CHAPTER 464: THE FINALÉ

They entered the balcony theatre and despite the small number of seats, nobody else sat in the small, cosy theatre. The projectors’ shadows flickered in the back before lighting the screen with the opening credits of an old romance.

"After you, M’Lady."

Nikolai ushered Leona towards the soft, velvet seats and then settled before pulling her close, until her head rested on his shoulder. She relaxed almost instantly, her fingers sliding into his hand, their palms warm together.

"This is my first time watching something like this."

"Been to a cinema?"

"Mm... lived a life like a normal human." Her voice cracked slightly as she peeked at Nikolai’s face with her lovely eyes. "It’s strange, but I like it. I like it too much that I’m scared to lose it."

He chuckled before pressing his lips to her temple.

"You won’t lose anything, I promise."

Leona’s eyes dilated as she breathed deep and turned her face, burying it into his neck, hiding the tears she tried to hold back.

The film played on, a simple action romance about lovers chasing each other across Paris, heartbreak, a sudden danger, kisses... but for Leona, the real story that excited her was the warmth of the man beside her, the steady beat of his heart guiding her in the darkness.

Oblivious to her subtle thoughts and feelings, Nikolai found himself glued to the movie.

***

The rain hadn’t let up by the time they left the cinema. Thin sheets of water glazed the pavement, catching every neon flicker, turning Ironcaster into a city of mirrors. Nikolai held the umbrella tilted more toward Leona than himself as they walked back to the Supra.

"Everyone’s looking," she muttered.

"They should," he said, his smirk plain. "You’re the most beautiful woman here."

Ironcaster’s nightlife hummed in the distance, but the streets here were empty save for the rain dripping from the eaves. Nikolai led her back to the Supra, pausing at the driver’s door when he caught her expression.

Her head turned away, but she didn’t argue. She liked hearing it, even if she’d never admit it aloud.

"What’s that look for?" he asked.

Leona stepped close, her hands sliding over his chest, cheeks glowing pink under the lamplight.

"For dinner. For the film. For... everything. You’ve made me happy tonight, Nikolai."

He leaned down, lips brushing hers with a smile.

"I’m glad I went all out then."

However, because he could pull back playfully, she grabbed his hair, clenching him tight and kissing him deeper, her tongue pushed into his lips, twirling and twisting as she sucked on the tip of his, eyes filled with hunger. "Mmmph...." She gripped his shirt, tugging him ever closer, until the wet sound of their tongues reached their surroundings.

When she finally pulled back, her breath was hot against his cheeks, their saliva dripping in a thick, silky bridge. "That’s an early reward, so... where to next, darling? Is it already over?"

He laughed softly, tucking a strand of ginger hair behind her ear. "Impossible. Tonight, Leo, you’re unforgettable."

She reddened furiously, swatting his arm before slipping into the car.

The Supra’s headlights cut through the rain as they left the city centre. The traffic thinned the further they went until the motorway opened onto smooth tarmac bordered by dripping trees and scattered industrial estates.

Nikolai’s hand rested casually on her thigh as he drove, his thumb tracing small circles that made her legs tighten despite her best efforts.

Leona tried to distract herself by talking. "You know, in a normal world... this would be enough. Dinner, a film, a quiet drive."

Nikolai glanced at her, then back to the road. "And what, Leo? You want a normal world?"

She shook her head. "No. I want you

. Even if it means struggling... fighting, and... sharing you with others. If we can only enjoy moments like this once in a while, that’s enough for me Nikolai." Her smile blinded him, his chest thumping at how lovely she appeared.

He squeezed her thigh firmly, silencing the tremor in her voice. "I will do better, to ensure you’re all happy."

Her lips curved, just faintly, as she leaned back against the seat, letting the hum of the engine and pitter-patter of the rain calm her.

"Mm... I’m glad you didn’t lie to me."

