Dalliance

Chapter Twenty Two

"You have been melancholy the last past days...do you wish to tell me of it?" Nicholas asked as he set his fur coat on the bed before turning to her. Wiping a tear from her cheek, she shook her head before feeling his hand upon hers. Now, kneeling in front of her, he looked to her with the kindest eyes she had seen. "I understand I have only caused you sadness and pain and a massive sum of disappointment..if I can do anything to aid your current circumstances, please do not hesitate to tell me."

"I will not lie, it is very easing to know your feelings...to see a selfless side of you. Without desiring anything."

"That is not the truth...I do desire for you to love me as I love you...But thank you for seeing my true heart."

She nodded as he kissed her hand before pulling his coat away before moving to the door.

"I will also not force you to be beside me...not until you desire to be."

"Thank you."

He nodded before the door closed. He gave her the chance to take a deep breath; for the first time since being married, she felt that she could breathe. The biter cold air stung the ears, fingers, and noses of everyone around as they continued their daily routines. With her free time-and not having to worry about Nicholas breathing down her neck every two seconds, she decided to go for a walk around the residence. Wrapping herself tight in fox fur and continuously blowing on her hands in attempt to keep them warm. Moving from one part of the residence to the other, she closed her eyes in a blink before seeing Dawson with Kira. He had his hand on her thigh as she was showing him a scar given by one of her brothers-but the sight Holly saw was quite intimate. Turning away, Dawson saw the whip of her hair and coat before smirking and continuing the conversation with Kira.

By dinner, Holly realized she had an arsenal full of tricks to drive Dawson to his breaking point. She wasn't sure what exactly she wanted to get accomplished, but she knew she wanted to get on his nerve. Throughout the night, she was polite and loving to her husband-something nobody was used to from Holly. She usually sat with a stern line in place of a smile and her eyes glued to the meal presented that was usually something Nicholas had shot.

"You are looking quite handsome dearest husband...." She said upon bringing her fingers to a few loose hairs and placing them back in their rightful position. He smirked before moving his lips to her ear, whispering how she was beautiful and desirable. She forced a large smile before pulling away to place a piece of meat on the end of her fork and placing it towards Nicholas. Shocked for a moment, he smirked before slowly taking it with his teeth before taking a sip of wine.

Dawson clenched his jaw before placing fallen hair behind Kira's ear and whispering small jokes to her-pulling back to find Holly glaring.

"Have you decided on when you desire to be man and wife?" Nicholas asked as Holly forced a kind smirk-feeling Nicholas's gaze fall back to her.

"We were thinking Christmas." Dawson answered, quick to look to Holly for a response. Instantly, a horror befell her face before she forced her expression into her wine before requesting more by Amelia.

"That IS very soon....are you sure you are prepared?" Nicholas asked Kira as she nodded.

"Dawson and I share many similar desires..." She looked to Dawson as if meaning something different. A moment not missed as well as not appreciated by Holly.

"Such as?" Holly interjected.

"Gazing at the stars....swimming...dueling...animals...summer..." She paused as dinner was wrapped up by Nicholas.

"Are you prepared for rest, my dear?" He asked upon placing his hand on her back.

"I will join you quickly." She spoke, catching Dawson's gaze to be a full scowl.