Jane's heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst. Her hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her dress, struggling to steady herself. She lifted her gaze to Nick, but he wasn't the same man she thought she knew. He wasn't just Nick—the guy who held her when she was cold, who looked at her like she was his whole world. No. He was Nicholas Barlow, heir to the billion-dollar BTF real estate empire. A world so far from hers, it might as well have been another planet.
"You're him," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "You're the Nicholas Barlow. The mysterious heir."
Nick reached for her. "Jane, I—"
She flinched. "No," she said, stepping back as if he had suddenly turned to stone. A bitter laugh escaped her lips, but there was no humor in it. "And here I was, thinking you were just... you. A regular guy. Someone who—" Her voice broke, and she shook her head.
She wrapped her arms around herself, as if shielding her heart from the inevitable pain. "Nick, this changes everything," she murmured, her throat tight. "Your family will never accept me. I'm not from your world. I don't belong in it. And let's be real, they'd probably toss me a fat envelope of cash just to make me disappear. Or worse..." She swallowed hard, her stomach twisting at the thought. "They might make sure I never come back at all."
Her words hung heavy in the air, thick with fear, with heartbreak. Nick's jaw clenched, his eyes dark with something she couldn't quite place—anger, frustration, maybe even pain. He took a step closer, but she backed away.
Nick's chuckle was soft, almost careless, slicing through the thick tension between them. She stared at him, her chest tight, confusion and worry tangling inside her like a knot.
"I'm being serious here," she insisted, her voice sharper than she intended.
Nick only smirked, that familiar playful glint in his eyes. "I told you to stop watching so many dramas," he teased, tilting his head, his tone light, effortless.
A flash of irritation burned through her. "It's not funny, Nick!" she snapped, her hands balling into fists at her sides. Didn't he get it? Didn't he understand what this meant?
The smirk faded. His expression softened, and he took a step closer. The teasing edge in his voice became gentle. "Tell me something honestly," he said, his gaze locked onto hers. "Forget my last name, forget the company, forget all of it. If I were just some guy running a small gaming business, would you still not want to be with me?"
Jane's breath caught in her throat. His voice was steady, but his eyes searched her for her honesty. Her heart squeezed painfully.
She let out a shaky breath, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips despite the storm inside her. "You know I don't care about money," she murmured, her voice softer now.
"Then what's stopping you?" Nick pressed, his fingers twitching at his sides, resisting the urge to reach for her. His voice wasn't demanding—it was pleading. A quiet, desperate need for her to believe in something beyond her fears.
Jane swallowed hard, her throat dry. She wanted to say nothing, wanted to tell him that she would choose him a hundred times over. But the words stuck, caught between the warmth in his eyes and the cold reality creeping in at the edges.
"Nick," she whispered, her voice barely more than a breath. "I'm just... worried."
Nick's gaze softened, his voice rich with emotion. "Jane," he murmured, stepping closer to her. "You're the purest soul I've ever met." His eyes held a quiet intensity, like he was afraid she might slip away if he didn't say everything he needed to.
"I know one day, I'll have to tell everyone who I really am," he continued, his voice steady yet tinged with vulnerability. "There will be challenges, but none of it matters to me. I never cared about wealth or status. I've always dreamed of a simple life, and I can't imagine that life without you in it."
Jane's breath hitched. Her pulse pounded in her ears.
Nick took a small step forward, searching her face. "So, be honest with me—how do you really feel about me?"
The world seemed to still. Jane's fingers curled into her sleeves as she took a shaky breath, her heart slamming against her ribs. The weight of his words settled deep in her chest, pressing against something she had been too afraid to acknowledge.
Finally, in a voice barely above a whisper, she let the words slip free. "I love you."
Nick's eyes widened. "Say that again," he urged, his voice hushed, as if he needed to hear it one more time to believe it.
Jane's lips parted, and this time, her voice was stronger, her heart steady. "I love you."
A grin spread across Nick's face, his entire being radiating happiness. "If you can love me as a simple man, can't you love me even if I'm an heir?" he asked, his voice laced with both excitement and trepidation.
Jane met his gaze, unwavering now. "I can."
