One hundred and forty-seven

Talia's POV:

To my surprise, Nicholas said, "I studied mechanical engineering."

"What?" I couldn't hide my shock. "But I thought you took over your father's business really young—"

"I did." Nicholas gave me an amused look. "I dropped out of a private university after a year and a half. But while I was there, I studied mechanical engineering through an accelerated program."

Private University? I stared at Nicholas with newfound respect. I've always known that he was smart, but engineering at whatever private university was a whole different level of brilliance. "Is that why you chose to go into arms dealing? Because you had a background in engineering?"

"Yes, partly. And partly because I saw more opportunities there than in the drug trade."