CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 36

[NIKEZINKOSI]

I throw another piece of wood onto the fire. The flames crackle softly, but I'm still feeling a little chilly. I left Mnotho busy in the bathroom, and I didn't wait for him. I was still shaken by his behaviour earlier, my heart sinks, my thoughts too loud and racing. I needed warmth. I needed air. I needed to breathe.
We're in Mbombela, in some private, exclusive lodge, hidden away from the world and chaos. This was supposed to go differently. I had it all planned in my head, every moment, every move. Now nothing feels like it's following the script.
I throw myself onto one of the big sofas, honestly, it's more of a bed than a sofa. Wide, soft, fluffy. I sink into it and sigh, my eyes wandering around the beautiful architecture of the lodge. The wood. The beautiful ceiling. I'm still in my lingerie, red lace against my skin, exposed and vulnerable, and scared too.
And suddenly, my heart aches.
I don't even know how to feel anymore. Confusion sits softly in my chest.
Is he turned off?
Does he not like my body?
I do love my body. I really do. I've made peace with it. No problem there. But, ugh.
Maybe he saw the stretch marks and got turned off.
The thought hits hard.
I shut my eyes tightly, groaning silently, my face twisting in embarrassment. God. I feel so stupid. So exposed. Maybe he doesn't enjoy these kinds of things. Maybe he's too traditional when it comes to sex and intimacy. Maybe I pushed too far. Maybe I don't know him the way I thought I did. Maybe I don't know anything anymore.
"Nikky, why did you leave the bedroom?"
It's Mnotho's voice. There's panic in it, clear and urgent. It cuts through my thoughts. I keep my eyes closed, my heart racing.
"I was feeling cold," I say.
Half truth. Half lie.
I hear him sigh in relief, a sound heavy with emotion. The sofa dips beside me, he's joined me. I feel his presence instantly, warm and calming. His hand cups my cheek, thumb brushing my skin gently, like he's afraid I might disappear.
"Open your eyes," he asks softly.
I can feel his breath on my face, warm, shaky. I hesitate for a moment, then slowly open my eyes.
He's right there.
On his knees beside the sofa, leaning over me slightly. His face is close to mine, eyes soft, darker too, full of something deep and exposed. Concern, Desire, Fear and Love. Everything all together.
"I'm sorry," I whisper quickly. "I didn't mean to… I'm sorry," I repeat, my voice rushing ahead of my thoughts.
He shakes his head slowly, stopping me. Then he leans in and presses a kiss to my lips. Slow, gentle. And Reassuring. Not demanding. Not in a rush. Just there, present.
I kiss him back immediately, my hand finding his face, fingers trembling slightly as I touch him. When we pull away, I'm already hungry for more, my body reacting before my mind can catch up.
"I'm the one who should apologise, Peaches," he says softly, his voice low and slow. He drops another kiss, this time on my cheek, lingering there. "Everything got too much," he continues, his lips still against my skin. "I lost control of my breathing."
"I thought maybe I turned you off," I murmur, my voice cracking a little despite myself.
He snaps his eyes to mine, frowning deeply, almost offended by the thought. He takes my hand firmly, like he needs me to feel him, and kisses my knuckles slowly.
"If you turned me off," he says quietly, "the big man wouldn't be like this."
He guides my hand down to his boxers.
I gasp softly the moment I feel him. Heat rushes through me, my body reacting instantly, a shiver running straight down my spine.
"Can you feel him?" he asks. "He wouldn't be hard if you turned me off."
Before I can respond, he captures my lower lip with his mouth, kissing me harder this time. A Need, Want and Assurance. He gently shifts, getting on top of me, careful, composed, but burning.
"I love you, Nikky," he says, his voice hoarse now. "Way too much. It scares me."
Before I can answer, he attacks my lips again, kissing me deeply. His hand guides mine inside his boxers, and we both gasp into each other's mouths, breaths colliding, bodies trembling. He pulls away slightly, just enough to look at me.
He gazes at me like he's reading my soul, like he sees every fear, every doubt, every secret I'm trying to hide.
"Can you feel him?" he whispers again. "He's all yours. My body… my soul too. They're all yours."
My fingers move on their own, grazing softly at his big man. He gasps again. He gently takes my hand out, his eyes scanning my body like I'm some living goddess, and leans back, resting his face near mine. Can this man just start already? I can't take this waiting anymore. His hands grip my waist firmly.
