Chapter 437: A spontaneous kiss
"Roger told me about Nora," Lucius began, lifting his cup of espresso. "Are you certain you want me to get involved? What if she finds out later and resents it?"
Demitri sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Nora would never accept help, not openly, at least."
"Because she insists on fighting her battles alone," Lucius said, nodding thoughtfully. "If she’s found a better opportunity at another company, maybe it’s best not to stand in her way. As for the issue with the front desk staff, I already have a plan in mind."
Demitri leaned back with a conflicted gaze. "I do want her to succeed, no matter where she goes. I’ll be genuinely happy if she gets something better. But what bothers me is that it wasn’t entirely her choice, it was some of her colleagues who made things uncomfortable enough for her to consider leaving. That’s what’s eating at me."
Lucius studied him for a moment, noting the rare softness in Demitri’s voice. "I understand. You care about her. But in the end, it has to be her decision."
Demitri gave a small nod, his expression settling. "You’re right. The last thing I want is to make a move she’d see as interference. I don’t want to hurt her by doing something she’d disapprove of."
Lucius smiled faintly and raised his cup. "Then for now, let’s just drink. Our espresso is getting cold."
Once they finished their drinks, the two men stepped out of the café.
"I’ll drop you home," Lucius offered casually.
Demitri shook his head with a small smile. "No, thank you. You should get going. Layla’s probably waiting for you."
Lucius nodded, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Alright then. I’ll see you tomorrow."
He gave Demitri’s arm a brief pat, a gesture of quiet camaraderie, before heading toward his car. With one final wave, Lucius slid into the driver’s seat and drove off into the night.
When Demitri arrived home, the first thing he noticed was that the entire family had gathered in the living room. The warm sound of laughter echoed through the hall, and he spotted Ivy’s parents seated comfortably among them, their presence adding to the liveliness of the evening.
"Uncle’s here!" Roderick called out, jumping to his feet as everyone’s attention shifted toward the entrance.
Lucius stepped in with a small smile, greeting Ivy’s parents warmly before glancing back at his nephew. "Looks like there’s something big being celebrated here," he said with a teasing tone.
"Yes," Alekis announced proudly. "Our Roderick is getting married next month to Ivy."
Ivy beamed, her smile radiant, while Roderick looked both proud and slightly shy under everyone’s gaze.
"Congratulations, Rick, Ivy. That’s wonderful news. You’ve made a beautiful choice," Lucius said, pulling Roderick into a brief but heartfelt hug.
Layla, watching from nearby, smiled softly at the moment. But as her gaze shifted to the happy couple, but suddenly recalled about Orabela. She still hadn’t let go of Roderick.
Layla handed a glass of water to Lucius as he settled onto the couch.
"Thank you," he said warmly, patting the space beside him. "Come, sit."
She took the seat next to him, feeling his hand rest gently on her lower back, a gesture of affection and protection.
"What month are you in now, Layla?" Mira, Ivy’s mother, asked with a kind smile.
"It’s the middle of my third month," Layla replied softly.
"Ah, so you’ll be stepping into your second trimester soon," Mira said warmly. "Make sure to take good care of yourself."
Layla nodded, her gaze shifting briefly toward Lucius, who was already looking at her. That small glance between them said more than words.
~~~~~
Demitri opened his arms the moment Nora opened the door. She smiled warmly, stepping into his embrace and planting a soft kiss on his lips.
"Welcome home," she whispered, her fingers intertwining with his as she gently led him inside.
"I brought something sweet, cannolis," Demitri said, lifting the small pastry bag with a grin.
"I was just craving them!" Nora exclaimed, releasing his hand to take the bag from him. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she peeked inside. "Now go freshen up. I’m just about to finish dinner," she added, turning her attention back to the softly bubbling pots on the stove.
"The aroma is already making my mouth water," Demitri said with a chuckle. "I’ll be back in a minute."
He headed upstairs, and while he was gone, Nora moved swiftly through the kitchen. Within minutes, she had plated the dishes and was setting them carefully on the dining table. As she poured the wine into two glasses, Demitri arrived.
"Are we having a candlelight dinner?" Demitri asked with a smirk, his eyes glinting as he looked at the softly set table.
"I think that would be a lovely idea," Nora replied with a smile, already turning to fetch the elegant candle stand from the sideboard. She lit the ivory candles one by one, their soft glow flickering to life. Then, she switched off the overhead lights, bathing the room in a warm, golden haze.
Demitri watched her for a moment, admiration flickering in his gaze. "Let’s make it even more romantic," he said, walking over to the corner where the disc player stood.
He scrolled through the tracks before selecting a mellow tune which was soft and jazzy.
Demitri walked over to her and gently pulled out a chair, gesturing for Nora to take a seat.
With a soft smile, she sat down, tilting her head slightly as she watched him settle into the chair across from her.
He glanced down at the steaming bowl of creamy risotto of wild porcini mushrooms. Leaning forward, he inhaled the aroma deeply, savoring the scent before taking his first bite.
"How is it?" Nora asked, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Demitri’s lips curved into a satisfied smile as he took another spoonful. "Absolutely delicious," he replied. "You really went all out, this feels like a full-course meal."
"I wanted to surprise you," she said with a proud smile. "Something special, just for tonight."
"And I loved every bit of it," Demitri said warmly, his gaze lingering on her with appreciation.
After finishing their dinner with cannolis, Demitri helped Nora carry the dishes to the sink. Just as she reached to turn on the tap and begin rinsing them, he gently took both her hands in his.
"Let’s dance," he said softly, his eyes searching hers.
She blinked, surprised by the sudden request. "Huh?" A small laugh escaped her lips. "Sure."
They stepped into the open space beside the dining table, where the candlelight flickered warmly across the room. Demitri placed his hands gently on her waist, and she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
After a while, Nora let one hand slowly drift down to rest on Demitri’s chest, her gaze never leaving his eyes.
In response, Demitri gently took her hand in his and spun her around in a graceful twirl. She landed with her back against his chest, his arms encircling her as his breath tickled her skin and his nose brushed against her cheek.
"Nora," he whispered near her ear, "I love you."
She smiled, her voice tender. "I love you too, Demitri."
They swayed in perfect rhythm, completely attuned to each other. Demitri twirled her once more, and this time, she landed facing him, their chests pressed close. One of his hands slid to the small of her back, pulling her securely against him.
He leaned in and brushed a soft kiss on her chin before lowering his head to her throat. He sucked on their, making her giggle and moan.
His lips trailed slowly to the side, leaving a path of tender kisses along her neck.
Nora’s breath hitched, and felt her knees turning weaker. She gripped his arms tightly for support, anchoring herself in his embrace.
"Demitri," she whispered, her voice barely audible as her fingers slipped into his hair, gently guiding him closer to the warmth of her neck.
His hand slid upward, grazing her curves with deliberate care, drawing a soft, involuntary moan from her lips.
Then, as if trying to steady himself, Demitri gently pulled away and stepped back. He walked over to the dinner table and leaned in to blow out the candles, leaving the room bathed in soft shadows. The music continued to play, low and steady in the background.
Suddenly, he turned and crossed the space between them in two strides, capturing her lips in a spontaneous kiss.
Caught off guard, Nora instinctively stepped back, but he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her firmly into him. She responded without hesitation, returning his kiss with equal passion, her thoughts dissolving into the moment.
Almost unconsciously, her hands slipped to the hem of his sweatshirt, and her fingertips brushed the warmth of his skin beneath.
Demitri took it off. He let the sweatshirt fall on the floor before scooping her in his arms and taking her upstairs.