My alarm went off at five and I woke feeling a bit more refreshed and ready to take on Nick and his club obsession. I hope in the shower then try to find something to wear. As I’m combing through my closet I hear Nick. “Tell me you’re not ready yet.”
“Shut up. I just have to find something to wear.”
“Dress to impress?”
“What? No. Why would you say that?”
“Let’s see you’ve been adamant about not going to the club every time I mention it. Now you receive two free passes from lover boy and you’re inviting me.”
“Well it’s free and I know how much fun you have there.”
“Right and that’s the only reason.”
“Of course. It’s not like its guaranteed that he’ll be there anyway. Not that I have any interest in a relationship right now.”
“Who said anything about a relationship. Just let loose and have some fun. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the company of a hot guy who is obviously into you. Just enjoy yourself.”
“It’s just not me but anyway. What the hell do I wear?”
Nick walked into my closet and looked around. He found my black leather pleated skirt and picked out a corset to go with it. “Skirt, yes. Corset, hell no.”
“And why not it looks awesome.”
I looked down at my arms at the scars that mar my skin. “Kris, look at me.” I look up and see the concern on his face. “That’s the old you. It’s not who you are anymore. It’s time to move on.”
“I know, I just… I don’t… I’m not ready for any guy to know just yet. They’ll judge and lose interest before I can even decide if I’m interested.”
“Listen to me carefully Kristina. You’re an amazing person and a great catch for any guy. If he or anyone wants to judge you and turn away then they didn’t deserve to even know you to begin with. Now get dressed and I’ll be out in the living room waiting for you.”
I put on the outfit he picked out with one exception. I add a fishnet top under the corset and it pairs nicely and covers up just enough. I walk out into the living room and Nick just shakes his head. “I can’t even say I’m surprised. Let’s go.”
“Just leave me be. If this is what it takes for me to be more comfortable going then just shut up an be happy.”
He raises his hands in surrender. “Okay fair enough. Let’s go have some fun.”
When we get to the club we’re let right in. I’m not in the least bit surprised. It’s almost as if Nathan was expecting us or me. We head to our usual VIP section. Why does it feel as if this section has now been reserved for us? This time I’m not sitting around waiting for Nathan to come up to me on the couch instead I head to the dance floor with Nick and try to blend in with the crowd. Some might say that I’m hiding from him and that may be but I’m just not ready to face him and the feelings or the attraction I may feel for him.
After three songs I need a break but Nick is still in the zone with a hottie of his own. I go grab a water and head to our section. I too zoned out to notice I’m not alone. “You’re quit the dancer.”
“Thank you.” I reply before I even look up but I know who it is. I look up to see that Nathan has decided to join me once again. “Hello, Mr. Black.”
“Please call me Nathan. I see that you got the passes. I’m glad you decided to accept my gift and return.”
“Well, Nathan, thank you for the passes. Though I do think Nick appreciates them a bit more than I do.”
“Well you did return so I say it was worth it. I would ask you for a dance but I’d much rather sit here and get to know you.”
“There really isn’t much to know.”
“I highly doubt that. Let’s start with your name. It’s only fair as you know mine now.”
“Fair enough. My name is Kristina Thomas.”
“Well, it’s its a pleasure to officially meet you Kristina. Tell me, since this obviously isn’t your thing what do you do for fun?”
“I much rather dive into my work and stay there but when I’m not working I like to read.’
“Ah a workaholic such as myself. I like the sound of that. And they say a well read woman is a dangerous one.”
“So, Nathan, tell me what you do for fun?”
“As a multi business owner there isn’t much free time. I prefer to focus on my companies but I’m finding I like to spend my free time here with you.”
“How can you say that? You don’t even know me.”
“Well, no time like the present.”
“Look, I’m flattered. Really, but I’m not looking for a relationship right now.”
“I’m not going to lie and say I’m not slightly disappointed. However I’m not a guy who just gives up that easily. So here’s what I propose. We can keep it casual. At least for the time being until you are ready to take things further.”
