Chapter 72: Repulsive
Nicholas hadn’t moved far. He lay beside her for a few more minutes, brushing gentle circles against her back, his breath slowly calming. The room was hushed now, only the faint hum of the city outside filling the silence between them. But even in silence, Ella felt held—protected—in a way she never had before.
Still, her body ached, tender and unfamiliar in its looseness. Her muscles had melted during their time together, but now she felt a lingering soreness between her legs and a shyness creeping in, pulling the sheets closer to her chest. It wasn’t regret. No, not even close. But the vulnerability of being fully seen—fully taken—was beginning to settle in.
Nicholas stirred and pressed a kiss to her shoulder, then slowly sat up, stretching before sliding off the bed.
"Where are you going?" she asked, her voice sleepy.
He looked over his shoulder, flashing her a small grin. "To run you a bath."
"A bath?" she echoed, blinking.
"Yes," he said, walking into the bathroom. "Don’t move. I’ll come get you when it’s ready."
She heard the water running soon after, then the clink of glass—probably candles or those expensive bath oils she’d once seen tucked under the sink. Nicholas had always seemed so polished, so controlled. She hadn’t expected softness from him. Not like this.
Ten minutes later, he padded back into the room, a towel slung low around his waist. "Come on,dolcezza. It’s ready."
Her fingers gripped the sheets. "I’m... I’ll come in a minute."
Nicholas tilted his head. "Ella," he said gently, reading her like a book. "You don’t need to be shy."