Between 2 Hearts – Episode 55

Alex and Nathan came out of the room to meet everyone in the living room, doing one thing or another.

“Are you two going out?” Diva asked, looking up from her book.

“Yes, I’m spending the night at Nathan’s place,” Alex said.

“Oh, but why not you two sleep here tonight?” Elora suggested.

“Maybe some other time. I need Alex with me,” Nathan said, placing his hand around Alex’s shoulder.

“It’s okay, you two can go ahead,” King Luke said, nodding in agreement.

“Be home tomorrow,” Queen Lala reminded them.

“I will,” Alex replied, and they walked away.

As they got to the car, Nathan started the engine.

 “Thanks for coming up with that idea,” Alex said, grateful for his friend’s quick thinking.

“You should know the type of smart friend you have,” Nathan replied with a smile, and they both chuckled as they drove off.

At Mr. Daniels’ house, Naomi lay down on the bed, staring at one spot, her mind elsewhere. Mia entered the room holding a glass of warm water and some tablets.

“Sis, I brought you some drugs,” she said. Naomi sat up on the bed, groaning slightly in pain. “Does your head still ache badly?” 

Naomi nodded, taking two tablets and washing them down with water. “Thank you,” she said softly.

“Lie down. I’m sure if you fall asleep, the pain will subside,” She said, covering Naomi with a blanket. “I’ll be right back,” she said, leaving the room to give Naomi some rest.

  

   Some minutes later, there was a knock on the door.Mia who was washing dishes in the kitchen,  wiped her hands on a towel as she moved to open the door, expecting no one. But to her surprise, Alex and Nathan stood there, smiling.

“Hey,” Alex said, .Mia’s eyes widened, and she gulped. “Can we…” He started to ask, but before he could finish, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t…” she mumbled, pulling away quickly. “Please come in.”

Alex chuckled and stepped inside. Mia gestured for him to sit down.

Just then, Mr. Daniels emerged from his room.

 “Your Highness,” he said, his face lighting up with a warm smile. He walked up to Alex and gave him a shoulder hug. “It’s so good to have you back.”

 “Thank you, Uncle.”

As they exchanged pleasantries, Nathan appeared beside Mia, his arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her closer. Mia’s eyes widened in surprise as Nathan leaned in close to her ear.

“How do you want to be punished?” he whispered, his breath sending shivers down her spine.

Mia turned to him, her eyes confused, and he smirked before letting her go.

   “I’m sorry to come in unannounced. I’m here to see Naomi.”

“I guess she’s sleeping now. She hasn’t been herself since she heard the news about your death.”

“I know, Uncle. I feel guilty for the pain I left in everyone.”

“You don’t have to. We’re more happy that you survived the crash despite the thousands that died.”

“I’m grateful to God for giving me a second chance.”

 “That’s good.”

 “Um, let me see if she’s awake.” Mia said.

 “Can I come with you?” He asked.

“Um, sure,” Mia said, and Alex followed her.

As they reached Naomi’s doorstep, Mia turned to Alex and asked for a moment alone.

 “Can you give me a sec?”

Alex nodded, and she slipped inside, locking the door behind her. She quickly scanned the room, ensuring everything was in order. Her eyes landed on the portrait of Alex and Nathan, which was uncovered. She hastily covered it with a white cloth, her movements quiet and swift. Satisfied that everything was intact, she gazed calmly at Naomi, who was sleeping peacefully on the bed.

After verifying that Naomi was indeed asleep, Mia exited the room. “Um, she’s really sleeping, but if you insist on seeing her, you can go in,” she said to Alex.

“Thank you”.He said and entered the room, Mia closing the door behind him.

Back in the living room, Mia found Nathan sitting alone on the couch, flipping through a magazine. She couldn’t help but gaze at him, lost in thought. Nathan’s profile was captivating, and she felt an inexplicable pull towards him.

 “Do you want to strip me off with your gaze?” He teased 

Mia’s cheeks flushed as she looked away, feeling caught. “Um,” she stammered.  “Where’s my father?”

