Chapter 44

Eliana

Nicholas deepened the kiss, tasting my tears as they fell on our lips. Wild tremors raked through me while he pulled me tighter into him, swallowing my cries. I couldn't believe it, not when I thought he was going to kick me out after my apology. Our breaths mingled, blood rushing into my ears as my heart pounded violently and fast.

"I didn't give you any reason to believe me, baby," Nicholas said after pulling away from the kiss. Holding either side of my face with his hands, he wiped my tears with his thumbs, looking directly into my eyes. My vision was blurred, but I could make out the intensity with which he was looking at me. It sent shivers assaulting my spine, moving to the apex between my legs.

"I was constantly hurting you," he added, pulling me onto him, my head on his chest.

"That's because you were terrified of the past repeating itself." I said, tightening my hold around his back. Oh, how I had missed being in his safe arms, feeling his warmth seep through my dress