ā„
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 sheād come up for. But it was so pumped with lifeāwell, thoughtsāthat it refused to relax and slither into rest-mode.
It didnāt surprise her, the mild restlessness. It had been that way since that woman⦠well, to simply refer to her as āthat womanā seemed quite improperānot as a term but as a form of description, since sheād been anything but āthatā.
When sheād 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 parentageāmuch 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 hadnāt been⦠wasnāt a supermodel despite her beauty and her lovely curves. She was the head of Corporate Communications at La Quintaāthe hotel where Dominic worked. The hotel where Dominic had said he was going to that morning.
Was that where heād told her about her?
Kaine frowned because the thought so unsettled her and she wasnāt even quite certain why. Mia had dismissed her when sheād commented on her beauty after the woman had left and only murmured that true beauty came from inside. But Kaine hadnāt thought so. Well, yes, human goodness and splendour came from what is in the heart, the mind and the soul, but that didnāt quite dispute the fact that physical loveliness most often caught the eye quicker than what was inside.
But she wasnāt looking to catch Dominicās 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.
ā„
Ā
Dominic came into the living room and found his mother on her favourite reclining low-arm sofa. It was once his fatherās favourite relaxation seat but now it was hers. Dominic supposed it was love for his fatherāfor the man sheād 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.
āMama.ā 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. āO meu Nico, youāre back. We were expecting you much later.ā
Dominic leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek. āIād planned on coming back late with so much work at the hotel but I guess I changed my mind. How was your day?ā
āWonderful as I had your beautiful wife for company.ā
Dominic knew she purposely used that possessive term and only smiled. āIām glad you two had fun. And where is she? She and Tobi?ā
āUpstairs. Napping.ā Mia reached for the recliner remote and pressed the seat back up. āCamilla was here.ā
āShe was?ā Dominic was surprised. āWhy was she here?ā
āYou tell me.ā His mother said with arched brows.
Dominic frowned. āI am guessing she came to have a look at Kaine but I didnāt ask her to do that, Mama, you should know that.ā
āI know you didnāt and I am not blaming you for her discourteous appearance here today.ā Mia said. āBut I will hold you responsible if she returns, Nick. You are now married, Dominic, and you owe your wife respect, affection and fidelity.ā
āI only married Kaine so we can bring little Tobi home, Mama, you above all know that.ā Dominic didnāt care for the reproach in her eyes.
āNonetheless, she is your wife now and must be accorded the respect and dignity of that station.ā Mia let out a sigh after a momentary pause. āI 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 wifeās home too; I would not tolerate any disrespectful presence here.ā
āWas Camilla rude to her?ā
Mia made a hissing sound. āShe was here for the sole purpose to see and make trouble with the woman youāve made your wife and you ask if she was rude? You men!ā She flicked an impatient hand. āYou just be thankful Catia was sharp enough to quickly get me. But whether she was or not, that donāt 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.ā
āI 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 sheās worked with us, La Quinta has made so much progress and welcomed more guests than ever before.ā
āThen keep her at La Quinta and away from La villa Kojo-Edwards.ā Mia retorted in a huffy tone that got a smile out of Dominic.
āYou wonāt have to deal with her here again, mama.ā He made the promise because he too didnāt want Camilla at the house anymore. She shouldnāt have come here at all today and he would deal with her later for that. āYou know, I find it odd that you so easily like and approve of Kaine when youāve never approved any of the women weāTobi and Iābrought home in the past.ā
āBecause Iām a woman who knows a good woman when she sees one⦠and this is the first Iām seeing one.ā The laughter in her eyes sobered up as she said next. āBut donāt tell me you canāt see for yourself the clear difference between Camilla and Kaine.ā
Dominic lifted a careless shoulder. āThey are both beautiful women, mama, what difference can you mean?ā
āDonāt be so offhand!ā Mia reproved. āYou 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?ā
Because he had discovered that truth himself, Dominic frowned. āHave you considered also the fact that maybe Kaine refused the compensation we offered because she knew sheād be getting more as my wife than as a paid-off baby-mama?ā
āI have thought about that and I have realised that that isnāt the case. And you will only be thinking with your suspicious head if you tell me you still canāt see what good lies in that young girl.ā Mia added with a cluck of her tongue.
āIt is not a matter of thinking with a suspicious head or not, mama. I donāt know Kaine very well⦠and you donāt either. We both only just met her. And if truth be told, I donāt think Tobi even knew her very well.ā
āYou think to know a person is a matter of length of time? Bah!ā Mia made the dismissive sound with a flick of her hand. āI 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.ā
āI trust my head more than I do my heart, mama.ā Dominic lowered again to give her another kiss. āBut 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 Camillaās unannounced visit today, you can be sure it wonāt happen again. Now, I must go inside. Despite closing early, Iām a little fagged out.ā
āThen go rest and you all only come down when it is time for dinner.ā Mia held his hand. āNick, I know this marriage didnāt 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 brotherās 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.ā
āIāll do what I can, mama.ā 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. Heād told Camilla that he planned on being faithful to his wife but how can he be when that wife didnāt want him touching her.
And did he even want her in his heart?
