â„
Kaine stretched again on the bed and tried to force her mind to shut down so her eyes and the rest of her body could get the nap sheâd come up for. But it was so pumped with lifeâwell, thoughtsâthat it refused to relax and slither into rest-mode.
It didnât surprise her, the mild restlessness. It had been that way since that woman⊠well, to simply refer to her as âthat womanâ seemed quite improperânot as a term but as a form of description, since sheâd been anything but âthatâ.
When sheâd turned and seen her, her first thought had been that a supermodel had come visiting the Kojo-Edwards. She had been so beautiful with a milky brown complexion that gave her the look of one with mixed parentageâmuch like Dominic. Her hair had been rich, reddish-brown that had been arranged in a knot-style on top of her head and her eyes had been a lovely mix of brown and light green colour.
But she hadnât been⊠wasnât a supermodel despite her beauty and her lovely curves. She was the head of Corporate Communications at La Quintaâthe hotel where Dominic worked. The hotel where Dominic had said he was going to that morning.
Was that where heâd told her about her?
Kaine frowned because the thought so unsettled her and she wasnât even quite certain why. Mia had dismissed her when sheâd commented on her beauty after the woman had left and only murmured that true beauty came from inside. But Kaine hadnât thought so. Well, yes, human goodness and splendour came from what is in the heart, the mind and the soul, but that didnât quite dispute the fact that physical loveliness most often caught the eye quicker than what was inside.
But she wasnât looking to catch Dominicâs eye, was she?
Because the thought disconcerted more than the worry of who really Senhorita Camilla was, Kaine adjusted more into her side and firmly shut her eyes as she reached out to circle her arm around a napping Baby Tobi.
â„
Â
Dominic came into the living room and found his mother on her favourite reclining low-arm sofa. It was once his fatherâs favourite relaxation seat but now it was hers. Dominic supposed it was love for his fatherâfor the man sheâd spent twenty-four years with that took her back again and again to that seat. It made him wonder what it will be like to love one woman for that many years and be true to her.
His brows knitted at the thought and he found himself mildly unsettled.
âMama.â He called out quietly, wanting to get rid of the sudden uneasy feeling.
Mia let out a murmur as her eyes flustered open. She steadied them on him and a smile curved her unpainted mouth. âO meu Nico, youâre back. We were expecting you much later.â
Dominic leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. âIâd planned on coming back late with so much work at the hotel but I guess I changed my mind. How was your day?â
âWonderful as I had your beautiful wife for company.â
Dominic knew she purposely used that possessive term and only smiled. âIâm glad you two had fun. And where is she? She and Tobi?â
âUpstairs. Napping.â Mia reached for the recliner remote and pressed the seat back up. âCamilla was here.â
âShe was?â Dominic was surprised. âWhy was she here?â
âYou tell me.â His mother said with arched brows.
Dominic frowned. âI am guessing she came to have a look at Kaine but I didnât ask her to do that, Mama, you should know that.â
âI know you didnât and I am not blaming you for her discourteous appearance here today.â Mia said. âBut I will hold you responsible if she returns, Nick. You are now married, Dominic, and you owe your wife respect, affection and fidelity.â
âI only married Kaine so we can bring little Tobi home, Mama, you above all know that.â Dominic didnât care for the reproach in her eyes.
âNonetheless, she is your wife now and must be accorded the respect and dignity of that station.â Mia let out a sigh after a momentary pause. âI have no wish to interfere in your relationship or in your marriage, Nick. You are a man and you can handle your affairs. But this is my home and now, your wifeâs home too; I would not tolerate any disrespectful presence here.â
âWas Camilla rude to her?â
Mia made a hissing sound. âShe was here for the sole purpose to see and make trouble with the woman youâve made your wife and you ask if she was rude? You men!â She flicked an impatient hand. âYou just be thankful Catia was sharp enough to quickly get me. But whether she was or not, that donât matter. I never liked her and you know it and now, I am asking that you keep her away from here⊠and if I dare add, away from your life.â
âI cannot keep her away from my life, mama. Camilla works at the hotel. You might not like her personally, but you have to admit that she is good at her job. In the one year plus sheâs worked with us, La Quinta has made so much progress and welcomed more guests than ever before.â
âThen keep her at La Quinta and away from La villa Kojo-Edwards.â Mia retorted in a huffy tone that got a smile out of Dominic.
