Chapter 16 Wishful Thinking

Sinclair

"Hmmm," soft butterfly kisses peppered her face, making her smile. She stretched languorously on the cloudlike mattress, the deep maroon satin sheet sliding down her naked body.

-Wait. Naked?- Sinclair blushed deeply. The memory of what transpired after Nicholas's confession was made known. She trusted him. He also trusted her in every aspect of his life. Her hero with a heart of gold.

"Wake up, sweetheart. I have brought us a late breakfast." Her lover murmured on her neck, inhaling her scent deeply. Clutching him closer, she tried to pull him down. He shook his head and chuckled huskily. "Later, I promise. You have to get up. We are going somewhere."

"Where? I have classes, baby." She mumbled sleepily. The clean, masculine scent hovering above her was pulling her back to the dream world. Without warning, he hefted her in his arms, blankets tangled on her body, he effortlessly carried her to the private balcony of the master suite overlooking the lush garden below them. "Nice."

Sitting Sinclair on his lap, he passed her a glass of her favorite freshly squeezed orange juice. She muttered her delight at the natural sweetness.

"I've enrolled you in three online classes. You can have more time for yourself. The remaining courses you would have to attend on-campus at least twice a week." Nick informed her casually as if it hadn't cost him a fortune to do so.

"Why?" She asked. Baffled.

"Open," he fed her a piece of juicy roast chicken and cherry tomatoes from the grilled vegetable salad. She chewed then swallowed. He remained silent until she finished everything on her plate. He concentrated on his. Not much of a dessert person, he let her savor the lava cake all by herself. "We will be busy in the coming weeks and I want you all to myself."

"But what about your work and my studies? I will be graduating in less than two months, Nick." Her education was one thing she refused to lose. Not for anyone. But she wanted Nicholas Stafford with all of her heart too.

"Sweetheart, you are brilliant. With no distractions from work, you will pass all the curriculum with flying colors. I know you will." He kissed her forehead while she continued to eat. "With regards to my work, I have a colleague of mine take over my classes. Besides, I own the major stocks in the University and my friends are members of the board. I can change rules anytime I want, providing they meet the requirements of our government."

She choked on her cake and cough. What? "My god. Are you trying to kill me?" He helped her with the glass of water murmuring his apology. Then he chuckled.

"Finish your cake before I ask you a very important question."

Two more big bites and she was done. "Okay, professor. All done."

He grinned. Shaking his head at her antics, he took a deep breath before blurting out. "Will you go out on a date with me tonight Sinclair?"

Oh. She was not expecting that at all.

***

Nicholas Stafford had asked her to be his date at a dinner party in Salcombe, Devon. This will be their first official date and she was so excited to spend more romantic time with him. Until she realized she had nothing to wear.

And when he informed her he planned to take her out shopping, she almost canceled their date. He would not allow her to rescind, in a no-nonsense voice, he had threatened to tie her to his bed and eat her pussy until she had no more to give. Blushing furiously, she ran out of his arms to get ready, ignoring the ache deep inside her his words had caused.

He was nowhere to be found when she returned to their bedroom. Shrugging her slender shoulders, she went straight to the walk-in closet where she kept some of her acceptable day dresses. She found one after a bit of deliberation. A floral patterned aquamarine dress, perfect for Spring. It has a round neckline, with flared three-fourth sleeves, the bodice flattering her small bust and tiny waist, flowing in a pleated skirt reaching an inch above her knees.

Mrs. Dee had helped her shop online yesterday, buying everything that caught Sinclair's eyes despite her inhibitions. The housekeeper clucked her tongue in gentle admonishment and paid with Nicholas's card. Saying it was the young lord's instruction. Her new things will be shipped overnight.

Wearing a pair of mismatched brassiere and underwear, she tried to assess her attributes. Her skin was creamy smooth with a pinkish glow. -That's good.- Her tummy was flat. Hips flaring naturally, her legs slender with graceful calves and dainty feet. Her scrutiny went to her chest. She frowned, a 34 B cup, wishing she had more to offer Nicholas. Sighing she dressed quickly, loving the flowing material showcasing her slender body. Her hair was left down to dry naturally, she applied a bit of lip gloss and she's done.

