Chapter 14: The tour
Nicholas led Ella through the grand hallway, his hand still lightly resting on the small of her back. She couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease mixed with a fluttering excitement, the way his fingers brushed lightly against her skin sending electric sparks up her spine. She tried to ignore it, but the intensity of his presence was undeniable.
"This way," Nicholas said, his voice casual, but there was something about the way his eyes lingered on her that made her skin prickle. He guided her into what looked like a spacious living room, complete with plush velvet sofas, art pieces on the walls, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of the sprawling garden outside.
Ella glanced around, impressed but trying not to show it. "This place is... huge," she said, resisting the urge to run her fingers along the smooth surface of the elegant furniture.
"I like space," Nicholas replied, his lips curling into that mischievous grin of his. "You should see the rest of it." He winked, leading her down another hall, his steps slow and deliberate.
Ella rolled her eyes but followed him. "I’m sure it’s all very impressive."
He turned to her with a glint of amusement in his gaze. "Are you saying I’m not impressive?"
She raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "I didn’t say that. I’m just saying I’m not easily impressed."
Nicholas laughed softly, a low chuckle that seemed to vibrate through the air. "You’ll be impressed by something eventually," he teased.
They walked deeper into the house, with Nicholas constantly pointing out little details—fancy sculptures, expensive-looking bookshelves, and high-end kitchen equipment. He was clearly in his element, enjoying showing off his wealth, but there was a certain playfulness in his tone that made it feel less like boasting and more like he was sharing a secret with her, trying to draw her in.