A planned engagement

chapter 11

Nico set the wine glass down with a soft clink, his eyes darkening with desire. He reached out, his strong hands encircling her waist, pulling her closer until she straddled his lap. The heat from his body seeped through her thin nightgown, igniting a fire in her core.

"Oh, Lexi," he murmured, his breath hot against her ear, "do you know what you're doing to me?" His hands roamed greedily over her curves, tracing the dip of her spine, squeezing her hips, and sliding up to cup her breasts through the fabric. He buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply, savoring her scent—like fresh lavender and warm vanilla. Alexi’s hands flew to his head, fingers tangling in his thick hair, rubbing and pulling as she gasped for air, her body arching instinctively into his touch.

The air between them crackled with electricity. Nico's lips found hers in a fierce, hungry kiss—his mouth claiming hers with a passion that left her breathless. His tongue teased her lips apart, exploring with slow, deliberate strokes, tasting the sweetness of her. She moaned softly into the kiss, her nails grazing his scalp, urging him on. He deepened it, one hand fisting in her hair to tilt her head back, exposing her throat. His kisses trailed down, nipping at her jawline, sucking gently on her pulse point until she whimpered.

In one fluid motion, Nico stood, lifting her effortlessly into his arms. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he carried her, their bodies pressed together. He lowered her slowly to the plush rug on the floor, his eyes locked on hers, dark with lust. Kneeling over her, he kissed every inch he could reach—starting with her forehead, down to her eyelids, her cheeks, her lips again. Then lower: the sensitive skin of her collarbone, the swell of her breasts peeking from her nightgown. His mouth was relentless, leaving a trail of fire in its wake, his hands pushing the fabric aside to expose more of her.

Alexi writhed beneath him, her breaths coming in short, needy pants. Nico sat back for a moment, his gaze raking over her like a predator. With deliberate slowness, he peeled off his shirt, revealing the chiseled lines of his chest and abs, muscles rippling under tanned skin. He reached for his pants, unzipping them but leaving them on, the bulge of his arousal straining against the fabric—a teasing promise of what was to come.

Scooping her up again, he carried her to the bed, laying her down gently while she was still dressed, the nightgown rumpled and clinging to her sweat-dampened skin. He hovered over her, his weight pressing her into the mattress just enough to make her feel deliciously trapped. Her hips bucked upward involuntarily, begging for him, grinding against his thigh in silent plea. "Nico..." she breathed, her voice a mix of desperation and surrender.

One strap of her gown slipped off her shoulder, then the other, the silky material pooling around her waist and exposing nearly all of her beautiful breasts—full, flushed, n*****s hardening in the cool air. Nico's eyes widened, a low growl escaping his throat. He dove in without hesitation, his mouth latching onto one n****e, sucking hard while his tongue swirled around the sensitive peak. Alexi cried out, her back arching off the bed. His free hand teased the other breast, pinching and rolling the n****e between his fingers, sending jolts of pleasure straight to her core.

His other hand ventured lower, sliding up her thigh, pushing the hem of her gown higher. He caressed the soft skin there, his fingers brushing tantalizingly close to her most intimate spot, feeling the heat radiating from her. She was soaked, her body trembling with need, hips thrusting toward his touch, silently screaming for him to take her, to fill her completely. Nico's kisses grew more urgent, trailing down her stomach, his teeth grazing her hip bone as he hooked his fingers into her panties, ready to pull them aside.

They were on the brink—clothes half-off, bodies entangled, the air thick with the scent of arousal. Nico's pants were open, his hardness pressing against her thigh, throbbing with anticipation. He positioned himself between her legs, his tip just brushing her entrance through the thin barrier of fabric, teasing, promising ecstasy.

But then, he paused, lifting his head to meet her gaze. His voice was rough, strained with restraint. "Are you sure you want this?"

Suddenly, Alexi’s brain reset. A whirlwind of thoughts crashed through the haze of desire—too many things swirling in her mind. What would happen after this? Would it change everything? Was she ready for the complications, the emotions that might follow? Doubt flooded in like cold water.