âYou wonât have to deal with her here again, mama.â He made the promise because he too didnât want Camilla at the house anymore. She shouldnât have come here at all today and he would deal with her later for that. âYou know, I find it odd that you so easily like and approve of Kaine when youâve never approved any of the women weâTobi and Iâbrought home in the past.â
âBecause Iâm a woman who knows a good woman when she sees one⊠and this is the first Iâm seeing one.â The laughter in her eyes sobered up as she said next. âBut donât tell me you canât see for yourself the clear difference between Camilla and Kaine.â
Dominic lifted a careless shoulder. âThey are both beautiful women, mama, what difference can you mean?â
âDonât be so offhand!â Mia reproved. âYou are telling me you actually believe if we have offered money to your Camilla as we did Kaine that you think she would have rejected it and insisted on keeping her baby?â
Because he had discovered that truth himself, Dominic frowned. âHave you considered also the fact that maybe Kaine refused the compensation we offered because she knew sheâd be getting more as my wife than as a paid-off baby-mama?â
âI have thought about that and I have realised that that isnât the case. And you will only be thinking with your suspicious head if you tell me you still canât see what good lies in that young girl.â Mia added with a cluck of her tongue.
âIt is not a matter of thinking with a suspicious head or not, mama. I donât know Kaine very well⊠and you donât either. We both only just met her. And if truth be told, I donât think Tobi even knew her very well.â
âYou think to know a person is a matter of length of time? Bah!â Mia made the dismissive sound with a flick of her hand. âI know what is important to know about Kaine and that is because I think, not just with my head, but with my heart and spirit. And you would too if you think like I do.â
âI trust my head more than I do my heart, mama.â Dominic lowered again to give her another kiss. âBut one thing is right, she is now my wife and I will treat her as such. I apologise that you both had to put up with Camillaâs unannounced visit today, you can be sure it wonât happen again. Now, I must go inside. Despite closing early, Iâm a little fagged out.â
âThen go rest and you all only come down when it is time for dinner.â Mia held his hand. âNick, I know this marriage didnât happen like most traditional marriages should, but I also know that you can make this marriage into what you want it to be. Kaine might have been your brotherâs girlfriend and had a baby for him, but she is your wife now and so, belongs to you. Try to get to know her. Give her a chance in your heart.â
âIâll do what I can, mama.â Dominic promised.
But when he came into their bedroom and found her lying straight on her back with the baby on top of her, both of them fast asleep, Dominic wondered what it was he really wanted to do. Heâd told Camilla that he planned on being faithful to his wife but how can he be when that wife didnât want him touching her.
And did he even want her in his heart?
â„
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The week had sped by so fast that Dominic wasnât even sure how it came to be Saturday already; all he knew was that their first week back at Praia was already gone and he hadnât seen much of his family. After that first day, he hadnât been able to spare the time to leave work early again. Heâd spent most of the week at the winery and usually returned late, sometimes after dinnertime even.
He looked at her now as she chatted on the phone with Juliet. They were both talking on WhatsApp and it was clear she was having fun as her mouth curved into a smile every now and again when a new beep announced Julietâs response to whatever they were chatting about. He loved the way her unpainted lips moved as she read to herself the words of the messages and the way they tugged inside at the corners when she smiled, or let out a soft, deep-throated chuckle.
He wanted her.
That wasnât a new thing but the yearning for her was becoming deeper that heâd taken to sleeping on the couch just so to avoid succumbing to the temptation that burned wild inside of him. Sheâd said they both needed time to get to know each other and his busy schedule wasnât providing them that time. She hadnât made any complaints though and Dominic was almost convinced that his constant absence relieved her.
And thinking that, caused him a regular irritation because that simply meant she wasnât looking forward at all to things changing between them. Well, that was going to change and starting right now, he decided, dumping the magazine he had in hand on the stool beside the armchair and pushing up to his feet.
