Dumping My Fiancé For His Uncle By Danielle Sayers

Chapter 25

The apartment was a spacious 4,000-square-foot flat with minimalist bedrooms. Thea burrowed deeper under the covers, trying to relax on the soft mattress. The sound of running water came from the bathroom. A moment later, the water stopped, and the door opened, releasing a wave of warm steam and a light, fresh scent.

Nicolas emerged, toweling his damp hair, dressed in a bathrobe. The robe's collar hung loosely, revealing a glimpse of tanned skin and toned muscles beneath. As he rubbed his hair dry, the neckline threatened to slip open even more. Thea's face flushed a bright red. She sat up abruptly, her gaze dating everywhere but at Nicolas. "Mr. Hendrix, if this is uncomfortable, I can explain to your father. I could say there's an urgent family issue and I need to go home for the night. "No need." Nicolas replied, his voice cool as he suddenly sat down on the bed. "You can't avoid this forever. My father is shrewd, he'll find a hundred ways to test us.

"It's easier to play along and avoid unnecessary trouble. Don't worry. I won't do anything inappropriate."

Thea realized he had a point. She stared at the floor, then at the nightstand anywhere but at him. She didn't move to lie down. Her body felt tense, and her face was burning with embarrassment.

At her age, this was the first time she'd ever shared a bed with a man. Even in her seven-year relationship with Jake, she had kept firm boundaries- they'd never gone beyond kissing.

Nicolas watched her stiff posture, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "Get some rest," he said, turning off the lamp.

After what felt like an eternity of mentally preparing herself, Then finally slid over to the very edge of the bed, curling up as small as she could, trying to breathe quietly.

Suddenly, Nicolas moved. In an instant, his strong arm wrapped around her waist as he pulled her - blanket and all-into his warm embrace, his scent of subtle body wash enveloping her. "Mr. Hendrix!" Thea gasped, her voice tinged with embarrassment.

Nicolas rested his chin on top of her head, his chest vibrating as he whispered, "There are cameras.'

light, a small red dot glowed

mix of exasperation and disbelief. It seemed Stefan didn't trust Nicolas to find a partner

trying to get comfortable, Nicolas loosened his grip around her

cool and composed, just loud enough for her to hear. "I apologize for my father. Sorry for the

biting her lip. "It's fine. We're married adults. This isn't

so? Nicolas asked, a trace of mockery in his

catch the sarcasm. What

to panic or even faint from bad memories. But for the first time, she felt oddly calm and safe in

to face him, keeping her gaze lowered, cheeks flushed pink. Tentatively, she rested

Nicolas always rinked high on those random

what I owe you. I'll make sure we play this part convincingly. It's the

something passed through Nicolas's deep-set eyes before his expression went blank again. He closed his eyes and replied. "Okay. Silvercreek's top gemstone buyer will be in Key Biskane soon. I want you to secure that deal." Thea's eyes brightened at the opportunity. In her excitement, she grabbed

Nicolas gently pushed her back. "Any

retreating under the covers, her heart still

late nights working on the project, Thea stretched at her desk. The office

by her open door, offering polite

finishing up, Thea responded, returning the smile. "Make sure you all get some

walked away. "Ms. Rowland got lucky this time. That Silvercreek buyer's loaded. Landing this deal means more than just the initial commission." Another one chimed in, "Mr. Nicolas Hendrix must really