GIVE ME A KISS
“Slowly.”
Nicholas tightly held Kimberly’s fingers as if he didn’t want to let go. Gently, he guided the woman into the airport towards the plane that would take them to England later this evening.
After making sure Kimberly was comfortably seated, Nicholas began fastening her seatbelt and didn’t forget to wrap a blanket around her. Nicholas’s simple gestures always managed to melt Kimberly’s heart.
During the flight, Kimberly chose to sleep more. Even after having dinner, it didn’t take long for her to pull the blanket over herself again. Perhaps it was the effect of the medication she had taken. While she slept, occasionally her long, curled eyelashes would flutter gracefully, making Nicholas want to gently caress them.
Once he was sure Kimberly had fallen asleep, Nicholas decided to join her in resting. However, just a few hours into his sleep, turbulence within the plane made Kimberly wake up, and she reflexively clung tightly to Nicholas’s arm.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.
Realizing that Kimberly was frightened, Nicholas quickly embraced her, holding her tightly and gently stroking her arms and hair.
“I’m scared,” Kimberly whispered softly as she woke up.
Nicholas tightened his embrace once more.
“Don’t worry, I’m here. I won’t let go until we arrive. You can go back to sleep now. I’ll wake you up as soon as we land.” Kimberly nodded in agreement and returned to her slumber.
After more than a dozen hours in the air, the plane they were on finally arrived at London Heathrow Airport in England. Seeing Kimberly still asleep, Nicholas gently tried to wake her.
“Look,
Your face looks really beautiful when you’re still like this.
Oh my, why do I feel so fond of her lips every time I see them?”
Nicholas chuckled to himself. He quickly dismissed any impure thoughts that crossed his mind.
Don’t be crazy, Nicholas.
Please don’t be crazy.
“Kimberly, wake up.”
Nicholas loosened his embrace and softly whispered while gently stroking Kimberly’s cheek. It took several calls of her name until she finally woke up and became aware.
“Have we arrived?” Kimberly asked as she rubbed her eyes.
Nicholas nodded. “Hmm…” Nicholas yawned. “We’ve arrived in England. How do you feel? Are you feeling better?”
Kimberly adjusted her sitting position and raised both hands to stretch her stiff muscles.
“Much better, but my body feels a bit stiff.”
Nicholas smirked.
“I should be the one complaining about stiffness, not you, especially since you’ve been leaning on my shoulder and chest all this time.”
Kimberly raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t ask you to hug me. You’re the one who wanted to take advantage, right?”
“Tsk, you don’t know how to say thank you,” Nicholas said, then stood up from his seat and took Kimberly’s wrist. He held it tightly and led her to disembark from the plane.
“Whoa!” exclaimed Kimberly. The woman couldn’t stop smiling as she looked at the scenery and the hustle and bustle around her. It was her first time setting foot in England. Before she had run away from Opa Arthur’s house, she used to travel abroad frequently for vacations or holidays. But England had never been her destination until now. Perhaps this time she should thank Nicholas. Because of him, she had been able to travel this far.
Nicholas, who was secretly observing the woman next to him, could only smile faintly. Somehow, a warm feeling enveloped his heart as he watched Kimberly looking so happy beside him.
Upon arriving outside the airport, someone Nicholas knew well was waiting for him leisurely. A tall and graceful woman with curly hair, dressed casually and sporting famous brand sneakers.
“Welcome Home,” the woman greeted as she kissed Nicholas’s cheek and hugged him tightly.
Nicholas let go of Kimberly’s hand, then returned the hug.
“Long time no see, honey,” Nicholas replied, loosening his embrace.
Kimberly, who witnessed this affectionate scene, remained silent and looked away. She was starting to feel a bit annoyed. Or perhaps a hint of jealousy was creeping in.
“So, is she your fiancée?” the woman asked in a recognizable British accent.
