CH 23

Nikolas looked over at Gia as she slept, her body rising and falling slightly as she breathed. She looked so peaceful with her eyes closed and a slight curl to the corners of her lips. Their lovemaking was, like always, incredible but exhausting. Nikolas looked over at the clock, they had fallen asleep early and it was now only 9:00pm. He looked back at her, her smooth shoulder drenched in moonlight. He needed to protect her, he carefully got out of bed, he hadn’t noticed eyes flutter open and land on him when he got off the bed. He went and retrieved his clothes and went into the bathroom to get dressed. He walked past her and glanced at her, Gia had closed her eyes when she heard him come on. Nik smiled softly before he walked out the door. Gia jumped up from the bed and glanced around the room. She spotted her jeans and panties on the floor and quickly pulled them on. She grabbed her white tank top from the floor, forgetting about her bra and quickly pulled it on. She ran downstairs just as she heard the door close. Putting on her flip-flops, Gia grabbed her keys and crept out the door.

Nikolas wanted to get his grandmothers attention; he used the “secret” passageway to her office. Where he was sure she would still be up working. He pushed the heavy wall to the side, not caring to shut it behind him. All he cared about was making sure that Helena noticed his presence. He achieved his goal as he saw her look up from her work in shock. “Nikolas, did you come for a visit my dear? It’s kind of late but I’m not complaining, I always love to see my grandson.” Helena said, quickly recovering from her shock. “Cut the crap Helena. I know that you met Gia today and it seems that you were not very kind to her. She got the impression that you think we won’t last as a couple. Well I came here to tell you that that’s not true. Gia and I are in love and there’s nothing you can do to keep us apart.” Nik said sternly. Helena smirked at him. “I’m afraid you are mistaken Nikolas. You are a Cassadine and it’s my duty to keep you safe so that you can rule our family some day. Why I’m only trying to keep your heart from being broken. You see it’s women like Gia, much like your mother Laura, who leave men like you broken and destroyed in the end.” Helena said. Gia stepped out of the darkness of the passageway with fury in her eyes. “You bitter old bitch!” Gia barked. Nikolas’ heart dropped at the sound of Gia’s voice. He shook his head angrily. “I would watch my mouth if I were you child, you don’t know who you are dealing with.” Helena said standing up. Gia stepped up to her but Nikolas roughly pulled her back, and quickly pushed her behind him. “Stay away from me Helena. And if I ever hear that you spoke to Gia again, it would be best to hide because I will hunt you down and kill you!” Nik yelled. He grabbed Gia’s hand yanked her out of the room.

Gia struggled with Nikolas the whole walk back through the tunnel; as soon as they were outside she yanked her hands away from him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Gia yelled. Nikolas spun around, coming inches away from her face. “What the fuck did you think you were doing coming here?!” Nikolas yelled. Gia jumped at his scream. “I wanted to make sure you were OK.” Gia mumbled. “I told you not to talk to her again and you promised me you wouldn’t. You lied to me Gia!” Nik yelled. Gia looked down sadly. “I just about died with worry when you yelled at her like that. You have no idea what that woman is capable of. I..I can’t even talk to you right now.” Nik said. He turned around and boarded the boat, not paying any attention to her as she boarded as well, he could hear her soft sniffles as she sat down. He glanced over at her; she was staring forward with tears falling from her eyes and with her arms wrapped around herself. He couldn’t tell if it was because she was cold or not. He cursed himself for caring so much while he was so furious at her. As the boat glided across the water, he looked over again and by her erect nipples visibly seen through her white shirt, he knew she was cold. He cursed his body as it betrayed him, the burning in his loins strong. Gia shivered in response to the cool air that hit her skin and the feeling of Nik’s eyes on her body as he looked at her. Nikolas slipped off his coat and silently put it over her shoulders.

When they arrived at home, Nikolas immediately headed up the stairs. “Where are you going?” Gia asked softly. “I’m going to bed and it would be best if you did not join me tonight.” Nik said and then quickly entered his room and slammed the door behind him.

Having heard the door slam, Seth came out to see what was wrong. “Gia.” He said when he spotted her in the doorway. “Seth.” Gia cried as she ran upstairs to him. Seth took her in his arms carried her into his room. Gia cried into his chest as he sat on the bed with her. “What happened Gia?” He asked pulling back and brushing her braids out of her face. “I messed up Seth. I lied to Nikolas and now he can’t trust me.” Gia said looking up at him. Seth kissed her cheek. “It’s OK G, he loves you. He’ll forgive you.” Seth said as he wiped away her tears. “I don’t know Seth, I really hurt him.” Gia said resting her head against his comforting chest. “It will be OK.” Seth said. Gia nodded her head and sat up, she pulled off her pants and got under the covers, wiping her tears with the back of her hands as she looked up at the ceiling. “Everything will be better in the morning, you’ll see.” Seth said lying down and pulling her on top of him. They closed their eyes and slowly drifted into sleep.