by Andy Lewter
I let Miles guide me to the elevator. He pushed the button and pulled me flush against him in a deep hug. I wondered how he knew what floor I stayed on.
Holding me in his comforting embrace, he pressed his lips tenderly against my hair until the door opened, and then he slowly released me and guided me in by the small of my back. After he selected another a floor, he turned toward me with knowing eyes. “Your resilience surprises me every day, Abbs. You’ll be fine. I’m still here, remember that.”
The door opened and a mischievous grin touched his features as he nodded his head to my floor. “Get some sleep. Then go get him.”
11
The elevator door hummed to a close behind me. I could feel the pull from Nicholas close by, but I couldn’t budge. Raking my fingers through my hair, I bit my lip and pulled in a deep breath to calm the rapid thuds of my heart.
I was successful at avoiding everyone all day. I didn’t bump into a single soul for nearly sixteen hours, and I considered that a win.
A big part of me wanted to chase after Miles and convince him he was wrong about me. That no one else could fill his void and he needn’t question my feelings again. But the way Nicholas affected me…
This connection we had, this undeniable, confusing bond we shared had settled deep in my bones. He angered me to near madness. In fact, he pulled me to the brink of insanity most days. But in the same way, he was comforting and gentle. He pushed me when I needed it and understood me when most didn’t. His presence pulled me into a trance I couldn’t escape, and I couldn’t lie when I said it was borderline addicting.
Sighing hard and shaking my hands out, I took my first step toward Nicholas’ door. My pace was slow and hesitant — entering into this territory sent me into a near panic. Will I lose myself? Will I keep my mind on my leadership tasks ahead?
Before I could talk myself out of it, I rapped his door quickly. The doorknob twisted not a moment later and cool, copper-brown eyes bored into mine. He remained silent and watched me, waiting for me to speak.
I cleared my throat and nervously glanced at my feet. “Umm, do you want to go on a walk?”
He remained still, his expression unreadable. After a long pause, he stepped out of sight and murmured something to Ray. He smoothly stepped into the hallway with caution in his eyes and a black jacket draped over his arm.
“The sun will be setting soon,” he said gently, offering his jacket.
I smiled slyly at him. “Can’t you control the weather?”
He smirked and slipped it over my shoulders anyway. “Not the sun. Better we be safe than sorry.”
“If I’m not mistaken, I’d say you’re wanting me in your jacket regardless of what I say,” I teased.
A deep chuckle filled the hallway as we made our way to the elevator. “Maybe you’re right,” he admitted. He pushed the button, and I slipped the jacket on and shoved my hands in the pockets while we waited.
We remained silent. I could sense uncertainty, and I couldn’t say I blamed him. I’d been avoiding him like the plague since he arrived in Alaska. The air outside was damp with a bit of a chill. Nicholas shoved his hands in his pockets as we mutedly made our way up the trail.
“So… what did you want to talk about yesterday?” I asked.
Glancing down at me, he flashed a devilish grin. “Maybe later.”
That familiar pull hummed inside my chest, threatening to captivate my weak resolve. So much had happened these past few days, and I wasn’t sure how much willpower I had left. My emotions had been stretched and ripped every which way, my mind was numb, and I was mentally exhausted.
We came upon a flat rock, and I plopped down. Lying on my back, I crossed my ankles and placed my hands behind my head. Pulling in a steady breath, my eyes grazed over the ever-darkening clouds above.
Nicholas watched me a moment before he followed my gesture, lying just far enough away that we didn’t touch but close enough to feel the magnetic pull whispering between us.
We lay there a long time without speaking. I could sense Nicholas’ concentration as the clouds above slowly dissipated, eventually revealing an early evening sky. The clouds were colored with brilliant pinks and oranges. I flashed a cunning side-eye toward Nicholas when I realized he was painting the sky.
“What? You have to agree it’s better to look at,” he said with a smile playing on his features.
“I do admit, you make the best sunsets.”
His voice dipped low. “You should see my sunrises then.”
