Allure: The Arranged Hearts Series

Chapter 10

I couldn’t believe allthe limits he had gone to, to make this trip special. It was one thing after another and the only thing I could think of was what could I do for him in return. He must have noticed my change in mood from the flow of my thoughts.

He placed two fingers beneath my chin and brought my eyes up to his.

“Hey, did I do something wrong? Is this too much? I can have them back in here cleaning this shit up,”he said.

“Don’t call it shit. This is beautiful. I was just thinking, I wish I could have thought to do something just as special for you. That’s all. I feel a little selfish,” I told him, baring my heart.

Niko smiled and led me over to the table, then pulled out my chair for me to take a seat. I waited for his response as he took the chair across from me.

“First, I don’t want you thinking about that. I have more than I could ever imagine just being in your presence. This is fun and exciting for me, too, not just you. I wanted to see your smile when you walked in here, and I want to hear your sweet moans in my ear while I’m diving deep into that pussy later. That’s the best gift you can give me. I’m just looking to enjoy you and our time to get to know each other better without interruptions, which I know wait for us the moment we touch U.S. soil.”

I laughed because he was so damn mannish, but I loved all of it. It made me feel good to know that my man wanted me as much as I wanted him. I had never questioned or doubted that I looked good, but when you’re going into a situation as unique as ours, you’re bound to question whether you will be your husband”s or significant other’s type.

“Well, I can oblige you on the sweet moans and the wet ass pussy part, but I can agree with the real world closing at the moment we get back. I took time from my art teacher job to be here and I have a few projects I know will be calling my name the moment we get back. But I want to enjoy us while we have it,” I said, reaching my hand out for his.

He nodded with a smile.

“I’m glad you brought it up. I know when we met that first night, we talked about your art, but where are you with it now? Do you enjoy teaching?” he asked.

He reached over and grabbed a crisp bottle of Albari?o, then filled both of our glasses. I could tell he was truly interested, and it only made it easier to give him another part of myself.

“I would say so. I teach adults and kids, but I have to say, kids are my favorite. When you see that burst of inspiration come behind their eyes and how invested they are, it’s beautiful.”

Niko lifted a brow and nodded while taking a sip of his wine.

“I expected you to say you enjoyed the adults since the time we talked about it, you said you painted nude models. You still do that?” he asked.

I laughed and took a drink of my wine as well before answering.

“I do, on occasion, whenever the vibe comes to me. Whenever I want to feel a sense of freedom, I do. Lately, I’ve felt almost grounded, which is how I know I am sliding into my purpose and where I belong. I don’t feel like I am fighting for my freedom anymore. No one can take that from me.”

Niko nodded and was getting ready to respond before the waiter walked back out with a few platters to place in front of us. I looked at the dish in front of us in question because I knew it had to be something from the locals. The waiter smiled and proceeded to explain.

“Your appetizer tonight is patatas bravas, which is a crispy white potato with a spicy sauce called brava for you to enjoy before the main course. I will go ahead and leave you to it,” he said before leaving the patio.

I looked up at Niko, who looked as if he was waiting for me to try it out first. I craned my head to the side and reached out to place one of the diced potatoes on my plate and the sauce was already poured onto it. It smelled divine, and as I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and opened them with a moan. I reached for another and Niko then reached out and tried it himself.

“Damn, you right. This is good as hell,” he mentioned.

“Right. They did a damn good job in the kitchen. If this is how the food is going to be the entire time we’re here, I’m beyond ready,” I told him.

Niko laughed and ate another.

“I agree with you on the freedom thing. I’m getting ready to step into something new,” he said.

I grabbed the napkin beside my plate, dabbed the corners of my mouth and wiped my hands before responding.

“I saw. Congratulations on your retirement. I remember you saying you had a plan when it came to playing ball,” I said.

Niko laughed lightly. “It’s funny how all we had was one night together and yet we remember everything about that night. What were you going to do if someone else was at the end of that aisle?” he asked.

