CH 19

“Nikolas, take it back!” Gia yelled from across the kitchen. “Nope, I’ll say it again too. You can’t cook.” Nik said smugly. That was the last straw, Gia twisted up the kitchen towel that she was holding like a whip and whipped his arm with it. Nik laughed and jumped up, attempting to grab it from her. While Nik was trying to get it away, Gia looked over at the table. She spied his newspaper sitting there. The one he always read, she quickly snagged it and took off running with it. Nikolas was not far behind her as she ran at top speed around the living room. He finally caught up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her tumbling down to the couch. Gia squealed with laughter as Nik pinned her down and grabbed the paper out of her hands that were clutched to her chest and threw it to the ground, tickling her when the barrier was removed. Nik kissed down on her laughing mouth, Gia brought her head up. She grabbed onto the back of Nik's neck pulled him down to her, it quickly turned into a passionate kiss.

Nik pulled away and looked down at Gia, he smiled at her happy face. The morning had gone wonderfully. They spend most of the day before, making love and sleeping. Nikolas insisted that they needed nourishment so he suggested that they eat breakfast. When Gia said that she would make it, he assumed that she knew how. The runny eggs and burnt toast were hard for Nik to eat, but he choked it down. The comment he made was meant to get a rise out of her. He loved to tease her, every minute he spent with Gia, he felt like he was falling in love with her even more.

Gia looked up at Nikolas and smiled happily. She was secretly exhausted from the day before. She would never admit it to Nikolas, but every time they “went to sleep” she wouldn’t sleep at all. She would stay up and watch him sleep. She found it to be her new favorite thing to do. She was trying her best to act as though she had energy but inside she was dieing from lack of sleep. When Nik suggested that they have breakfast, she was actually quite ready for some food. She was touched by his initial response to her cooking, but then he had to go and say that she couldn’t cook. She loved spending time with Nikolas; she found herself not being able to think about anyone else but him.

“Hey Creepy, apologize for what you said about my cooking.” Gia warned. Her eyes squinted as she looked at him. Nik shook his head stubbornly. “Nope, sorry Sparky but you really do suck at cooking.” Nik said grinning. Gia’s mouth widened in shock at his statement, she couldn’t believe that he would say that to her. “Nikolas something Cassadine, take that back right now!” Gia yelled she grabbed onto his shirt and pulled him to her roughly. Nik pushed her hands away and sat up, pulling away from her. “OK, I’m sorry that you were too spoiled to cook for yourself so that’s why you suck at cooking.” Nik dashed off of the couch before Gia could do anything. When what Nik said finally sunk in, Gia screeched in shock as she jumped off the couch and ran to go find him. Nikolas was still laughing when he safely made his way to the office. He closed the door behind him, safe from sight. He walked over at the desk and began to go through the mail. He flipped through the envelopes and stopped when one stuck out. He heard the sound of the door opening and was shocked when Gia lunged at him. She clung to his back, her arms wrapped around his shoulders. “For the last time Nikolas, take it back.” Gia said with laughter in her voice into his ear. Gia noticed the movement of his hands as he weakly attempted to hide what was in his hands. “What’s that?” Gia asked she looked over his shoulder. “Oh it’s just the mail.” Nik said as he turned around and twisted Gia’s body so that he was now holding her facing him. He looked at her and smiled, he kissed her as her legs were wrapped around his waist. “I’m sorry I said that you can’t cook.” He said with a sexy grin when he pulled away. Gia frowned and removed herself from Nik’s grip. “Nikolas, did something come in the mail for me?” Gia asked looking him dead in the eye. Nik couldn’t lie, he nodded his head yes. He turned around and grabbed the letter, he closed his eyes briefly before turning around and handing it to her. Gia slowly walked over to the chair in the office and sat down, never taking her eyes off of the envelope; she opened the letter and read.

My dearest Gia,

From the first day you left a month ago, I have missed you terribly. I know that you must be so scared and lonely right now. I know that I said that I would transfer to PCU next semester but I can’t wait that long. I can’t focus on anything but you right now. I keep thinking about the day you left. How sad you looked and how scared I knew you were. I swore to you that I would come and save you and that’s what I intend to do. I am dropping out of school and coming out there. I bought a plane ticket with the money I have saved and I’ll be out there in a week. I can’t wait to see you again. I love you so much Gia. I’ll be your knight in shining armor and rescue my princess from the monster. See you in a week. I’ll be counting the days.

Love, Zander

Nik watched as Gia read the letter. He knew that it wasn’t good, he knew exactly who it was from and was preparing himself for the worst. But he didn’t expect what came out of her mouth when she looked up at him. “This was sent six days ago Nikolas.” Gia said with tears in her eyes. She stood up and headed for the door, determined not to look at him. Nik tried to touch her arm as she walked past him but she jerked it away. “No Nikolas, you hid this from me! How could you do that?” Gia yelled. “Gia what are you talking about? I just found it.” Nik said as he turned her to face him. Gia shook her head. “I don’t believe you. How long have you had it Nikolas?” Gia asked angrily. “Gia I didn’t have it, I swear. My uncle must have forgotten to tell you about it.” Nik said, eyes piercing into hers. Gia looked down, she thought about the kind of man Nikolas was and knew that he wouldn’t lie to her. “Well, my boyfriend is coming to see me tomorrow.” Gia said. Nik winched at the word boyfriend, he looked at the floor sadly as he rubbed his neck. “So what now?” Nik asked looking up at her. Gia sighed before answering him. “Nikolas, I still care about Zander. I can’t just dump him. I need time to tell him about us.” Gia said moving closer to him. Nik touched her face as he gazed into her desperate eyes; he slowly nodded his head in understanding. He pulled her in for a hug and they clung to each other tightly.

Stefan came home to find Nikolas and Gia in a warm embrace. He smiled as he watched them, both not knowing he was there. “It worked.” He whispered to himself.