52

GABRIELLA'S POV

The room was filled with tension as Nicklaus and I sat on opposite sides of the bed, our previous argument lingering in the air. But soon, Nicklaus's voice broke the silence, calling my name with a gentleness that melted my heart.

"Baby…" he whispered, his voice soft and tender, as if he were afraid of breaking the fragile peace that had settled between us.

Slowly, he lay down on the bed, beckoning me to join him. I hesitated for a moment, unsure if the rift between us had truly healed, but my longing for his touch overpowered my doubts. I crawled towards him and settled my head on his chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breath beneath me.

In that moment, our physical closeness spoke volumes, but it was Nicklaus's words that truly reached the depths of my soul. He started drawing circles on my back, his touch both comforting and soothing, as he spoke with a mixture of vulnerability and earnestness.

"Next time, promise me you won't volunteer yourself without tel