I didn’t know what I would have done; it was a tricky situation for sure. This was beyond unexpected but I couldn’t lie and say Niko hadn’t made the biggest impression on me that night. I just figured there would be no chance we would be in the same place at the same time again, which was why I told him that night that if it was meant to be, God would see fit to put us in the same place again.

I shrugged my shoulders and smiled. “Good thing we don’t have to find out, huh?” I asked.

“Touche. You got a point there. I’m just glad that it worked out the way it was supposed to.”

“So, what’s next?” I asked.

Niko had the biggest smile on his face, which let me know he was beyond excited. It was almost contagious. I found myself smiling as well.

“I got offered a position as a sports anchor for So Sports,” he responded.

I clapped and danced in my seat, causing him to laugh. Then I stood and walked over behind his chair and swung my hips and hair dramatically, causing him to laugh louder. I hugged him.

“Congratulations. That’s such a big thing and I am glad to hear you’re getting ready to do something you’re interested in.”

Niko reached up and wrapped his hand around my neck lightly, guiding me to his lips. He kissed me once, then another time, before releasing me. I smiled and walked back around the table to my chair in time, before the waiter was back out, cleaning our table off. I made sure to tell him to box those up. He laughed and obliged before placing two new dishes in front of us.

“Okay, so what is this? I recognize the lobster, but does this have a name?” I asked.

The waiter nodded with a smile, then proceeded to tell us the background and what it was called. Catalan-style lobster, which consisted of tender lobster meat served with a rich and flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Once he was done explaining, he excused himself once again, leaving us to enjoy our meal alone.

This time, Niko tried it at the same time as me, and when we looked up, we nodded in approval as we continued to eat and talk.

“So, I’m assuming we had to have some of the same responses to this question to be matched. But are you ready to start a family?” he asked before taking another bite.

“Absolutely. I feel like it”s time. I’ve experienced all I can imagine in my career, so why not? I have so much I can give to my child or our child,” I responded.

“I feel the same way. It was one of the deciding factors in retiring. I felt that this game wouldn’t give me the time I desired for my kids. I want to be extremely present. I’m not saying it’s not possible. Players like Russell Wilson are doing it and many others, but I want to be there when my child lays down for bed, and when my wife is relaxing for the night, I want to be right there,” he said.

I heard his desires loud and clear, but I also heard something else behind it. Almost like he was a kid who didn’t get those things, so he wanted to make it his job to ensure that his children experienced it. I couldn’t say the same. My parents had been by my side every step of the way. I thanked God for them every day. I was one of the lucky ones, for sure.

“I hear you and I love to hear they made the best decision. Can I ask what made you go to Arranged Hearts?” I asked.

I knew my reasoning, but I knew how much access he had and this was a very unusual decision, even for me. Niko smiled and placed his fork down before clasping his hands in front of himself.

“I had heard good things about them, then I vetted them myself to make sure this was the best option for me and my future wife. Not to mention, they have like a 97 percent success rate so it was a no-brainer. You know, with being a celebrity, I could end up with someone who is trying to get my money and that’s it. I just wanted something real. What about you?” he asked.

I took another bite before responding.

“Honestly, I was way too busy to do the regular dating thing. Also, have you seen this dating pool? I am convinced there’s a little piss or shit in it. I would rather go to professionals, and like you said, have a better chance of finding someone who is on the same page as me.”

Niko smiled and leaned back. I looked away because his stare was always so damn intense, like he was looking through my soul, past everything I shared with him.

“You know it’s rude to just stare at people, right, Mr. Lockwood?” I asked.

Niko laughed and smirked, then moved his chair from the other side of the table to sit alongside me. I rolled my eyes as he leaned in to whisper in my ear and his right hand gripped my thigh. I felt my heart pick up pace at his closeness.

“Not when what and who you’re looking at belongs to you. I’m trying to be everything to you, baby. I can’t believe you’re mine and I’m going to treasure every second I am in your presence. You can believe that,” he whispered, then placed a kiss against my neck.

His hand had found its way beneath my dress and was inching toward my center. The moment he made it, I inhaled at his touch, ready to cum, and he hadn’t done a thing to me yet. I turned to face him as he strummed my clit a few times, getting a few moans out of me. The door opened and the waiter walked back in with new platters.

