Chapter 25 Acceptance

Nicholas

The private balcony, where they had an intimate lunch a few days ago was filled with fresh bouquets, filling the air with their heavenly floral scent. Every corner was laden with gifts in various shapes and sizes. A table was set in the middle arranged to his specification. Elegant cutlery set on display, crystal glasses glittering, champagne on an ice bucket, and luxury plates covered in silver domes.

Nicholas mentally approved hearing his fiancee's gasped from his surprise. Her new title gave him satisfaction.

Sinclair, covered in a white satin robe, cradled in his arms, giggled at his possessiveness. She sweetly asked him to put her down. He did. Reluctantly. He observed her like a hawk. Ready to assist her at the slightest limp in her steps.

She must still be feeling him deep inside her since her legs were walking a bit wobbly. He smirked. He didn't mean to make love to her again after she said yes. However, she moved on top of him and discovered a new position she wanted to explore. Not being able to deny her, he let her ride him until he again filled her with his seed. After that, she was wincing in pain. He felt guilty and promptly carried her back to the warm jacuzzi to ease the soreness in her pussy. From her sighs of relief, it had worked.

"Oh, my god! What are these, Nick?" She asked excitedly, running her fingers on the elaborate gift boxes, leaning to smell the bouquet of pink roses, she grinned and turned to him. "You are a hopeless romantic."

Closing the distance, he gathered her back in his arms, pressing his lips to her forehead. "My father taught me well."

"I know, baby. He must be so proud of you." She murmured, her face on his neck, breathing his scent deeply.

His heart constricted, remembering his role model. "I told him about you before..." his throat closed. Waiting for a few seconds, he continued. "He approved. My father would have been so proud to give you away at our wedding."

She sobbed on his chest. "You saved me, you know." She confessed. "Before you, I was alone. So alone. I didn't know happiness. I didn't know love. I was just existing and not living. The first time I saw you, you took my breath away, at the same time you gave me life." Her eyes, glistening with tears, gaze up at him, roaming his face like she was seeing him for the first time. "I will spend the rest of my life loving you. Bear your children and stand by you no matter what."

Her vow dispelled any lingering doubts he might have had surrounding their whirlwind relationship. He knew he had claimed her fast, not giving her enough time to think nor to adjust but it was the best damn decision he had ever made.

Nicholas crushed her to his chest. Holding her to him like a lifeline, grateful he had found someone who made everything worth it.

Though initially, he had planned his proposal and engagement party to happen at his estate, he didn't regret where his earlier actions led them. He had claimed her in every aspect. In his eyes, she was his Viscountess. Their license had been ready for quite some time. His man of affairs had been contacted to prepare the necessary legalities. All they needed was her signature.

"Would you want a big wedding?" It was late afternoon, the air was warm, perfect for an Al Fresco. He steered her to their table where plates of foods created by his chef were displayed artfully. As usual, she was perched on his lap while she sampled each dish.

Humming at the taste, she shook her head. "Nope. Just family and friends. Do you?" This time she fed him with her fingers.

"No. My mother and sisters are excited to assist you. I hope that's okay." Sinclair was nodding before he was finished.

"Of course. And Lady Louise, too. I have grown fond of her. I hope your mother's okay with this? I mean, she must still be mourning." He cupped her face, his thumb wiping the sauce from her lips, bringing it to his mouth, tasting her together with the confection. Her breath faltered. He smirked at her red cheeks.

"Mum had wanted to meet you for quite some time. She only held back to give you time to adjust." Nicholas was quick to assure her. "Would you mind going out tonight?"

Sinclair grew rigid in his arms, recalling the events of last night. "Would it be wise?"

"Don't worry. The place is well guarded and I have tightened our security." He kissed her temple. "Sandringham's mother is hosting a ball tonight and I thought, I would let the world know you are mine."

She gasped, trying to get up. "But...I don't have anything to wear."

The Viscount chuckled. Then groaned. She was wiggling on his lap, making his cock stir. Knowing she was too sore for another round, he clasped her hips firmly. "Sweetheart..." He warned. His lips went to her throat. She blushed harder, feeling her effect on him. "Your personal shopper took the liberty of selecting a gown for you. Everything you will need is ready. Your PA and her team are waiting for you in the guest bedroom."

"Right now?" She asked. Her eyes widened in alarm.

"Yes. But let them wait. Let's fill you up first. I want to make love to you as soon as you recover. We have to make sure you can keep up." He winked. And laughed when she slapped his shoulder. "I want to marry you soon." He added seriously.

"How soon?" She smiled tenderly at him, leaning to place a soft kiss on his cheek.

"Next week."

"Nope."

"In a fortnight?" He was praying she would agree.

She was shaking her head while grinning.

"End of the month?"

She giggled at his expression. "After I received my diploma, baby. Then I am all yours." She promised with a kiss. He moaned. Responding to her ardent show of intimacy. Her arms wrapped around his neck, deepening her actions. What had started as an innocent kiss bloomed into something more. Yet he reined in his impulses. Sinclair won't appreciate it if she wouldn't be able to walk later.

However, she had something else on her mind. Inching from his lap, she opened his muscular thighs and kneeled in between. Her hands released his erection from his boxers. "Watch me." Her tone was soft and seductive. She licked her lips in anticipation. Oh, fuck!

He could live with five more weeks, he thought, while gazing down at her with lust. It will give him plenty of time to catch their enemy before succumbing to married bliss.

