Chapter 19
Andreas
I don’t know what I would have done with myself in any other scenario tonight.
She’s careful and somewhat awkward in the high heels on the stairs.
I need to make sure she doesn’t fall tonight and doesn’t reinjure that shoulder, or anything else.
I take her hand and guide her outside where Nathan and Eric are waiting for us by the car.
Their eyes light up when they see us coming out together.
I realize they’ve also been carrying some of my tension and are relieved that Nora and I have found our way back to each other.
Either that, or they’re just glad to finally be rid of my foul mood—that’s also a possibility.
Nora throws her arms around Eric and gives him a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Even though I trust those two one hundred percent and should be happy they get along so well, they’d better let go of each other soon. Nathan also gets a kiss on the cheek.
“Good to see you again, Nora,” Eric says, “I’m glad Andreas has come to his senses.”
He grins and winks at her. Eric is genuinely happy for us, but I know now that behind that cheerfulness lies a deep personal sorrow. I feel for my best friend.
“Thank you, Eric, for everything,” Nora says emotionally.
“Let’s get going before we’re really late,” I say before those two can start hugging again.
Nathan takes the wheel, Eric sits beside him, and Nora and I slide into the backseat. She immediately rests her head on my shoulder and laces her fingers through mine. I place my hand on her thigh. Through the high slit in her dress, my fingers slip against bare skin. Her eyes flicker up to mine.
“Not now, Andreas!” she whispers sternly.
She’s probably right, but resisting her is difficult if not impossible. Once we’re together, it feels like a waste not to touch her. She’s merciless, taking my hand and firmly keeping it in place.
The event is taking place in the grand hall of the Kursaal in Ostend.
Everyone who’s anyone in Flanders is invited—the business world, film industry, and countless members of the media.
A ticket for the dinner is absurdly expensive, but the proceeds go entirely to a good cause in Max’s name.
I’m glad to have Nora by my side because the loss of Max is still fresh. This could be a tough night.
“Are you ready? The red carpet is going to be overwhelming, I’m afraid.” I’m probably projecting some of my own feelings onto her.
“Just stay with me, and I’ll be fine.” She laughs a little nervously and squeezes my hand.
I have no doubts she’ll shine tonight, and I have something special planned for her.
I squeeze her hand gently. When we arrive, Nathan parks near the entrance just before the red carpet.
We step out, along with Eric, and are immediately blinded by a sea of flashing cameras.
The press devours it. A few weeks ago, they hardly knew Max even existed, let alone anything about his death.
Today, they want to know everything—and they’ll get it.
Nora as a free bonus. I don’t know how this has become such a massive event, but Levi’s endless enthusiasm and our massive network made sure of it.
I hold Nora tightly around the waist as we push through the throng of reporters screaming for attention.
Halfway down the red carpet, I stop. I feel Nora tremble beneath my hands.
I meet her eyes, turning her toward me. A smile blooms on her face as I press my lips to hers, feeling her relax in my arms. This is my answer to the media: Nora belongs to me.
I’m beyond happy to have her by my side.
Inside, I lead Nora straight to our table at the front of the hall.
“Andreas!” she exclaims when she sees our table and the people sitting there. Anna, Melvin, Dennis, Levi, Eric, Elena, and Ella are joining us at the table tonight. “How did you manage that?” she asks, amazed.
“I didn’t have to convince anyone,” I say with a shrug.
The next moment, she’s throwing herself into their arms, hugging and kissing them. I follow, shaking hands, thanking them for coming. Dennis gives me a cool glare. He still needs convincing, and I don’t blame him for that.
“How did you know I’d come?” Nora asks Anna.
“I didn’t, but I was here just in case,” she replies. “I really couldn’t influence your decision, but I’m glad you came, Nora.”
She hugs Nora tightly, then turns to me. Her brow furrows, and she glares with narrowed eyes. “And you, Andreas…” She pauses, as if weighing her next words. “You better start using your head from now on!” A stern finger points at me.
