Comes after this.

“Can I help you with something, Nick?“ You were finishing your make up in the bathroom mirror and could see him glaring at you in the reflection. He said nothing, mouth a flat line and his arms crossed in front of his chest.

After applying your lipstick, you turned to leave the bathroom to get dressed. “Excuse me.” Nick stood stock still not letting you pass. “Nick. Move”, your voice more insistent this time. Finally you pushed your shoulder into his arm and shoved past him.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Nick inquired his voice low. As you looked back at him, his face was mixture of emotions.

“I’m having drinks with your sister, I told you this two days ago.” You could hear the annoyance in your voice and was sure he could too. He watched as you pulled on jeans and a tank top. 

“So you’re seriously going? After what happened?” Nick stood behind you, hands on his hips.

Spinning around, you met his glare, “Nicholas. You are suffocating me. You have got to back off.” Nick had been protective before your kidnapping but now he was a whole other level. 

He scoffed, “Suffocating? I’m just trying to protect you, keep you safe.”

“I can hardly turn around without you right there. It’s been six months, Nick. I’ve moved past it. You need to as well.” Breaking your stare from Nick, you brushed past him and left the bedroom.

Nick was hot on your heels going down the hall to the kitchen. Slipping on an oven mitt, you pulled the baked spaghtetti out, placing the hot dish on a trivet. “There’s salad in the fridge and a loaf of Italian bread on the counter. I’ll be home later.”

“I love you, Y/N”, Nick called out to you causing you to stop. You turned and walked back to him. “I love your too Nicky. I- I just need to breath, for one night.” You stretched up and placed a kiss to his cheek.

“Y/N!” Sonya wrapped you in a hug, which you returned. “I have missed you so much. I’ve missed our dates.”

“Me too”, settling into a booth, you gave Sonya a small smile. “So tell me about Marcus. Cesaria said, and I quote, ‘he’s dreamy’.” 

Sonya laughed, “Well she isn’t wrong. I really like this guy, Y/N.”

“So when do we get to meet him?” Looking at Sonya, she blushed then shrugged her shoulders.

After a couple drinks, Sonya reached over the table, placing her hand over yours. “You know, NIck texted me earlier this aftrnoon. He asked me to cancel with you tonight.”

“He WHAT?!” You jerked your hand away and slugged back your drink. “He has really over stepped this time. He is going way overboard.”

“I get where he’s coming from. When that asshole kidnapped you, he was a mess. He’s naturally overprotective. Has been since I can remember. But when it comes to you, Owen and Elise, it’a like a religion.”

Studying Sonya, out let out a sigh. “Yeah. I know. It’s just I can’t turn around without him being right there. I appreciate his concern and understand why, but…” 

“I did tell him he was being a bit extreme and no way was I going to cancel. He didn’t  like my anwer so he called Mom. She basically told him the same thing. In his defense he means well and it’s coming from a good place.”

There was a few moments of silence. “Okay. This is supposed to be a fun evening. Tell me more about Marcus.” The blush returned to Sonya’s face as she started gushing about her new guy.

The only light on was in the kitchen when you pulled in front of the house. A shadow, presumably Nick’s passed by the wondow. You shut off the car and got out, making your way to the front door. Nick opened the door before you could put your key in the lock. 

“Is your phone on, or are you ignoring me? I’ve been trying to call you.” Nick held the door open allowing you to enter. He gave you a concerned look.

“No. It died. Sorry.”  You put your phone on the charger that was plugged in over the counter. You could feel Nick right behind you. Close, very close but not touching.

He brushed  the hair from your neck. His breath was hot. Leaning in to you, he placed soft kisses behind your ear. “I missed you tonight, Y/N.” Nick rested his hands on your hips and started trailing kisses down your neck.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Your question biting. “I’m not really in the mood Nick.” Shrugging your shoulder into Nick’s face, causing him to move away from your neck. 

Nick backed away, throwing his hands on the air, as you turned around. “What’s your problem?”

“Did you ask your sister to cancel on me today?” Eyeing Nick, you arched an eyebrow. His gaze moved from your face to his feet. “You are way out of line.”

“Y/N-”, Nick started.

“I’ve kept quiet about the tail that follows me everywhere.” Nick’s eyes widened. “Yeah I know about that.” You sighed heavily, and massaged your temples, then crossed your arms. "Everyone but you has moved past what happened. I get that you were scared and worried. I know you just want to protect me. But it was me that was kidnapped. Me that was almost raped. My head bounced off a concrete floor. My ribs were broken.” Your voice stayed even and cam, despite what you were feeling inside. “So, if I can move on, you should too.”

Nick stood in the living room where you left him dumbfounded, confused, and a little angry. He watched your form until it disappeared into the bedroom.

You jumped when the front door slammed shut. You heard Nick’s truck start, then pull away from the house. Picking up your cell, you dialed Nick’s number, only to hear his phone ring from the kitchen.