One Hundred and Thirteen

CHAPTER 113

Nicholas winced in pain as he walked to show Alicia her room. There was one empty room directly opposite Nicholas' room in the house. Emma and Alan, meanwhile, had different rooms in another corner. Nicholas opened the door to the room, turned on the light and let Alicia in.

"This is the guest room, you can stay here comfortably because my mom cleans it all the time." Nicholas smoothed the pillows on the bed. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, she's like a cleaning robot who likes to clean everything."

Alicia chuckled. She girded her loins and looked around. "I'll be comfortable here," she said, and sat on the edge of the bed. Nicholas followed her to sit beside her. Alicia noticed the change in expression on Nicholas' face and asked, "By the way, are you going to tell Emma about this case?"

"Emma already knows about everything. I mean, she doesn't know everything, but she definitely knows when I'm having a hard time," Nicholas explained. Nicholas sighed and took Alicia's hand. "I promised to take care of you. So, I won't lie."

They stared at each other for a long time, before Alicia kissed Nicholas on the lips. Nicholas was surprised and rounded his eyes, but in the next second, he responded to the kiss.

Alicia pulled back slightly, her eyes searching for signs of discomfort. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to go too far," she murmured, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Nicholas, catching his breath, cupped her face gently. "No, it's not that," he said softly. "I just wasn't expecting it, but... I'm glad you did." He leaned in and planted a soft kiss on her forehead, his thumb tracing her cheekbone.

Alicia's heart raced, a mixture of emotions swirling inside her. She leaned closer, resting her head against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I feel safe with you," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Nicholas wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "I will always protect you, Alicia. I promise," he vowed, his voice filled with sincerity.

The moment lasted a long time, the air between them filled with unspoken words and emotions. They remained like that for several moments, finding solace in each other's presence.

Finally, Alicia lifted her gaze to meet Nicholas'. "Thank you," she said, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Nicholas smiled back, warmth spreading throughout his body. "For what?"

"For being you," Alicia replied, her eyes shining with affection.

And Nicholas could no longer contain himself. Nicholas grabbed Alicia's hips, bringing her closer. They were only a few centimeters apart, so Nicholas could smell the vanilla scent of Alicia's body. Their eyes met.

Closing the gap between them, their lips interlocked, a connection that was soft and hesitant at first. Nicholas felt electricity coursing through him as he deepened the kiss, the world around them fading away. Their hearts beat in sync, a symphony of emotions expressed through this gentle and passionate embrace.

Time seemed to stand still as they were immersed in the warmth of each other's presence. It was a moment that neither wanted to end, a chapter in their story that felt like the beginning of something beautiful. As they pulled away, their eyes met once more, speaking volumes of unspoken promises and newfound love.

Nicholas' hand moved to Alicia's cheek, he gently touched the girl's face. Alicia closed her eyes, letting Nicholas do whatever he wanted.

Nicholas traced the contours of Alicia's face, memorizing every curve and line that seemed to carve her into his soul. Her skin felt soft under his touch, exuding a warmth that echoed the passion of their moment together. He leaned in, planting soft kisses along her jawline, savoring the taste of her skin and the sweetness of their connection.

Alicia's breath hitched, a silent plea for more as she leaned into his caress. Their embrace grew tighter, a silent agreement to savor this brief moment of bliss. But as Nicholas pulled back slightly, a distant sound shattered their bubble of intimacy - a sharp, urgent ringing tone that pierced the tranquil atmosphere.

Startled, they looked around, realizing the intrusion from the real world. Alicia's eyes widened at the realization and fumbled for her phone, a sense of unease permeating the air. With a hesitant look, she checked the caller ID and her expression changed, showing a mixture of anxiety and regret.

Alicia picked up the phone, then shook it in the air to make Nicholas believe that they should indeed break the kiss.

"It's Brittany!"

Nicholas' brow furrowed deeply. "What's wrong? Why is she calling at this time of night?"

Alicia's shoulders shrugged. She didn't seem to really want to know. "I don't know, but I'll take the call."

"Okay."

"Hello, Britt? Why are you calling me at-"

Alicia's facial expression changed after her words were left unfinished.

Alicia's voice faltered as she listened, her eyes fixed on a distant point, as if the news was pulling her away from the present. Nicholas observed her sudden change in demeanor, his concern growing by the second.

"What is it, Alicia?" Her voice was laden with worry, searching for answers in her eyes.

"There has been an accident."

Nicholas felt a jolt of surprise that shook him. Brittany was like family to him. The news hit them both with unexpected force, shattering the quiet moment they had shared only moments ago.

Alicia's hands were shaking, her phone slipping slightly as her breath caught. "What happened?" Her words trembled, barely audible. "Where are you now?"

Alicia composed herself, trying to absorb the details relayed over the phone. Her grip tightened on the receiver as Nicholas approached, his concern evident in the air between them.

"Britt's car... it's broken," Alicia's voice wavered, trying hard to convey the severity of the situation. "The paramedics are here, but it doesn't look good."

Nicholas' heart was racing, his mind overwhelmed with worry. Brittany, vibrant and full of life, flashed through his mind like a flickering movie. "Where exactly is she?"

Alicia looked surprised. "You couldn't possibly go there in this condition, could you?"

"Brittany is in danger and we have to help her."