I wouldn’t want to cross a pregnant woman. I offer her a charming smile and assure her I’ll take good care of Nora.
Next, I introduce Nora to Levi. His reaction is warm, definitely surprised. I can’t blame him. This has happened fast—too fast for everyone, especially those close around me, who knew nothing. This is the first and last time I’ll ever introduce a girlfriend to my brother.
We have fun at the table, chatting and laughing.
We even talk about Max, and it feels incredible.
I think this is the first time since his death that I’ve openly spoken about him with anyone outside of Levi, Eric and Nora.
It hurts a bit less now, and I’m trying my best not to feel guilty about that.
With Nora by my side, everything is better.
It’s nice to get to know her inner circle better. Even Dennis thaws out, and by the end of the evening, we get along well. Levi, on the other hand, is quieter than usual. I suspect this night is as confronting for him as it is for me.
Nora pulls me from my thoughts, guiding me with her hand on my cheek toward her lips. She tastes so sweet and soft. Once this night is over, I’ll take her to Zeebrugge and keep her awake all night.
“Andreas?” she asks, with that suspiciously sweet tone. “What does Elena really mean to you? I know she’s your architect, but since she’s sitting at our table, there must be more to it than that, right?”
Nora has nothing to fear from Elena, but she doesn’t know that yet.
“Are you jealous, sweetheart?” I whisper in her ear.
“Would that be justified?” she asks, a bit more impatient now.
“Absolutely not,” I reassure her. “Elena is a good friend. When I was studying and taking care of my brothers, she and her older sister rented the apartment next to us. We lived in very different circumstances, but that didn’t stop us from becoming close friends.
She’s bailed us out more than once. I’m very grateful to her.
We’ve kept in touch since our studies, and we even work together when we can, like on the villa. ”
Nora’s gaze softens but quickly hardens again.
“Have you ever been anything more than friends?” she asks, sitting straighter, as though bracing for the impact of my words.
“Elena and I have never been anything more than friends. She’s like a sister to me, and I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”
Her gaze searches mine for any hint of deception, but she trusts what she sees. The tension melts from her shoulders. “I thought so,” she says, laughing softly.
“What do you mean?” I ask, intrigued.
“She seems to have more interest in your brother than in you,” she says, a hint of self-satisfaction in her voice, as she takes a sip of champagne and returns to chatting with Anna and Melvin.
Elena and Levi? I hadn’t considered that. Elena is three years older than Levi, and I’ve never noticed any signs of interest between them. I let Nora’s words sink in and decide to keep a closer eye on those two tonight.
The speeches Levi and I give in Max’s name are the grand finale of the evening.
This is the first time we’ve spoken publicly about Max, but we manage to say what we want to say without being too emotional or too cold.
My years of experience in the business world help, though this speech and this audience feel very different.
The evening winds down, and by around one o’clock, most people have left.
We also say goodbye to our tablemates. Nathan is waiting outside with the car.
“I don’t have any clothes, Andreas!” Nora exclaims in surprise after I tell her we’re heading to Zeebrugge, not home. I assure her everything she needs is waiting for her there.
“Andreas, did you really let other people go through my stuff at home?” she asks indignantly.
“My team is discreet, Nora. Don’t worry about it.” I grin. “Or are you afraid they’ll look through your nightstand?”
Her cheeks flush red, and her eyes burn with fire.
“Andreas, are you serious!?” she says, genuinely offended.
“Sweetheart, you know you have no secrets from me.”
Her mouth forms an “O,” but no sound comes out.
She sinks back into the backseat and crossing her arms like a stubborn little child.
I can see she’s too tired to fight, and two minutes later, she’s sound asleep against my shoulder.
The rest of the ride, I enjoy her soft breathing and adorable little sleeping noises.
Once we arrive in Zeebrugge, I try to carry her out of the car without waking her, but that’s easier said than done.
Nora wakes up and eventually steps out of the car herself.