***

They reached the hotel half an hour later. It wasn’t one of the flashy chain towers downtown, but a discreet boutique house on the edge of the river: red brick, arched windows, warm lights spilling over the courtyard.

If you could coin terms for it, ’expensive’ and ’private’ came to mind.

Leona’s eyes widened as she woke from her light nap, shocked that the Valet had taken the Supra. "Nikolai!? What is this... I thought.... this place—"

"Is perfect," he cut in smoothly.

He tipped the Valet generously and guided her through the large mansion doors. Inside, the polished wood and plush velvet greeted them, with a grand chandelier dripping with crystal lights hanging over the lobby.

The receptionist’s eyes lingered on them as Nikolai requested a suite. His wolfish grin made the woman blush and fumble over the key card. Leona pinched his side lightly once they were in the lift.

However, she lifted her chin with pride as her hands pressed against Nikolai’s chest.

"Stop charming every woman we meet."

He kissed the top of her head. "Not my fault they can’t resist."

Her pout softened as her hand slipped over his crotch, her smile becoming sharp and sinister, but before he could complain, the doors opened. Leona skipped away, her plump rear swaying before swiping their card.

She looked back at Nikolai before blowing him a flirtatious kiss. "Come, catch me~"

Their suite spread out with a wide bed dressed in white linen, a low table stacked with fruit, and tall windows framing the glittering river outside. The rain made the glass hum softly, a steady backdrop to the warmth of the room.

An extensive wine and cheese board selection awaited them beside the bed.

"Wow."

Leona slipped off her shoes, padding across the carpet. She stopped at the window, pressing her palms to the glass, staring at the city lights reflected in the dark water. Her hair glowed copper under the lamp, her reflection merging with the skyline beyond.

"You’re quiet," Nikolai said, shrugging out of his jacket.

"I was thinking." She glanced over her shoulder. "About how easy it is to forget the world when I’m with you. To think only a few months ago... I would be happy about eating a steak in my small room in the mansion annexe."

"But now..."

He stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. His chin rested on her shoulder, his breath warm against her ear.

"Then forget it for tonight. Just once. There’s enough happiness waiting tomorrow."

Her body relaxed, falling into him, though her hands still pressed lightly against the cold glass. "I hate how much I love you," she whispered. "You’re going to ruin me, Nikolai."

His smile brushed her neck as his lips followed, leaving faint trails of heat down to her collarbone. "Then... tonight, let me ruin you more."

They moved slowly compared to the frenzy of nights before, but with a heavy tenderness of two people who wanted the moment to last. He carried her to the bed, laying her down as though she might break. She pulled him down with her, a cheeky smile on her lips as her fingers threaded through his hair, eyes glassy with both affection and hunger.

Clothes fell away piece by piece, not in haste but in reverence. His scars glimmered in the lamplight; her pale skin glowed against the dark sheets. He kissed every bruise he had left on her, whispering apologies against her skin until she silenced him with her lips.

"I chose this," she said firmly, before he could speak again. "If I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t sleep with you so often, I choose you, so don’t feel bad or pity me."

Nikolai froze in place before taking a breath and nodding once, then he pushed her down onto the pillow, both hands cupping her beautiful face.

"When did the uptight maid become a perverted woman?"

"Hmmm~ maybe from the moment I felt that hot... hard thing with my hand? Or when you covered me in that thick, dirty fluid?"

Leona’s fiery eyes shone whenever she became aroused, her hands exploring his body, squeezing and pinching his muscles and tight frame, tongue dragging across her lips seductively as their heat became one.

"We haven’t showered."

"Who cares? I like it when your scent is thick, Nikolai."

He couldn’t help but find the aggressive woman beneath him irresistible, his forehead touching hers as his tip brushed against her soft mound, the sticky heat smearing across his crown, met with her lovely whimper.

"Leona, you’re so beautiful right now... I can’t hold back."

"Nikolai..." Her hands wrapped around his back. "Come to me, I want it hard!"