The Only Way is Up

Part Sixty

That made her giggle, "so what have you got planned for me today then Vladelets?"

He laughed, "if you keeping calling me Master I will chain you to the bed and do all manner of wicked things to you."

Blushing at the thought, she tried to drop her eyes, but he was there in front of her, lifting her chin, "don't be embarrassed, ever. We can and will do everything; we'll be everything to each other. Never think I'm judging you, and never fear that you can't tell me anything...please."

She nodded, "I'm just..."

Rolling his eyes, he pulled her into his arms, "I know, you're just getting used to being honest and open about sex, after that bastard. Why couldn't my father have set his sights on that man instead of you?"

"Because evil bastards stick together."

He laughed, "good answer. Back to your earlier question, I thought we could show our faces at the restaurant for breakfast, then get a couple of loungers under a straw umbrella and watch the world go by."

The thought of rest, uninterrupted rest was like heaven. She nodded, "perfect."

And that was literally how they spent the rest of the trip. The boat trips and romantic walks and meals, became hours spent on the veranda or by the pool. Foot massages, mocktails and general pampering was the norm, and Nicole didn't want to go home.

"Do we have to leave?" She begged as he collected both of their suitcases.

Lifting his eyes to hers, he gave a rueful nod, "sorry, but duty calls. You have work...and I have a life to get back on track."

"You'll stay with me though?"

For the time being locating to her home wasn't a huge problem, if he got a business in London then that would change, but for now, being there for her, being with her...that was the most important thing.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away."

She looked at him quizzically, "that's a very British saying."

He laughed, "one of my mother's favourite ones. I never understood it as a child. Obviously now, that I have something I care about so much...well I can see what she meant."

"Awww. That might just be the sweetest thing you've ever said to me."

He grinned, "this after I open my heart to you?" He shook his head, "sometimes you just can't win."

The flight home was so different to the journey out. The seating arrangement was different for a start and they sat beside each other. Then they watched the same movies, talking about them as they did. She got up every thirty minutes and kept hydrated.

When they finally landed back in Heathrow, they collected their bags and strolled through customs, happy to just be together.

But as they stepped out into the arrival hall, stood behind the barrier, holding balloons and a HUGE sign saying "Nicole and Max" and adorned with a dozen pink love hearts, in complete contrast to all the chauffeurs stood with their official business cards seeking their executive clients, was Kim with a drained looking Mike who was holding the delicious Noah.

Nicole burst out laughing and rushed to hug her best friend.

"I had to guarantee that you'd come to mine for the night and not rush home."