Chapter 44: Chapter 44

Nick's POV

I watched Ariane brushing her hair on the dresser. I was buttoning my shirt but she was so distracting. I couldn't be in the same room with her and not want to touch her. Or just look at her face. Look at her smile. She's so fucking beautiful. She had the most beautiful eyes I had ever seen.

I loved how she would bring me lunch without me asking. And how she always knew I was upset without me saying anything. I loved how She knew the type of advice to give me especially when handling my family members and board members who make me want to lose my shit. She was able to handle me at my worst and at my best. She didn't seem to care about the money very much. I loved that.

There's a lot of things I loved about her. She was the most caring person ever. She made a fit when I burnt my hand cooking, sometime ago and wouldn't let me anywhere near the kitchen anymore. I loved her annoying laugh. Her weird sense of humor. Her amazing ass. Her sweet pus—

"What are you thinking of ?" She interrupted my line of thought as she finished buttoning my shirt and did my tie for me. I didn't notice I was lost in my thoughts for so long. I looked down at her and she smiled at me.

Perfect lips. The most perfect ever.

"You." I told her honestly knowing she would blush. And she did.

Another thing I loved about her. She got shy so easily when I compliment her despite the countless number of times I've done so. She blushes even more when I talk about sex. I wanted to laugh. You would think she would be used to it by now since I know any nook and cranny of her body and she knows mine but no. Still shy as fuck.

She tiptoed kissed my cheek as I held her waist. "Enjoy your day. But if you need any help, tell me okay? Remember Mr Cheng doesn't like being invited for Chinese just because he's Chinese. Invite him for—" she started talking about the Chinese investor I had a meeting with today. She would normally accompany me but it's Saturday and Zoey wanted them to go shopping.

"Got it cara. Don't worry baby." I told her kissing her nose and she smiled.

"Okay. I'll be leaving now..Bye." She said detaching herself from me and I wanted to groan. She went out the door and then came back a minute later and kissed me deep.

"I'll miss you Caro." She said and ran out to meet Zoey downstairs who I'm sure is as impatient as ever.

"Lucky I didn't catch you, or we'd be in bed doing a whole different thing." I spoke to myself with a smile on my face.

I loved how she could make me smile no matter what. She literally brightens my

mood. I can't count on one hand the things I love about her. But most of all, I loved her.

Yeah. I loved her. More than anything. Sometimes the emotion is so strong it makes me scared. I've never felt anything like this. I might have had just two girlfriends but I didn't even love Alyssa and what I felt for Cami doesn't even come close to what I'm feeling now. Ariane clouds my judgement. I think of her opinion, what she would say, the joke she would make to lighten the mood.

I find myself drawing her eyes when I'm working. Thinking of what she'd like. Her fragrance is all I want to smell. I loved everything about her. And of course I loved her body. She was a fucking bombshell. She made my amigo eccitato. My body has never reacted to any woman like that.

Fucking whipped !

I thought to myself as I took my briefcase and walked out of the house.

"How many bodyguards are with them?" I asked Trey, getting into the car. I would never let Ariane and Zoey go out without protection. Some people are psychotic and dangerous.

"Eight sir." He said and I nodded. It was enough just in case something happened and to help with their shopping bags. I rolled my eyes as we drove off the property. I had gotten used to staying home on the weekend since Ariane came into my life and all I want is to get the meeting over and go back home.

Home. Ariane. Home. My home.

I can't believe how much I fucking love her. I won't admit it but I'm scared to confess. I usually never fail to say my feelings but the thought of her rejecting me has to be the worst things ever. I'm terrified even. I've played the scenario so many times in my head. I'd tell her and she'll brush me off. 'It's too soon Nick', or 'I don't feel the same Nick.'

Stop stop. Stop thinking you fucking idiot.

It reminded me of a nightmare I had. She left me. For another man. It felt so real and when I told her she kissed me telling me she'd never leave me for another. I felt relieved for a moment but that feeling was still there.

I'd beat any man to a fucking pulp if they try to take her away from me. I've become too dependent on her. I can't sleep without her near me. I can't function without her close to me. I just can't.

That's why I can't stand another man in her presence. Call it what you want but she's my girl. Mine. I don't care who he is. Tyler , Cedric and Harry.

Harry.

Finding out that they weren't cousins from Alyssa of all people was shocking. I've known Harry since we were kids. I never even thought of the possibility of him lying. And Alyssa mentioned them sleeping together. That made me the most paranoid. I

couldn't get the picture out of my mind. She was in Harry's house for a week! Why the fuck didn't I take her to Norway with me?

The thought of them in bed was driving me mad like it did 3 weeks ago. I massaged my temples as we reached the office.

I stepped out and walked into the conference room to prepare for the meeting. Hopefully I don't lose my temper or think of Ariane during our conversation. Soon enough, the Chinese investors came ,12 minutes late might I add ,and I was surprised how calm I was throughout. In 2 hours , we finalized our deal and I invited them to my restaurant for lunch to celebrate.

