132

CHRIS

Exhausted, I flip the journal I’m investing upside down so I can return to it when I’m ready to. I get up and head out of the study and to my room to meet Nikki. We could have lunch or talk or do whatever crazily thing on her mind.

Of a truth, our private life has been shaken because of my constant availability of late. I can't help it, even though I've explained to her countless times without numbers, she is adamant and feels it's intentional.

We could cuddle all day, perhaps I shouldn't return to the study for today, rather I should spend it in her warmth, I think aloud, passing by servants that turn their faces to the side while I soliloquize.

The room is empty, and so is the bathroom.

“Nikki.” I call, to be sure she isn't curbed up somewhere.

There's silence, not a single response.

Shutting the door, I head to the main chamber even though she has no business there, also to the large guest room, parlour, and then the compound, and it's just the servants and no Nikki.

“