The Sweetest Oblivion

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes depictions of emotional abuse, sexual violence, graphic violence, and physical abuse.

At the penthouse, Nico and Adriana get into a verbal altercation about their engagement. He argues that even if she doesn’t want to marry him, she’ll be safer with him. He insinuates that everyone in his world wants to assault her and that he’s no exception. Afterwards, Nico chuckles to himself about the joke he made; he won’t hurt Adriana but suggested he would because he’s upset about other things. He can’t stop staring at Elena the rest of the night. Gianna confronts him, aware of his attention on Elena, and warns him to be careful. If he sleeps with Elena, he’ll “fall in love with her” (157), but she won’t fall in love with him.

“Elena”

Nico joins Elena near the bar. They banter about Nico’s aggressive behavior, which Elena admits she likes. He insults her per her request, calling her derogatory names. Elena is aroused.

Elena meets up with Christian on the terrace. When he tells her about himself, she insists his stories are lies. He’s amused, and they agree to have drinks together. Elena goes to the bathroom while he goes to the bar.