The Game of Bedfellows

Chapter 3 Help Me

Nikolas noticed her reaction, scooting back slightly as he smiled at her. "Why's your face so red?"

Kelsey's face flushed even more, and her heart skipped a beat. She had never been this close to a man before.

She stared into his eyes, trying to figure out what he meant by that question.

Was he asking what she wanted in exchange for playing along with this little act?

Or was he asking about her real reason for being here?

Kelsey wasn't sure.

So, she simply looked back at Nikolas, keeping her expression calm, and asked with a smile, "What do you mean?"

Nikolas laughed. His smile was captivating.

He set his glass down, tilted his head slightly, and locked his bright eyes on her. "What do you think I mean?"

He lit a cigarette. "Doesn't matter what I mean. You're already sitting here."

Kelsey understood. He was asking what she wanted and what she was willing to offer in return.

At this point, there was no point in holding back.

So, she spoke softly, "I have a favor to ask."

Nikolas took another sip of his drink, then glanced at her, his voice now cool and detached.

"Go ahead. Let's see if I can afford your request."

Kelsey kept her eyes on his face, not wanting to miss any subtle shift in his expression.

"I need information about someone," she revealed, laying her cards on the table.

Nikolas didn't respond. The others acted as if they hadn't heard anything, continuing to busy themselves.

Kelsey often marveled at how easily these people could turn a blind eye to everything.

She had no choice now but to press on. She'd already made her decision—there was no turning back, no matter how foolish it might seem. Kelsey knew she was being bold, maybe even out of line, but honesty was the only way forward tonight.

Her goal was to get him to help, and from what she'd heard, Nikolas was known for being unpredictable.

If she upset him and he kicked her out, no matter how clever she thought she was, her plan would fail.

Kelsey felt a pang of self-disgust, but she maintained her smile.

Nikolas smiled too, and it was a strikingly attractive one, making Kelsey momentarily lose focus.

From the moment she stepped into the room, he'd known she wasn't one of the hostesses.

No hostess would dare sit beside her guest wearing a sweater and jeans.

Her outfit gave her away at the very beginning.

Besides, no hostess would ask him for information about someone. They wouldn't have the nerve.

Nikolas had heard about how strict the club's management was with the girls here, and that only confirmed his suspicions.

Having figured out her intentions, Nikolas didn't pay her much more attention. He continued sipping his drink and chatting with the others casually.

Kelsey was left hanging, neither rejected nor accepted, but she couldn't leave.

So she stayed put, waiting it out. When she saw his glass was empty, she hesitated before refilling it. Nikolas didn't stop her, letting her pour as he continued his conversation.

While he talked, Kelsey busied herself staring at her hands. The expensive sweater she'd bought wasn't holding up well—it was already pilling.

With nothing else to do, she started picking at the little balls of fuzz on her sweater.

They were sitting close, after all. He'd had his arm around her earlier, making it seem like she was in his embrace.

But that moment of intimacy had passed, leaving only awkward proximity between them now.

He wasn't paying attention to her anymore, so Kelsey occupied herself with picking at her sweater, unsure if she would get any response from him.

Nikolas clearly had some interest in her; otherwise, he would've sent her away by now.

Noticing her actions, Nikolas smiled faintly. 'Good girl,' he thought. Even after being ignored, she didn't get upset or impatient. Instead, she just sat there quietly, waiting for him.

Barney noticed Nikolas' smile and decided to give him some space.

He checked his watch and then feigned a yawn. "Nikolas, I think it's about time. I'm getting tired. I guess I'm heading home to sleep."

Nikolas stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray and said, "Let's go."

The group began to leave, but Kelsey didn't move.

Nikolas grabbed his coat, slinging it over his arm as he walked past her.

Just as he was about to leave, brushing past her shoulder, Kelsey clenched her fists.

For a split second, she hesitated. Then, she grabbed the edge of his coat.

"Please... I need your help!"