She turned quickly as he approached the bed. The instant look of nervousness amused and annoyed him, will she never be at ease with him? âSorry to intrude on your enchanting conversation with your dearest friend, wife of mine, but I have some suggestions on how we might spend this beautiful day together.â
âYou want us to spend the day together?â
The puzzled frown on her forehead made him chuckle. âIt is usually expected of couplesâparticularly newly-wed couplesâto spend much time in each otherâs company. Unfortunately, I havenât been around to make that possible, and for that I apologise.â
âOh, you donât have to apologise.â Kaine offered a small smile as she set down her phone. âI am not complaining. You have been very busy at work and I quite understand.â
And that was what he was afraid ofâthat she wasnât complaining where other wives would have whined and grumbled. âWell, I am. I am disturbed by my constant absence and today, I want to make it all up to you. Soââ
âYou donât have to.â She interrupted, sending him a reassuring smile. âI havenât really minded being on my own andââ
âBut I mind that you have been on your own, querida, I mind that very much.â He lowered onto the bed and ignored the fact that she quickly shifted her feet. âYou and I are supposed to be getting to know one another, not so?â
âYes. But itâs nothing to rush over. I mean, getting to know a person is something that requires time andââ
âAnd time is what I have today.â He cut off her babbling, enjoying the fact that she was nervous now. And to magnify that nervousness, he leaned towards her and reached out to caress her cheek. It felt so soft and she smelt so sweetly feminine. âI am looking forward to getting to know my wife⊠because I have this great need for her. You understand my meaning, querida?â
Her eyes fluttered nervously as they stared into his. âIââ
âI think I should kiss you.â He cut her off again. âIâve been thinking of your lovely, sweet lips all week. Have you been missing my kisses, querida?â
âAh⊠I⊠NickâŠâ
âThat will be a yes.â He let out a low chuckle. âWe shouldnât so deny each other when rightly we belong to one another, donât you think?â He traced a finger across the full, naturally-pink lower lip and smiled when it quivered involuntarily underneath his finger. âI love your mouth. It was meant to be kissed and oddly looks like it has never had that pleasure. But I know better, donât I, querida?â
âNickâŠâ
âI have kissed you before and I shall kiss you again.â He looked into her eyes. They were wide with apprehension andâwith unconcealed desire. âYou want my kiss, donât you, minha querida?â
âNickâŠâ
âI love it when you call me in that breathless tone. And now I shall kiss you⊠and satisfy both our needs.â And he bent forward and his mouth skimmed over hers.
She inhaled sharply at the soft, tentative stroke but didnât draw back. He did it again, adding a tender nibble to the single caress. âSay you want me to kiss you, querida. Tell me you want me to kiss you.â
There was a momentâs hesitation and then she murmured. âI want you to kiss me, Nick.â
âSim!â
And riding on that invitation, he covered her mouth instantly with his, sucking in the soft, full mound of her lower lip even as she willingly leaned into him.
She returned his kiss, like sheâd done their first night here when sheâd asked him if he wanted to kiss her. But unlike that time, her response wasnât slow and drowsy; this time her mouth curved perfectly against his and eagerly met the pressure of his own. She did not stay unmoving as sheâd done the first two times he kissed her. No, this time she moved her own lips over his and when their tongues met, she willingly tangled hers with his.
Dominic felt raw need vibrate through him and settle in his groin as her body pressed hard against his with the soft mounds of her breasts rubbing his chest. He wanted to push her back into the bed and just let himself drown inside her. That was his first and natural inclination but he knew, despite his bulging need, that he had to take it easy. If he was to win her over, he must learn to hold back his own passion and yield to that request for time⊠and so he allowed himself to push back as he ended the kiss.
Her eyes fluttered open and the deep, glazed desire in their dark depth was some comfort to the powerful bulge between his legs. âI think you should change. Though what you have on is beautiful, I think youâll be more comfortable in something different for this outing.â
âOh⊠yes. Of course.â Her eyes quickly dropped from his as she moved backward and slipped off the bed. âOf course, I canât wear shorts and a top outâŠâ
âI donât mind if you do.â Dominic broke in, grinning at the return of her nervousness. âIn fact, I would love it if you do. But I have a feeling you are not the type to be comfortable so casually dressed.â
âI⊠no⊠I mean, yes, you are right. I wonât be comfortable wearing this. So, Iâll change. Just give me a few minutes. And err, are we taking Tobi?â She was already heading towards the closet room.