I take her in my arms again and carry her inside.
I avoid the light switches, letting only the moonlight illuminate the room.
I gently lay her on the couch. She looks at me drowsily as I take off her shoes.
Then I remove my own shoes, my vest, and my shirt.
I see her eyes widen as I start to take off my pants.
She squirms on the couch, her body waking up.
So does mine. The sight of her lying there in her dress is irresistible.
My erection throbs impatiently, ready to break free from my underwear.
I slide off the tight boxers and stand naked before her.
“What a delightful private show,” she purrs as she sits up. Her eyes don’t reach mine but linger halfway down my body. My arousal grows under her gaze.
It doesn’t take long before she’s kneeling on the couch, taking me into her mouth.
I feel her nails digging into my backside.
I love it when she grips my body so firmly.
Her touch feels like home. I grab her hair, reveling in the sight from above.
She’s so skilled at this. A natural. When her hands reach my shaft and balls, I’m completely lost. I savor every movement she makes, but she’s seriously testing my stamina.
She does that every time.
“Nora, stop.”
I try to pull away from her mouth. She looks at me with puppy eyes but gets the message and pulls back excruciatingly slowly. She continues to stare at me. I take her hand, pulling her gently up from the couch and guiding her toward the window.
“My turn,” I say, positioning her with her back against the window.
My fingers find the zipper of her dress and pull it down slowly, the soft fabric peeling away from her body. I let it slip past her waist, pooling silently at her feet. For a moment, I just look at her—bare, glowing in the moon light that spills through the glass.
I take my time, letting my lips brush slowly against her skin before closing around her nipple. My tongue teases in slow circles, tasting her, drawing out a soft gasp.
“Andreas, everyone can see us,” she gasps desperately, though she makes no move to step away.
“It’s dark inside, the windows are reflective, and there’s no one on the beach at this hour. Let go, Nora.”
She moans and sighs, giving in. I move to her other nipple, lavishing it with attention.
Then I sink to the floor, spreading her legs by placing one over my shoulder.
The next moment, I’m sucking on her clit while my fingers work inside her warm, inviting core.
She tastes delicious, always ready for me.
Nora moans, gripping my hair. I’ve missed this so badly.
My fingers find her sensitive spot inside, and she shudders under my touch.
Almost. She’s almost there. I lick her one last time.
She groans in frustration as I pull my fingers out.
Standing again, I lick them clean as she watches me with breathless anticipation.
“You taste so damn delicious,” I say.
A red blush spreads across her cheeks.
“No shame in my bed, Nora, remember the rules?”
She nods but quickly retorts, “We’re not in your bed, Andreas, so technically, I haven’t broken any rules.”
Smart-ass.
“You can forget about that bed now,” I say sternly, my mouth curling into a mischievous smile.
I take her firmly by the waist, spin her around, and give her a gentle smack on the backside before she can protest. Her surprised gasp turns into a deep moan. I’ll definitely have to remember that this excites her. There’s still so much I can do with her.
Her hands brace against the window. Her perfect round ass is positioned just right, wiggling willingly.
I gently rub the spot where I just spanked her, while finally slipping inside.
The sounds she makes are intoxicating. I thrust hard and deep, searching for a rhythm that doesn’t lead to an immediate finish.
She feels so tight and warm inside, whatever the pace, it’s agonizing.
With one hand, I grasp her breast, teasing her nipple, while my other hand moves to push her closer to her climax.
My chest and abdomen press against her back.
I thrust harder, deeper, feeling her body tense.
Her cries turn silent, like the sea withdrawing just before a tsunami.
My cue to continue, to push her over the edge.
She comes hard, squeezing me so tightly inside her.
I feel the tsunami crashing over us, losing myself in a wild orgasm.
I know then and there Nora will one day be my wife. She’s the only woman I ever want to be with.
“I love you,” I whisper in her ear as I carry her in my arms to the bedroom.
“I love you too,” she sighs contentedly, nestling her head against my chest.