CH 20

Nik was getting tiered of having to act like there was nothing between he and Gia, they had been working together all day and Gia was acting way too formal for him. It was like they were business partners, barley even friends. “Do you like the way the website looks?” Nik asked, glancing over his shoulder at Gia. “It’s OK.” Gia said, shrugging. Nik sighed, that was another thing, she was giving him a lot of attitude. “Well is there something in particular that you don’t like about it?” Nik said through clenched teeth. “Nikolas if you’re going to be acting like this all day, I can’t work with you.” Gia said crossing her arms across her chest. “You can’t work with..” Nik took deep breaths to calm him self. “OK, is there something you don’t like about the site princess?” Nik asked with a huge smile on his face, his voice seeping with sarcasm. Gia glared at him. “I don’t like the picture on the front page, it’s not his cutest. I much prefer the one on the motorcycle. He looks much hotter in that one. I hope he rides that bike to pick me up on my date with him tonight.” Gia’s voice seeped with cockiness. Nik steamed with fury as he heard Gia talk about Jamal. “Gia, you change the damn picture then.” Nik said coldly, getting up from the computer and walking out of the office. Gia looked down, she knew she was hurting his feelings but her behavior was the only way she could deal with not being with him. She sighed and went over and changed the picture to the one she liked and saved it.

Nikolas was working on a contract for Ned when he heard the doorbell ring, he had heard Gia go upstairs earlier and knew she wouldn’t be able to make it downstairs right away so he went to get it. He frowned at Jamal as he stood in the doorway. “Is Gia here?” Jamal asked. “Yeah she’s upstairs.” Nik said walking back to his work. “Oh wow.” He heard Jamal say. He turned around to see Gia coming down the stairs in a very short, red satin dress; the top was a strip of black lace that wrapped around her breasts. Her hair was up in an intricate bun on top of her head and her dark red lipstick complemented her dress perfectly. She looked absolutely stunning. He watched her long legs move as she descended down the stairs. Gia locked eyes with Nikolas as she walked into the living room. He was looking at her with lust in his eyes. Gia had to force herself to look at Jamal. “You look amazing Gia.” Jamal said smiling at her. It tore at Nik’s heart when he watched Gia, smile her dazzling smile back at him. He had to look away, he had to get away, and he had to do something. Gia watched him as he stormed past them, not uttering a word as he walked out the door, slamming it as he went out.

Nikolas walked up to the dreary looking mausoleum he once called home. Wyndemere was so huge, and his uncle lived her all alone. He contemplated why Stefan would choose to live here, to hide from the world he assumed. The moment he stepped inside, his family’s beloved housekeeper, Mrs. Landsbury, attacked him with a warm hug. “Oh Nikolas it’s so nice to see you. It’s been a while.” She said pulling away from the hug. Nik smiled warmly at her. “It’s nice to see you too. Is my uncle around?” He asked. “Oh he had a meeting but it should be over by now. He should be back soon. Come and talk to me until he gets here.” She said as she linked arms with him and pulled him into the living room. Mrs. Landsbury was so much more to him then a housekeeper. She was family. She had taken the place of his mother growing up and he felt like he could tell her anything. “What’s going on Nikolas?” She asked, noticing his mood. “I met a woman. I think she’s the one. She’s so amazing, she’s smart and funny and I can’t stop thinking about her.” Nik said. “Nikolas that’s wonderful.” Mrs. Landsbury said giving him a hug. “No, it’s not! It’s not wonderful because I can’t be with her. She’s out with another man right now and it’s because I drove her to him. I want to be with her but you know my uncle and he will never let me have what I want.” Nik said standing up and turning away from her. She stood up and put her hands on his shoulders supportively. “You will figure something out Nikolas, if she means that much to you, things will just work out.” She said to him reassuringly. “What’s going on here? Nikolas, are you all right?” Stefan said entering the room. Mrs. Landsbury stepped away from Nikolas. She smiled at him warmly before she turned around and left the room. Nik faced his uncle fully. “I need to talk to you about something.” Nik said. “Well, I’m listening.” Stefan said stepping further into the room. “I wanted to tell you that you can’t control my life anymore. I want you to stop telling me what to do. I’m a grown man and I can make my own decisions.” Nik said. “What is this all about Nikolas?” Stefan asked. “It’s about Gia.” Nik said. “Who?” Stefan questioned. “Gia uncle, she’s my friend and I don’t want to make her move out.” Nik said. “Oh, you’re talking about the tramp that is living with you.” Stefan said nodding. “Don’t call her that!!” Nik yelled pointing his finger at him. Stefan was confused by his behavior. He had never seen his nephew act this way. “Nikolas she’s just going to use you. I take it that she knows you’re a prince?” Stefan continued at Nik’s slight nod. “Well then she’s only after your money.” Stefan said. “No! Gia’s not like that! She's special.” Nik defended. “Why do you care so much about this girl Nikolas? Why are you defending her like this?” Stefan asked. “Because I love her!” Nik shouted. His own words shocked Nikolas as they cut through the air. His heart began to pound as his uncle stood there staring at him. He turned around and started to walk out, he turned around to face Stefan again before he made it to the door. “I love her uncle and I don’t care what you say, I will be with her.” Nik said, turning around and walking out.