Nick let out a happy laugh, his smile so bright it made her stomach flip. "Then that's it."
Jane hesitated, narrowing her eyes slightly. "Are you sure? You won't change your mind later?"
Nick rolled his eyes, feigning exasperation. "What do you take me for?"
Jane smirked, folding her arms. "I just meant... There will be so many beautiful women flocking around you later."
Nick raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint dancing in his gaze. "Do they not already?"
She gasped in mock outrage and swatted his arm. "Do you think I have eyes for anyone else when I have this right in front of me?" She gestured toward him dramatically, laughter bubbling in her voice.
Nick leaned in, his grin turning mischievous. "No sane man would leave these curves behind," he murmured, his voice dropping playfully.
Jane's eyes widened, her face instantly flushing a deep pink. "Nick!" she gasped, shoving him lightly as a laugh escaped her lips.
His laughter echoed around them.. She loved that sound. She loved him.
Still blushing, she tilted her head. "What will you do when we have kids and I gain weight?" she challenged, the teasing lilt returning to her voice.
Nick threw his head back and laughed. "So you didn't just accept my love—you've already planned ahead?"
Jane bit her lip, looking away as warmth crept up her neck. "Shut up," she muttered, but the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.
Nick reached for her hand, his touch gentle yet firm. "I'm never letting you go, Jane."
A soft sigh left her lips. But as she glanced at the clock, reality nudged its way back in. "I should go. It's getting late," she said, though part of her didn't want to leave just yet.
Nick reached out and grabbed her hand, his grip firm but gentle. "You came to me like this, and now you want to go home?" he said, a teasing edge to his voice.
"What are you thinking?" Jane gasped, trying to pull her hand away, but he held on tight.
"I'm not letting you go anywhere," he said with a grin. "It's better if you take a day off tomorrow."
"Why?" she asked, raising an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
Nick's grin widened, and he teased, "I don't think you'll be able to walk well tomorrow."
"What? Why?" she looked down at her heels, confused by his comment.
"I wear heels all the time. It's not a big deal," she replied, walking beside him with a slightly confused smile.
Nick chuckled, shaking his head. "That's not what I meant."
Before she could respond, Nick scooped her up into his arms effortlessly, carrying her bridal-style toward his car.
"Nick! Put me down! People are watching!" she protested, laughter bubbling up from her throat despite her embarrassment.
He laughed too, gently setting her down in the passenger seat before climbing in himself. The drive to his penthouse was filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, both of them feeling the tension of the night.
Once inside, Jane's heart raced. Nick asked her to freshen up, and she nodded, trying to steady her breathing. She splashed cold water on her face in the bathroom, trying to calm herself down.
When she emerged, Nick had changed into a relaxed T-shirt and loose pants, the atmosphere feeling laid-back but charged. He'd prepared a snack of fried corn and set up a cozy movie-watching area.
"Are we watching a movie?" Jane asked, glancing at the warm glow of the lights and the inviting setup.
"What were you thinking?" Nick joked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Nothing," Jane replied quickly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
As Nick set up the movie, they both settled in, the tension of their earlier conversation still lingering in the air.
"You don't look very comfortable," Nick observed, glancing over at her.
"I'm fine!" Jane stammered, her heart thumping in her chest as she avoided his gaze.
"You look nervous around me," he said, his voice low and teasing.
"I'm not!" she protested, but her words betrayed her, her heart racing faster as she felt his gaze on her.
"Then come here," Nick said, his voice low and inviting. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her as they settled into the couch, the light from the screen flickering across their faces. A comedy movie played, and laughter soon filled the space between them, lightening the mood. He played with her fingers, intertwining them with his, the warmth of his touch sending butterflies dancing in her stomach.
As the film progressed, a kiss scene unfolded on-screen, and Jane felt her heart race. Nervousness washed over her, and she instinctively pulled away, her cheeks flushing. Nick, however, kept her firmly in place, a teasing grin on his face.
"Why is the scene so long?" she blurted out, her voice laced with a mix of annoyance and anxiety.
He turned to her, his gaze smoldering. "Why do you keep looking at me like that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"You don't like it?" he challenged, arching an eyebrow.
