Taking Chances (WILL EDIT LATER)

Chapter Forty Four.

**TRIGGER WARNINGS APPLY**

~postpartum body image issues: mentions of hatred toward stretch marks on belly, breasts and bum/thighs/hips and loose skin on belly. As well as mentioning dark circles under the eyes.

~bodily harm: mentions of daggers causing death and mentions puppet like strings causing physical harm to extremists (arms and legs) in the dream sequence at the beginning of the chapter. This also includes the mention of extremely bloodshot eyes and vigorous shaking.

~dark: mentions of demonic figures/creatures and beings controlling what happens in the dream sequence at the beginning of the chapter.

~fighting: mentions of physical anger (Taron hits a steering wheel and scares Nicola). As well as bickering and taking digs at one another, and what is believed as hinted words at taking a child from her mother.

~foul language: swear/curse words are scattered throughout this chapter.

~sexual: mentions of morning erections and the embarrassment that comes with them. As well as mentioning the sexual tension between Taron and Nicola throughout this chapter. This also includes the insinuation of masterbation.

**IF I HAVE MISSED ANYTHING, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL ADD THE TRIGGER WARNINGS PROMPTLY**

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*DREAM*

The grass was cool and soft under her feet. The breeze was gentle as it tenderly kissed the leaves of the nearby willow trees. The warm incandescence of the fireflies lit up the atmosphere with a romantic glow. One that left Nicola with an ethereal feeling of beauty and confidence. The train of her off white dress trailed behind her as she slowly made her way toward Taron who was waiting for her at the end of the fairy path.

Her eyes locked with Taron's in a longing glance. She could feel the butterflies begin to take flight within her belly. Her heart rate picked up and the blushing heat radiated on her cheeks. She felt an overwhelming sense of love for the man standing in front of her with a proud smile on his face.

His eyes flitted down as he took in her form. The delicate white dress she wore hugged her in all the right places, giving her body a royal affect. Her hair had been placed in a low bun while a few tendrils softly framed her features. She was the epitome of grace.

"My darling, you have me at a loss for words." Taron whispered as Nicola finally placed her hand in his. It was at that moment she realized that her left hand was adorned with a sparkling gold ring. Nicola's eyes once again locked with Taron's after noticing a ring on his left hand. She coyly smiled at him.

"I could say the same about you." She teased, hoping it would hide her shock at the discovery of matching rings on their fingers. Nicola let her eyes travel down Taron's body just as his eyes had done to hers moments prior.

His black silk button up shirt hung somewhat loosely on his body. The top few buttons of his shirt had been left undone, allowing the hair on his chest to peek through. The sleeves had been rolled halfway up his sinewy arms. Everything about him made Nicola want to drool.

"Flatterer." Taron chuckled. Nicola smirked at him, making him wink at her.

She wanted to reply but no words came to her mind. Instead she slowly leaned in but stopped just before she reached Taron's lips.

"Dance with me." Came Taron's whispered request. Nicola wanted to slap him for interrupting their almost kiss but when his voice sounded so tempting, how could she do that. Nicola let Taron lead her through the gate they were now standing at.