“Are you interested in the arts?”
He gave a casual shoulder shrug.
” I feel like expert in most fields. Just the concept fascinates me. You’re not going with what makes the most sense, but rather what makes you happy. Doing so takes a lot of guts. That’s the type of decision that not many people are willing to make.”
I felt the warmth of the compliment all the way down to my toes. I never considered it in that light before. Even before I made my decision, I was concerned that it was a bad one. That’s what my dad always said.
“Thank you.” “What did you study in college?”
The meticulous blankness of his countenance made my stomach plummet. Without trying to, I had once again broached a sensitive topic.
“No, I didn’t attend university. I really wanted to, but unfortunately, I never had the chance to. One of the main draws for me to attend Havard was its excellent engineering program. Just to get a feel for what it’s like to be a part of a collegiate community. There are moments when I feel like I’m tormenting myself.”
That last bit, I was certain, wasn’t anything he meant to speak out loud.
To get his attention again, I stretched out and covered his hand with mine. I didn’t want to pry into why he hadn’t gone to college, whatever the reason may have been. It was obvious that this was a touchy issue for him, and I didn’t want to make it awkward for the rest of the evening.
I said, “Well, I’m pleased you moved here.” This makes me so happy.
The comfort I felt flooded over me as his grin returned. He swung his hand around so that his palm was on mine and his thumb was running gently over my digits. “Me too.”
The remainder of the meal was more lighter in tone. Nicola fed me some of his favorite meals off his plate on more than one occasion. It was intense, unusual, and sensuous beyond belief.
It wasn’t for food, but for conversation, that I was still hungry by the time we finished dessert.
“Would you want to visit my apartment again?” When we were alone in his vehicle, I inquired.
“That’s fantastic! Much obliged. ”
Inwardly, I felt a surge of warmth from his appreciation. It was clear that he wasn’t going to take me up on my offer, and that he wasn’t trying to buy my love with an expensive meal.
Of course I was willing to give him what we both wanted so badly. It’s not like me to give in so easily, but I just couldn’t help myself with Nicola. I really didn’t feel like it.
The kiss Nicola gave me was so hot it burned my lips. Prior to his, every kiss had been an awkward, emotionless mess. Until our lips met, I had no idea what I was missing. Although he was demanding and brutal, he still kept me in awe as his lips dominated mine.
I was both treasured and devoured by my desire for him, and I knew he felt the same way.
In a rush, we made our way through my apartment and into my bedroom, where I promptly had my sweater removed and discarded.
“The light, ” he continued in a gruff, low voice.
My skin tingled with pleasure, and I obeyed his order. While making out the night before, I felt his solid frame, but we weren’t undressed.
Not that I ever stripped down in front of guys, but I had no issues with my body image. As someone who swims many hours each week, I was accustomed to having my curves on show when I stripped down to a bikini.
Nicola was staring at me intently, like a hungry guy at a banquet, and I was still wearing my undergarments and pants.
After violently kissing me, he started touching me with surprisingly tender hands, moving slowly and reverently.
His fingers traced my waistline before he climbed up behind me and unhooked my plain black bra. He carefully undid the straps over my shoulders, his gaze following the progression of my breasts as they became visible.
The man’s teeth chattered together. Instead of pinning me down and kissing me as he did last night, I had the impression he was holding back, relishing the sight of me.
My nipples pebbled into rigid peaks, and I trembled as chilly air touched my hot flesh. He rubbed the desperate shoots with his knuckles. I drew back in shock and then leaned towards his contact.
A deep growl of delight from his lips as his massive hands encircled my breasts. Still stroking me with painful care, his calloused fingers tickled against my nipples as he studied the weight and contour of my breasts.
” I wished for more. “I cupped his upper arms and leaned into him.
He backed off and I whimpered my objection.
He encouraged, “Shhh. No, I’m not done yet. ”
His long fingers slid up the top of my pants, tickling my stomach, before he neatly undid the front button. He sluggishly unzipped the jacket, but I didn’t make him hurry up. I was hooked by his rapt curiosity as he Stundied me, but I needed more physical touch.