Chapter 22 Cautious

Sinclair

Monday was quite a challenge. She had two major classes she needed to attend physically at the campus. Advance Trigonometry and Calculus. Both had Paul on them. She dreaded the confrontation. She was flanked by her bodyguards but they wouldn't be able to follow her inside the lecture theater. Plus Nicholas's absence had affected her. She missed him a lot, had tossed and turned on their bed for two nights, exhausting her body and brain from thinking of him.

"It's alright, Rick," she addressed the head of security trailing her. Most students gave her a wide berth. Gossip whispers, like the wind on leaves, fluttered around her when she passed by. Soft brown eyes trained on the ground, she ignored them all. She didn't give a fuck anymore. This was her life and she was loving it.

"We will be right outside if you need us." He assured her, however, one of the men swept the room before she entered. Some people in her class including the professor watched in trepidation. He gave Nicholas's girlfriend a respectful nodded on his way out. "He is not here miss." He added.

Relief washed through her with the turn of events, Sinclair joined the class. Sitting at her usual spot, at the back of the bleachers. Oblivious to anyone around her, she listened, jot down notes; speaking when called. She wanted to pass the time without any untoward incident.

This Lady Luck was not on her side. A pinged email notification caught her attention just when she was about to gather her things. Sighing, thinking it was important, she clicked the flashing envelop.

-Relieved I'm not there? Don't worry, slut. I am always watching.

She felt the blood drain from her face. Scanning the room, her eyes fell on Professor Williams.

"Are you alright, Ms. Yuan?" He asked. Rounding his desk to stand in front of her.

"Yeah...um...yes. I have to go." She wanted to go home. Maybe Nicholas was back from his trip and would be there waiting for her.

"Wait. I meant to talk to you." Professor Williams stopped her. She turned to him. Noticing his tense face, she waited patiently. "Dean Alberts wants to see you. She was here earlier looking for you, saying it was urgent. The scholarship board has called for a review before your graduation."

Sinclair nodded dumbly. -God. What if the topic between her and Nicholas's relationship comes out?- "I'll be there, sir." With a hurried goodbye, she left the room and went directly to the women's restroom.

"What am I going to do?" She whispered. Her ashen face reflected from the mirror. Blinking back tears, she tried to think. She had worked so hard to be able to finish her degree. Anticipating the finish line since the beginning of the semester, she was almost there. Her dream of becoming a teacher was within her reach. Ready to burn to ashes if the school board got a whiff of her indiscretion. She could deny it. He of all people would understand. It was a sensible act than being kicked out a few weeks before graduating. Denying and sacrificing their connection. The alternative, a risk, was laying it all out in the open.

-Was he worth it?- Her heart hammered in her chest. Answering her own question. YES. She had found her future with him. He gave her love and life. Nicholas was worth it.

Squaring her shoulders, she splashed her face with cold water, fixed her hair, and pinched her cheeks to get some color. She could do this.

***

"Miss Yuan, thank you for attending the school board review. We tried to reach you earlier but you were busy and it says here, you are only taking two classes on campus. Three more online?" The head of the department's review board asked.

Sinclair tried not to fidget on the hard chair where all the students had to be seated under the scrutiny of the panel. The lady addressing her was Dean Alberts. In her late forties, she carried a no-nonsense attitude. Poker straight, face devoid of any makeup, and her blond hair severely tied in a chignon. The head of the academic department, she was known to expel students who relied on scholarships to get by at the smallest mishap or inconsistent outputs. She was more lenient to the rich ones though. She was also Sandy's mother -the bitch from Literature. Just perfect.

"Yes, ma'am. That's correct." She answered in a clear voice.

"I see. How were you able to afford it? The stipulation given for your academic scholarship was your income should be below the minimum wage. Are you earning more now?"

Her face jerked upright at the direct question. The dean's blue eyes exhibited hardness.

"I am working three jobs, ma'am. And I have enough savings. However, I believe it is still below the minimum wage of income for a student like me." Which was all true.

"What type of jobs? Does it include you prowling in the streets at night?" Fuck! Was she referred to as a whore? Sinclair glanced at the men included in the meeting. Assessing her tiny frame with calculating eyes.

"No, ma'am. I work three decent jobs. At the library, a laundry shop, and a diner. I would never subvert the school's reputation." She answered with conviction.

The Dean snorted in disbelief at Sinclair's answer. "So what is this I hear, that you, Miss Yuan is a mistress of some..."

"I would not continue if I were you, Alberts." Answered a hard and deathly quiet voice behind Sinclair.

