Chapter 30

▫️Nick's POV...

Did I just find out my rough, tough, pain-in-the-ass bro is now a pookie, all dreamy-eyed over a girl? Oh yeah, that happened. And because he’s the stubborn ass he is, of course, he won’t admit it. Dude could be caught writing “Mrs. Stella Knight” on his arm, and he’d still deny it.

Think, Nick, think. Gotta make him confess. I glanced at Liam—our sunshine boy over there smiling like he’s won the lottery. But that’s how brotherhood looks like. A supportive, lovey-dovey cheerleader.

Then there’s Chris. The supposed “King of poker faces.” Except right now, he’s blushing so hard I’m tempted to check if he’s got a fever. Oh, he’s fucked. Really fucked. Loverboy is down bad, and it’s embarrassing. I pulled out my phone and shot a quick text to MJ because good news spreads fast.

Me: "Yo, big news. Loverboy Chris hurt his knee falling for Stella. Let Ava know she’s probably getting a real sister-in-law soon."

MJ: "Wtf? OMG, he’s cooked behind my back. I’m telling Ava rn!"

I stifled a laugh. Poor Chris is so whipped, and he doesn’t even know it.

When we reached at the mansion, I didn’t even wait a second before heading to Stella’s room. If I didn’t tease her right now, my day would feel incomplete. She was on her bed, typing furiously on her laptop, probably working on that novel she refuses to let anyone read.

I flopped onto her sofa like it was my throne. “Yo.”

She glanced up, raising an eyebrow. “You’re back already?”

“Yup. And you’re done working.”

Her fingers froze mid-typing. “What do you want, Nick?”

I smirked. “To talk. Now, close that laptop and focus on me.”

She sighed but obeyed, sitting cross-legged on the bed with a look that said, This better be good.

“Alright, Stella, this is serious. Like, really serious.” I leaned forward, clasping my hands together like I was about to interrogate her.

Her eyes narrowed. “What’s going on?”

“Just answer me honestly. No dodging, no running, and definitely no throwing things at me.”

“I’m not promising anything.”

“Fair enough. First question—do you have feelings for anyone?”

Her answer came out so fast it was almost suspicious. “No.”

“Really? Not even a tiny crush?”

“No.”

I nodded, playing along. “Good. That clears that up. Now, let’s get to the real question. What about Christian?”

“I think he’s the topmost asshole of the world,” she blurted out, crossing her arms defensively.

“Okay, no joking around. This is serious. Tell me what you actually think about him. Like, feelings and love and all that shit.”

“Are you out of your damn mind?” she sputtered, her cheeks already starting to turn pink.

“Just answer the question.”

“I don’t!” she shot back, but the blush betrayed her.

I raised an eyebrow. “You sure? Not even a little something-something?”

She crossed her arms, her blush deepening. “He’s... he’s just hot, okay? Like, stupidly hot. And maybe a little handsome. And, fine, okay, his jawline is unfairly perfect. And he has this... aura or whatever. But that’s it!”

I burst out laughing. “So there are chances you might like him?”

She groaned, covering her face with her hands. “No way. And why am I even talking to you?”

“Because I’m the fun one,” I said, shrugging. Then I dropped the bomb. “Anyway, Christian likes you.”

She froze. Her hands slowly slid down from her face, revealing wide eyes and a mouth hanging open like a fish gasping for air. “What?”

“Christian. Likes. You,” I repeated, drawing out each word for maximum effect.

“You’re lying.”

“Nope.”

“You’re messing with me.”

“Not this time.”

She blinked rapidly, her blush spreading to her neck. “No way. There’s absolutely no way.”

I leaned back, grinning like a cat with a bowl of cream. “Oh, there’s definitely a way. He’s all googly-eyed and moody because of you. Guy’s a goner. So, what’s it gonna be, Stella? You gonna admit you like him back, or are you just gonna keep lying to yourself?”

Her mouth opened and closed a few times before she finally grabbed a pillow and chucked it at my face. “Get out, Nick!”

I dodged it, laughing as I got up. “Just think about it, lover's girl. Christian Knight might just be your prince charming.”

“Out!”

I left the room with a grin plastered on my face. Mission accomplished. Stella was definitely blushing, and this chaos was far from over.