"I do," she admitted, biting her lip. "But it makes me nervous."
"Relax," he said, his tone softening. "I won't do anything to you until you're comfortable around me, like before. I'll take things slow."
A small smile broke across her face, easing some of the tension. "Then why did you ask me to take off?" she murmured, feigning innocence.
He gasped playfully, his eyes widening. "I just love teasing you."
She rolled her eyes, chuckling softly. "I was just being considerate." Suddenly, she choked on her cola, coughing as he leaned closer.
"You can't say things out loud like that," she laughed, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.
"Tell me something," he said, his voice turning serious. "Have you never dreamed of me like that?"
"Are you kidding me? Never," she replied, shaking her head emphatically. "I always saw you as a kid."
His face fell in mock disappointment. "It's okay, I'll wait," he said, a teasing lilt returning to his voice. The movie wrapped up, and as the credits rolled, he glanced over at her. "You should head to your room and sleep. Good night."
She watched him clear the table, a wave of regret washing over her for the words she had said earlier. Just as he turned to leave, something inside her shifted. She hugged him from behind, her arms wrapping around his waist, and felt his heart begin to race beneath her touch.
"Jane?" he murmured, surprised.
She lingered there for a moment, feeling the warmth radiating from him. Slowly, she released him and turned him around. Taking his hand, she led him to his room, locking the door behind her. His eyes widened in astonishment.
Without hesitation, she made him sit on the bed. Then she climbed onto his lap, her legs straddling him, and kissed him passionately. He responded immediately, his hands finding her waist as he kissed her back hungrily, the world outside fading away.
"I love you," she gasped between kisses, pulling back for breath.
"You do realize what you're doing to me, right?" he whispered, his voice thick with desire. "I cannot resist anymore."
She nodded, her heart pounding as she met his gaze, a mixture of excitement and trepidation swirling within her. "Make me yours. I am ready."
He kissed her again, the heat between them intensifying. Gently, he placed her on the bed and removed his shirt, revealing his toned body. Jane's eyes widened as she took in the sight, her breath hitching in her throat. He leaned in again, kissing her deeply.
"Be gentle," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
"I can't," he confessed, a hint of desperation in his tone. "Don't stop me."
As the night unfolded, their boundaries blurred, passion igniting a fire that had long been simmering beneath the surface, ready to engulf them both.
I cant. Don't stop me.
He says and removes her clothes. Takes his time to admire her when she tries to cover her body. he takes her hands with his one hand and place them above her head. Let me look at you. So beautiful. He kisses her entire body and makes her moan so much. Take me, she says.
Not yet.
Please.
No.
He keeps kissing her all over until he feels satisfied. Then he spreads her legs and removes his pants. Stood tall in front of her.
Open your eyes. She obeys.
Look at me.
She does.
Feel it.
She does it hesitantly. She gasps.
I still think you should be gentle.
No.
He says. And positions himself. She shuts her eyes tight.
This is my pent-up passion. I really can't. He says, and with one thrust, he enters her. She yelps in pain. He stays inside her for a few minutes until she can adjust. She takes a deep breath for a few seconds. He asks her Are you comfortable.
Yes.
He starts moving slowly. Her pain reduces.
He slowly increases his pace. Look at me. He says.
She blushes but looks at him. She could hardly resist.
I belong to you ,only you. He says and comes inside her fully.
She feels him with her own release. I love you. He says.
She blushes. They stay like that for a moment before he lies beside her, hugging her tightly.
How do you feel? He asks.
"Don't ask." She says and hides her face inside the blanket. They talk for a while.
"Are you satisfied?" She asks him. He makes her look at him.
I was not kidding about you taking off. I cannot get enough of you. He says and kisses her again, and they spend the entire night with pure passion. She woke up past 10 and looked at his sleeping face. She tries to get out of bed after placing a kiss on its cheek. But he pulls her into his arms. Not yet. He says.
She blushes.
Let me wash up.
No.
He says and wakes up. He takes her hand and makes her feel him. She gasps.
This is how I wake up every day. From today,y take responsibility for it, He says and kisses her again.
They do it one more time until her legs give way and she falls on him. They shower together.