Chapter 25: Chapter 25

NICOLETTE

The words echoed in my mind.

He was looking at me with such vulnerability. Was he scared? He was genuinely asking. And I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t know what I wanted.

I opened my mouth to say that but jumped when my phone rang from inside my bag.

Darien’s look turned hard, and his eyes said, “Don’t answer that phone.”

Happy for the interruption, though, I gave him an apologetic smile, pulled down my skirt, and took out my phone.

“I’m sorry.” I looked at the ID. Unknown number. “This could be important.”

Darien let out an exasperated sigh and took a few steps back. He leaned on the railing and watched me answer the phone.

“Hello?” I said.

“Ms. Holland, I’m happy you answered. The manager told me you had a family emergency, and I was worried.” Mr. Andretti sounded genuinely worried.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that, Mr. Andretti.” My eyes flashed to Darien and he stiffened. “I was going to contact your office in the morning.”

“I hope everything is alright?”

“Uh, it’s my mom,” I said before thinking. “She’s a bit of a drama queen. I’m sure it’s nothing. I’m on my way to her now.” I glanced at Darien and he smirked with approval.

But then he frowned and reached into his pocket. He pulled out his phone, and his face became serious as he looked at it. He turned around to answer it, walking slowly away as he did.

“I see. Well, please do let me know if it’s serious and if I can help, yes?” Mr. Andretti said.

“Absolutely, Mr. Andretti. I will let you know.” I decided to take advantage of Darien’s distraction and hurried to the elevator I saw at the far end of the suite.

“Oh, and about Brazil,” he said. “My assistant sent you the details. They should be in your email.”

The elevator door opened, and I hurried inside. “Yes, I will check it as soon as I can.” I was happy to see all-around wood paneling, so I leaned against it as the doors closed.

“And I do hope to see you at the airport in two days.”

Did I hear him correctly? Had he told me at lunch that the trip was in two days? I realized then that I hadn’t caught any of the details about the Brazil dig mentioned after Darien’s arrival.

“Uh, yeah. I’ll let you know. Thanks again, Mr. Andretti. Goodbye.” I didn’t wait for a reply to hang up.

I took a deep breath and leaned my head back. My knees were weak, and I was glad to have the wall for support.

I thought about what would have happened if Mr. Andretti hadn’t called. What I would have said. What Darien would have done. What we would have done together. In a bed, perhaps.

Would I have given him my virginity? Or would he have taken it?

***

By the time I reached my parents’ house, it was past midnight.

Talking about my mom had made me miss her terribly, and I’d realized this was exactly where I needed to go. To think. And to get away from Darien.

I used my key and tiptoed to my bedroom. I didn’t want to wake them because I didn’t want to talk anymore tonight. My mind was racing from the day, and I just needed silence.

I closed the door gently, then flicked on the light.

Everything about my room was the same as the day I’d left, except for the addition of three paintings of mine my mom hung. I frowned when I saw the mirror on the vanity.

Without hesitation, I dropped the bag I had packed and pulled an extra sheet from my drawer, draping it over the mirror, careful not to touch the surface.

~There~, I thought, resting my hands on my waist. ~Now I can sleep. ~

I unpacked the few items in my bag and put on my pajamas. Then I turned off the light and got into bed. I set my powered-down phone onto the nightstand and stared at it.

It had been off since I got out of the elevator. I could only imagine how furious Darien must be. Did I dare turn it on?

I rolled onto my back and stared at the ceiling. I was wide awake. There was no way I was going to sleep unless I turned on my phone. I couldn’t leave it like this with Darien. Not again.

I huffed in frustration and grabbed the phone. My heart hammered against my rib cage as I waited for it to turn on. Then it jumped into my throat when I saw twenty-one missed calls from him.

I took a deep breath and prepared a text message.

Nicolette

I’m sorry for leaving, but please don’t worry.

Nicolette

I’m at my parents house.

Darien

You left without saying a word.

Darien

Again.

Nicolette

I know.

Nicolette

I’m sorry.

Nicolette

But I had to.

Darien

Why?

Nicolette

You know why.

Darien

Tell me.

Nicolette

I was scared.

Darien

Of?

Nicolette

Of what would happen if I stayed.

Darien

I understand.

Darien

But stop doing that.

Darien

Ok?

Nicolette

Promise.

Nicolette

I need to sleep now.

Darien

Ok.

Darien

But about Brazil.

Darien

If you want to go, I will make sure you are safe with him.

Nicolette

I won’t ask how, but thank you.

Nicolette

And thank you for the other thing.

Nicolette

Goodnight, King Lucien.

Darien

Goodnight, Desime Nicolette.

Darien

And thank YOU for leaving your fragrance on my fingers.

Darien

Yet again.

Warmth rushed to my face and I clutched the phone to my chest, hiding the screen as if my parents could see his words. Despite the flash of shame I felt, I smiled.

Then I pushed the shame away, replaced it with pride, and turned off the phone. And in the confines of my childhood bedroom, I knew my teenage self would be proud of the woman I’d become.

Proud that I had found myself a king.