Chapter 20

Elena’s POV:

I woke up from my slumber and slowly opened my eyes in the morning to find myself cuddled up with Nicklaus. His arms were wrapped tightly around his waist. His body was so warm.

My gaze landed on his face, and I noticed all of his perfect features.

His soft lip and pointed nose, his curly and thick hair, and his jaw were clenched. How could someone be this handsome even in his sleep? He looks perfect.

The memories of what happened last night flooded my mind. I could remember standing in the rain, kissing, and making passionate love in this room.

My cheeks reddened with embarrassment, and for a moment, I lay silently, trying to process what happened between us and how I would get myself out of his grip. I knew I had to play my part in the marriage by giving him an heir, but never did I ever think of both of us making love so passionately.

  

I raised my eyes and looked at Nicklaus, who was still fast asleep. He looked peaceful, but I knew that it would not take long for him to wake up. I had no idea how I would face him and react to what had just happened between us.

I wasn't sure how to face him, so I did the best I could. I carefully released myself from his grip and slowly snuck into the bathroom with my tiptoe. I slowly closed the bathroom door to avoid making any noise.

I needed some time to myself and some space to process what had happened and gather the courage to face him.

I turned on the good shower and allowed the water to cascade down my body. It's very hot in the Bahamas, so I needed something to cool my mind. I could still perceive Nicklaus’s scent on my skin. The more it was scrubbed, the more it seemed to linger.

I washed my hair and turned off the shower when I was done. I quickly dried my hair and parked it in a messy bun, not bothering to style it. I was more concerned with sneaking out.

I searched through my box to find something to wear, but the beachwear was too sexy and transparent. I realised that Irina only parked sexy stuff apart from the outfit I was putting on yesterday.

I couldn't get something decent to wear anymore. And now, I am left with no choice but to wear one of these revealing outfits.

“I wish I had a big shirt to put on. Something to cover myself under this bikini.” I muttered to myself as I looked around. But then, my eyes fell on one of Nicklaus's shirts hanging in the closet.

It was a crisp black button-down shift, and it looked like it would swallow me. I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should wear it. But I decided to go for it.

I wore the shirt and used it to cover the bikini, and I applied sunscreen. I looked at my reflection in the mirror. The shirt was huge on me, but it was comforting.

I quietly opened the bathroom door, hoping to sneak out of the room on tiptoes without waking Nicklaus from his sleep and getting caught.

Just as I was about to step out and make my escape, I heard a deep voice that made my heart skip.

“Where are you sneaking off to like that?" Nicklaus asked, and his voice was deep and firm. His eyes narrowed, and his voice was husky.

His curly hair was messy, and he looked rugged. His chest was bare. I froze at that spot, and my cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

I was lost for words. I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't utter anything. I couldn't even face him since I had hoped to avoid this moment, to sneak away and pretend like nothing happened.

But now, here we were, standing face to face, and I could feel the tension in the room.

Nicklaus stood up from the bed and took a step closer to me. His eyes were fixed on mine. “You're wearing my shirt,” he said, with a little smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

My cheeks reddened with embarrassment, and I looked to the other side of the room.

I didn't know what to say or how to explain myself. My voice was caught up in my throat. I wished the ground would open and swallow me up.

Nicklaus didn't remove his eyes from me. He took a step closer and looked at me from head to toe. “It looks good on you,” he said.