âNo. Heâs with mama and will stay with her until our return. Iâm sure theyâll have fun together.â He watched her disappear behind the archway. âWould you need my help to maybe draw up a zipper?â
âNo, I donât. Iâm fine.â
The quick objection caused his grin to widen. âBut someday soon, I shall be drawing open and not close any zipper that may be standing in our way, minha querida.â He murmured to himself, lying back as he waited for her to finish with her dressing.
â„
Â
They started their outing with a tour of the Island and some of its best spots, stopping at a popular and favourite restaurant of his to have lunch before he decided to show her La Quinta.
âOh my God! Itâs such a beautiful hotel. It looks so grand, so magnificent.â Kaine chatted in a dazzled tone beside him as they walked through the hotel lobby. âI mean look at this lobby? It is grandiose and spectacular⊠even more beautiful than the Sheraton where we stayed in Lagos.â
Dominic grinned. âNow, I think youâre biased because this is our own hotel. Sheraton is world-renown, you know.â
âAnd La Quinta is still more beautiful than it.â She declared, laughing.
âPrejudiced in our favour⊠I like it.â He took her hand and joined their palms. âCome, Iâll show you our bar. It is one of the most popular bars on the Islandâand I am not just being biased.â
She chuckled. âItâs okay to be biased. One must value oneâs own property.â
âMaybe.â He looked at her happy face and wanted to stop at that moment and kiss her. He would have done it too if he didnât know sheâd be mortally embarrassed. âBut thatâs not my bias speaking, the bar is truly one of the best on the Island. In short, it is the very best there is.â
âAh now, youâre bragging.â
He chuckled at her teasing. âMaybe I am. But you tell me after you see it.â
âOh my, you have got to be right!â She exclaimed the instant they swept into the classically decorated and already teeming bar. âIâve never been in a bar before, but this  must be the most spectacular in the entire world.â
Dominic frowned as they made their way across the rich end-grain wood floor, gliding between rows of leather banquette seats and tables. âYouâve never been in a bar before? I thought you met Tobi at a bar in Johannesburg?â
Her hand tightened his hand a moment before she relaxed them again. âOh, I quite forgot that because bars are not something I frequent. That was my first ever visit to a bar and it wasnât anything like this at all. This is so beautiful. Gosh, look at the flooring. Iâve never seen anything like that.â She laughed as she chatted on. âI confess, you do have a right to brag. This bar has got to be the best on the Island.â
Though he responded with a smile, Dominic was still mulling over what sheâd said and he would have further questioned it if he didnât notice Camilla behind the oak bar beside the hotelâs bar manager, Kanayo Nduka, at that moment. She was watching them as they approached and he saw at once the open dislike she failed to conceal blaring through her heavily-shadowed hazel eyes.
âOh, your Head of Corporate Communications is here.â Kaine murmured beside him, her voice losing its carefree, happy note.
âSheâs not mine but the hotelâs Head of Corporate Communications, Kaine.â Dominic frowned as he said this and added, not knowing why he did. âAnd I didnât know sheâll be here. But sheâs quite friendly with the bar manager, so she might be here for him.â
She said nothing as they reached the bar. He pulled out a leather-embossed high-stool for her and helped her into it before sliding into one himself.
âEvening, boss.â Kanayo dipped his head as he greeted. âEvening, maâam. What can I get you both?â He gestured to the barman not to worry.
âA simple glass of wine, Kanny.â Dominic responded with an affable smile. âHello, Camilla.â
âNick.â Camilla moved her head in a quick, regal nod. âHello, Kaine. Youâre looking quite nice in that dress. Is it Berardi?â
âIâm not exactly sure, Senhorita Camilla. But thank you for the compliment.â Kaine replied with a cool smile. âAnd you look nice too.â
âThank you, Kaine. But since this is Oscar de la Renta, I think the appropriate word would be spectacular.â There was an edgy spark behind the smile she flashed.
And Dominic knew she was annoyed at Kaine using such a simplistic term as âniceâ to define her and her dressing. Camilla preferred grand words when she was being complimented. Only he knew too that Kaine wasnât exactly seeking to compliment her but to return the condescending praise Camilla had paid her. The animosity between the two ladies was quite apparent and he knew instantly that though Kaine had only nonchalantly mentioned Camillaâs visit, she was apparently not as nonchalant as she had pretended. And he wasnât quite sure yet how that made him feel.