With Sinclair as his wife, it was guaranteed to be blissful indeed.

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Sinclair

It was 7 PM when Nicholas escorted her to the guest floor of his townhouse. He left her with a soft kiss in front of Melody and her glam team, uncaring if they had an audience. Her cheeks burned but she responded shyly.

Murmuring he would be back, he left her into their capable hands.

"Hi," turning, she waved shyly.

Melody grinned, meet Sinclair with a soft peck on her cheek. "Congratulations, Ms. Yuan..."

"Call me Sinclair, please." She included everyone in the room. "And thank you for coming on such short notice. If I know my fiance," god, it felt good to say it, "it was a last-minute arrangement." She squeezed Melody's hand.

The personal shopper waved her concerns away. Instead, she introduced her to the lady standing ahead of the little group. "This is Monica. She is working with her husband Steven, he is Lord Redington's man-of-affairs."

They shook hands. With smiles and congratulations, Monica gave a short speech about her role as a Viscountess's PA.

"Now, from our shopping spree, I surmised, your taste in clothes is simple and elegant. I took the liberty of choosing this amongst Vera Wang's collection. It will highlight that beauty you have on your finger." Melody guided her to a form-fitting satin gown in rich platinum lilac. The top was once again scooped low with spaghetti straps, cinch at the waist, the fabric would mold her derriere and thighs down to her calves. It was stunning.

"It's beautiful. Thank you." She breathed out in awe. Melody was worth the keep. She would recommend her business to Lady Louise.

"The dress will look good on you. Come on." She clapped excitedly. Leading the newly engaged young lady to the walk-in closet inside the guest room.

Sinclair was ready in under one hour. Turning slowly at the floor-length mirror, her reflection hard to recognize, she bit her lips. The woman staring back at her was far cry from the girl who worked three jobs just to survive. Her make-up was done lightly, coal-black hair in a simple chignon with Swarovski crystals sparkling to add more drama. She was glowing. Happiness reflected in her soft brown eyes.

Fairy tales do come true. And she had met her true Prince Charming.

"You are simply perfection, my lady." Melody and Monica exclaimed at the same time, giggling when they realized. Sinclair grinned.

"My Viscountess is one of a kind." A familiar voice seconded from the doorway. Shyly, she turned to him slowly. Without taking his eyes off of her, he murmured. "Thank you, everyone. If you will excuse me and Sinclair, please."

Everyone cleared the room before she could utter a word. She made a mental note to contact them all tomorrow. "Do you like it?" Her eyes roamed his elegant physique as he approached her. He was perfection too in another all-black tuxedo, yet this time, his tie matched the color of her gown.

"I love it too much, sweet. Your team deserves a bonus." His fingers grazed her bare shoulder. She shivered in response. "Yet, we have to cover you with diamonds to distract the other men from feasting on your alabaster skin."

"Nicholas," she weakly protested, gazing at the blue velvet box in his hands.

"Shhh...turn around, sweet. These are just trinkets." She gasped at the set of necklace and earrings presented to her, showcasing an arrangement of rectangular and square diamonds in platinum adorning her throat. With trembling hands, she helped her fiance fastened the heavy earrings.

"This is too much, Nick."

"No. You deserve all of this and more. And more I will give you." He kissed her nape. "Come. We need to go before I change my mind and ravish you here."

***

Flashes of the cameras greeted them when they exited their limousine. Ricky, the head of security, and his team surrounded them in an instant. Pushing away the media trying to get statements from Nicholas.

-Viscount Redington, is she your girlfriend?

-Do you have a new mistress?

-What are your plans for your schools?

-Are you taking over your father's businesses?

-Are you going to marry soon? Who is the lucky lady?

The noise was deafening. And the questions thrown at them were bordering on outrageous.

Before they arrive, Nicholas had warned her this will be the first time he and his fellow club members will be seen attending a season's ball after a very long time avoiding such an occasion. So, they expected the media to hound them as soon as they arrived. He didn't warn her how crazy it would be. Her hand gripping his bicep felt clammy.

Their photos would be in magazines and newspapers by tomorrow. She shuddered.

The speculation grew wild when he wrapped his arm around her tiny waist, pecked her temple while they stopped at the entrance, waiting to be announced. "Stay with me at all times, okay?" She nodded. Still tense beside him. "Don't worry, sweet. Everything will be fine."

"I don't know how to dance." She admitted.

"You have me. You should know by now I am a great teacher." He teased. She reddened and tried to glare at him. She didn't get to say her piece because the heavy double doors opened with a flourished and they were announced.

"Viscount Redington and his fiancee, Sinclair Yuan." The butler couldn't be louder if he tried. By the guests' reaction, shock on their faces, it looked like the good man had just announced the plague.

Sinclair wanted to bolt then and there.

Then a lady in severe black, so elegant, standing proud with Therese and Ingrid clapped her hands loudly, her face adorning a wide smile, joy reflected in her dark brown eyes. The sisters joined her. Other ladies followed, all important members of the nobility by the looks of them. One Sinclair recognized. Lady Morgan was grinning widely. Louise was tagging Sandringham excitedly to wait for them at the foot of the stairs.

The rest of Nicholas's friends followed suit, the duke leading the group, approval clear in their features, daring anyone to show disrespect to the future lady of their exclusive club. No one would. Their mothers were the pillars of the ton. Each one doting on her son.

Sinclair's heart warmed. She only hoped she would not disappoint her viscount.

"Come, my sweet. I want you to meet my mother."

What?!

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