Chapter 7: Heir
1644words
Sinclair. My sweetheart.
Never was his intention to leave her at the break of dawn while she was sleeping. She was not a one-time thing and she was not a one-night stand.
She was more than that. Much much more.
Breakfast in bed, her first experience with a lover, the only one, would have been much better. Literally and figuratively.
But dinner in bed was incredible. He reheated their take-outs, feeding her sensually despite her protests. There was nothing more fulfilling than watching his woman eat. Though it was cheap take-out, he would have preferred to give her nourishment made by his chefs, he catered to her request this one time. The next time would be different.
Sated and content after their mind-blowing make-out session, they fell asleep on her small bed.
As predicted, she was draped on top of him because of the confined space. He wasn't complaining. He looked forward to doing it again and he had hoped to occupy his mammoth four-poster bed instead, hopefully as soon as he got back.
This morning though, he groaned at the discomfort, stretching the kinks in his muscles. Yup, the stiffness in his shoulders and neck was worth it. Her naked body on top of his was heaven.
Nicholas inhaled deeply to savour the fresh morning air. How he wished he could take her with him. However, if there was anything he had grown to know about her from this past month and a half, she didn't trust easily.
A skittish kitten. He grinned in remembrance. She definitely purred earlier.
God! The first time he saw her, he thought he was seeing a fairy for the first time. Petite, a delicate beauty, cute and adorable, her creamy skin glowing, he was stunned by such perfection. Shining long black hair cascading down to her lush hips, innocent doe-like eyes, sweet kissable pink lips, her blushes making her more precious. All the while innocently conveying her attraction to him. Almost hypnotized, he had to get closer to convince himself she was real.
His heart beating fast, he talked to her. Her voice, sweet and angelic, breathless from his nearness almost made him lose control.
He had seen a lot of beauties in his travels but no one had even come close to her perfect features.
The way she looked at him the first time, open admiring as if he was the most delectable dessert on earth, deep blushes on her cheeks, eyes filled with desire for him, she unknowingly brought him to his knees.
Right that moment, he had wanted to bring her home and claim her. Make her his forever.
Fucking love at first sight and she didn't even know it.
To think at twenty-eight, he was too old to believe in such romantic nonsense. Not his thing. But with Sinclair, his beliefs changed. He was willing to accept anything because of her.
Nicholas hoped she would be okay when she woke up despite finding him gone.
Damnit! He had forgotten to set up her new cell phone. He was distracted. But he made sure his number and hers were on his device. Her postpaid plan should work if she decides to turn on the unit.
Hoped she would. His sweet fairy can be stubborn sometimes.
Sighing heavily, he continued to travel home.
Passing Chiltern Hills twenty-five minutes ago, he knew he was close to Kensington. Surveying the familiar scenery, he tried to mentally prepare himself.
Mother said it was time. That was the only reason he left Sinclair's very uncomfortable bed at the crack of dawn. Otherwise, she would still be wrapped around him.
He had no choice but to accept his fate. Just like he had accepted his bachelor days were over. His future was looming before him and he wouldn't shy away.
He was not complaining. He got the sweetest end of the bargain from fate.
Nicholas had found the one for him. When he got back, he would make them official.
Planning his courting strategy with Sinclair, he found the distraction he needed while driving to his childhood home.
Entering a familiar estate, perfectly lined old oak trees welcoming him, leading to a well-trimmed garden on the mansion's forecourt, he glanced around. It was too quiet. An omen to a lonely and sad day for his family.
He parked his 2003 Audi Le Mans on their driveway, a servant jogged to meet him. Bowing, he opened the car for Nicholas with enthusiasm.
"Good morning, sir. Nice to see you. Do you want me to take your car to the garage?"
The professor contemplated. Not sure how long he would be staying, he nodded.
Sinclair would be looking for him. He made a mental note to call her in an hour or two after dealing with pressing matters.
"Please, Pat. Thanks, man." Exiting his car, he threw the servant his keys.
