“Thank you,” she ended sincerely.
He kissed her forehead. “You don’t have to thank me. I just want you to remember this night. That’s all.”
Her arms wrapped themselves around his waist. “I will. For the rest of my life.”
48
“Home sweet home!” Emily exclaimed as she kicked off her shoes and flopped down onto her bed.
Their honeymoon was officially over and they were back in New York.
Nicolas followed, lying beside her.
With one eye closed, she peeped at him. His eyes were closed, head facing the ceiling of her bedroom, tiredness evident in the sleep bags beneath his eyes. It suddenly occurred to her that he probably hadn’t gotten any sleep during their flight.
He’d been catching up on his business duties when she fell asleep.
Emily locked her legs with his. Nicolas’s eyes opened instantly. He raised a brow, which she returned with an amused smile, her arms opening themselves invitingly. “Nap in my arms, baby.”
“Gladly.” He found himself drawn to her embrace. With his head on her stomach, her fingers running through hisscalp, a satisfied moan left him. She sighed contentedly when he snuggled up to her more as if he was prompting her to keep working her magic.
“Have I ever told you how much I love you?” he asked out of nowhere.
She hummed. “Once or twice.”
His body vibrated against hers with a deep chuckle. “Thank you for being here. For staying with me. For saying yes to marrying me.”
That profession touched her heart. She leaned down and kissed the top of his head. “I love you too, Nico. A million times over. And thank you for being with me as well.”
About three hours later, it was the sound of a phone ringing that woke Emily. She glanced over at Nicolas and saw that he was still asleep. As quietly as she could, she grabbed her phone and made her way to the bathroom.
She squinted a bit after flicking on the bright light.
Her eyebrows raised curiously when she saw the caller ID. “Hey, Val. What’s up?”
“E-E?”
“What’s going on? Are you okay?”
A series of shaky breaths came. “I’m okay,” she assured. “I know you texted me that you just came back from your honeymoon, but I kind of don’t wanna be alone right now after all of this shit happened. I’d feel better knowing I have some company.”
Rubbing at her eyes, Emily asked, “Are you at home?”
“Yes…well, what’s left of it.”
Her eyes expanded at that. “I’ll be there soon.”
“I’m sorry for calling so late. I just need someone to talk to?—”
“Val, it’s fine,” she reassured. “I consider you a friend. And this is what friends do, they call each other in times of need. I’m coming over. You can explain everything to me then.”
“Thanks, Emily. You’re a real one,” Valentina breathed before hanging up.
In a rush, Emily washed her face. She headed out of the bathroom and to the closet for a warmer outfit. In the middle of dressing, she jumped at the sound of a hoarse voice.
“Where are you going?”
Nicolas was staring up at her, all bed head and confusion.
