Chapter 52
Lucina
I'm dancing and laughing, completely lost in the moment.
My foot catches on the edge of the carpet.
I stumble.
Just as I start to fall, Nikolai'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 cushions mine.
I scramble to sit up, concern etched on my face.
"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?"
I help him up.
"A few broken bones here and there, my lady." A playful grin spreads across his face. "Nothing major."
I roll my eyes and give his shoulder a light shove.
He laughs.
"I'm so exhausted."
I feel the effects of my recent laziness and indulgence.
I glance down at my sundress. My tummy protrudes a bit more than usual.
"Am I getting fat?"
Worry creeps into my voice.
"I know not what you mean, my princess."
His smile is teasing.
I think back to the corset I wore last time. It seemed tighter than usual.
Should I start working out?
The thought immediately seems too daunting.
I mentally discard it.
"Say the truth. I'm turning round, aren't I?"
I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously.
"Unfortunately, I'm a bit biased in my opinion." He gently tucks a few curly strands of hair behind my ear.
"You could be the roundest ball in the empire, and you'd still be the most beautiful woman in existence."
His words are cheesy.
But it's not just the line itself. It's the sincerity in his eyes.
My heart flutters.
I swoon a little. Warmth spreads through me.
Embarrassed by my reaction, I look away, avoiding his gaze.
We sit in comfortable silence for a while.
Rain patters softly against the window. A serene backdrop.
Nikolai 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. Nikolai possesses a delicate yet striking charm. A blend of elegance and allure that captivates me.
"Do I have something on my face?"
A ghost of a smile plays on his lips. His eyes remain closed, yet I 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.
Catches my curious stare.
I instinctively place my hand over his eyes, keeping them shut.
"Keep them closed."
I whisper. A rush of boldness surges through me.
I lean over.
My heart pounds.
I hover there for a moment, my lips barely a breath away from his. I can feel the warmth radiating from his skin. I can smell him—something like parchment and magic and something uniquely him.
This is insane.
I gently press my lips to his.
Nikolai stiffens beneath me. Clearly taken by surprise.
I pull back.
He looks at me. His face flushed. Eyes wide with astonishment.
I start to look away, embarrassed by my own audacity.
Then without warning,his palm cups my cheek.
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.
His hand slides to the back of my neck, threading his fingers through some of my hair strands holding me close as he deepens the kiss.
I melt into him. My initial hesitation fades away.
His other hand finds my waist, pulling me closer until there's no space left between us. I feel the heat of him through my dress. Feel the rapid beat of his heart against my chest.
I gasp against his lips.
He swallows the sound.
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 rest against each other.
His eyes are dark and intense. A myriad of emotions swirling within them.
"I think I could die."
His voice is breathless.
I did that.
Like my already large ego, didn't need anymore stroking.
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.
Nikolai moves closer.
His hand finds mine. Intertwines our fingers.
The simple touch sends a shiver down my spine.
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. His other hand cradles the back of my neck, guiding me even nearer.
Our faces are inches apart.
I see the depths of his purple eyes. Filled with affection, desire, and vulnerability.
The tension between us is almost unbearable.
Rain taps a gentle rhythm against the window. A soothing backdrop to the charged atmosphere within the room.
I 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 trace patterns on his shirt.
"And I can feel yours."
His voice is low. Full of emotion.
His eyes search mine.
Time stands still.
I can't handle the tension any longer.
I close the small distance between us, bringing my lips to his again.
Nikolai responds immediately. His passion doubles mine. The kiss deepens, filled with an unspoken promise.
His grip on my waist tightens.
I lose myself in the moment.
The taste of him.
The feel of his lips against mine.