But since he wouldnât stand for his wife being disrespected by anyone, he shifted attention from Camilla as he said. âQuerida, Iâd like you to meet Kanayo Nduka, a fellow countryman of yours. Kanny, this exquisitely beautiful woman, is my dearest wife, Kaine.â
There was a sharp snuffle of air as Camilla silently bristled but he, and everyone else, ignored her.
âA pleasure to meet you, maâam.â Kanayo dropped his head in a respectful dip as he served Kaineâs drink. âYouâre welcome to Praia, and to Cape-Verde. Believe me when I say, youâll enjoy these Islands.â
âThank you very much, Kanayo.â Kaine smiled. âAnd are you from the East or from Delta state?â
âA true son of Anambra state, maâam.â Kanayo replied with a grin.
âOh, okay. I am from Delta state though.â
Kanayo smiled. âThatâs not far apart at all. Just a stroll across the bridge.â
âWell, seeing as these two seem to be getting along just fine, why donât we leave them alone to better get acquainted, Nick?â Camilla said in an easy tone. âI do have something Iâd like to go over with you in the office.â
Dominic only spared her a glance. âThat will have to wait until Monday, Camilla. I am only here to have fun with my wife.â He finished his drink and rose. âCome, querida, Iâll show you the rest of the hotel.â
âOkay.â Kaine emptied her glass too and slid down the high-stool. âNice to have met you, Kanayo. Goodbye, Camilla.â
âEnjoy your day with your husband, Kaine.â Was Camillaâs malicious-eyed response.
âI surely will.â Kaine responded in a pleasant, yet hard tone. âLetâs go, Nick, I want to see more beautiful places.â She slipped her hand into his and curled her fingers around his.
Dominic knew it was a possessive gesture and found that it pleased him. âAnd I am here to show them to you, querida.â He murmured, leading her out of the bar.
â„
Â
They spent another two hours plus on the Island before they started heading home. They went up to freshen up and change their clothes so they could join his mother for dinner downstairs.
âI had a wonderful time, Nick. Thank you for this beautiful day.â Kaine said with a shy smile.
âIâm glad you enjoyed your day, Kaine. I did too. You make everything so fresh and beautiful the way you experience them.â He came forward and stopped just right in front of her. Sheâd changed into a simple print dress, yet despite the simplicity of the dress, she looked gorgeous. âDo I get a reward for giving you a good day?â He murmured, his eyes holding hers.
âWhat reward do you want?â She asked in a voice that quavered.
âA kiss.â
âOkay.â
The singular, unprotested acquiescence surprised him and pleased by the readiness, he took her hand and drew her close. âI want you to give me my reward, Kaine. You kiss me.â
âOh. But IâŠâ she broke off and bit her lips. Then smiled shakily and tipped herself upward to her toes, and with their bodies barely touching, kissed him softly on his lips.
She would have stepped back but Dominic grabbed hold of her and pulled her into his arms, sweeping back his lips over hers and drinking in all of her softness and sweetness as their lips bonded into one.
But like in the morning, he reminded himself to take it easy and ended the kiss before he succumbed to the need to take it further. âThank you for my kiss, querida. Now, letâs go dine with mama, before I am tempted to give you more than a kiss.â
The quick shy look in her eyes enthralled him and once more, Dominic found himself wondering how she managed to not only look innocent but act that way too.
Spectacular.
They will eventually have sex and he will find out she’s a virgin with a child…
Waoh!!! I was just blushing all through like say na me be kaine.
Interesting……thanks dearie.
Beautiful. Thanks
Very interesting.. Thanks TM and Sally
I can’t wait for the day they’ll finally have sex, his reaction to the fact that she’s a virgin is gonna be epic
What a wawu!!!
Hmmmm…back those days of harlequin/silhouette. Choiii
Aunt TM-David West welldone ooh
*Scratch head* shey you wee give us sallah promo edition?
Eh eh…The day kasala will burst eno go funny o..lolz.weldone ma’am really love it
Crushing on Nick like… ???
Well done TM. And the day of consummation, gets closer by the day.
Am so enjoying the simplicity of this story. Love is pure
I love Kaine’s feisty spirit, Hope she will be strong enough for the storm she will face latter though.
She lives to fight another day…
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm. Made me wished I was in your head to read more. Great and captivating narration as always.