SO sorry for the wait! School was kinda kicking my butt, you know? Anyway, everyone's feedback made me so incredibly happy that I decided to get this out as quickly as I could, so I hope you all enjoy :) :) :)
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On the way back to Phillip's suite, both he and Nicole had a million thoughts running through their heads. His were focused on how his future with Nicole would be, hers were on how to get away from the psycho sitting next to her.
When they finally arrived at the hotel, the couple immediately proceeded to the lavish penthouse.
It's even more amazing than I remember
, Nicole thought, wide eyed. Phillip walked past her as she looked around.
"Leave your coat anywhere," he said.
As Phillip got farther away from her, Nicole seriously contemplated turning around and bolting out the door. Unfortunately, Phillip's threats nagging at the back of her mind prevented her from summoning the courage to do so.
"Over here," Phillip called from the bar.
Nicole cautiously walked over while taking note of the layout of the room. She did her best to keep track of every turn, hallway, door, etc., for future reference.
"Why'd we come here? I wanted to go home."
"We're celebrating, baby. And as of now, mi casa es su casa. Literally. I want to have you moved out of that dingy little apartment, ASAP." He sighed. "So much to do, so little time. But at the moment the only thing that matters is that you're here with me."
Nicole remained silent, and looked away to hide her glare. "Any requests? What do you usually drink?" he asked.
"I don't."
"Anything you want to try?"
"Just give me whatever you're having."
He started preparing their drinks. "Are you alright? You should be ecstatic. You're not having second thoughts or regrets, are you?"
The only thing I regret right now is not pushing you in front of a speeding taxi, you asshole!
She wanted to scream.
But if I don't keep some sort of charade going, he might get suspicious.
Phillip looked at her as though he were genuinely concerned. Nicole took a deep breath and looked straight at him. "No, of course not. I'm sorry," she said. "I...I'm not regretting anything, and I
am
happy to be here with you, but I'm just a little worried about where we go from here. There's a lot to take into consideration."
"Don't worry. Whatever happens, we'll get through it together, okay?"
"Okay." She did her best to not look like she was going to throw up.
"Drinks are done," he said, moving around the bar to sit by Nicole.
He looked at her, gave her a handsome, radiant smile, and raised his glass. "To better halves."
"Uh, yeah." She took a swig of drink that had been handed to her and gagged as she struggled to keep it down.
"Something wrong?"
"No, no, it's fine. Just a lot stronger than I expected. The most alcohol I've had was a sip of my friend's wine cooler at a party."
He laughed, "It's a Manhattan. Just sip it slowly." He got up and walked away. "How about a little music?"
"Sure." Seconds later, the lights dimmed, and the room was filled with Frank Sinatra's "
The Best is yet to Come
"
"This okay with you?" asked Phillip, smiling at her.
"Of course." Nicole automatically responded as she discreetly rolled her eyes at the very inappropriate song choice. She had to give him a little credit though. He definitely knew how to create a mood.
"I've always loved Sinatra. When I was younger, James and I found some of our father's vinyls in the attic. We spent quite a few afternoons listening to them," he said, reclaiming his place next to Nicole. He put his arm around her shoulder and scooted closer to her.
"Really?" She was getting nervous now. She moved away when he got too close, but it got to the point where she would've fallen out of the booth if she went any further.
"Yeah." He appeared not to notice, or care, about her responses to his actions. "He sort of became our role model. We always said we wanted to grow up to become classy gentlemen just like him..." he chuckled, "I did pretty well, in my opinion. What do you think?"
"I-," before she could answer, he leaned in, lowered his head, and inhaled deeply.
"Go on," he urged as he began to kiss her neck.
Nicole was busy fighting back the urge to moan.
Well this escalated quickly.
She had never been touched like this. In fact, she still hadn't had a first kiss. Under different circumstances, she might've decided to let loose a little. But as it were, this was
not
the time to let her hormones get the best of her. She tried to push Phillip away, but he held her in place.
"God, you smell so good." He brought his lips to her earlobe and began to nibble on the soft flesh.
"Phillip, no," she said calmly, "You need to stop. I don't want this, not now."
Phillip backed off, but still held onto her. "Do you have any idea how