chapter953

"I'm not here to marry you," Nigel said, rubbing his temples as if he could physically ward off the headache that was rapidly building.

Black Spider's face fell instantly, all his earlier excitement evaporating into a thunderous scowl. "Then what are you here for?" he demanded, his tone sharp.

"He's just passing through. Got business," someone offered, but Black Spider wasn't convinced.

Nigel cast a sideways glance at Black Spider. "So? Is there anything to discuss, or can we leave now?"

Don't even think about leaving, Black Spider shot back, his eyes gleaming with stubborn resolve. "If you won't marry me willingly, I'll just tie you up and drag you down the aisle myself! Now that you're here, you're coming with me-end of story."

Nigel stared in disbelief, a weary sigh escaping him as he took in the spectacle of the infamous Black Spider standing before him, dead set on this deranged demand. He'd known running into him would mean trouble. Of all the disasters he could have imagined, being propositioned for marriage was the worst. He'd sooner face a hail of bullets than deal with this lunacy.

"Look, I don't love you. Forced love never ends well," Nigel tried, his voice firm and low. "Just let me go."

"That's not happening!" Black Spider sneered, a cold edge in his laughter. "It's fate that brought you to me. Whether you think it's sweet or not doesn't matter the only sweetness I care about is mine."

Nigel was at a loss for words, staring at Black Spider, exasperation etched across his face.

Damien, standing nearby, finally lost his battle to remain composed and let out a barely stifled laugh.

Nigel shot him a withering look. "You find this funny?"

Damien quickly sobered and forced his face into a mask of seriousness. He cleared his throat. "No, not at all But, uh, what now, Mr. Howell?" He paused, then lowered his voice so only Nigel could hear, "Maybe you should just go through with the wedding-I'll make a discreet exit. He seems pretty sincere, and I have to say, you two actually make a striking couple.

Black Spider looked at Damien for the first time with genuine approval. See? He gets it! Didn't expect someone else to appreciate our match. You've got a good eye."

"Glad you I think so, Damien replied, nodding. "So... does that mean I'm free to go?"

"Damien?" Nigel gaped, incredulous. Was Damien really preparing to abandon him at a time like this?

Sensing the tension, Damien leaned closer to Nigel and muttered under his breath, "Listen, this Black Spider guy clearly isn't going to let you off easilyaf sneak but now I can go to Stewart's and bring back reinforcements. There's no way we can win a straight-up fight-not with their numbers."

He continued quietly, "Hang in there, Mr. Howell. Stall for as long as you can. Leave the rest to me. Stewart's place isn't far, I'll get help and come back for you promise."

Despite his earlier jokes, Damien

wasn't truly heartless. He didn't much care for Nigel-after all, Nigel was Myers sworn enemy But

seeing as Nigel had gotten mes

far, he owed him at least some payback.

Nigel eyed him warily, lowering his voice. "You're not just ditching me, are you? Wouldn't be much of a loss to you, would it?"

"I swear, I'm coming back, Damien said sincerely. "If I planned to abandon you, I wouldn't bother making up excuses I'd simply slip away without a word. Sit tight, and trust me for now."