“So Gia, when did you become interested in the music business?” Jamal asked. “Well it’s not really my life dream. I want to be a singer like you, but I’m just doing this until I become rich and famous.” Gia said the last part in a dramatic voice. Jamal laughed. Gia was trying to seem like she was having a good time but she could not keep her mind off of Nikolas. “Well I want to thank you for all the work you’ve done for me so far.” Jamal said. “Oh it’s no problem.” Gia said smiling.  “Well what do you say that we go dance?” Jamal suggested. “OK.” Gia said. 

“We dance perfectly together Gia.” Jamal said smiling as he and Gia danced on the dance floor of the small club, one that Gia had discovered by accident one night when she was driving. “Yes we do.” Gia grinned over at him. It was true, she and Jamal’s dancing styles complemented each other’s perfectly. But when she was dancing with him, all she could think about was the time she tried to teach Nikolas how to dance. Even when they talked over drinks, her mind kept drifting to Nikolas and how they would have intimate conversations like this one. “Gia, you know I kind of feel like you’ve been a little distracted this evening, is everything all right?” Jamal asked as he took a sip of his drink. “Actually, haven’t been totally honest with you Jamal. I like you a lot but there’s someone else that I have feelings for. And the thing is, I didn’t really realize just how strong they were until tonight. I’m sorry but I don’t think that this is going to work out.” Gia said looking up at him. “It’s Nikolas right?” He asked. “Will people stop doing that to me.” Gia said. “Well it’s pretty obvious. Look Gia, I think you’re really great and I want to get to know you. I know that you’re not interested in dating me but I would still like to be your friend, if you’re interested?” Jamal said smiling as he took her hand within his. Gia smiled back at him. “I would like that.” She said softly.

Nikolas walked into the cottage and flipped on the lights, the place felt so empty. Tears threatened as he looked over at the stairs, he couldn’t get the picture of Gia as she stood at the base of them out of his head. He walked over to the couch and sat down. He looked up when he heard the door open a short while later. “Gia.” He whispered.  She smiled softly at him and walked down the two steps into the living room. “Hi. Uh, what are you doing?” Gia asked, looking down shyly. “I just got home. What happened to your date with Jamal?” Nik asked bitterly. Gia slowly walked over to the couch and stood in front of Nikolas. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I tried all night but all I could think about were the times that we’ve shared. I missed you Nikolas.” Gia said, reaching out to touch his face lightly before dropping it to her side. “I know that we can’t be together but I just can’t be with anyone else.” Gia said. A single tear made it’s way down her face as she turned to leave. “Gia wait.” Nik said jumping up from the couch and grapping her hand, Gia turned to look into his eyes, waiting to hear what he had to say. “I went to see my uncle today, and I told him that I won’t let him run my life anymore. I told him that I care about you and that you’re my friend, and that I don’t want you to move out.” Nik said. “You told him that I was your friend? That’s all I am to you? That’s all we’ll ever be isn’t it? Well I can’t do that, I don’t want to just be your friend, I want to be more and I thought that’s what you wanted too, but I guess not. I’m leaving Nikolas! I’m packing my bags and moving in with my brother, tonight!” Gia cried, turning around to leave, again attempting to run away. Nik once again grabbed her, this time wrapping his arms around her body and bringing his lips down to meet hers in a soft kiss. “Stay.” He said running his thumb up and down the curve of her cheekbone. “Why?” Gia cried looking into his eyes. He knew what she needed him to say. “Because I love you Gia. I love you so much, I can’t stop thinking about you, and you’re driving me crazy. I love you, I love you.” Nik’s voice was fading as tears ran down his face. His heart began to pound; the silence between them was killing him. He watched as tears now poured rapidly down her face, he tried to wipe them away with his thumbs but they would quickly be replaced with more. “Gia, did you hear me?” Nik said desperately. A moan escaped Gia’s lips as she looked up at him. “I love you too.” She cried, wrapping her arms around his neck. Nik’s heart filled with relief as he held her. He rocked her as he held on tightly, feeling her body tremble under his hold as she sobbed into his shoulder. “Gia.” He said softly, with concern, pulling back slightly so that he could look at her face. “I couldn’t sleep last night. My dreams. When I sleep with you, and I dream of Jeff, you always come and make him stop. You’re the only one who comes to help me. I needed you last night.” Gia cried. “I’ll protect you from him Gia, I promise. I needed you too last night, my bed felt so empty without you in it.” Nik said kissing her cheek. “Can I sleep with you tonight?” Gia asked looking up at him. Nik smiled down at her. “Sparky, you don’t even have to ask.” He said. Gia gasped as Nikolas grabbed her and in one swift motion, lifted her off the ground and held her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he carried her up to bed.

Seth walked into his bedroom and smiled as he saw that Gia was not in bed waiting for him. “Yep, working late was a good plan.” He said grinning as he plopped himself down on the spacious bed.