ā„
Ā
The week had sped by so fast that Dominic wasnāt 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 hadnāt seen much of his family. After that first day, he hadnāt been able to spare the time to leave work early again. Heād 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 Julietās 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 wasnāt a new thing but the yearning for her was becoming deeper that heād taken to sleeping on the couch just so to avoid succumbing to the temptation that burned wild inside of him. Sheād said they both needed time to get to know each other and his busy schedule wasnāt providing them that time. She hadnāt 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 wasnāt 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?Ā āSorry 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.ā
āYou want us to spend the day together?ā
The puzzled frown on her forehead made him chuckle. āIt is usually expected of couplesāparticularly newly-wed couplesāto spend much time in each otherās company. Unfortunately, I havenāt been around to make that possible, and for that I apologise.ā
āOh, you donāt have to apologise.ā Kaine offered a small smile as she set down her phone. āI am not complaining. You have been very busy at work and I quite understand.ā
And that was what he was afraid ofāthat she wasnāt complaining where other wives would have whined and grumbled. āWell, I am. I am disturbed by my constant absence and today, I want to make it all up to you. Soāā
āYou donāt have to.ā She interrupted, sending him a reassuring smile. āI havenāt really minded being on my own andāā
āBut I mind that you have been on your own, querida, I mind that very much.ā He lowered onto the bed and ignored the fact that she quickly shifted her feet. āYou and I are supposed to be getting to know one another, not so?ā
āYes. But itās nothing to rush over. I mean, getting to know a person is something that requires time andāā
āAnd time is what I have today.ā 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. āI am looking forward to getting to know my wife⦠because I have this great need for her. You understand my meaning, querida?ā
Her eyes fluttered nervously as they stared into his. āIāā
āI think I should kiss you.ā He cut her off again. āIāve been thinking of your lovely, sweet lips all week. Have you been missing my kisses, querida?ā
āAh⦠I⦠Nickā¦ā
āThat will be a yes.ā He let out a low chuckle. āWe shouldnāt so deny each other when rightly we belong to one another, donāt you think?ā He traced a finger across the full, naturally-pink lower lip and smiled when it quivered involuntarily underneath his finger. āI love your mouth. It was meant to be kissed and oddly looks like it has never had that pleasure. But I know better, donāt I, querida?ā
āNickā¦ā
āI have kissed you before and I shall kiss you again.ā He looked into her eyes. They were wide with apprehension andāwith unconcealed desire. āYou want my kiss, donāt you, minha querida?ā
āNickā¦ā
āI love it when you call me in that breathless tone. And now I shall kiss you⦠and satisfy both our needs.ā And he bent forward and his mouth skimmed over hers.
She inhaled sharply at the soft, tentative stroke but didnāt draw back. He did it again, adding a tender nibble to the single caress. āSay you want me to kiss you, querida. Tell me you want me to kiss you.ā
There was a momentās hesitation and then she murmured. āI want you to kiss me, Nick.ā
āSim!ā
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 sheād done their first night here when sheād asked him if he wanted to kiss her. But unlike that time, her response wasnāt 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 sheād 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. āI think you should change. Though what you have on is beautiful, I think youāll be more comfortable in something different for this outing.ā
āOh⦠yes. Of course.ā Her eyes quickly dropped from his as she moved backward and slipped off the bed. āOf course, I canāt wear shorts and a top outā¦ā
āI donāt mind if you do.ā Dominic broke in, grinning at the return of her nervousness. āIn fact, I would love it if you do. But I have a feeling you are not the type to be comfortable so casually dressed.ā
āI⦠no⦠I mean, yes, you are right. I wonāt be comfortable wearing this. So, Iāll change. Just give me a few minutes. And err, are we taking Tobi?ā She was already heading towards the closet room.
āNo. Heās with mama and will stay with her until our return. Iām sure theyāll have fun together.ā He watched her disappear behind the archway. āWould you need my help to maybe draw up a zipper?ā
āNo, I donāt. Iām fine.ā
The quick objection caused his grin to widen. āBut someday soon, I shall be drawing open and not close any zipper that may be standing in our way, minha querida.ā He murmured to himself, lying back as he waited for her to finish with her dressing.
ā„
Ā
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.
āOh my God! Itās such a beautiful hotel. It looks so grand, so magnificent.ā Kaine chatted in a dazzled tone beside him as they walked through the hotel lobby. āI mean look at this lobby? It is grandiose and spectacular⦠even more beautiful than the Sheraton where we stayed in Lagos.ā
Dominic grinned. āNow, I think youāre biased because this is our own hotel. Sheraton is world-renown, you know.ā
āAnd La Quinta is still more beautiful than it.ā She declared, laughing.
