Nicholai Sullivan

"Aww, come on now. My life isn't so miserable. Just think of the perks Autumn. No more struggling. No more worrying how your son is going to get through school after this year is over. Don't think I don't know about your money problems, how you had to sell everything just to get him in there and scrape by. I'd take care of everything you know. Buy him anything he needs, buy him the best, no matter the cost. He wouldn't have to know it was from me, I know he hates me."

"Money isn't everything, don't you understand that? The money you could give me, means nothing to me. Period." I rolled my eyes "I would never let you give Chad anything, I respect my son more than that."

"I can give him everything, or I can take everything away. Keep that in mind. As long as you're... cooperative," I said and ran the back of my hand down her cheek, "you have nothing to worry about." I grabbed her wrist as she jerked away. "Don't even try it. You had better get used to it now - you do as I say when I say. This attitude of yours needs to end."

"He'll know and he won't accept it from you. Just leave him and Brady alone, I'm here so you got what you wanted."

"I said I can take everything away, and I meant everything. I can take away the air that he breathes. That part depends on you though. You're here, but that's not all I want. I want your cooperation. Constant bickering is tiresome."

I sighed and knew he was right. I didn't want to do anything to put Brady and Chad in danger so I reluctantly agreed "Okay. I'll cooperate."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it," I said and kissed her cheek. "Dinner will be ready in ten minutes. I expect you to be on your best behavior. I like to enjoy my dinner. Among other things, but that's a discussion for another time."

I knew what other discussion he was implying and hold to hold back a shudder "Alright." I said.

I ran my hand gently down the slight bruise on her cheek. "I don't want to do this to you. But I will be obeyed. So let's make sure I don't have to do it okay?" I kissed her cheek again then went to the dining room, leaving the door open so she would know where to follow me.

Nicholai

I wiped off my cheek after he turned his back and followed him into the dining room, I was seated at the table across from him. If I was going to get through this I had to at least try to play the part "You have a really nice home." I told him.

"This is your home too now. So anything you would like to do decorating wise feel free. You will need more clothes too. I'll have one of my servants take you shopping tomorrow. Don't even think about running though, you'll be watched closely." - Nicholai

"I won't, you have my word." I said and they brought out our dinner "When can I call Chad?" I asked him.

"I haven't decided yet. I do know I don't want you calling Brady, but I won't keep you away from your son forever. When you do call Chad though, I want you to tell him you're fine, you like it here, and you're not being held against your will. Be advised that I'll be listening. If I don't like what you say, you won't have anymore phone calls." - Nicholai

"I'll do what you ask me to do, Nicholai." I said and took a bit of food, but I didn't think I was going to be able to hold it down at first "I'm just worried about Chad, I hope you allow me to call him soon."

"Understandable. I'll think about it. I may let you call him after dinner." - Nicholai

I nodded "Okay, thank you."

You're welcome. You see Autumn, as long as you cooperate you can have just about anything you want. You deserve the world, and I want to give it to you.
- Nicholai

It was everything I could do not to roll my eyes "I appreciate that, Nicholai."

I stopped eating and looked up at her. "Do you find it so repulsive to be here with me?"
- Nicholai

"Maybe if I were here under different circumstances I would feel differently." I said "I'm not trying to upset you, just being honest. I fell in love with Brady when I was fifteen years old, when we first looked at each other during my father's speech in District Three about coming to District 1 to be Peacekeepers since the Mills were closing." I said "I just can't turn off my feelings for him, I'm

"I respect your honesty, but that's not what I asked you. I want to know why you find it so hard just to sit across the table from me and eat dinner. You hide it well but I can see it in your eyes." - Nicholai

"Because...." I sighed "Because you aren't Brady."

I want you happy, but I want you with me. I will not give you up. Is there nothing I can do to change the way you feel?" - Nicholai

"I just need time to adjust, that's all."

I nodded. "I can certainly give you time. I only hope you will adjust quickly."