. It went against every fiber of his being to bow to Carlotta’s every whim and beg her permission to breathe the air next to her. But, in the long run, it would be worth it.  
    One day the freedoms his groveling afforded would be his and Sasha’s salvation.  
    One day he would get her out of this wicked place.

    ***
    Dessert was being cleared from the table when Aaron slipped back into the dining room to stand next to the two other guards at the door, neither of whom had moved during the entire dinner service. He was freshly shaved and his hair was still wet. A nice blue t-shirt stretched across his chest and Nicole felt her heart do a little flip-flop. Her wolf wasn’t the only one who couldn’t keep sex out of her mind.
    Carlotta turned to glance at him and he bowed low, whispering a soft thank you.
    How can he stomach being so, so ...?
    “How can you judge him when you are doing the same thing?”
    Her wolf was right. The sickly sweet smiles and nods she’d been feeding her grandparents through the meal were exactly the same thing. Who’s to say his behavior isn’t out of necessity as well. He’d definitely displayed plenty of hot alpha-ness in the plane. You’re right. It has to be an act.
    “Mr. Katsaros, take Nicole up to the white suite on the third level.” Her grandmother caught her gaze and smiled. “It’s been prepared especially for your arrival. I do hope you like it. If you need anything at all, he will be standing guard outside your door all night.”
    “I need a guard?” It slipped out before she could stop it.
    “Of course. We all have personal bodyguards, darling. Reginald has appointed Mr. Katsaros as yours. He is one of our best. You are free to go anywhere in the palace, but it is a large place. Best to have an escort to avoid getting lost.”
    Nicole nodded. “Good night then. I’m tired from the flight. I would like to lie down and get some sleep.”
    “Of course.” Carlotta snapped her fingers and one of the wait staff helped her up from her chair. “Mr. Katsaros.”
    He stepped forward and gestured for her to exit the dining room ahead of him. She hurried through the grand doorway and turned to the left with a softly spoken word from him. They continued in silence down the main hall for a short distance until he spoke again, requesting she turn to the right. To her surprise, an elevator door was tucked into the alcove.  
    Aaron pressed the call button and the door slid open without a sound. The elevator was made of dark wood that was so polished she could see her reflection. They stepped inside and he pressed the button.
    “You’re going to have a hard time avoiding me now, since Grandfather appointed you my official babysitter.”
    He coughed and covered his mouth, but she detected the slightest hint of a smile twinkling in those golden brown irises. No verbal response though, and his gaze stayed glued to the closed door.
    I thought for sure the babysitter comment would break this damned silent treatment.
    “Patience.”
    She wished she could tease him more, but her body was exhausted. What she really wanted was to be left alone to sleep for at least a day, maybe two. Like that would happen.
    The doors opened again and they stepped into the hallway of