Chapter 545 Jacob, I Got Married 2
Theron set down his cup, his gaze intense as it settled on Nicole. His voice carried a low, gentle warmth. "Eating like you're starved—did you skip lunch again?"
Nicole placed her utensils down and dabbed her lips with the napkin. "The French cuisine here is quite authentic. I suppose I got carried away."
"Nicole." He paused, that captivating smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I make a decent coq au vin myself. You should let me cook for you sometime." His tone grew lighter, more intimate. "You bought that little apartment, didn't you? I could come over next time, cook for you there. Come to think of it, we've never really had time alone together. A cozy apartment would be perfect for this season."
The implication hung in the air—no longer subtle, but unmistakably clear. He wanted them to become a real married couple.
Nicole sat quietly at the table, the overhead lighting casting such clarity that even the fine down on her face was visible, lending her an almost childlike vulnerability that reminded him of that endearing young woman he'd first encountered.
She looked up at him, remaining silent for a long moment.
Theron moved closer, leaning down behind her chair until his mature, handsome face was level with hers. Like someone coaxing a shy child, he asked softly, "Am I putting too much pressure on you?"
Nicole nodded, then shook her head in confusion.
They were close—closer than they'd been before, though this wasn't their first time in such proximity. But there had never been this undercurrent of intimacy before, because their marriage had been contractual, something that didn't count in any real sense.
Now, he seemed to genuinely want her.
Nicole turned to speak to him, but the moment she did, her lips brushed against his.
Theron was undeniably handsome—not in a flashy way, but with the refined elegance that came with maturity and success. His features were compelling in their subtlety, his lips perfectly proportioned with an attractive curve.
Nicole froze, instinctively pulling back, but Theron's hand found the nape of her neck, preventing her retreat. His nose brushed against hers in an intimate gesture, and he seemed pleased by the contact, his fingers gently cupping her chin as if she were some precious treasure.
"Theron." Her voice trembled.
She wanted to ask something, but he silenced her by leaning in to place the softest of kisses on her lips—barely a whisper of contact that lasted perhaps two seconds at most.
His voice dropped to a husky whisper. "All these years we couldn't be a real married couple—was it because of Jacob?"
On their wedding night, they hadn't slept in separate rooms. He had been above her, sliding away her silk nightgown, when he'd been startled to see tears streaming down her face—large, silent drops that soaked the dark sheets beneath them.
Theron had stopped immediately, gently replacing her nightgown. He'd stood by the bed for what felt like hours, asking no questions, making no further advances. Later, he'd spent half the night smoking alone in the sitting room. From that point forward, they'd become simply Theron and Nicole—polite, distant, platonic.
Years had passed before he finally asked.
Nicole stared at him, her eyes wide and glistening with unshed tears.
Theron pressed on, his voice a low murmur. "From what I understand, he's engaged now."
"Nicole, let's try." His words were gentle but determined. "Let's try being a real married couple."
Nicole sat in stunned silence, unable to process his words for several long moments.
Theron's fingers traced her cheek as he called toward the dressing room. "Eulalia, could you bring me last month's medical report?"
Nicole bit her lip. "What do you need a medical report for?"
Eulalia appeared promptly. Theron still held Nicole close, and though she tried to create some distance, he wouldn't allow it. He opened the report for her to see, his expression almost playful. "Your husband is in excellent health and perfectly capable of fatherhood."
He was serious.
After a long moment of bewilderment, Nicole looked up at him. "Mr. Voss."
"Call me Theron."
"Theron."
He smiled softly and pulled her to her feet. "Come see the gift I brought you. I think you'll love it."
Nicole followed him, asking quietly, "What is it?"
Once in the bedroom, Theron closed the door behind them. Outside, Eulalia discreetly withdrew.
He retrieved an elegant black box from his briefcase and placed it in her hands.
Nicole opened it curiously to find a long compartmentalized case containing five amber-crafted ducklings, each one charming and lifelike in its detail.
Nicole was genuinely delighted, running her fingers over the small figures. "What made you think to give me these? You don't seem like the whimsical type."
Watching her obvious pleasure, Theron's expression softened with a tenderness he himself might not have recognized.
After a moment, he spoke quietly. "Because they remind me of you. Nicole, do you know that you look exactly like an adorable little duckling?"
The atmosphere shifted, becoming suddenly charged with intimacy.
Nicole suddenly became aware that they were alone in a bedroom—and they were married. She closed the box and said softly, "I should head home."
She'd taken only two steps when Theron caught her wrist, pulling her back against him. His masculine presence enveloped her, the scent of his cologne mingling with something uniquely him. The embrace lasted only moments before he gently guided her to sit on the edge of the bed.
Their bodies settled into the soft mattress, warmth radiating between them.
Theron braced himself beside her, removing his glasses with one hand while his gaze remained fixed on her face.
Nicole's hair fanned across the bedding, her face soft and beautiful in the lamplight. She seemed nervous, her breathing quick and shallow, creating an image that was both vulnerable and alluring.
Theron's gaze intensified.
Nicole's nervousness overwhelmed her, and she gripped his arm tightly.
For two years, Theron had exercised restraint, convincing himself to let go of his feelings. But in this moment, all his self-control crumbled. He knew it was wrong to take advantage of her vulnerability, but he was beyond caring. He wanted her desperately, wanted to make her truly his wife.
Nicole could sense his experience, his past relationships, but somehow those things no longer seemed to matter. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, she wanted to tell him, "Theron, please be good to me."
But everything was happening so fast.