"My COO will take you there. I have another engagement awaiting me. Thank you for your time." I said greeting each an every investor and leaving.

No engagement awaits me. I just want to fucking go home to my girlfriend. Whipped!

********

Ariane and Zoey didn't come home for another 2 hours. So something happened that has never happened ever in my life.

I was fucking bored.

Bored!

I couldn't concentrate on my work . I just kept replaying scenarios of Ariane with another man. It was driving me insane! I wanted to pull my hair out!

And when they both came into my office and I saw her. I felt my heart beating 10 times faster. What the fuck? I told Zoey I want a quickie with Ariane in my office so she could leave and as usual she left as soon as the words left my mouth. I wanted to laugh.

I was just kidding. I just wanted her to leave. Maybe I was kidding.

I wouldn't mind a quickie at all..

I had her in my lap and it was the best feeling ever. Her body was so soft. I could feel every cell in my body reacting to her. Then Harry called.

Fuck! Just what I was talking about!

Something was telling me to take the phone and smash it against the wall. He bought it for her anyway! Whatever got into me , I don't know but I kissed her deep when she was still talking to him. I know her so well , she couldn't resist me. Even when she was upset . I wanted him to know. To know that she was mine. I was her boyfriend. Her lover. Her love. Me.

Just Incase he harbored any feelings for her. Which I doubt he did. Or did he?

She dropped her phone and all I thought was to fuck her while he listened but she scrambled off my lap and picked up her phone.

Fuck!

I didn't expect her to question me. Because of Harry? Well I told her straight. I was staking my claim.

Yeah. Like she was a racing car. But I didn't care what it looked like but I didn't like Harry's frequent calls any more. Before, I over looked them because they were 'cousins'. But knowing that they're not makes him just like any other guy. A threat.

I went to take a cold shower because despite my anger I was still frustrated.

Having her ass on me turns me on beyond my imagination!

I may fucking love her but i keep having a sinking feeling that she's keeping things from me. And that's going to ruin us. Secrets. There's something she's not telling me.

Love is patient. I huffed and finished my shower. I went downstairs to find her with a baby. Turns out it was Maria's son.

The fucker started crying when carried him! I didn't even do anything! I took care of my siblings but that was a long time ago. I don't know how to carry a fucking baby! But as usual, Ariane helped me with him and he settled down.

You two make the perfect parents.

Was Zoey right? Would she like to be a mom? Of my kids? I'm overthinking right now.

While watching the movie , she had fallen asleep. She barely even watched it.

She's so cute. Zoey left to answer a phone call in the middle of the movie and didn't come back. It better not be a stupid college boy.

I carried Ariane upstairs to our room and laid her down on the bed. She moaned and opened her eyes.

"Go to sleep baby.." I told her taking off her dress so she can be more comfortable. Also because I liked cuddling with her naked.

"Hm.. did I miss the whole movie?" She asked sitting up and taking her clothes off herself.

"Yeah, but we can watch it another time." I told her taking off my white shirt and sweatpants. Leaving me in my boxers. She had taken off her clothes and bra and wore the white shirt I was wearing.

I got into bed and pulled her close to me. "Buona notte cara Mia." I whispered in her hair and I felt her turn to me. She was picking up on some Italian and it made me so happy to see her effort.

"Good night Caro." She said and looked away. Soon enough she fell asleep as I held her close to my body.

I love you..

*************

"Hmm good morning cara." I said kissing her neck. It was already 8am and I had just gotten my morning dose of Ariane. She replaced my coffee. I couldn't get enough.

"Buongiorno Caro." She answered back and I grinned.

"Good job baby. What else do you know in Italian?" I asked tracing my hand over her naked body and pulling her impossibly closer to me.

"Hmm.. 'yes' is 'si' right?" She said and I nodded distracted by her again. I bit her ear.

"What else?"

"'Grazie means thank you.." she moaned as I continued kissing her neck. "Good baby.."

"Per favore.." she moaned and I smiled. She's begging in Italian and I'm all for it. I squeezed her ass cheek.

"And ... ti amo?" She whispered and I stilled. Did she say what I think she just did ?

"W-what?" I whispered looking at her face and silently asking her to repeat.

"T-ti amo? D-did I say it right? I-I'm sorry ..I.." she started looking panicked with her cheeks red and I shut her up by kissing her deep. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my chest. She loves me! She fucking loves me! I wanted to scream.

"Ti amo cara mia. I love you so much. So fucking much!" I told her and she smiled and a tear slid down her cheek.

"Why are you crying? Don't cry baby .." I started and she shook her head. "Tears of Joy. I- I really love you Nick. You're the best thing that happened to me. I wish I had told you sooner. I think I've loved you eons ago."

