Moona's POV:
The salesgirl's words hit me like an electric shock. My eyes immediately landed on that "nouveau riche" man…
"What? Are you kidding? I don't know him…" I hurriedly turned to explain to the salesgirl.
"Miss, call it a joke if you like, whether you know him or not is none of my business. But if it were me, getting a designer gown as a gift would make me so happy I couldn't sleep. Besides… he's super handsome!" The salesgirl looked at Nicolas with obvious admiration.
I knew there was no point arguing, so I hugged the gown and went toward Nicolas.
He lounged lazily on the sofa, watching me approach, a predatory smile tugging at the corner of his mouth… All women would find him hard to resist, especially since he was the heir of the wealthy William family, that made him the object of many people's envy.
"Sir…" I approached, my face a little heavy under his smiling gaze, and set the gown down beside him.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir, but this gown is very expensive, I cannot accept it. Thank you." I bowed and turned to leave. I wasn't an idiot; it was obvious this kind of person used tricks, and he might lump me in with that salesgirl. Before I could walk away, another hand grabbed mine and a broad figure blocked my path.
"In such a hurry, are you afraid I'll eat you?" Nicolas smiled, a flicker of interest in his eyes.
"You…" I didn't know how someone could start a conversation so bizarrely, so I frowned. "Sir, please move aside!" I tried to slip past.
I used to think handsome men were only fit to admire from afar especially sly types like him; they must be masters of seduction. Nicolas paid no attention to my cold demeanor; his hand shot out to block my way.
"You…" My eyes widened in anger. He looked at me from above composed, shady, arrogant his whole body radiating a dangerous, possessive air. He was like a black panther staring at prey: unhurried, savoring rather than pouncing.
Under that invasive stare, my head spun and my instinct was to avoid him.
"Sir, what exactly do you want? I don't know you, why should I accept a dress from you?" I swallowed my anger; this was a store and I had no right to raise my voice. Deep down I also felt the dangerous breath emanating from him.
Nicolas gave a "polite" smile that hid a deeper look. "Simple. It suits you perfectly. I'd hate for such a dress not to be worn by you."
Huh? I was stunned. Okay, he had a discerning eye, but even though I loved the dress, how could I accept a gift worth over a million from a stranger? Has his head been caught in a door?
"Even if I say a lot, we are somewhat acquainted now. I'm Nicolas, how should I address you properly?" He offered a gentle smile.
Trying to match his civility, I replied politely, "I'm Moona Anderson!"
"Moona! Lovely name!" Nicolas said "warmly." "It suits you!" He felt something from me, not a pure fragrance but something that stirred him. He reached out, offering a hand that left no room for refusal.
Um. Was that a handshake? I hesitated, then met his domineering, seductive gaze and instinctively put out my hand. He gripped it tightly possessively, then released. A hard-to-define smile crossed his lips: indeed, as warm as I expected.
At that moment... "Nicolas, she wants this dress!" The friend who had come out of the fitting room rushed over, clutching the Whispers of Eternity Collection to Nicolas, her voice coquettish. But when she saw me, her expression instantly turned wary.
"Nicolas, who is this young lady?" She put on a sweet tone. Nicolas shrugged and replied lazily, "My new girlfriend, if you like it, take those clothes."
"What?" Both the other girl and I exclaimed. Her shriek drowned me out, and panic showed across her face.
"Nicolas…" Alarm bells rang in her head; she clung to his neck and cooed, "You're so mean, you always tease people…" Though she said that, inside she was terrified.
Nicolas didn't bother to push her away; he only said coldly, "You should know being Nicolas's woman doesn't last more than two months. If this is a game, learn the rules." His tone was light and teasing, no room for refusal.
"No, I'm not disobedient, then if I follow you, I'll just do as you say, okay?" She pleaded, pressing herself closer.
Nicolas frowned, impatient: "Ann, it's not that you're not obedient, it's that… I suddenly don't feel interested anymore."
With that he casually handed her a bank card, signed it, his voice icy: "Take this money. If not… maybe you won't get any of these things." His words were both soft and threatening.
She dared not be angry; she hurriedly accepted the check, shot an aggressive look at me, and ran out of the store. I calmed down and sat on the sofa watching the little drama, expressionless.
After sending her off, Nicolas's gaze settled on me. He watched my cold expression as if it were a play; amusement flickered in his eyes: this girl, she really isn't ordinary! After watching for a bit, I lazily got up, met his wild gaze, and sneered with contempt: "Is this a rich people's game? How novel!"
"Games have rules; maybe you just don't know them yet." Nicolas smiled, then casually pulled me into his arms.
"Hey, what are you doing?" I tried to duck away, his strange masculine breath made me want to retreat.
"I told you, you're my new girlfriend. Tell me, what do you want me to do?" Nicolas grinned wickedly, his lips brushing my ear as he inhaled softly: "Moona, your scent is intoxicating…"
Ugh, he called me Moona? Startled, I cried out in fear. This man was shameless, coming up with a name that gave me goosebumps "Moona", the sound made me want to gag.
"What's the matter? Moona, look, you don't look well!" Nicolas teased, clearly enjoying himself. I tried to restrain myself, wanting to smack his head with my purse to snap back into the image of a woman who would one day be a top designer.
"This gentleman…" I began to react...
"My name is Nicolas. Just call me Nicolas!" He cut me off, smiling as if to memorize it.
"Ok, ok!" I felt disoriented, my head spinning. "You... just now I helped you perform a scene; now we're even. Goodbye!" I grabbed my bag and prepared to run.
But for some reason...
"Moona, why rush? It's Sunday…" Nicolas blocked me slowly, his arms like a clamp from behind, lowering his head so his warm breath brushed my nape. "Come to my place because… I want to see how you look in the Whispers of Eternity Collection."
His words carried a hint of affection and a little longing; that cold, carefree light in his eyes brightened.
I turned to look at his lecherous grin, this time I didn't bother to keep up a demure front I shouted angrily, "What exactly do you want?!"
Nicolas didn't look flustered; he replied politely: "Simple, be my girlfriend."
I stopped caring about appearances and snapped: "You psycho in your dreams!" It was ridiculous, I was wasting time arguing with such an unpleasant man!
"In your dreams? You'll be dreaming a lot of me in the future! Ha ha!" Nicolas laughed enthusiastically in a way that both annoyed and oddly amused me. I stammered, "If I appear in someone's dream, it must be a nice dream, right?" He had barely finished saying that when he reached out and grasped my small chin…