Ascending the stairs, she met the housekeeper and she offered a tentative smile. Mrs. Dee bobbed her head with a huge one in return. "His lordship is waiting at the foyer, miss."

"Thank you. Have a nice day, Mrs. Dee." She answered shyly.

"You as well, darling." Some of the maids hurriedly passed her at the stairs.

Indeed she found Nicholas leaning at the grand piano, looking sexy at hell in his casual gray patterned pants, open collar dress shirt, and black coat. He was tall, lean, and muscular, his everyday ensemble showcased his perfect physique. Sensing her, he straightened and looked up, his dark eyes roaming from her straight jet black hair to her dainty feet in white sandals. She blushed.

With longer strides he reached her and he tucked her to his side. Kissing her temple, he murmured, "You look so beautiful, Sinclair." Her cheeks darkened from his compliment.

"Come on, before I change my mind and bring you back to our bed." She shivered.

-God, her boyfriend is something else.-

***

Bond Street. The shopping district of the elite. A place she had never been to. All her clothes were purchased at thrift stores or hand-me-downs from her aunt. Looking around her, she grimaced.

Stunned. Unsure. She halted.

"Nicholas," she placed her hand to his chest to get his attention.

He gazed down, concerned at her tone. "What is it, my sweet?"

"Can we go somewhere else?" She pleaded.

"Why? Don't you like it here?" She looked behind her, at the bodyguards in all black with shades covering their eyes. They, too, had stopped and looked around them. Those big men made her nervous. Imagine her reaction when Nick informed her they were her security and would be trailing with them. She almost ran back to his house.

"I...I don't belong here." She admitted and bit her lip. He groaned.

"Don't do that, Sin. The press will have a field day if I kiss you senseless here in front of Yves Saint Laurent." He pecked her hair instead. "You are mine. You belong here and any place I bring you. Now, come. We have to meet someone."

That, someone, was standing outside of Chanel looking like she came out of a photo shoot. Tall, blond, beautiful, and curvaceous, she was the complete opposite of Sinclair.

She ducked her head when the lady approached them with an enticing smile. "Viscount Redington," raising her hand, waiting for something. Nicholas inclined his head before nodding at the bewildered woman before them.

Tightening his hold on Sinclair's tiny waist, he uttered, "sweetheart, this is Melody, my sisters' personal shopper. She will be assisting us today."

The lady perked up and smiled widely. "My lady, a pleasure to meet you."

Surprised by her greeting, Sinclair looked up and blushed. The personal shopper was delighted to meet her. A commoner. "I am..."

"Where do we start?" Nicholas interrupted.

"Well, we can start here, my lord. I believe you told me earlier you will be attending Lady Morgan's dinner party tonight?" He nodded and they followed Melody inside the store. "What is our budget today?"

"No limit. Same thing whenever you shop for my lady." If it's possible, her eyes grew even bigger in anticipation. "Sweet, can I leave you here with Melody while I check some items I will need later?" Sin nodded reluctantly, however she did not let go of his arm just yet.

"Are you sure?" Gazing up at him, she bit her lip nervously.

His eyes focused on her swollen lips. "Very sure. Here." He handed her two black cards. Not resisting anymore, his hands on her hips, he captured her in with a sweet, gentle kiss. "I will join as soon as I can. The bodyguards will stay here with you."

"Make sure my future viscountess is comfortable and has everything. I've instructed my man-of-affairs to call the stores earlier to give Sinclair exclusive access." Melody nodded her head, excited for her big commission.

Nicholas kissed her once more before exiting the establishment. Oh, god. He had addressed her as his wife so casually and left her just as swiftly before she could say anything.

-What is happening?-

***

Sinclair's head was spinning. She had enough. They have spent a fortune, it was not funny anymore.

She and Melody had found the perfect dress for the formal dinner at Devon. A cream-colored off-white spaghetti-strapped tight-fitting dress with a slit on the left showing off her thigh sexily. The top left her neck, shoulders, and arms bare, a deep V-line with cups sewed lifted her beauties making her look fuller. Sinclair had loved it instantly and she thought that was it. Instead, her personal shopper ordered the entire spring collection of Chanel for the Viscount's lady. That was the first store. They were now on the 10th. Her feet were aching and her stomach growled. Where was Nicholas? She thought in irritation.

