“Only you,” he admitted.
It was amazing how far he had come. The same man who would shrink away from even the mention of love had now taken to it with ease. Almostas though he had been capable of it the entire time.
The thought warmed her heart.
As Nicholas read aloud from the novel, his deep voice filling the room, Violet allowed herself to relax once more. She found herself watching him more than listening, her gaze tracing the lines of his face, the way his brow furrowed slightly as he concentrated.
When he reached a particularly tender passage, Nicholas hesitated, his eyes lifting from the page to meet hers.
“He kisses her, but it is not out of desire alone. No, it is much deeper.He needs to show her that she is his world.”
The room seemed to hold its breath as his words lingered in the air.
“Is this the sort of thing that you find romantic?” he asked suddenly. Violet felt the weight of his gaze fall solely on her.
“I suppose I do,” she admitted. “Who wouldn’t? He has admitted that she is his world.”
Nicholas didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he closed the book and set it aside, rising from his chair to move toward her. Shewatched him with wide eyes, her heart pounding as he knelt before her, his hands resting gently on her knees.
“Very insightful.”
“Have you come to ask me more questions?” she asked, her cheeks flushing from the close proximity between them.
“Perhaps. Do you trust me?” His voice was low.
She nodded, suddenly unable to form words.
“Then let me show you something,” he said, his lips curving into a faint smile.
Nicholas’ gaze never wavered as he leaned closer. Violet’s breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding as she felt the heat of his proximity. He paused just a hair’s breadth away, his voice soft.
“Do you remember the moment in the book when the hero kissed her?”
Violet nodded, and her pulse quickened, anticipation thrumming through her veins.
“And do you remember why he did it?”
She blinked, her mind struggling to recall the words. “To… to show her how much she meant to him…”
Nicholas smiled faintly. “Exactly. Now, let me show you the same.”
Before she could respond, his lips brushed against hers in a kiss so gentle it felt like a whisper. Violet’s breath hitched, her hands clutching the edge of the blanket as the world around them seemed to fade away.
It was justsheandhein the world at that moment. Nothing else seemed to matter.
When he finally pulled back, his gaze was softer than she’d ever seen it.
“You… you surprised me,” Violet admitted.
“Good,” Nicholas said, his voice steady but filled with warmth. “I meant to. Now, wasn’t that romantic?”
She laughed softly, a happy sound. “It was. You’re not usually so bold.”
Nicholas smirked, leaning back on his heels but keeping his eyes locked on her. “Perhaps you bring it out in me.”
Violet’s heart fluttered at his words though she quickly pushed the feeling aside. She shifted slightly, adjusting the blanket around her shoulders. “You’re full of surprises tonight, Nicholas.”
“And you’re not?” he countered, raising an eyebrow. “Youhave been the biggest surprise of my life.”