Her whole body freeze, her breathing accelerated. She almost jumped from her chair when a warm hand clasped her shoulders. She knew him. His masculine scent and gentleness were embedded in her soul. Nicholas.

"Why are you in session without me and our board of directors? Haven't I left instructions to you, Dr. Alarchy to wait for me?" The University's head administrator paled at the Viscount's strict voice.

"Yes...yes...of course, my lord." His eyes widened when he saw the group of gentlemen behind Viscount Redington. "Your Grace. My lords."

-Of course, they were here, too.- Sinclair thought.

"Now, answer me this, Dean Alberts. Why are you interrogating my future Viscountess?" The dean's eyes widened and she gazed at the man standing protectively behind Sinclair with fear in her blue eyes.

"Miss Yuan, viscountess?" She whispered. Realizing what she had almost done. How much did they hear?

"Did I stutter? Why was she called? If I remember correctly the scholarship committee will only convene if a student failed to meet her academic provisions. Miss Yuan had been passing her curriculum with flying colors. She is even on your dean's list of honors. What had changed?" This time Sinclair's boyfriend could no longer contain his displeasure.

"We received an anonymous tip that...that...Miss Yuan was...involved..." She gulped. Not only did the Viscount looked like ready to strangle her but the board of directors and shareholders have their gazes trained on her. "involved in an indiscretion with..." She couldn't finish.

"I can assure you, Miss Yuan had never behaved improperly towards anyone in and out of this campus. Whoever gave you that idea, I want the name on my desk. Is that clear, Alberts? I will be calling a board meeting two weeks before the school year ends. Until then, you are all dismissed." Nicholas's warm hand moved to his girlfriend's nape. She shivered. "I trust we are done here. Let's go home, my sweet."

***

Anger was radiating off of him in waves. They entered his private office after saying goodbye to his peers. Sinclair's hand firmly in his clasp. Occupying the same couch where they tasted each other, he pulled her to his lap. His face nuzzling her neck. Her fingers instantly went to his dark locks, combing slowly, her nails scratching his scalp. He moaned.

"I'm okay, Nick." She assured him. "Why are we staying here?"

"I want to talk to you, sweet and I know if we go home we will end up tearing each other's clothes. I missed you so much." He continued. His voice muffled on her skin. She arched her back in invitation. "Not yet. I will make you cum when we get home."

Her lips pursed in annoyance. They did it here last time. "Why not?"

Nicholas chuckled huskily. His dick was pulsing on her ass however he wouldn't do anything about it just yet. "Later. I promise." He kissed her lightly. Hugging her closer, he continued, "someone is spying on us." She stiffened in his arms. "Shhhh...don't fret. This room is soundproof and secure. Your security team has reported to me."

"I see." She knew where this was going. Last night, she diligently sent him photos of her on their bed, several texts, and a short video clip of her saying goodnight. She had deliberately omitted something important.

"The fratboy attacked you." Not a question. His voice hardened. "The worst part is he was the son of the man we just captured. He will do anything to get back at us."

Her blood ran cold. "Paul might be the one who reported our relationship to Dean Alberts?"

"Yes. Though no one has seen him since the incident at the mall. Lady Tanning is also missing. We have lost trace of them." Nicholas's arms tightened around her. She glanced up at him. Her eyes softened. Raising her face to him, she gave him a soft kiss to calm him down.

"Don't worry. I will be a good girl and stay close to you and my bodyguards." She murmured on his moist red lips. Her words fueled his lust, deepening the kiss, he swooped down, capturing her lips with hunger. His hot tongue plunging, parring with hers, sucking and sweeping her flesh to taste her thoroughly. When they parted, they were both gasping for air. Sinclair felt dizzy with want.

"Can we go home now?" Her gaze widened. Shocked to hear her voice so whiny.

"Yes, sweetheart. We can go home now." He laughed. His voice was gravelly with desire. "But let me take you out to dinner, okay?"

She could only shake her head yes.

***

-Why do they always end up fooling around in the shower?-

Her body felt drained and her voice hoarse when they stepped out of the bathroom.

Her legs remained wobbly as she stepped out of his car. Judging by the sexy smirk on his swollen lips, he caught on to her dilemma, proud of what he had accomplished. His arm possessively around her slim waist, he escorted her inside one of London's A-list restaurants in Mayfair.

The maitre d' took one look at Nicholas and he was instantly escorting them to a private area. Apparently, her boyfriend, oblivious to the stares they were getting from the other diners, especially women, was well-known everywhere. She internally frowned. Did he bring dates here?

"No, I haven't, sweet." He murmured while he seated her, kissed her temple, and dragged a chair so he could be seated close to her. She blushed. The manager accepted the Viscount's actions with a bland face.

