Deeper Healing

16| You're Still Beautiful

Leilani Edwards

It took us roughly an hour to get to the luxurious private villa that Nikolai was renting. Everything about this place powerfully screamed wealth in a way I found intriguing.

Of course, I found simplicity admirable, but deep down, I knew this was the type of life I wanted to live and afford.

I was getting there and with a man like Nikolai Coleman beginning to warm up to me so gently, I felt like I couldn't get more inspiration. I had to level up.

We sat on a big white outdoor bed, the large infinity pool with gleaming crystal blue water in close view. The place was breathtakingly beautiful with nature green and lively, a gentle and fresh breeze blowing and the quietness serene.

The moment was intimate in a warm and comforting way, both of us sitting by the edge of the bed, acting like we'd known each other all our lives. I had never paid so much careful attention to a man I found attractive speaking to me in my life with such an open mind and heart.

As I listened to the vivid narration of his encounter with his brother and all the deep and honest feelings he'd felt afterwards, I fully made myself understand and accept that what he needed right now was a friend, not a sexually frustrated woman who deeply desired the unmatched bliss of being with a real man.

With my hand on his back, gently rubbing soothing circles, I looked at him with admiration for being strong enough to open up to me so comfortably. Opening up to people was one of the things I found hardest to do and seeing him do it so easily with me felt surreal.

I felt honoured in a way that he trusted me with his feelings and I felt a special emotional connection with his emotions because they were relatable.

Once Nikolai was done speaking, we remained silent for a short while before he looked directly at me, a small smile touching his lips. "Thank you for being a great listener, Leilani," he murmured.

I smiled back at him softly, my hand moving up and down his back. "You're welcome," I replied. "Can I tell you what I think now?"

He nodded, chuckling softly. "Yes, please."

"I think Alex was wrong to have treated you the way he did and he simply acted and said stuff in a fit of rage and jealousy," I started, withdrawing my hand from his back and placing it flat on my lap. "I feel like he really loves you and once he has cooled off, he needs to realise his mistake and apologise for it."

I put my words in the nicest way I could because Alex's behaviour from the narration sounded dicky as fuck. Of course, I understood how jealousy could control a person's mind sometimes, but they were brothers and Nikolai sounded like he deeply loved him. His feelings were really hurt.

"You've earned something great from your efforts and you should enjoy it, not apologise for your greatness and stress out because someone is being a proud ass." We both laughed lightly and the amount of warmth that swelled in my chest hearing him laugh was extraordinary.

"I'm sure you're an inspiration to many people and you should give this project your best shot and don't forget to live your life while you're at it." My words only seemed to make his contagious smile grow more radiant. "Remember, we only live once," I added.

The relief and happiness on his face were uplifting. "Thank you."

I nodded, slipping my arm around him to his shoulder, and giving him a casual side hug. "Congratulations on your achievement." I gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "This girl here promises to be your number one cheerleader."

Nikolai literally cupped my cheek, pressing my head into his chest before I felt him press a kiss into my temple. "Where've you been all my life?" he breathed, pressing another kiss into my hair.