Queen of Hearts (Wonderland 2)

“I apologize that Lonnie was not more on top of the new villa you requested. We all didn’t expect your arrival so soon. If I remember correctly, you had told us sometime next year,” Louisa says, running her hands over the floral comforter, ironing out the bed to be absolutely perfect.

“No apologies needed,” Nick says as he stretches out his arms in the threshold of the veranda. I see him inhale deeply, close his eyes for several moments, and then add, “We’re going to need a bottle of Chianti and some meats and cheeses, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course, Mr. Hudson. It’s wonderful to have you here.”

He looks over his shoulder. “Victoria is going to college next year? Yes?”

Louisa nods her head and smiles. “It was extremely generous for you to pay for Columbia. She’s excited to head to the States.”

Nick smiles warmly. “Good. She’s a smart girl. I’m sure she will do quite well.”

Louisa turns on her heels, a look of happiness radiating from her face.

“One more thing,” Nick adds. “Harrison and Martha will be arriving soon. Are the villas in building one and two up to the standards?”

Louisa nods. “Yes, Lonnie had all the repairs made. The water pressure is still low, but sadly, that’s the way the entire town is right now.”

“Good. Please add some tulips in Martha’s room. They’re her favorite,” Nick says before returning his attention to the view out the veranda doors.

It’s interesting watching Nick with his staff. They respect him. Maybe fear him a bit. But more than anything, they truly seem to care about him. But with that said, it seems that he sees them as people, as part of his… team. Thinking of Harrison and Martha, maybe even as part of his family.

As soon as we are alone, Nick says, “Come over here and join me.”

Feeling as if I’ve been a fly on the wall, simply watching but not really being present, it’s odd to be reminded that I am indeed inside the room by his commanding voice.

“It’s beautiful,” I say as I walk up beside him. “I can see why you bought this entire town. For this view alone.”

He doesn’t say anything, but I can hear him inhale deeply again.

“I could think of far worse prisons,” I tease. I’m not sure why I feel like I need to lighten the mood of the room, but I do.

I see him give me a side eye. “There may be no bars but do know that you’re expected to stay put. Don’t leave and explore without me. Don’t even leave my sight.”

“Where’s Tweedledee and Tweedledum to keep me locked in this tower?”

“Don’t push me,” Nick says as he turns and throws himself down on the bed. He motions for me to join him. “You have to be exhausted.”

I crawl onto the bed and lie down beside him. “And you aren’t?” I yawn the minute my head hits the pillow. “I’ve only seen you sleep once. I thought you were a vampire.”

“Yes, and look what happened when I did. You ran off to Italy.” He extends his arm out so that I can scoot closer to his body. It’s interesting… he simply expects me to cuddle up next to him, and I do.

“Why don’t you sleep?” I ask, closing my eyes as his spicy scent lures me into a relaxed state. His warmth is next to me, his strength around me. I’m inches from resting my face on his chest, and although I want to… I’m too exhausted to lift my head.

“My brain is loud,” he states simply.

“Then quiet it.” My own darkness is taking over, his voice is fading into the distance.

“If it were that simple…”