āPrejudiced in our favour⦠I like it.ā He took her hand and joined their palms. āCome, Iāll show you our bar. It is one of the most popular bars on the Islandāand I am not just being biased.ā
She chuckled. āItās okay to be biased. One must value oneās own property.ā
āMaybe.ā He looked at her happy face and wanted to stop at that moment and kiss her. He would have done it too if he didnāt know sheād be mortally embarrassed. āBut thatās not my bias speaking, the bar is truly one of the best on the Island. In short, it is the very best there is.ā
āAh now, youāre bragging.ā
He chuckled at her teasing. āMaybe I am. But you tell me after you see it.ā
āOh my, you have got to be right!ā She exclaimed the instant they swept into the classically decorated and already teeming bar. āIāve never been in a bar before, but this Ā must be the most spectacular in the entire world.ā
Dominic frowned as they made their way across the rich end-grain wood floor, gliding between rows of leather banquette seats and tables. āYouāve never been in a bar before? I thought you met Tobi at a bar in Johannesburg?ā
Her hand tightened his hand a moment before she relaxed them again. āOh, I quite forgot that because bars are not something I frequent. That was my first ever visit to a bar and it wasnāt anything like this at all. This is so beautiful. Gosh, look at the flooring. Iāve never seen anything like that.ā She laughed as she chatted on. āI confess, you do have a right to brag. This bar has got to be the best on the Island.ā
Though he responded with a smile, Dominic was still mulling over what sheād said and he would have further questioned it if he didnāt notice Camilla behind the oak bar beside the hotelās 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.
āOh, your Head of Corporate Communications is here.ā Kaine murmured beside him, her voice losing its carefree, happy note.
āSheās not mine but the hotelās Head of Corporate Communications, Kaine.ā Dominic frowned as he said this and added, not knowing why he did. āAnd I didnāt know sheāll be here. But sheās quite friendly with the bar manager, so she might be here for him.ā
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.
āEvening, boss.ā Kanayo dipped his head as he greeted. āEvening, maāam. What can I get you both?ā He gestured to the barman not to worry.
āA simple glass of wine, Kanny.ā Dominic responded with an affable smile. āHello, Camilla.ā
āNick.ā Camilla moved her head in a quick, regal nod. āHello, Kaine. Youāre looking quite nice in that dress. Is it Berardi?ā
āIām not exactly sure, Senhorita Camilla. But thank you for the compliment.ā Kaine replied with a cool smile. āAnd you look nice too.ā
āThank you, Kaine. But since this is Oscar de la Renta, I think the appropriate word would be spectacular.ā There was an edgy spark behind the smile she flashed.
And Dominic knew she was annoyed at Kaine using such a simplistic term as āniceā to define her and her dressing. Camilla preferred grand words when she was being complimented. Only he knew too that Kaine wasnāt 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 Camillaās visit, she was apparently not as nonchalant as she had pretended. And he wasnāt quite sure yet how that made him feel.
But since he wouldnāt stand for his wife being disrespected by anyone, he shifted attention from Camilla as he said. āQuerida, Iād like you to meet Kanayo Nduka, a fellow countryman of yours. Kanny, this exquisitely beautiful woman, is my dearest wife, Kaine.ā
There was a sharp snuffle of air as Camilla silently bristled but he, and everyone else, ignored her.
āA pleasure to meet you, maāam.ā Kanayo dropped his head in a respectful dip as he served Kaineās drink. āYouāre welcome to Praia, and to Cape-Verde. Believe me when I say, youāll enjoy these Islands.ā
āThank you very much, Kanayo.ā Kaine smiled. āAnd are you from the East or from Delta state?ā
āA true son of Anambra state, maāam.ā Kanayo replied with a grin.
āOh, okay. I am from Delta state though.ā
Kanayo smiled. āThatās not far apart at all. Just a stroll across the bridge.ā
āWell, seeing as these two seem to be getting along just fine, why donāt we leave them alone to better get acquainted, Nick?ā Camilla said in an easy tone. āI do have something Iād like to go over with you in the office.ā
Dominic only spared her a glance. āThat will have to wait until Monday, Camilla. I am only here to have fun with my wife.ā He finished his drink and rose. āCome, querida, Iāll show you the rest of the hotel.ā
āOkay.ā Kaine emptied her glass too and slid down the high-stool. āNice to have met you, Kanayo. Goodbye, Camilla.ā
āEnjoy your day with your husband, Kaine.ā Was Camillaās malicious-eyed response.
āI surely will.ā Kaine responded in a pleasant, yet hard tone. āLetās go, Nick, I want to see more beautiful places.ā 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. āAnd I am here to show them to you, querida.ā He murmured, leading her out of the bar.
ā„
Ā
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.
āI had a wonderful time, Nick. Thank you for this beautiful day.ā Kaine said with a shy smile.
āIām glad you enjoyed your day, Kaine. I did too. You make everything so fresh and beautiful the way you experience them.ā He came forward and stopped just right in front of her. Sheād changed into a simple print dress, yet despite the simplicity of the dress, she looked gorgeous. āDo I get a reward for giving you a good day?ā He murmured, his eyes holding hers.
āWhat reward do you want?ā She asked in a voice that quavered.
āA kiss.ā
āOkay.ā
The singular, unprotested acquiescence surprised him and pleased by the readiness, he took her hand and drew her close. āI want you to give me my reward, Kaine. You kiss me.ā
āOh. But Iā¦ā 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. āThank you for my kiss, querida. Now, letās go dine with mama, before I am tempted to give you more than a kiss.ā
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.