I sighed and started fidgeting with the sleeve on Nicholas’ jacket. “Remember when we were last at Salvus? And you had us go to your private beach to stay safe?” He nodded and adjusted his shoulders so he’d be focused on me. “Well… I didn’t remember the place. But the flower — the red orchid, just like the one you gave me on our first date — I remembered that.”
“I knew then that I wasn’t a lost cause to you.”
“Right.” I continued fidgeting with the jacket. “Nicholas, what we share is intense. It’s confusing and frustrating. I can’t think straight if I let myself fall into it.”
“Have you ever completely embraced it, though?” he asked.
I met his gaze and resisted the urge to smooth the deep crease above his brow. “When we first met I was making promises to people I could not fulfill. I was blind and distracted. That’s why I’ve been avoiding you. I have too much on my shoulders.”
Nicholas sat up and leaned on his elbow. Pulling in a deep breath, he glanced around our surroundings deep in thought. Moistening his lips, he quirked a mysterious brow and released a charming grin. “Have you ever thought maybe we’re better together than apart?”
“I’ve thought many times before I…” I paused awkwardly and cleared my throat. “Before I chose to forget, that I couldn’t progress in my gifts without you. But never that we’re better together, no. Though I do feel you every time I summon my abilities.”
“Think about it,” he coaxed, leaning in close. A brilliant light played into his eyes, shining bright through the darkening sky. “We always know where the other is. Near or far, we can find each other. But when we’re together… remember our last encounter in the forest?”
I smirked as the memory peaked. “How could I forget?” I snapped sarcastically.
“When we were training — Abby, together we are lethal. Always aware of the other. No one can come between us when we’re like that.”
I sighed and turned my cheek away from him. I did think there was partial truth to his statement, but it wasn’t completely accurate. I saw his point, but I’d proven myself many times. “Do you think our connection to each other is rooted through our gift to read emotions? That because we share the same gift, it intensifies everything between us?”
He narrowed his eyes and huffed. “I refuse to believe that,” he said in a distasteful tone.
“It kind of makes sense. How else would you describe it?”
Nicholas sat up completely and twisted his torso toward me. Towering over me, his features were serious, but his eyes were soft. Our emotions connected together in a deep hum, and suddenly he was all I saw. “It’s love,” he said simply.
“I do love you, Nicholas. But I’m still trying to figure out if what we have is riddled together by our mutual gift.” Turning away, I stood and stretched to shake off the passionate emotions. After a few moments, I turned back around and beamed, feeling my cheeks flush with joy. “This was nice. I’m happy we were able to talk.”
He shook his head. “How can you do that?”
I frowned. “Do what?”
“It’s like you walk away unscathed. I can’t choose to not feel like you can.”
Not knowing how to respond, I plopped down again and gazed up at the brilliant stars. It’d been a while since I’d seen them, and I basked in their beauty with a smile. After several silent minutes passed, I peeked over at Nicholas. “What do you say we get lost in the stars for a while?”
A genuine
grin touched his lips, and he lay down adjusting his position until he found a comfortable spot. When he was settled, I followed his lead and rested my head on his chest, my hair splaying out over his arm. The warmth from his body lulled me into a tranquil comfort, and when he started playing with my hair, my mind happily disconnected from the present.
For the longest time, the only noises we heard were our steady breathing, and the rustling leaves in the gentle breeze. Focused on the stars and our thoughts to ourselves, it was the first time I’d felt peace for as long as I could remember. And who would have thought, of all people, that I would find it in the company of Nicholas Ludovic.
12
I was nervous. Why am I nervous? Rolling my wrists and pulling in a deep breath, I rounded the corner to the kitchen and set my eyes on the tall, dark number across the room.
It was like he expected me — his eyes locked on mine at once. Fire crackled between us, bubbling deliciously through my veins — slow, fiery, and thirsty for more.
“Abby,” Nicholas crooned like silk, his copper eyes heavy-lidded.
“I was wondering,” I said with a cunning grin as I made my way across the room. Stopping in front of him, I placed my hands on my hips and felt my heart rate spike at the manner his eyes lingered on selective parts of my body. “Would you like to go out tonight?”
