The atmosphere was perfect. Gia couldn't have wished for a better man if she tried. He lay there, declining on the middle of the bed, smiling at her. His pose was one of utter relaxation. But she knew all she had to do was look into his eyes. In them she would see an all-consuming inferno that burned for her alone.
Just looking at him sent an involuntary shiver through her. He shifted towards her, which caused his chest to ripple and contract. He wore black silk pajama bottoms and nothing else. There were candles lit everywhere. In his hand he held a single rose, its scent reaching across the cozy room teasing her senses. The soft sounds of the crackling fire accompanied by the liltingly soft, muted tones of lovemaking music filled the air.
She rose from where she was sitting and slowly walked to where her fiancé reclined. He always made her feel so sexy. And she did. This man brought out everything that was good in her. With him she felt safe and protected. For every bad quality she had, he found two good ones. They had been through alot in the past two years... Helena's reaction to their relationship and her botched attempt to break them up, the pregnancy scare, and the passing of her mother, who never fully approved of their relationship. She would have never made it through her guilt and grief if it weren't for him and Marcus. She was truly blessed.
"Are you going to stand there and keep me waiting or are you going to help me warm this big bed?"
She stood there with a devilish smile on her face. "You are always so impatient. Didn't anyone tell you 'patience' is a virtue?"
"Sweetheart, I'm a Cassadine. Virtue is not in my vocabulary. And you've kept me waiting long enough." Then he rose, walking toward her like a cat stalking his prey.
"Niki, no. I'm serious now. Come on...Ahhh!!" She started running toward the desk and put it between them.
"Gia, we go through this every time. And I always win."
"Be careful. I don't think this cabin is big enough for your ego."
"That's good sweetheart but, unfortunately, that remark is going to cost you."
Just then he made a lunge for her. Catching her by the arm, he dragged her up close to him. He whispered close to her ear "I win."
"I don't think so," she replied.
"No?" He ran his hand up her back and touched her secret spot. Massaged it. Pressed it. He licked his finger and caressed it very softly with the fingertip.
She whimpered.
"I win," he repeated.
"You win," she said breathlessly.
He smiled and, lifting her in his arms, carried her back to bed where he proceeded to collect the sweet spoils of his victory.
******
Outside a figure watched pressed against the pane of the window. The hand that caressed the window like a precious lover trembled slightly, then drew away. Hesitating for one moment, the figure disappeared into the shadows.
******
Later that night...
Nik looked over to Gia. He felt as if something had squeezed his heart. She lay on her stomach, with one hand under her pillow and one that lay across his stomach. She looked at peace and content. He loved her so much. Everything about her excited him and made him feel humble that he had her in his life. If he could, he would take her to the nearest chapel and marry her right now. She, of all people, wanted to have an old-fashioned wedding. One month just seemed too far away.
She stirred, moving her hand up to his chest where she curled her fingers around his left pectoral.
He gently squeezed her arm and pressed a kiss to her forehead. He was about to settle next to her when he heard something outside.
Careful not disturb her, he pulled the covers over her shoulders stepped over to the window. He peered outside. Seeing nothing but darkness, he reached for the doorknob and opened the door. Feeling a rush of icy coldness, he looked outside. Just as he was about to close the door, a shadow from the corner of his eye moved. He squinted his eyes and walked further from the door.
"Niki, what are you doing by the door? It's freezing in here."
"Sorry baby. I thought...Never mind." He closed the door and walked over to the bed where he sat at the edge of the bed.
"Is everything ok? You look funny."
"That's because you look beautiful tonight. Is that wrong?"
"No... what were you doing outside?"
"I was just thinking how much I want to stay here with you longer. Are you sure that you don't want to stay for one extra day?" He grinned.
"Oh no, Nickolas. You're not putting off the planning of our wedding. Baby, I told you this is OUR day. Your input is very important."
"If that's the case, why don't we elope? I'll make it worth your while..."
She looked at him, horrified. "You just want to throw away our nuptials just like that. I can't believe you..."
Well, he tried. "Gia, I was just kidding. If it makes you happy then we'll do it." She turned away from him. "Hey..hey, Gia, listen." He turned her to face him. "I'm with you. Ok? It's just something that I would rather not do. That's why I want you to plan everything. You want my input; I'll give it to you. I want something simply done. All I'm concerned with is having you in a beautiful dress committing yourself to me forever. I love you."
"I know. I guess I'm letting the stress of having to plan this thing is getting to me. You're right. I mean that's why we're here isn't it? To escape it all?"
"Exactly. Don't worry, ok? I'm right here if you need me." They kissed. Then, wrapped in each other's arms, they fell asleep to the rhythm of the crackling fire and each other's heart beats.
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