“He went back to his room,”he said , his eyes met hers as their eyes locked, and Mia felt a spark of electricity.

In Naomi’s room, Alex sat beside her on the bed, watching her peaceful slumber. He couldn’t help but smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

   Naomi murmured and turned to his side of the bed, wrapping her arm around Alex, and he was surprised. 

 “Mia, can you please reduce the speed of the fan, I’m getting cold,” she said in her sleep.

Alex carefully took her hand off his body and stood up to reduce the speed of the fan before coming back to sit next to her.

 “Are you feeling any better?” he asked as he leaned closer to her ear and began caressing her hair. “Naomi,” he called softly for her to wake up.

Naomi slowly opened her eyes, seeing a familiar face in front of her. Even though it was blurry at first, she closed her eyes and opened them again as she viewed the insight of Alex beside her smiling.

“Hey,” he said, and she stood up quickly, looking surprised.

 “A…Alex?” she called.

“Yes, it’s me,” he replied.

“Am I dreaming right now?” she asked as tears filled her eyes, and Alex pulled closer to her, caressing her cheek.

“You’re not dreaming. I’m sitting right here with you,” he said smiling warmly, and quickly she rushed into his arms, sobbing.

“You came. I thought I lost you, Alex,” she sniffled, and he held her back warmly, caressing her hair.

“I’m sorry for getting you worried,” he said.

“I’m so happy you’re back,” she said, and they slowly pulled away from each other. He locked eyes with her and cleaned her tears with his thumb.

   “I promise never to be away from you, Naomi. You’re the reason I lived again.”

 “You promise never to scare me like that again,” she sniffed.

 “I promise… come here.” He held her close, his voice filled with longing. “I miss you so much.”

 “I miss you too. Please don’t die yet. I don’t think I can bear it.”

“I won’t”.He chuckled .”You promise me something, remember?” They pulled away from each other, and his eyes searched her face. “Did you forget your promise to me?”

 “No.”

 “I’m glad you still remember.” he smiles and caress her face.

As they leaned in closer, resting their heads on each other, they tried to control their emotions.

“I’m sorry, I made you go through this.”

“Alex,” she said, her lips parting slightly. Alex’s eyes locked onto hers, and he leaned in, his face inches from hers. Naomi’s heart skipped a beat as she realized his intention, but she quickly turned her face away. “I’m sick. I don’t want you to…”

“Let me.” He said cutting her off with a gentle voice, he cupped her face and gently turned it back to him, his eyes locked onto hers. 

Then, he leaned in and claimed her lips softly and deeply. Naomi’s eyes closed as she felt the spark of attraction.

As he pulled away slowly, their eyes locked once again. The moment hung in the air, charged with emotion.

   

    Back in the living room, Mia’s eyelids grew heavy as she listened to Nathan’s conversation. Before she knew it, she dozed off on his lap. Nathan’s eyes softened as he gazed at her peaceful face. He gently caressed her cheek, a lovely smile spreading across his face.

As he looked at her, his face slowly began to lean in closer to hers. Their lips were mere inches apart when Mia’s eyes fluttered open. She gulped hard, her heart racing as she met Nathan’s intense gaze.

“Did I wake you?” He asked gently, his breath whispering against her skin.

“Why are you so close?” She gulped.

 “Because I can’t help it,” he said, his fingers still caressing her face as his eyes locked on hers.

“Nat, you know we can’t happen. You’re engaged to be married.” She said.

 “I’m not,” he said, his voice filled with emotion. “I can’t help what I feel in my heart. Being close to you makes me feel at ease. Please don’t keep running away from me.”

As he spoke, he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against hers softly. Mia’s eyes shut, and she felt a spark of electricity run through her body. The kiss deepened, and for a moment, they lost themselves in the moment.

When he slowly pulled away, their eyes met again. Mia’s heart was racing, and she felt like she was melting under his gaze. She quickly stood up from his lap, her heart beating wildly in her chest. She rushed to the kitchen, trying to calm her nerves.

He watched her go, a faint smile on his face. He let out a soft sigh, his eyes never leaving the spot where Mia had been sitting.

TBC