She immediately pulled aside, scrambling to sit up, yanking her gown back into place with shaking hands.

"I'm sorry," she stammered, her cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and lingering heat. "I have to go to my room now." She slipped off the bed and fled before he could respond, the door clicking shut behind her, leaving Nico alone in the charged silence.

As Alexi hurried out of Nico’s room, her bare feet silent on the cool hallway floor, her mind was a storm of conflicting emotions.

What the hell just happened? she thought, her heart still racing, skin tingling where his mouth and hands had been moments ago. One second I’m burning for him—God, I’ve never felt anything that intense—and the next I’m running away like a scared teenager. He must think I’m completely insane. Or worse, that I’m playing games.

She slipped into her own room and closed the door, leaning back against it, chest heaving. I wanted him. I still do. So why did I stop? Because it’s too fast? Because of Mia’s ghost hanging over him? Because if we cross that line, there’s no going back, and I’m terrified of what comes after? The memory of his body pressed against hers flashed hot behind her eyes, and she squeezed them shut. I left him there, hard and wanting, after he opened up to me like that. He’s going to hate me tomorrow. Or pretend nothing happened. Either way, I’ve ruined everything.

Sleep came in restless fragments, dreams tangled with his touch, his voice, the ache he’d left between her thighs.

The next morning, sunlight was already streaming through the curtains when Alexi jolted awake. She glanced at the clock: 9:03 a.m.

“Oh my God, I can’t believe I slept this long,” she muttered, rubbing her eyes. Her body felt heavy, deliciously sore in places that made her blush all over again. She dragged herself to the bathroom, turned the shower as hot as she could stand, and let the water pound over her skin, trying to wash away the embarrassment.

How am I supposed to face him? Act cool? Pretend I didn’t practically beg him to take me and then bolt? She lathered her hair slowly, stalling. Maybe he’s already left for the office. Maybe that would be easier.

After dressing in simple jeans and a soft sweater—nothing too revealing, nothing that screamed “I’m thinking about last night”—she padded downstairs, stomach twisting with nerves.

The smell of frying chicken and garlic hit her before she reached the kitchen. Nico was at the stove, sleeves rolled up, moving with easy confidence. He glanced over his shoulder as she appeared in the doorway.

“Well, hello. Look who finally decided to wake up,” he said, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. No anger. No coldness. Just that warm, playful tone that made her knees weak.

Alexi hovered uncertainly, then slid onto a stool at the kitchen island, watching him. He slid a tall glass of fresh orange juice toward her.

“Here you go, ma’am. At your service,” he said with an exaggerated bow.

She blinked, stunned. He’s… being sweet? After I left him hanging like that? Relief flooded through her, mixed with fresh confusion.

He plated a generous serving of crispy fried chicken strips tossed with stir-fried noodles—savory, fragrant with soy and sesame—and set it in front of her.

“Eat,” he commanded gently. “You must be starving.”

As she ate, they talked—small things at first. Teasing. Laughter. The easy kind that crept up on her without permission. Somehow, they ended up playful, moving around the kitchen, bumping shoulders, laughing too close.

Before she realized what was happening, Nico lifted her effortlessly and set her on top of the kitchen cabinet.

“Nico—stop,” she laughed nervously.

“Why should I?” he asked, stepping closer, brushing a kiss against her cheek.

Her smile faded just slightly. Reality rushed back in.

“We’re not in a real relationship,” she said quietly. “Remember?”

He looked at her, seriously now. “Do you want to be in a real relationship with me?”

Her breath caught.

“Nico… this is serious,” she said, voice soft but firm.

“I am being serious,” he replied just as his phone rang.

The moment broke.

He answered, his tone shifting to business, and when he ended the call, he sighed. “I have to go to the office.”

She nodded, trying to hide her disappointment.

As he turned to leave, she stopped him.

“I would like to see Grandma today.”

He paused. “Why?” Then, gentler, “Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she said. “I just want to talk to her.”

He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Okay. Andrew will take you.”

“Thank you.”

He gave her one last look before leaving—one that lingered far longer than necessary.

As the door closed behind him, Alexi exhaled slowly.