“Abigail Everett,” he replied as a dashing smile flashed across his features. “You? Asking me out? Unacceptable.” He stood from his chair and stepped close, towering over my body, alarmingly close. His skin was just a whisper from mine, burning hungrily for him to touch me.
I swallowed and turned my cheek, breaking the spell he held on me. “Did you have something else in mind?” I squeezed my eyes shut and pulled in a breath to collect myself.
“Hmm.” He raised a hand and threaded his fingers through a loose curl. “Seven tonight? I’ll take you to dinner.” He released the tendril and traced his thumb down my jawline, leaving an electrifying trail in its wake.
Clenching my fists to keep from pulling him closer, I ripped myself away from his trance and scurried toward the exit. “Sounds good!” I hollered over my shoulder.
Picking up my pace, I raked my hair and glanced out the side window as I rushed down the hallway. Uneasy. I’m uneasy about this. That boy is trouble. But I guess it’s time to figure out how unruly I’m willing to get.
The sun was starting to dip below the horizon when I snuck out the front door. Gulping in the fresh air, I quickly made it to the tree line. In heels.
Panic consumed me. I had to step away… just for a second.
I pressed my back against a tree and started fidgeting with my watch. Not a moment later, I felt the presence of someone close by. Holding my breath, I relaxed my arms and peeked around the tree’s edge to figure out who approached.
“Aren’t you supposed to be on a date?” Miles’ voice broke through the silence. He’d apparently snuck up behind me.
“Oh!” I jumped. Facing him, I dropped my gaze out of shame. “I don’t think I can go.”
Eyeing me knowingly, he stepped forward and clasped my wrist. Comforting warmth seeped through my pores from his touch, and then he pulled me closer. My frame buzzed from our proximity, my breathing hitched in turn. Peering into my eyes for a long moment, he raised my wrist and shook his head as he read my watch. “You’re late.”
I moistened my lips as I gazed up at him. “Late for what?” I murmured, my eyes falling to his lush lips.
A slow smile raised his cheeks. “Your date. You don’t appear ill. I don’t see why you can’t go.”
Pulling in a deep breath, I turned my attention away and dropped my wrist from his grasp. “I don’t know if I want to. It’s too intense around him.”
He chuckled, watching me. “Go, Abbs. He’s waiting for you.”
I sighed and met his cool expression. Biting my lip, I eventually nodded. “Fine.”
Releasing a small smile, I turned away from him and made my way back to the house. My mind drifted elsewhere as I entered the hallway and stepped into the elevator. When the landing of Nicholas’ floor appeared, I overheard Olivia arguing down the hallway.
“You can’t wear that! Here, put this on. It’ll look better. No… not that. Try this,” she bantered in the distance.
I realized as I got closer that she was in Nicholas’ room. Slowing my pace, I peeked into the doorway and witnessed Olivia rifling through Nicholas’ dresser, tossing out unacceptable clothing as she went.
I cupped my mouth and bit back a chuckle. When the door opened wider, I was met with Nicholas’ distressed gaze. “Five more minutes?” he asked then focused his attention on the ever-growing pile Liv was creating on the floor.
“Oh, honey, you’re going to need more than five minutes,” Olivia murmured, her head buried in the drawer.
I shook my head with a grin. “Sure. I’ll be in my room.”
Nicholas winked and closed his door with a humored shake of his head.
Biting my lip, I felt all my apprehensions melt away like butter. Seeing Liv with him eased my worries. She was the closest thing to parental approval I was going to get at the moment, and it made my heart swell at the thought of her stepping in.
Maybe there was hope for this date after all.
I opened my bedroom door and went to the mirror to freshen my lip-gloss. Peering into the mirror, I made sure my hair and clothes were in the right place. Nervous butterflies fluttered in my body, and I took a couple soothing breaths to relax.
A knock sounded at the door a moment later. Nervously smoothing my hands over my pants, I cracked open the door and grinned like a fool at the handsome man standing outside.