“And what makes you so sure that I will want that?”
“Doesn’t everyone? At some point in everyone’s life I’m sure that’s what they want. I doubt you’d be any different. I’m willing to wait.”
“You’ll be waiting a pretty long time. You may even get bored with waiting and move on. You know actually that may work in my favor. So, why the hell not?”
He gave that smirk telling me he had won. “I knew you see it my way. At least sort of.” He sat back on the couch next to me and stretched his arm out along the back behind me. I’m not quite sure what I got myself into but I have a feeling he won’t give up so easily and that’s not necessarily a good thing.
“Why do I feel like I’m going to regret agreeing to this?”
He turned to face me better and brushed his finger down the side of my face. It was such a sweet gesture. But it felt too intimate to me. I tried to look away. I couldn’t look into his eyes anymore fearing I’d get lost in them. He grabbed my chin and turned my head to face him again.
“Please don’t turn away from me, baby. I promise you that you will not regret this one bit.”
He was still holing my face so since I couldn’t turn away I looked down. This was way too much for me right now. I’m still on high alert and trust his still too hard to give.
“Baby, look at me.” I refused. “I need you to look at me.”
“Why?” I asked still looking down.
He wouldn’t answer till I finally gave in and looked up at him. And I saw something there in his eyes. Understanding? But of what and how?
“I see you, baby. I know there’s a story behind those gorgeous green eyes of yours. I also know you’re not ready to tell it. But know this I’ll be right here ready to listen when you’re ready to tell it.”
How can he see me? I never thought I was that transparent. Maybe I didn’t think I was because I hadn’t went out and interacted with others enough. Then again Nick’s friends didn’t seem to see what Nathan sees. Or were they just being polite. Damn I’m so lost and confused. I really just want to get out of here now and go home. I need time to myself to think.
“Kristina? Stop this.”
“Stop what? I haven’t done anything. I haven’t even said anything.”
“Oh, you’ve said plenty. I can see the wheels turning in that pretty head of yours. You’re over thinking everything and way over analyzing all of this. Just relax you have nothing to worry about.”
I really have no idea what to say to him at this point. I had already agreed to his proposition but now I fear he sees too much. I’m just going to let this ride out.
I have been so caught up with this situation with Nathan I hadn’t realized Nick hasn’t come back to our section. There’s no way he’s still on the dance floor.
“Nick is a bit… preoccupied at the moment. We have our privacy for a while longer.”
“What? How? Huh?”
He laughed. “I told you I see more than you realize. I can read your thoughts on your face. Let’s just say I ran into him before I came to see you and we made an agreement. He gives us some time alone and he can have his fun in one of the private rooms on me. Right now he’s enjoying the company of his choosing while I get you all to myself.”
“You were that sure of yourself huh?”
“What can I say? I always get what I want.
“And you want me.”
He brushes his knuckles down the side of my face and sighs. “Yes and I know, though you won’t admit it, you want me as well.”
“What makes you think that?”
“I can see it when I look into those eyes. They tell all. I can also feel it vibrating off of you. You’re just too afraid to admit it to yourself, and to me.”
It’s like he can read me like a book. Yes, he’s damn attractive. There’s no denying that. But was there more to it than that? There’s more to a person than looks but I don’t know anything about him just as he knows nothing about me. He’s better off not knowing. It’s not just about trust. Even if he is that good of a person and I can trust him it may not be enough. What if him knowing means he’s no longer safe? I can’t handle being the reason someone is in danger.
“Baby, please stop. I see you worrying about something. While I have no clue what it is I’m right here and believe me as long as you’re with me nobody will dare try to hurt you.”
I look at him and sigh. “You have no idea how black my world really is. And trust me you don’t want to.”
“I’m not going anywhere baby. You can’t scare me away that easily.” He leans over and kisses me. I have never been kissed like this. It’s not only possessive but so intimate and mind blowing. I just know I’m in deep trouble with this man.