Chapter 43 What Was Nicholas Implying?
Alyssa looked around the room, appreciating the contemporary-style dark wood decor and carpeted floors. She noticed that the double bed was larger than that on the aircraft, so she could easily put up a barricade here. Her eyes fell upon the electric kettle with complimentary jasmine tea products, and she couldn’t stop herself from brewing herself some. Picking up her cup, she opened the door that led to a small balcony with panoramic views of the bay and the Singapore skyline. This was the first time she had traveled to the far east, and she already started loving the feel of the place. There was a mysterious thrill in the air as if she was waiting for something to happen, although she did not know what. She sipped the tea and closed her eyes to savor its refreshing taste.
On the spur of the moment, she had invited herself into his bedroom, but now on second thoughts, she wondered if it was a good idea. Would he keep his word as he did on the aircraft? What if he didn’t? Would he force himself upon her? Knowing Nicholas, she somehow trusted him. He would never do that. He might initiate a kiss that could get out of hand, but he would never take advantage of her. So, should she stop him from kissing her? Yes, she could do that! Feeling relaxed by her decision, she sipped her tea.
“What are you having?” asked Nicholas’s husky voice from behind her, startling her totally.
“Don’t do that. You startled me,” she said, clasping onto her heart.
“So, what are you sipping?” Unable to wait for her reply, he took the cup from her hands and sipped. The way his hands brushed with hers sent an electric tingle up her body.
“Complimentary Jasmine tea.” She laughed seeing his expression.
“I hate it. It’s like I’m chewing the flower,” he said, handing it back to her. “I prefer strong black coffee.”
“I knew it. That’s why I made only a cup for myself.” Nicholas strangely looked impressed by her statement.
“It’s nice to hear that you know me so well,” taunted Nicholas, excited to get another opportunity to sleep with her tonight. Would she extract a promise from him again? No, he wouldn’t go into that.
“I know you well enough to understand that making me watch a horror movie was a well-planned move.” Nicholas touched his heart and shook his head to decline the allegations.
“No, you’re thinking too much about it. I watched a horror movie because I love to. There’s no motive behind it. Horror films don’t affect me in any way, so how would I know they would affect you so much?” Nicholas defended himself. Alyssa saw the honesty in his eyes. So was she wrong in her judgment? Nicholas maybe wasn’t as bad as he portrayed himself to be.
“Oh, I’m sorry that I misjudged you,” she said, flashing him a smile and going inside the room to rinse the cup.
“You can make amends by going out to dinner with me.” Alyssa smiled, charmed by his sweetness, and went to the washbasin to rinse her cup. “You didn’t answer me. What does that smile mean? Yes or no?” Alyssa looked up at her reflection in the gigantic mirror in front of her and her eyes met Nicholas’s who stood behind her.
“Surely I can do that much for you,” she agreed with a laugh. “I need a shower first, if you don’t mind.”
Nicholas stepped out to make way for her. She dashed to her luggage to take out a fresh set of clothes for herself. With Nicholas in the room, she wouldn’t risk going out in a toweling robe. With Nicholas busy invading the refrigerator, she went to the washroom to take a shower. Maybe she judged Nicholas wrongly after all. Living with him didn’t seem as bad as she had expected it to be. He was a gentleman in the true sense of the term, despite his flirtatious ways.
Nicholas tried to keep himself busy with the goodies in the refrigerator, to stop himself from grabbing Alyssa and devouring her. The thought of her showering in the en-suite made him aroused. Was she touching herself the way he wanted to touch her? With nothing working, he left a note that he would wait for her in Flavors Of Asia, a casual restaurant on the ground floor near the entrance. He quickly changed out of his soiled clothes and went downstairs to the restaurant to book a table and wait for her. Sipping a can of beer, Nicholas waited for Alyssa while chatting with Maxwell on the phone.
Alyssa emerged from the washroom but didn’t find Nicholas in the room. Where did he go? As she brushed her hair, her glance fell on the note Nicholas left for her.
Waiting at Flavors Of Asia. Don’t make me wait long or I’ll die of hunger and appear in your dreams to spook you all your life!
Your Nicholas.
Alyssa blinked at the note and read it all over again. Did she note a seual undertone in his words? Did he really mean hungry for food or something else? Why did he sign himself off as ‘her Nicholas’? When did he become hers? She locked the door and went towards the elevator to go to the restaurant he mentioned. While entering the grand property, she had seen the restaurant on the ground floor on the right side of the elevators. It wasn’t at all difficult to locate and she walked into the waterfront restaurant filled with guests gearing up for Spectra- a light and water show, a prime attraction here. Alyssa’s eyes scanned the area for Nicholas. Where was he?
A warm hand on her bare arms startled her, and she looked up at Nicholas right behind her. “You’re just in time or I was about to get you or maybe devour you instead.” Alyssa glared at him, noting how his eyes shone with excitement, as if he meant what he just said.
“Hilarious,” she scoffed as he led her towards the prime seats.
“I’m not. In fact, I’m a serious, workaholic, and nerdy type of guy. You bring out the worst in me,” he said, his lips so close to her ears that she could feel them move.
“Then don’t chase me if I’m that bad.”
“I didn’t say that you’re bad. You’re just stubborn.” He pulled a chair for her to sit on and she wondered why he was behaving like a true gentleman with her if she was that bad.
“It’s best to be stubborn and stick to your principles rather than be foolish. Don’t you think so?” she asked, holding his gaze as she sat down. She felt Nicholas go still when he realized what she just implied.
“Giving in to your wishes doesn’t make you foolish. It makes you happy,” said Nicholas.
“Not all wishes come true.”
“Who said so? You have one life to fulfill all your wishes. Are you afraid to live life on your own terms?” asked Nicholas and Alyssa noticed a strange spark in his eyes. It felt as if he earnestly wanted to tell her something. Were they really discussing the same thing? She didn’t answer his question. Yes, she was afraid to live her life recklessly on her own terms. She knew Alexander’s wrath and never dared to do anything extreme, but Nicholas would never understand that. He had a loving family and understanding brothers to support him.
The server appeared with their food, while Alyssa glanced at Nicholas with confusion. When did he order their food? “It’s complimentary. I opted for the non-spicy one since it is your first time trying Asian cuisine,” he pointed out.
“Thanks, that was quite thoughtful of you.”
“What can I say? I am a thoughtful and caring guy.” Alyssa smiled and glanced up at him to see the smile on his face.
“Are you trying to charm me?” she asked with a laugh.
“Why? Is it working?” Alyssa shook her head, not willing to admit that it actually was working. This charming Nicholas was very difficult to ward off and if she wasn’t careful, he would soon charm his way into her heart and then her pants. The show started as they ate. It was a unique experience for Alyssa, and she sat mesmerized by it all.
“Did you enjoy yourself?” he asked after the show was over.
“Yes, very much. Thank you.” He led her out of the restaurant, and Alyssa could feel her head reel a little as the jetlag started taking effect. She caught his arm for support, but he picked her up in his arms and carried her towards their room. With everyone staring at them, Alyssa’s cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.
“Nicholas, put me down, please. Everyone’s staring at us,” she pleaded.
“Let them. I will do what I want to do and no one can stop me.” Alyssa sighed, as she was too tired to figure out his double-edged words and their implications.