This man didn’t move fast from his position not one bit before he slid his hand from beneath the table. Then he had the nerve to lick my essence from his fingertips. I couldn’t pull my eyes from his even if I tried as the waiter moved our dishes to place our dessert.

“You can wrap those up and send them to the room. We’re going to finish dessert there,” Niko told him, never looking away.

“Yes, sir. I will send your leftovers as well. I hope you two love birds have a good night,” he said before excusing himself once again.

The moment he left the patio again, Niko leaned forward and kissed me like his life depended on it.

“I just can’t seem to get enough. Damn, you might as well prepare to be eaten up any chance I get.” He groaned against my lips.

“Oh, Mr. Lockwood. I’m counting on it.”

The moment we made our way back up to the room, I stopped again and looked over at Niko, who had a knowing smirk. The room was decorated for a movie night with our desserts on trays in front of the couch in the living room. I held my hand out for him so I could slip out of my shoes, then we walked into the living room, sitting in front of the large screen that he got them to bring up here.

“You’re just filled with surprises and I love every one of them. Thank you for listening to me,” I told him.

He reached for the remote, then handed it to me, but not before kissing me.

“You’re beyond welcome, baby. You don’t have to keep thanking me. This is what a man is supposed to do for his wife. You’re beyond even that to me. Now, what you want to watch? I got one movie in me before I’m gon’ need to sample that pussy again.”

I burst into laughter because I knew just how serious he was, but it was completely okay with me. I didn’t think I was going to make it through this movie, anyway. He had done more than enough to deserve everything I could give.

As Niko and I strolled hand in hand through the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the sound of lively music and laughter caught our attention. We exchanged curious glances and followed the festive noise until we stumbled upon an impromptu street carnival. The atmosphere was electric, with colorful decorations hanging from the balconies and local vendors selling delicious-smelling food.

I couldn’t help but grin as I took in the scene before me. Locals were dancing in the street, their bodies moving in perfect sync with the upbeat rhythms of the music. The energy was contagious, and I found myself tapping my foot to the beat.

Niko must have noticed my enthusiasm because he suddenly tugged on my hand and pulled me toward the center of the celebration. “Come on, babe,” he said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Let’s dance!”

I laughed and followed him willingly, the skirt of my sundress swishing around my legs as we joined the throng of dancers. We began to move together, our bodies finding a natural rhythm as we swayed and spun to the music. Niko’s hands were warm on my waist, guiding me through the steps with a confidence that made my heart flutter.

As we danced, I couldn’t help but marvel at the joy and carefree spirit of the locals around us. They welcomed us into their celebration without hesitation, their smiles wide and their laughter infectious. I felt a sense of belonging, a connection to this vibrant community that I had never experienced before.

The music seemed to go on forever, and Niko and I danced until we were breathless and giddy. As the song finally came to an end, he pulled me close and pressed a kiss to my forehead, his eyes shining with happiness.

“Having fun, Mrs. Lockwood?” he murmured, his voice low and intimate.

I grinned up at him, my heart full to bursting. “More than you know, Mr. Lockwood,” I replied, leaning in for a proper kiss.

As we broke apart, the scent of sizzling meat and spices filled the air, reminding us of the delicious food being sold by the vendors. Hand in hand, we made our way over to one of the stalls, our mouths watering at the sight of the colorful dishes on display.

We sampled a little bit of everything, feeding each other bites of succulent seafood paella, spicy chorizo sausage, and crispy patatas bravas again. It had become a staple for us. The flavors exploded on my tongue, each one more delicious than the last. We washed it all down with cold, refreshing sangria, the fruity drink adding to the festive atmosphere.

As the night wore on, Niko and I found ourselves back in the center of the celebration, dancing and laughing with the locals as if we had known them all our lives. The street carnival had been a surprise, a chance to immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Barcelona and create unforgettable memories together.

As I looked up at my new husband, his face glowing with happiness and love, I knew that this was just the beginning of a lifetime of adventures together. With Niko by my side, I was ready to embrace whatever the future held, one dance and one bite at a time.