I go in search of something to fight off the cool chill that runs through my body and come to stand at the entrance of my closet.
“I removed you for this very reason. I didn’t want you showing up uninvited. Or at all, to be honest.” A stack of neatly folded sweatshirts sit in their cubby and I really feel like punching my fist through a wall.
When I gathered up various items that were Nic’s, I failed to go through my clothing which now contains bitsand pieces of his wardrobe that I either obtained when he left it here, when I borrowed it leaving his place, or just flat out stole from him.
“Baby, please. I just need to talk to you. I…I don’t have anyone and I really need someone.” He sounds so unlike himself, sad and small.
I lean against the closet door frame and stare at myself in the large mirror at the back of the closet. My reflection shows a tired and broken woman. I can’t even pretend to look happy. I’m so far from the woman I was just a few short months ago, andI can’t stand to see the weary woman looking back at me.
I hear him sniff quietly and I slide down to the floor, pressing my eyes shut. “What are you talking about Nic?”
“Soba. He did something and we’re not talking. And if that wasn’t enough, Saint dropped a bomb and now I don’t know what to do.”
“And what is the problem? Or are you going to just dance around it for the next twenty minutes?” I continue to act as if I don’t really care what is currently going on because he may get the wrong idea if I show an ounce of sympathy.
On the inside, though, I’m distraught with worry because from the sounds of his voice, I know it’s something bad.
“It’s…it’s too much. I need to see you. Please?” His voice sounds completely broken, much like my heart.
“What do you mean too much? Just tell me. I don’t have time for your games.” I climb to my feet and grab a sweatshirt from the top of the stack despite the fact that it probably smells like him.
“If you could let me up, I can explain.”
I war with myself, fighting over whether or not to lethim up. I just know that the minute he steps into my space that I become thirty percent less effective at keeping him at a distance. Whatever it is that he is going to say seems to be detrimental, so letting him speak about in a public place isn’t ideal.
I remember a place that is a bit off the beaten path and isn’t usually frequented by many people unless they’re seeking peace and refuge. That’s the best I can give him right now.
“I’ll be down in a minute. I know a place we can go to talk.” I press end without another word and slip my feet into my fuzzy slides.
I quickly comb my fingers through my hair and pinch my cheeks to bring some color to my recently dull face.
The entire way down the elevator, I prepare myself for seeing him.Don’t touch him. Don’t smell him. Don’t look directly at his blinding smile. Show no weakness. I can’t say for sure that this little pep talk will work, but I can try my best.
The elevator slows and the bell rings. As the doors slide open I take a deep breath and step out. The dreary weather permeates through the lobby, and the gray sky makes everything dim. But there is one stand-out who seems unaffected. In the middle of the lobby stands Nic, hands in pockets, a hoodie pulled up over his ball cap, and a boyish charm wafting off of him.
Goddammit Valentina.You looked right at him.
My heart beats, ba-dum ba-dum, and my hands begin to sweat. While the few days apart have made me look haggard and tired, he only looks more handsome. Even with the forlorn look.
I fist my hands and take precise and measured steps towards him. That sexy crooked smile begins to peek,and I pray it’s not followed by my arch nemesis; the fatal lip lick. My defenses will be weak against it. I’m already leaking like a faucet seeing him in those sweats that show the outline of his dick. My eyes are burning from the magnitude of strength I am using to not look at what I know is there.
He pulls his hands free and then it happens. Flood waters come rushing when that pink tongue makes an appearance and swipes the corner of his mouth. Chills surge across my arms and legs, crawling up my back and neck, and I bite the inside of my cheek to hide the desire with assaulting pain.
“Hi mi Reina.” He steps forward, ready to reach for me, and I stumble back.
I’ve already broken one rule. There ain’t no way in hell that I’ll allow another.
“Hello Nico.” His face looks broken when I respond, but I have to be this way. “I know of a place that’s private. Let’s go talk there.”
The sad nod of his head kills me. I want nothing more than to pull him into my arms and kiss every inch of his beautiful face. But my stubborn heart is not about to end up hemorrhaging blood when he inevitably stomps on it again.
“Can we walk there?” He looks out the windows then says, “Never mind. It’s too cold. I’ll drive.”
Instinctively he reaches for my hand but I tuck it away, crossing my arms over my chest. We step out the doors and his car is still sitting right in front. When I look at him, he says, “I wasn’t sure if I’d need to park it. Thought it was best to keep it near for a speedy getaway.”
A smile threatens to bloom, but I force it away. As ever the gentleman, Nico opens my door and secures meinside before getting into the driver’s seat and pulling onto the street.
After a minute he asks, “Do you mind if we stop and grab a coffee? I could really use one.”
