Chapter 19

Nicklaus’ POV:

I lay on my back to catch my breath, and I freed Elena from my body weight, planting kisses on her forehead.

She placed her hand on my chest and rested her head on my body. I felt nervous at her touch, so I tried to move away.

“I have never liked to cuddle,” I said, my chest ringing and falling rapidly. Her touch was putting me on fire. I was beginning to feel connected to her. It was making me burn for her.

She still placed her hand on my chest. “There is always a first time. Don't you like it?” She asked, and her voice was low and husky.

I knew she was not going to give up like that. I allowed her to touch my chest, and I slowly relaxed.

I looked at her, “Do you like it? How do you feel?” I asked, fixing my eyes on hers as if I were trying to read her thoughts. “How are you feeling right now?”

She took a deep breath. “I am a bit sore,” she confessed.

My eyes were filled with concern, and I placed my hand on her waist. “I am so sorry. I tried my best to be gentle on you.” I spoke calmly.

She nodded her head and said, "Well, it's because I have never done it before.” She confessed to me.

I narrowed my eyes and pressed my lips into a thin line. I adjusted my position and brought her close to me.

“What do you mean? You are a virgin?” I asked, narrowing my eyes and raising my eyebrows.

She nodded her head. “Yes, I am. When I was with Caleb, he made the rule to not touch me until after our wedding night. But unfortunately…”

“Shhhh…” I whispered, placing my index finger on my lips. “What happened between us tonight wasn't unfortunate. Our marriage is not unfortunate. Why didn't you tell me you'd never done it before?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Elena didn't say a word. She kept silent and slowly removed her hand from my chest. I quickly reached out for her hand and placed it back on my chest. I wanted her close to me. To feel her warmth on my skin.

“Are you regretting what just happened between us?” I asked, staring into her green, piercing eyes. I wanted to know what she felt because she started feeling bad.

“No, why would I regret it?” She said, "It was amazing. I just feel bad about how everything turned out,” she spoke.

“Let's make the best of this situation, Elena.”

I leaned in, kissed her on the forehead, and held her close to me. Cuddles were never my thing. Even when I was with my mistresses, I never cuddled or kissed them. I just had fun with them, and when I got my satisfaction, I discarded them.

I couldn't understand why I was drawn to her or why I wanted to feel her touch on my body. Spending time with her feels different.

“Do you like it?” I asked while grinning widely.

She blushed and rested her face on my chest. “Yes, it was amazing,” she said.

I acted like I didn't hear her just to hear her say it again. “I didn't hear you. What did you say?” I asked, raising my eyebrows.

She chuckled lightly and replied, “No. I would not do that. I'm sure you heard me right. Don't feel too flattered,” she joked, snuggling deeply in my chest.

“We have a lot of activity tomorrow. Let's get some rest,” she said.

“Good night, Mrs. Coleman,” I said.

“Goodnight, Nicklaud,” she said, snuggling deeply into my chest. I covered the duvet and felt her warm breath on my skin.

Elena fell asleep immediately, and I was wide awake with my mind racing with a lot of thoughts. I thought about how I lost control immediately when my body came close to her.

I have always been reserved and never lost control of a woman’s touch, but this seemed to be different with Elena.

Should I be worried that I will become vulnerable in her presence?

I looked at her as she slept soundly. I have never been jealous before, but I felt a whole lot of jealousy when I saw that guy holding her this evening.

The way I rushed to him and quickly held her in my arms. I didn't want any other man to hold or touch her. I had never felt that way for any woman before, and I kept wondering why I felt this way for Elena.

She is so innocent and pure. She didn't deserve the pain and humiliation on her wedding day. She has a pure soul, and I can't wait to experience more of her.

I really wonder what this marriage would be like with her and what we are going to experience together because I can't seem to get her off my mind or stay away from her for too long.