Nicholas nodded in agreement. “Yes, she’s my ugly fiancée,” Nicholas said with a smirk while glancing at Kimberly.
The woman then stepped forward and suddenly hugged Kimberly. “Welcome to your new home,” she said as she released the hug. “Let me introduce myself, I’m Chelsea, Nicholas’s little sister,” she said afterward.
Oh my goodness.
I thought this woman was Nicholas’s girlfriend.
Or perhaps even an ex who had left him in the past.
“Turns out she’s his sister,” Kimberly muttered to herself. “His sister and she’s this beautiful.” She let out a slow breath and smiled faintly at Chelsea. “I’m Kimberly. Thank you for the welcome.”
“You’re very welcome, sista,” Chelsea replied with a smile, then she reached for Kimberly’s hand, leading her towards the car that would take them to Nicholas’s residence.
The car moved at a moderate pace, and once again, Kimberly was captivated by the sights of England. The neatly lined old buildings were a feast for her eyes. Not to mention the bustling yet charmingly beautiful cityscape with vehicles moving about. It was noisy but still wrapped in a certain beauty. From behind the window, Kimberly eagerly gazed until the car they were in arrived at Hyde Park Penthouse, the most luxurious apartment in the city of England.
“Have we arrived?” Kimberly asked enthusiastically.
Nicholas nodded. “We’ve arrived at my apartment.” He then opened the car door and extended his hand to Kimberly.
Still feeling a bit confused, Kimberly accepted Nicholas’s hand. Without asking too many questions, she followed Nicholas and Chelsea into the apartment building. When they reached the 10th floor, they entered a unit that she assumed belonged to Nicholas.
“I’ll just drop you off here. I have other things to attend to. Remember, sis, your event starts at 7, so make sure you’re not late this evening,” Nicholas said as he kissed his sister’s cheek briefly before leaving. Kimberly could see the affection Nicholas had for his younger sister. Or was Nicholas the type of man who was gentle and caring after all?
“I thought we were going to stay at your parents’ house?” Kimberly asked, curious. She had been trying to hold back from asking, but her curiosity got the best of her.
“I just want to maintain our privacy. Besides, I’m afraid you wouldn’t be comfortable staying with them.”
Kimberly nodded in response to Nicholas’s explanation. His words did make sense. It would probably be awkward to stay with Nicholas’s parents. Plus, they would likely be scrutinizing her every move.
“Where’s my room then? I’d like to rest for a bit,” Kimberly inquired.
Nicholas then directed Kimberly to enter a room not far from the balcony. The room had a golden color theme, which seemed to be intentionally designed for a woman. But wait, was this the room that Nicholas’s former fiancée used to occupy?
“Is this my room?” Kimberly asked to confirm. She entered and scanned the room, examining every corner. Her eyes noticed numerous knickknacks and women’s accessories inside.
“If you’re wondering, this used to be my former fiancée’s room. That’s why there are so many women’s items and decorations in here,” Nicholas explained as if he could read what Kimberly was thinking at the moment.
“Hmm, it’s not a problem. I think I’ll be comfortable here. So, where’s your room? We’re not sharing a room, are we?” Kimberly suddenly asked.
Nicholas raised an eyebrow. “Why?” he asked as he advanced towards Kimberly. “Do you want to share a room with me? Is that it?”
Kimberly was taken aback. She even realized that her face had turned red with embarrassment upon hearing Nicholas’s words. She had clearly made a mistake in asking such a question. “Are you really suggesting we sleep in the same room?” Nicholas teased once again.
“You’re absolutely crazy, Nick! Get out of my room quickly; I want to rest now,” Kimberly said as she pulled Nicholas out of the room.
Nicholas chuckled at Kimberly’s reaction. In fact, he seemed even more enthusiastic about teasing the woman in front of him. “Alright, but before you close the door, can’t you give me a kiss?”
“No way!” Kimberly immediately slammed her bedroom door shut, leaving Nicholas laughing heartily outside.