Chapter 48 Chapter 48
But before she could reply, he tilted his head and whispered, with a provocative smile on his lips:
“Carol, are you thinking nonsense? Did you think I meant... making love to you?”
He chuckled softly, his hoarse voice sounding dangerously close to her ear.
“Although I want to, of course... it wouldn't be sensible to do something like that in a place like this.”
Caroline's face turned red as a tomato.
“I'm not talking to you anymore!” she shouted, turning her face to the window.
Nicholas stifled another laugh.
She was furious—but to him, she still seemed absurdly adorable.
“She's really impossible,” he thought, amused.
For the rest of the ride, Caroline kept her word.
She didn't say a single word. She didn't even look at him.
When the car finally stopped in front of the school, she unbuckled her seatbelt and muttered a quick,
“Bye.”
But before she could open the door, she heard the subtle sound of the automatic lock.
“Cliq.”
She turned around, confused. Nicholas was watching her, that same provocative smile on his face.
“Are you still mad at me?” he asked lightly. “I was just kidding. Are you going to ignore me forever?”
Caroline glared at him angrily, realizing she couldn't open the door.
“Unlock it. I want to get out.”
Nicholas smiled, resting his elbow on the steering wheel. “Kiss me, and I'll let you go.”
She was speechless.
“I won't—”
Before she could finish her sentence, he pulled her forcefully into his arms.
The kiss happened suddenly, fiery and firm.
Caroline tried to protest, but her voice was lost between the touch of his lips.
Nicholas deepened the kiss, his touch, once light, becoming more intense, more possessive.
The air inside the car seemed to change—heavy, hot, full of electric tension.
He held her tightly, his body pressed against hers, the warmth of his breath mingling with hers.
His initial intention was just to tease her a little. But as the kiss lingered, he lost control—and the atmosphere became intoxicating, charged with restrained desire.
Caroline felt her heart beating wildly, her body trembling under his touch...
And for a brief moment, she completely forgot that they were still in the school parking lot.
The muffled sounds from inside the car made Caroline deeply embarrassed. Her face felt hot, her heart was racing, and a whirlwind of emotions invaded her.
“N-Nicholas...” she tried to say, her voice trembling.
But his touch woke her from her stupor. Suddenly, she realized how close they were, and in a burst of impulse, she pushed him away.
Nicholas blinked, as if coming back to his senses. His gaze fell on her flushed face, her frightened eyes, and her rapid breathing.
“Carol...” His voice sounded hoarse, but now there was restraint. “What do I do with you?”
She looked away, completely unsure of how to respond. “What... do you mean?”
A small smile appeared on his lips.
“I'm hungry.”
“Hungry?” Caroline blinked, confused. “But... we just had lunch.”
When she noticed his tone and his gaze, she blushed even more. “Nicholas, please... let me out, okay?”
He let out a heavy sigh and ran his hand through his hair, trying to compose himself.
“It's okay. Don't be afraid, sweetheart. I lost control for a moment.”
Caroline remained motionless, feeling her heart beat in time with his breathing, which gradually calmed down.
A few minutes passed.
When silence filled the car again, she asked quietly:
“Are you feeling better?”
Nicholas looked up and smiled slightly before touching her hair.
“I am.”
He opened the car door and got out, walking around to open hers. “Come on, I'll walk you to the dorm.”
“No need, I can go alone...” said Caroline, hesitantly.
But his steady gaze made her stop.
“Are you ashamed of me? Or don't you want people to know we're together?”
“N-no, it's not that!” she replied quickly, surprised.
Nicholas smiled, satisfied.
“Then come on.”
He held out his hand, and Caroline, a little reluctantly, took it.
Together, they walked back to campus in silence, under the curious glances of everyone around them.
Nicholas held Caroline's hand tightly as they got out of the car.
His palm was large, warm, and firm, conveying a sense of security that calmed her heart.
For a moment, Caroline had the strange impression that they could walk hand in hand like this forever, as if that simple gesture were an invisible bond between them.
The walk to campus was quiet, but the looks they received were far from discreet.
Nicholas, in his perfectly tailored suit, exuded confidence and power.
His imposing height, elegant bearing, and striking features attracted attention wherever he went.
It didn't take long for the whispers to begin:
— Did you see that man? He's so handsome!
— The girl next to him is Caroline, isn't she? I thought she had broken up with Edward! “I heard she cheated on him... Could this be the guy?”
“But Edward was so perfect! Handsome, rich, kind... She must be regretting it now.”
“Regretting it? Look at this man. He's even more handsome! I wonder if he's rich too?”
The whispers grew louder as they passed, and many girls followed them with envious glances. Caroline, however, didn't hear anything. She was too focused on not letting on how nervous the simple touch of his hand made her.
When they arrived in front of the dorm, Nicholas stopped and gently let go of her hand.
“You can go up,” he said in a firm but gentle tone. “I want to see you go in before I leave.”
Caroline hesitated.
“Okay... well, I'm going. You should get back to work too.”
The moment he let go of her hand, she felt a strange emptiness.
Ten minutes. That's all.
But it already seemed like enough time for her body to miss his warmth.
She forced a smile and waved slightly. “Bye.”
She turned and took two steps before she heard his voice calling her name.
“Carol.”
The way he said her name made her stop suddenly.
There was so much tenderness in his voice that her heart seemed to skip a beat.
She turned slowly. “What is it?”
Nicholas took a few steps toward her, with that same serene and intense look.
“I forgot something.”
Before Caroline could ask what it was, he gently pulled her into an embrace.
A moment later, his lips touched hers in a brief, delicate, pure kiss — a gesture of affection, not desire.
“Eat well, study well, sleep well,” he murmured against her lips. “And don't forget to miss me.”
He pulled his face back just enough to look her in the eyes. “My phone is always available. If you miss me, call me. If you want to see me, I'll come to you.”
Caroline stood there, stunned. Her heart seemed to beat out of rhythm.
She couldn't even respond. She just watched him walk away.
Nicholas waited until he saw her climb the stairs and enter the dorm before turning and heading for the parking lot.