A true lover

By the time Nicholas got back to his home, the sun had already risen. He met Theresa in the living room, taking a sip of her coffee.

"You're back!" She muttered in surprise when she saw him. She wasn't expecting to see him now as he was scheduled to return later in the day.

"I had a change of plans." He answered as he threw his briefcase on the couch.

A knowing look appeared on Theresa's face. "Your plans, do they have something to do with Catherine??" She asked as a teasing smile curved on her lips.

Nicholas stared at her without uttering any words. Her question made him recall what had happened at her house earlier. He remembered the kiss they shared and couldn't help but smile.

"Oh... it does.." Theresa muttered in surprise. She didn't expect this reaction from him.

"You went to see her?" She asked and again, Nicholas didn't give her any answer but she could tell he did, judging from the look on his face.

"Wow... you're finally in love.." She teased with an amused smile playing on her lips.

"Shut up Tessa." Nicholas said playfully.

"You know I'm right. By the way, what did you guys do? Cuddle together?? Kiss??"

"Don't be weird Tessa." He muttered, feigning a serious look but Theresa wasn't buying that. She continued teasing him till he got fed up. He was about to leave the room when;

"But you do realise that she's married?" Theresa asked making him stop dead on his tracks.

"So?" He asked as he turned back to face her.

"I know that she and her husband are going through a rocky phase in their marriage considering what happened at the charity event but do you think that she would ever consider your feelings for her?" She asked in concern.

Nicholas stared at her in silence for a while before he left the room, leaving her question unanswered. He obviously didn't have an answer to her question.

She knew how much her brother loves Catherine but she doesn't know about the latter. She cares a lot about Nicholas and didn't want him to get hurt. Things might be fine now but who knows what will happen later?

What if Catherine doesn't accept his love?? It would leave him shattered for sure. She didn't want to see him heartbroken but she didn't know what to do. What if Catherine actually doesn't love her brother back??

She didn't want to think about what would happen if that time eventually comes. She had to do something to help the two. She needs to know if Catherine feels the same way for her brother.

▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎■▪︎

Nicholas went straight into his study and plopped down tiredly on the swivel chair facing the large table. He had taken a five hour flight from New York back to Washington DC and didn't have any time to rest so he was very exhausted.

He rested his head on the chair's headrest and sighed, recalling the question Theresa had asked him. Does he love Catherine?? Hell yeah. Does she love him too? He doesn't know about that.

But earlier, she kissed him. It should mean something. He doesn't really know what goes on in her head as she hardly reveals her emotions. He really hoped that she sees him as someo.... his chain of thoughts were interrupted when he received a phone call from Liam.

Liam had called to tell him about the bodyguard he wanted to hire for Catherine. Despite being really exhausted, he stood up and drove to the location Liam had sent him.

It was a bodyguard company where guards are hired. When Liam spotted Nicholas, he walked towards him.

"Have you found a suitable one yet??" Nicholas asked, going straight to the point.

"Yes, this way sir..." Liam muttered as he led the way.

Liam took him to the training room. It was filled with many able bodied individuals, both male and female. They went in further till they got to where a lady was training on her own.

The dull sound of boxing echoed as she kept hitting the punching bag like a pro. When she noticed their presence, she stopped. She had a well proportioned body and had muscles that were almost like a man's.

"This is Fiona Burke." Liam introduced. Nicholas remained quiet as he signalled Fiona to show off her skills. Frank called in a man to spar with her and they started immediately.

Showing off her attacking and defensive skills, Fiona easily overpowered the man. Being unsatisfied, Nicholas then instructed Liam to spar with her. Being an experienced bodyguard, Fiona wasn't able to defeat him with ease like she did the last.

Nicholas stood aside and observed as they demonstrated their skills. His

gaze never relaxed, searching for any possible flaws to ensure the female bodyguard could protect Catherine effectively.

As the spar continued, Nicholas' eyes showed satisfaction. Fiona wasn't relenting even though Liam was far more stronger and skilled than she was. After more exchanges, Liam was finally able to overpower Fiona.

They stopped sparring and nodded respectfully at each other. Fiona was breathing really hard but her skills and professionalism had gained Nicholas' approval.

Nicholas gave Fiona instructions, emphasizing Catherine's likes and dislikes. Fiona assured him she understood. Just as he was about to call Catherine, Liam stopped him.

Liam told him about Hector's test result. He was suffering from chronic poisoning and it had damaged his heart. Nicholas knew he couldn't tell Catherine about the news as it would make her really devastated so he told Liam to ask Dr. Festus to prepare a fake test result, stating that Hector was fine and he was just suffering from stress.

After that, he made some phone calls, so as to try to find a cure to Hector's ailment. Then he called Catherine to tell her about the new bodyguard he had hired for her.

Catherine listened attentively on the other end, their conversation filled with care and affection. Nicholas smiled as their discussion got more passionate. He hoped he could be more than just a business partner to Catherine. He wanted to be her true lover.