She's Not Afraid

Chapter Five

After that night, Nicoleta and Vlad spent a lot more time with each other. Vlad came to the bar every night, and on her days off, Vlad would take her on a date. They grew very close. They hadn't kissed yet against both of their growing needs. Vlad was too much of a gentleman, and Nicoleta was too nervous at times. They were very fond of each other though. Vlad felt a sense of sanity when he was with Nicoleta. He didn't feel as alone as he did before. His loneliness vanished, but as the sun rose his loneliness would return. Nicoleta never saw Vlad during the day. She didn't ask about it because she knew he was most likely busy. Three weeks had gone by and everything seemed to be going well between the two of them.

Nicoleta opened the door to reveal Vlad with a smile lighting up his handsome face. "You look stunning, milady," he said. He stepped in and kissed her cheek. She closed the door behind him. "I hope you don't mind take out, Vlad. I'm on a budget this week. Well just until I get a raise," she said. "Nicoleta, please do not waste your money on me," he insisted.

"I can't let you pay for everything. If I did, then I'd be taking advantage of you, and I don't want to do that," she replied.

"I do not mind spoiling you, my dear," he said.

"I'm not one to be spoiled," she smiled.

"Do not think of it as spoiling. Think of it as my payment for pestering you at the bar every night," he said.

"You don't annoy me, Vlad. I always enjoy your company," she smiled.

Vlad smiled back. Nicoleta gave him a container of food. "It isn't anything fancy, but it's still good," she said. He opened it. "Chinese food," she added. Vlad didn't care; he was just happy to be with her. They ate and talked as they always did. After they cleaned up, they sat on the balcony. "Where did you find your last boyfriend?" he asked.

"He came in one early morning at the bar. After he cheated on me, I promised I would never date another guy from the bar," she said.

"What of me?" he asked.

"You were an exception," she smiled.

"Hopefully I didn't waste your time," he said.

Nicoleta laughed, and he chuckled. Nicoleta stopped laughing and looked out at the view. Vlad never stopped gazing at her. She was so beautiful. Nicoleta noticed he was staring at her. "What?" she asked smiling. "Do you trust me?" he asked. She looked at him for a moment. Vlad stood up and held his hand out. Nicoleta took it and stood before him. "Close your eyes," he commanded. She gave him a look, but did it anyway. Nicoleta felt Vlad turn her around. She suddenly felt his strong arms wrap around her waist, nearly making her gasp at how good it felt. She felt his mouth close to her ear. There was a sudden gust of wind. "Do you trust me?" he whispered. She felt a shiver run down her back. "Open your eyes," he whispered. Nicoleta opened her eyes and gasped. She and Vlad stood on the edge of the balcony. Vlad held tight to her as she peered down at the streets below. "You're crazy!" she gasped. "Only for you," he whispered. She couldn't help but smile. "I trust you," she said. Vlad smiled against her ear. He carefully stepped down off the edge before helping Nicoleta down. He held her close to his chest, and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Nicoleta liked being this close. Vlad couldn't wait any longer. He slowly leaned in and kissed her. Her arms wrapped tighter around his neck bringing him closer. Vlad's grip on her tightened keeping her against his chest. Nicoleta had waited a long time for him to kiss her. Finally when they couldn't breathe, they parted. "I had to kiss you before I have to leave," he said. She looked at him confused, "Leave?" Vlad sighed.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, but I have to leave for a couple of days. They need me in Romania for a museum opening," he explained.

"How long will you be gone?" she asked.

"A week maybe more. It depends on how many I must attend," he said.

She looked upset. "I'm sorry I did not tell you sooner," he said brushing hair away from her face. She looked like she might begin to cry, but her face suddenly hardened. "I understand, you have to go," she said. Vlad saw tears glisten in her eyes. He didn't want to make her upset. He brought her to his chest and held her. "I promise on my return I shall return to you," he said. She hugged him feeling comforted by his promise. Vlad managed to calm her down. He stood in the doorway of her apartment. They stared at one another for some time. Nicoleta didn't know what to say, so she just kissed him one last time. She knew he would be gone for a week or so, but it felt like he would be gone for an eternity. She didn't know why she felt this way, but she did. She pulled away and regretted it. The want to stand there forever just kissing him present in her chest. "You better get me something," she teased. Vlad chuckled, "I will." They kissed one last time before he left. Nicoleta closed the door sighing in disappointment.

—•—

Nicoleta stood on her balcony overlooking the glowing lights of New York thinking. Thinking like she had been all that day. She was feeling mixed emotions. All she could think about was Vlad. She didn't know what she felt for him. She met him three weeks ago, and she couldn't deny the strong attraction she had to him. She didn't know if it was all in her head, but she just couldn't resist seeing him again. It didn't matter now. He was gone. Off to some other country on business. Nicoleta wouldn't see him for a week or even more. She sighed, "Doesn't matter now." She took a drink of water from the glass she had in her hand. "What doesn't matter?" someone asked to her left. She jumped dropping the glass from her hand. It shattered against the tile as she backed up. Vlad silently walked over the broken glass as he stalked towards Nicoleta. "How'd you get in here?" she asked. She didn't know whether to be mad, scared, or happy to see him. "Doesn't matter now," he said.

He grabbed her face and kissed her. Nicoleta was shocked at first, but quickly gave into his intimate kiss. Vlad backed her up against a wall. His body kept her pressed against the wall, as he removed his coat. Nicoleta held the collar of his shirt then wrapped her arms around his neck. She wanted him closer, and Vlad wasn't going to object. Vlad's hands found their way under her shirt, and pulled it off over her head. Nicoleta pulled at his shirt with need. Vlad did her a favor and ripped it off for her. He kissed her neck making her moan. His entire body was pressed against hers, and her skin tingled with life. Vlad felt her fingers in his hair; gripping his dark locks as she moaned. Nicoleta slipped out of her shorts, and Vlad reacted by picking her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and carried her to the bedroom. Vlad laid her on the bed, standing up at the foot of the bed unbuckling his belt. Vlad pounced on her in his full glory.

Nicoleta moaned against his lips as his hands roamed her body; making her undergarments disappear. Never had she felt something like this. Nicoleta gripped his back as he kissed her neck. He could hear her heart beating. He could feel the want in her body. He couldn't take it any longer. He thrust into her, and she moaned. With every thrust she moaned louder. He felt her fingers digging into his back. Vlad heard her whisper his name. She arched her body towards him and threw her head back exposing her neck to him. He kissed her neck lightly nipping her skin. He was careful not to bite her too hard. If he tasted her blood, he wouldn't be able to stop himself. He kissed her lips again. Finally, both reached their climax and collapsed. Nicoleta heard his ragged breath in her left ear. Vlad lay pressed against her trying to catch his breath. He wasn't done with her yet.