Then she remembered his words. "Haven't what?" Consciously arranging the skirt of her spaghetti-strapped silver dress that had risen to the top of her thighs.

His arm draped on her shoulder, fingers lazily grazing her bare skin. "I haven't taken any dates here. Not even in my Eton days. My sister, Therese, owns this restaurant. That's why, Oscar here, knows me." His voice was slightly amused but his eyes held seriousness.

As if on queue, the man bowed before them. "It's a lovely evening to see you here, my lord, my lady."

"Good evening, Oscar. Is my brother-in-law here?"

"Yes, my lord. He's in the kitchen. Are you going to have your usual?" Sinclair was filled with anxiety. She had never been to a place such as this and she didn't want to make a fool of herself.

"We will have a charcuterie board and Cabernet Sauvignon for now." He glanced at his date. "I will let you know what my lady wants later." Her cheeks reddened more.

"Very well, my lord. I will have someone attend to it right away." The maitre d' bowed once more and left to prepare Nicholas's order.

"Look at me, sweetheart." She did, studying his beautiful dark brown orbs. He took a deep breath before speaking once more. "I know we have only known each other for a short time and you still don't trust me fully. But I want you to know that I am so in love with you. There is no one else. My past dalliances, well, it's all in the past. I don't even remember any of them. You are the only woman I dated, you are the only woman I want to make memories with for the rest of my life. I love you, Sinclair."

Her heart melted right that moment. Her fears and insecurities along with it. Their gazes held. She let her love for him shine through. "I do trust you, Nick. I love you. This is all new to me, so I need you to guide me. It's just that I don't want to embarrass you." She admitted in a small voice.

Nicholas sighed, pecked her temple, his lips went to her earlobe. She shuddered. "You are doing perfectly fine. I am so lucky to have a beautiful woman in my arms. You could never embarrass me. Not ever. Relax, okay?" His free hand began to play with her fingers.

She nodded. "I love going out with you." Her words came out breathless.

"Good. I enjoy spoiling you." His lips landed on hers like he couldn't get enough. They separated when someone cleared his throat to get their attention.

Oscar was back with a waitress. Sinclair ducked her head. Nicholas chuckled. A thick wooden board was placed on the table, there was an assortment of fruits, fresh and dried, cured meats, cheeses, dips, and biscuits elegantly arranged to enticed the senses. There was a bottle of red wine and crystal glasses served yet she wanted something else for her thirst. "May I have a tall glass of cold water, please?" Her timid voice carried over to their server. The woman, dressed in a black elegant mini skirt dress, tall and beautiful with carefully applied make-up paused and looked at her, her brow raised condescendingly.

-Did she do something wrong now?- Nicholas was conversing with the maitre d', discussing the menu and dessert for later. No help there. To be honest, she didn't want her boyfriend always coming to her aid. Waiting patiently for a response, her eyes never left the waitress's aloof form. Fuck! She doesn't have time for snobs tonight. Her throat was dry and she wanted something cold. "Oscar, may I have a glass of cold water, please?"

Both men looked at her then at the waitress. "Of course, my lady." He answered right away.

"And a competent waiter, please," Nicholas added. "I don't want Sinclair to be kept waiting."

The manager's eyes were shooting daggers at the embarrassed attendant while he dragged her away.

"I can fight my own battles, you know." She commented. Amused with her boyfriend's overzealous protectiveness.

"I know. Open, sweet." This was one of the things he loved to do for her. Feeding her. An intimate act for them both. She let him. Enjoying his dedication to her. Since he came into her life, she had been eating and sleeping well.

"You will make me fat in no time," she chewed thoughtfully, liking the berries with brie and honey. The cured meats were perfect, too.

He snorted. Sipping his wine, he hummed his approval. "I am not complaining."

Their evening was becoming one of the best they spent together. After the odd combination of amuse-bouche from their charcuterie board, Nicholas's ordered a combination of delicate main course and a chef's creation for dessert. Her taste buds were beset with the new flavors. Nope, she was far from complaining. Enjoying the experience with her viscount.

Almost time to go home, serene and relax, meeting his sister, Therese, and her husband, the chef, they made plans for a family dinner. Agreeing with the idea, they promised to contact them soon.

The air was quite freezing, she rubbed her hands, noticing, Nick draped his long coat on her delicate form and hugged her closer while waiting for the valet to bring his car to the restaurant's entrance. She smiled up at him gratefully.

One minute they were gazing into each other's eyes lovingly the next she was on the ground, her body crushed beneath his weight while he shouted instructions around them. It was then she heard bullets flying around them.

Oh, god.

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