Wearing a navy button-up shirt and dark, fitted jeans, Nicholas smiled at me affectionately. “Your sister is relentless.” He offered his arm and raised an expectant brow. A five o’clock shadow graced his cheeks, making him appear even more attractive – if that were even possible. “The good news is my attire is now approved.”
Looping my arm in his, I closed the door. “She’s an Everett. What do you expect?” I teased, glancing up at him and reveling in the magnetic bliss. “You look dapper. She did well.”
He grinned at me playfully. “You’re right. What am I thinking?” he shook his head and pulled me closer. “You look like a dream, by the way,” he murmured in my ear, his deep tones sending a wave of goosebumps down my arm. “Breathtaking.”
A deep blush flushed my cheeks as he guided me to the elevator. The door was open when we arrived, and he selected the main floor when it closed. “I was told I couldn’t take you far. Wouldn’t want anyone to recognize you.” He grinned at me devilishly. “There’s a little diner up the road a bit. I hope that’s okay?”
“Getting out of here for a bit, no matter where that is, sounds perfect.”
The elevator opened, and he guided me out the front door to the nearest car. “Is the temperature okay for you?” he asked, checking the sky.
I chuckled. “The outdoor temperature?”
He met my eyes. “Too chilly? I can warm it up for you,” he wagged his brows.
I shook my head. “I like it the way it is, thanks.” I glanced up at the cloud-covered sky. “You could bring the stars out, though. Stars make me dream.”
He smiled at me warmly — so handsome. When his focused expression glanced upward, I opened the car door and took a seat.
A moment later, Nicholas slid into the driver’s side. “Better?” he asked, glimpsing at me for approval.
Bright diamonds pierced the evening sky, lighting up the atmosphere like tiny rays of sunshine. “Perfect,” I whispered as I got lost in the beauty that rested outside my window.
He reached for my hand with a lopsided grin. “Good.” I reveled in the magnetic zing that shot up my arm from his touch. He started the engine and pulled onto the main road.
“Do you miss your dad?” I asked a few moments later.
“My dad?”
I could tell by his
confusion my question took him off guard. I pulled my attention away from the window and watched him, waiting silently for him to gather his thoughts.
“Ah, well… that’s a complicated question,” he huffed with emotion. “As much as I want to resent Miles for killing him, I can’t do it.” He tensed his jaw and moistened his lips in thought. “I guess I do. But it isn’t in the way I think a son should miss his father.”
I furrowed my brows. “What does that mean?”
“Just that he wasn’t a father figure someone would expect.” Turning his attention to me, he unleashed a smile so mesmerizing it threatened to jumble my thoughts. His darkened emotions couldn’t fool me, though. He’s trying to mask his pain.
“I’m sorry he wasn’t what you wanted as a father.” I could at least sympathize with him on that aspect, and I squeezed his hand.
“Oh look, we’re here,” he pointed out, changing the subject. He pulled into a space and parked the car. Turning his attention to me, he eyed me with heavy-lidded eyes for several seconds, studying me like a masterpiece he couldn’t figure out. Heat started to build between us — crackling and kindling the longer I held his gaze. “Don’t move,” he said, his lips curling into an enticing grin. “Let me be a gentleman and get your door.”
When he stepped out, I fanned my face to cool my jets.
He pulled open my door, and I smiled at him as he offered his arm. “M’lady,” he said in a faux southern accent.
Shaking my head, I let him help me out and admired how the starlight framed his body in a majestic glow. “So handsome,” I noted. Embarrassment coursed through me when I realized I said it out loud.
Nicholas gave me a side-eye. “Embarrassed over a little compliment?”
I laughed. “I didn’t mean to say that. It slipped.”
He stopped mid-step in front of the restaurant. Before I knew what was happening, Nicholas’ lips were on mine. Passion, thirst, and need combined in a rush from the delicious current coursing between us. A current so enticing that any thought, any objection, anything other than him became irrelevant. I was consumed by him entirely, wrapped in his protective arms, and I was at his mercy.