Queen of Hearts (Wonderland 2)

“Okay, I’ll stop,” I reply while putting on the classic fake smile that Nick Hudson knows so well.

The smile that I have yet to master like him.

A smile that can conceal all the real emotion.

A smile that can hide everything.

If I give a Cheshire grin big enough, maybe we can just drop this conversation all together.

Nick traces his finger along my lips. “No. Not with me, Lyriope. The only time I want to see this smile is when I see the smile in your eyes, too.”

The artificial smile melts away under his touch. “I’m letting you off the hook now. You don’t have to try to protect me.” I look at him to see if I can read his true thoughts, but he gives nothing away.

“Let me decide what the next step is,” he says. “For now, let’s focus on the now. Not tomorrow.”

My eyes look deep within his, and I whisper, “Okay.” I’m not sure I can do that, but I nod in agreement anyway. I’m too tired to overthink this anymore.

“Let’s eat,” he says. “I’m starving.”