"Melody?"

"Yes, my lady?" That's another thing. Every time she addressed her like she was a noblewoman, Sinclair's irritation flared.

"I need to call, Nick. This should be the last store, right?" They had done almost everything. Including lingerie shopping, which was galling, to say the least. "You can do more shopping for me some other time." She added to lessen the blow.

"Sure, ma'am." Melody nodded in understanding. "But you are satisfied with my services, right?" She asked worriedly.

"Of course. You are the absolute best." Sinclair was quick to assure.

"Thank you. I will just check out our purchases then I will make sure to send them home."

"Thank you." She did mean it. Without Melody, she wouldn't know where to start.

Looking around the store, she found a very comfortable daybed. Sighing, she gratefully sat and fumbled with her phone.

Pressing speed dial, she called Nicholas. He answered on the second ring.

"Where are you, Nick?"

"Hey, sweetheart. Just heading your way." She could hear cars honking in the background.

"Okay. I spent a lot." She whispered.

"You didn't even put a dent on my card. I had expected a lot." He answered in an amused tone.

"Nick,"

"Sweetheart, you don't want to be punished, do you?" His deep voice made her clenched her thighs. Her breathing grew heavy and she was sure he could hear it over the phone.

"Sinclair, meet me outside. We are going home."

"But Melody..."

"Now. Don't worry about her. She knows what to do. It's her job. I'm outside."

"Okay." She cut the call and took a deep breath. His punishment consisted of multiple orgasms and him cumming on her body. She shivered. Anticipation slithered down her spine. Getting up, she sent her shopper a wave and hurriedly went to her boyfriend waiting impatiently for her outside his car.

Nicholas kissed her cheek, his lips hot on her, he whispered, "I can't wait to eat your pussy in the shower, sweet."

Oh, God.

***

She was humming while she applied minimal makeup to her face. A neutral eyeshadow blend, dark waterproof mascara, a shade of blush to complement her skin tone, and lastly a dark red lipstick making her lips fuller. Satisfied, she examined her handy work on the floor-length mirror.

Nicholas was dressing in the bedroom giving her the walk-in closet to prepare, saying she was too much of a temptation. She was grateful for the respite, she didn't have his dark eyes, filled with lust, following her around.

True to his words, they fooled around in the bathroom until he was satisfied with her pleas for release, her screams, and moans. Her cheeks reddened from the memory.

She was becoming a wanton. Always eager for his touch. Sinclair sighed. Knowing she had to address the elephant in the room soon. Hopefully later when they get home.

Twirling to get the most view of her whole ensemble at the wall-to-wall mirrors in her part of the walk-in closet, she nodded her head in approval. It was time.

Her red hills clicking, she went to meet Nicholas in their bedroom.

Damn! Her heart almost stopped at the picture he presented. Oh, my god. He was mouthwatering.

If the Viscount looked good in his everyday suit, then in a formal tuxedo, he looked like a god.

She shivered at how powerful and magnificent he looked. -I get to call him mine?-

"Maybe we should stay home, sweetheart." He growled. His eyes gleaming hard as he devoured her. She blushed and squirmed.

"Your friends will be waiting." Though she was amenable to the idea of staying in their bed all night.

"Bloody hell. How will I be able to keep my hands off of you?" A rhetorical question.

"Later?"

"Yes. And you can't stop me." Shaking his head, he walked closer to her while he reached for something in his pocket. "Turn around, sweet."

Shivering from his command, she presented her back and jumped at the feel of his warm hands on her bare skin. She closed her eyes at the familiar sensation. Opening just as quickly at the touch of the cold jewelry on her neck. "Nicholas," she breathed out, touching his gift with trembling hands. The top of her mounds was on display because the low-cut bodice was enticingly visible for his feasting eyes.

"Hopefully this trinket will distract the men from gazing at what is supposed to be for my eyes only. Let's go before I lose control."