I'm dancing and laughing, completely lost in the moment, when my foot catches on the edge of the carpet. I stumble, and just as I start to fall, Nicholai's quick reflexes kick in. He catches me, but the momentum throws us both to the ground in a tangled mess of limbs. He takes the brunt of the fall, his body cushioning mine.
I scramble to sit up, concern etched on my face. "I'm so sorry, are you okay?" I ask, helping him up.
"A few broken bones here and there, my lady, but nothing major," he says with a playful grin. I roll my eyes and give his shoulder a light shove, eliciting a laugh from him.
"I'm so exhausted," I admit, feeling the effects of my recent laziness and indulgence. As I glance down at my sundress, I notice my tummy protruding a bit more than usual. "Am I getting fat?" I ask, a note of worry creeping into my voice.
"I know not what you mean, my princess," Nicholai responds with a teasing smile.
I think back to the corset I wore last time, which seemed tighter than usual. Should I start working out? The thought immediately seems too daunting, and I mentally discard it.
"Say the truth, I'm turning round, aren't I?" I question suspiciously, narrowing my eyes at him.
"Unfortunately, I'm a bit biased in my opinion. You could be the roundest ball in the empire, and you'd still be the most beautiful woman in existence," he says, gently tucking a few curly strands of hair behind my ear.
His words, cheesy as they are, make my heart flutt I'mer. It's not just the line itself, but the sincerity in his eyes that gets to me. I can't help but swoon a little, feeling warmth spread through me. Embarrassed by my reaction, I look away, avoiding his gaze.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while, the rain softly pattering against the window, creating a serene backdrop. Nicholai lies back on the floor, his eyes closed, a peaceful expression on his face. I study him quietly, taking in his features. He's handsome in a way that's different from Valendor's ethereal beauty or Haroun's rugged masculinity. Nicholai possesses a delicate yet striking charm, a blend of elegance and allure that captivates me.
"Do I have something on my face?" Nicholai asks, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. His eyes remain closed, yet I can sense his awareness of my gaze. I think about how, back on Earth, he could easily be a male model or a heartthrob actor, effortlessly stealing hearts with his looks and charisma.
He opens his eyes, catching my curious stare, and I instinctively place my hand over his eyes, keeping them shut. "Keep them closed," I whisper, feeling a rush of boldness.
I lean over, my heart pounding, and gently press my lips to his. Nicholai stiffens beneath me, clearly taken by surprise. I pull back and he looks at me, his face flushed, eyes wide with astonishment. I start to look away, embarrassed by my own audacity.
But then, without warning, Nicholai's palm cups my cheek, and he pulls me in. Our lips meet again, this time with a fervor that sends a jolt of electricity through me. The kiss is intense, filled with unspoken emotions, a mixture of tenderness and passion.
Nicholai's hand slides to the back of my neck, holding me close as he deepens the kiss. I melt into him, my initial hesitation fading away. The taste of his lips, the warmth of his touch, it all feels perfect, like a piece of a puzzle clicking into place.
When we finally break apart, we're both breathless, our foreheads resting against each other. Nicholai's eyes are dark and intense, a myriad of emotions swirling within them.
"I think I could die," Nicholai says, his voice breathless and full of wonder. I lie on the ground beside him, trying to steady my breathing. My eyes drift to the ceiling, suddenly captivated by the intricate designs, but my mind is wholly focused on the man next to me.
Nicholai moves closer, his hand finding mine and intertwining our fingers. The simple touch sends a shiver down my spine, and I lean on my elbow, placing my other hand on his chest. His heart races beneath my palm, a rhythm that matches my own. He wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me closer, while his other hand cradles the back of my neck, guiding me even nearer. Our faces are mere inches apart, and I can see the depths of his purple eyes, filled with affection, desire, and vulnerability.
The tension between us is almost unbearable. The rain outside taps a gentle rhythm against the window, providing a soothing backdrop to the charged atmosphere within the room. I can feel every breath he takes, the warmth of his body seeping into mine, creating an intimate cocoon that shuts out the rest of the world.
"I can feel your heart beating," I whisper, my fingers tracing patterns on his shirt.
"And I can feel yours," he replies, his voice low and full of emotion. His eyes search mine, and for a moment, time seems to stand still.
I can't handle the tension any longer. Closing the small distance between us, I press my lips to his in a fervent kiss. Nicholai responds immediately, his passion doubling mine, and the kiss deepens, filled with an unspoken promise.
His grip on my waist tightens, and I lose myself in the moment, the taste of him, the feel of his lips against mine.