The front door opened before his knuckles made contact. Old Ben bowed with a smile.
He had always liked their butler. "Morning, Ben."
"Good morning, Master Nicholas. Do you want coffee before you visit the master suite?"
"Later, Ben. No need to announce me. I will find my way. Maybe you could serve breakfast in the study?"
"Certainly, sir." The Butler bowed once more then left him in the foyer.
With a resigned sigh, he went to his parents' master suite in the east wing. It was half past six, too early, regardless, his mother was awake. Two male nurses were in attendance in the room with her.
A bit shaky, his mother got up as soon as she saw her son, looking so fragile and thin, Nick hid his grimace.
"Nicholas," Crossing the room, he held her firmly in his embrace. Tremors ran through his mom's delicate frame.
"Mother," Emotions clogged his throat.
"It's okay, son. Let's go to your father." She smiled despite the pain in her eyes.
"Where are the girls?" He looked around the gloomy room, expecting to see his sisters.
"Your sisters and their husbands are resting. They took turns in taking care of Jeremy." He nodded, moving to the bed to pay his respect.
The gaunt and prone figure lying on the many pillows was a far cry from the energetic father who took care of his children.
He was the man Nicholas had always aspired to become.
A loving and devoted husband. A father who never missed soccer games. Always there to pin him his medals despite his busy schedule in the House of Lords. Had walked his sisters down the aisle, teary-eyed at their weddings.
Jeremy was the reason the genius professor had decided to finally settle down in England after years of traveling. Right after his father was diagnosed with stage four terminal cancer.
The old viscount had fought...and lost. It was time. He was leaving them and he wouldn't be there when Nicholas married his sweet Sinclair.
"Father," he whispered. His vision was blurred by unshed tears. With a shuddering breath, he fought it. He had to be strong for his mother and sisters.
"Son," The old man opened his tired eyes.
He gritted his teeth at his father's faint voice.
"Come 'ere, my boy," Nick clasped his thin fingers and he sat on the edge of the bed.
"How are you, father?" His heart clenched.
"Pft, not much time left. You know what to do, right?" His sire peered at him.
"Yes. I will never shy away from responsibilities." He vowed.
"I know. I raised you well and I am so proud of you, my son. Teaching is in your blood. Just like your beautiful mother. So...so don't neglect it even if you have estates and businesses to run. Hire people." He heard his mum crying softly in the background. His father had always thought of his family's happiness before his own.
"It is an honor to call you father." Shit! He needed to be tough. How he wished Sinclair was here. "I have good news for you." This needed to be shared.
His father's eyes lit up. He knew he would love this. He had been waiting for his son to settle down for quite some time.
"Where is she?" The eagerness in his voice made Nick chuckle despite the pain in his heart.
"She's a bit skittish, dad." He snorted at his son's description.
"Then kidnap her like I did your mother."
He shook his head, grinning. Their love story was something to behold. Married for forty years. And still madly in love.
His parents had a hard time conceiving but they eventually had him and his two sisters.
"I'll make a note of that, Father." He noticed his eyes were deeming. It was only a matter of time. Accepting the inevitable, he told him about Sin. How they met. How much he cared for her. How much he loved her.
At the end of his confession, his father was smiling at him. Peace reflected in his eyes.
"Son, love her as I have loved your mother. Promise me." He nodded. "Can you give me and your mum a few minutes?" Jeremy whispered.
His jaw clenched, he leaned to kiss the viscount's forehead, like he always did for his children after reading them their favorite bedtime stories.
Nicholas waited outside their room. His back slumped on the wall. When he heard his mother's keening scream, he knew they had lost him.
After a few minutes, his friend EJ came in to examine the body. His blue eyes sober, he clasped Nicholas on the back. Commiserating. Then his three other friends arrived to help with the necessary preparations.
Accepting their condolences. His gaze remained distant.
Their esteemed butler served them drinks in the library, now his, before he bowed and addressed him by his new title.
He was now Nicholas Stafford VI, The 18th Viscount of Redington.
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