Chapter 44

“I’m sorry.” I sobbed.

Nile held me tighter. “Why are you sorry? You’ve done nothing wrong, Kura.” His voice was soft lulling me to safety and security.

“Because I should’ve told you the truth. I should’ve told you what I felt.” I slowly removed myself from his embrace and faced him. His eyes were solemn and studying me. “I’m sorry, Nile.” I sniffed. “I’m sorry because you felt rejected. I…” I clenched my fists, gripping the sheets tightly.

“I’m sorry because I said things that hurt you. Every time we kissed… I just remembered him. I remembered what I did.” Nile clenched his jaw. His burning fury was showing again.

I shook my head, letting him know that it wasn’t what he thought. His face relaxed a bit as I started to explain. “In order to gain his trust, I had to be obedient. I let him kiss me. We made out a lot of times but I swear it was just that. We didn’t have sex. I didn’t let him have his way. I promise you that, Nile. It’s just… everytime we’re close, I remember what I had to do. I felt even more guilty about it. It hurts. I felt that I betrayed you. I kissed him! I was desperate. I… I’m sorry. You’re all in my mind, it hurts. I- I shouldn’t be feeling this way cause I know I endured it so I could escape. But I couldn’t help it-”

Nile placed his hands on my face, comforting me. “Sshhh, it’s alright. It’s fine. You don’t have to say more. You did what you needed to do. You didn’t betray me, Kura. I understand. You can cry all you want and let things all out but after that you need to get better, alright?” I nodded as my tears and sobs continued. His hand caressed my face with affection. It was soothing the pain that I was bearing.

I couldn’t stop crying. What I was holding in bursted like a waterfall. I should’ve told him sooner instead of being evasive. The guilt was always there blocking me. I was scared. I was nervous. Because of that I hurt him.

Nile continued to hug me. His warmth made me feel safe, secure and comfortable. His scent made me feel better. And I like it. I like him near me.

After that, Nile ordered one of his men to book another room. It was the most secured and expensive one and biggest. For once, I was silent and didn’t bring up any fuss. He let me proceed to the bathroom so I could wash up, especially his disgusting DNA.

I tried to shake off the thoughts of what Jacob did to me. It tried to get in my mind but I forced it out. Nile saved me. Nile is here. And that’s what matters the most. He was enough to erase everything.

Instead of getting directly to the shower, Nile prepared the bathtub for me. Once he was finished, he took off his jacket that covered my naked body. I stepped in the tub and dipped in the water. He helped me wash my hair as he sat at the edge of the tub. He massaged it gently, making me feel relaxed.

“Nile… thank you.” My voice was a bit raspy from all the crying.

He stops. I was curious why. “Do you think you could kiss me without feeling guilty?”

I gave him a small smile. “Come and find out.” He then leaned in which I gladly accepted his lips on mine.

I felt so relieved knowing the weight of the burden was gone. The kiss tasted better and ignited more passion than before.

Absorbed by our intense make out, Nile slipped and fell to the water, breaking our kiss.

“Fuck.” He muttered. He was soaking wet and I laughed at his state. He let out a small smile. “I’m glad you’re better.”

We continued kissing for a while. Nile already removed his clothes and joined me in the tub. We didn’t do anything other than kissing and touching each other. His words, his actions, his gentleness gave me relief and comfort. Somehow it managed to let me forget what happened.

Because we enjoyed so much of our time soaking in the bathtub, our skin was getting wrinkly so we had to get up and shower to get rid of the remnants of the soapy water. He kept on kissing but unlike before, I didn’t deny him of it. I loved every single thing of it.

Nile urged me to sleep. He’ll inform everyone that I was resting. He’ll follow soon after. I told him not to tell them what happened. That Jacob almost raped me if it weren’t for him saving me. Quinn would go batshit crazy. She’ll probably suggest going home and cancel this trip. Tyler would willingly agree.

We planned this trip for his birthday. It wasn’t exactly his birthday today but Quinn suggested celebrating it earlier with us since during their honeymoon will be exactly his birthday. Autumn, Quinn’s closest cousin, would’ve loved to come but she was busy expanding her business in Europe.

I just wanted to cherish this time together. I probably will not go out after this. Even though knowing Jacob was already apprehended, I don’t think I want to go out without Nile.

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It was about six in the evening when Nile and I woke up. Quinn messaged us to get ready for dinner. When we reached the place, I was honestly amazed.

Quinn set up a dinner at the seaside with a long table and sands on our feet. There were candles and scattered petals all around us. There were seafoods on the table and a lot more of the resorts’ specialty. The night was pretty cold so we wore long sleeves and sweaters.

“I gotta hand it to someone who organizes events and parties, huh.” I elbowed Quinn with a tease.

“Come on. You know I love setting up dinners like this. Belle helped since you were knocked out.” She teased back.

I winced at that. It was a harmless joke but for me, there was a deep meaning behind it. I brushed it off and smiled as I could. Everyone knew nothing about it. And I want to keep it that way.

When I turned to Nile’s direction, he was already staring at me. He wasn’t even listening to the guys’ conversation.

“I guess you two sorted things out.” Belle said as soon as she reached us. She and Kyle had just arrived as well.

I shrugged. “He’s persistent.” They bursted in a fit of giggles.

“Yeah, right. Thanks for the free show.” Quinn joked while laughing which made Belle giggled even more. I just rolled my eyes at their antics.

When I returned my attention to Nile, he was still staring at me. He then beckoned me to come there and I did, certainly. I realized halfway that I didn’t even say anything to the girls before walking away. Embarrassment came after.

“You hungry?” He asked right away when his arm reached around me.

“Hmmn.”

He hugged me and kissed my temple. “Let’s eat then.”

After that, everyone seated for dinner. It was a memorable night filled with laughter and random conversation. And even though everyone was busy eating and making conversation, I’m sure Nile was pretty clear with his attentiveness towards me. But I’m glad no one asked about our relationship anymore.

It was already obvious to them what Nile and I have.