"I was scared you wouldn't feel the same. It was making me lose my mind Ariane.

I'm so happy you're mine.." I told her honestly.

Few minutes later we made love and I was the happiest ever.

********

"Where you going?" I asked Ariane after we had taken breakfast. We were on the kitchen balcony and Zoey was on her phone again not paying attention.

"Oh , I just want to see Tammy for something. I'll be back quick." She said hurriedly. I knew that look on her face.

She's lying.

"Alright. I'll ask the driver to take you." I told her and she shook her head vehemently. "It's Sunday Nick. Let him have the day off." She said fidgeting with her top and I looked at her, trying to read her.

"It's his job." I said when Zoey looked up and interrupted us. Now , you're paying attention.

I rolled my eyes. "Nick we're spending the day together. Ari, you can do what you want but come back quick okay? Don't want him to go Godzilla on me!" Zoey said and pinched my ear.

I stared at Ariane longer and she looked away. "Fine." I muttered reluctantly and she smiled. She kissed me and walked out of the house. Trey would follow her. I

wouldn't invade her privacy by asking for details of what she did during the day unless it's absolutely necessary. She has no idea she's always protected though.

"Okay Nick. Let's play! I'm gonna do your makeup!"

"Don't fucking think about it." I said seriously and she laughed. "I've missed you baby sis. How are you doing ? How's school? Does that college guy stefan still bother you?"

"Gosh! Please stop scaring all my make friends away! It's not fucking funny! Do you want me to die single?"

"Yeah . I do. Guys these days just want to get in your pants and break your heart.

And they'll want you more because your family is rich . So no boys for you. You're gonna be a nun."

"Huh! You're crazy! Are you one of those guys then?" "Never have. Never been. That's all Nigel and Harry. You know that." "Yeah but I think Nigel is gay. And you're right. Harry's never really had a

girlfriend. I wonder why? We should hook him up!"

"Keep your nose out of his business Zoey. He's a grown man." I told her and she rolled her eyes.

"But he needs to fall in love ! And get married. Maybe he'll be one of these cliché guys who fall in love with their PA/secretary. Oh wait.. you already did.." she said and then shot up from her seat like she was electrocuted.

"Hey! Let's go see Harry! It's been a minute !" She screamed and I groaned. "Please! We can get him to grill chicken since that's the only thing he's good at

when it comes to cooking and you'll forget about Ari for a while. C'mon let's go!" She said and I thought about it.

"Fine. Let me get the keys." I grumbled and got my car keys from the living room table.

"Let's go."

******

Harry's bachelor pad was quiet as usual. We walked in and a maid greeted us. "Wow! This is nicer than the other house..when did he move here?"

"About a year ago." I told her and later turned to the maid. "Where's Harry?" I asked. "In his office, sir."

"Okay thanks." I'll said going to his office. "Um, sir, he has a visit—"

"Nick can you show me the bathroom?" Zoey asked and she shook her leg like she did when she was a little girl. I looked at the maid and she smiled.

"I'll take you. Right This way miss.." she said with a smile and took her to the other side of the house. I walked to his office and stopped when I heard what seemed to be an alteration between two people. The door was ajar so I could hear their conversation.

"Do you love him? You fucking love him don't you?! That wasn't the deal! You weren't supposed to fall in love with him." He yelled and I knew he was more than angry. I heard sniffing so I'm guessing it's a woman.

"Why? Why does everyone love him? Why can't you love me princess ? I love you." Harry's in love ?

"I-I'm sorry..I can't ..I won't be able to do that anymore .." as soon as I heard that voice, I knew who it was.

Ariane ?

What is she doing here? Or am I hearing voices in my head? Is it like when I lost Cami and every brunette reminded me of her?

"I-I can't. I don't care about your threats anymore. Do your worst." I heard her speak and I heard footsteps coming out and then I knew it was time to make my presence known.

"No! No, I love you ,please.." Harry said and I could hear the desperation in his voice and I stormed into his office to see my worst nightmare.

Harry and Ariane in a lip lock.

This was a hundred times worst than all the scenarios that were going through my head.

I could feel it. My heart breaking. I felt it.

I saw red. I could see her struggling to push him off and lunged at him with a punch. He fell to the ground with a groan and Ariane looked up at me with a tear stained face.

"N-Nick .. p-please let me explain.. please." She started and I wanted to listen to her but all I wanted to do was punch the guy I called my best friend a thousand times.

I looked at him and he grinned , wiping the blood off his lip.

"Good to see you brother. Welcome to the show! You're gonna fucking love this." He said and laughed standing up and I gritted my teeth.

My nightmares are coming to fucking life .

**************

Honestly I need a lot of comments about this chapter.

Or imma be pissed pissed . Unedited! What do y'all think?

Ari has finally been caught🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺&#x1F97A

;🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺&#x1 F97A;🙆

Ok bye🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄&# x1F644;