She saw it hit him. He was suddenly aware of just how vulnerable Emily was in this moment.
He reached for her hand, intertwining it with his. With a gentle tug, he drew her into his orbit. His space, world,him.
Just like that, the remaining distance between them dissipated.
“You don’t have to be scared,” Nicolas whispered. “You don’t have to do this, or anything, if you don’t want to?—”
“I want to.”
He froze.
His eyes surveyed her for a second.
A soft sigh left him as he gave her one of those exclusive smiles. “Alright then. Well, I’m right here, Em. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere and I won’t hurt you. Trust me when I say this will bring you more pleasure than pain.”
She released a breath that she didn’t know she was holding in.
“Feeling more relaxed?” he noted.
“How’d you know?”
“Darling, your entire body just sagged against me.”
Emily giggled.
Nicolas smiled, but it vanished as quickly as it came. “Let’s proceed then, shall we?”
36
Nicolas bent down and hoisted Emily over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
“What are you doing?” she squeaked.
“I’m following through on my end of the promise.” He kicked open his bedroom’s door.
He stepped into the space and tossed her off his shoulder with casual ease. Her gaze swept the room. This was the first time she’d seen his bedroom in its entirety. The last time, he’d been drunk and she cared more about that fact than getting a glimpse of it.
Slate blue walls stretched around her, adorned with art. A king-sized bed dominated the center of the space, black lamps and other furniture. Everything followed a dark scheme.
She felt him come closer. “Nico…”
“Em…”
Her eyes narrowed.
“I’m sorry.” He grinned. “You’re always the one drawing out my name. I figured I’d try it out for once.”
She shook her head, a flicker of nervousness returningas she stood in the heart of his personal space. Everything felt more intimate.
He stepped forward. She did the opposite, her legs hitting the lower edge of his bed. She would’ve fallen if he hadn’t caught her swiftly around the waist.
“Thank—”
He let go abruptly, making her cry out as her back met the soft surface of the mattress behind her.
She looked up at him in disbelief. “What was that for?”
Instead of answering, he knelt on the bed and crawled toward her. Nicolascrawledto her. Like a predator to his prey.