"You are perfect," he mumbles, his voice low and slow, as he slowly and deliberately removes my lingerie. He drops a kiss again, and I feel the fabric leave my body, leaving me completely exposed. My breasts press against his bare chest, warm and solid, sending shivers down my spine. The tingling sensation radiates through me, igniting every nerve.
He pulls away slightly, his hands cupping my breasts gentle but firm, composed yet hungry.
"You don't know the power you have over me, Nikky," he whispers, his voice hoarse with need. He presses a kiss to my neck, hard enough that I feel the imprint of him, as if marking his territory.
My breath comes in short, shaky gasps.
"Mnotho…" I murmur, trembling.
"Patience, my queen. I want you to be okay," he whispers against my neck, his thumbs circling my nipples until they harden into sensitive peaks. He takes one into his mouth, sucking gently, swirling his tongue around the tender bud. I moan softly, my chest rising and falling rapidly, my body already trembling under his touch.
"I need you." My voice comes out breathless, almost begging.
He stops, tilts his face toward mine, and deepens the kiss hungry, possessive, demanding. Our tongues twirl together, a heated dance, while my hands clutch his shoulders, holding him close. His hand slides along my thighs, firm and teasing.
"How about I eat my cake first, the one you promised me?" he whispers against my mouth. I gasp. Yes, I want that, him, all of it, as much as he wants.
"How do you like it, Nikky? Slow… or rough?" He teases, his lips grazing my neck. "Or maybe a bit of both," he adds.
I can't answer, my breathing is ragged, my body too hot, trembling under his touch to form words.
"Peaches, answer me," he says, low and seductive.
"Yes," I whisper. I don't even know yes to what… yes to all of it.
He chuckles against my skin, crawling downward, leaving a trail of fire in his path, kisses on my stomach, brushing my inner thighs, teasing and exploring.
Then he dives in, his tongue lapping at my most sensitive places, exploring every fold, every curve. My breath trembles in my chest, fingers tangling in his hair, guiding him, urging him deeper. He sucks on my clit, hard, and I cry out, my back arching involuntarily.
"Fuck, Mnotho! Just like that!"
Lord, bless this man. I bite my lip, overwhelmed by heat. He slides two fingers inside me, curling them just right, hitting that spot that makes my vision blur, seeing stars. My moans fill the room, echoing around us. My mother would be shocked, shocked that I can speak in tongues now, yet barely feel the holy spirit in church.
He doesn't stop. Every movement, every lick, every curl of his fingers devours me like a man who hasn't tasted this in years, consuming every inch of me, leaving me trembling, breathless, and aching for more, it almost hurts.
I can't hold it in anymore, the warmth spreading, the fire coiling hard inside me, the way he's pulling me apart so gently yet so completely. Tears gather at the corners of my eyes. Silent at first. Then they spill, sliding down my cheeks without warning.
It's so good. Too good.
Overwhelming.
"Baby…" I choke out, my voice breaking, breath caught somewhere between a moan and a sob.
He doesn't stop.
Not until my entire body starts to shiver, uncontrollably, like I'm being electrocuted from the inside out. My toes curl hard, my fingers dig into the plush, damn fluffy sofa beneath me, gripping it like it's the only thing keeping me grounded. And then it happens.
The tension snaps. My body breaks open.
Pleasure crashes through me in waves, violent and beautiful, stealing my breath as my orgasm rips through me, leaving me crying out, shaking, undone, my release spilling over as I completely lose control.
I gasp, my chest rising, tears streaming down my face, my body still trembling.

His hand wipes the tears from my face, slow and gentle, like he's afraid to rush me. I open my eyes.
He's completely naked now, his body solid and warm, his big man standing proud, ready to finish what he started. Diamond was right, he really is a good‑looking madala. Every inch of him. Confident, Dangerous. And right now… tender, gentle.
"Are you okay?" he asks softly, his voice steady, grounding.
I nod.
"I'm not done pleasing you, my love," he says quietly. "I want you to be okay."
He presses a kiss to my forehead, slow and reverent, and then I feel him at my lips. I gasp softly, almost losing my breath as he guides himself into my mouth. His eyes darken, locked onto mine, like he's searching my soul. One hand rests on my left hip, firm and protective, the other still cupping my face.
"I love you," he says, resting his forehead against mine.
Then he pushes in, slowly, steadily, letting me move with him, letting my body adjust. My hands slide to his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin as a soft moan escapes me.
"You're okay, Nikky… I've got you," he murmurs, his voice low and calming. "Nothing will hurt you. Not tonight. Not ever."
When he finally slides fully inside me, he growls softly.
"Fuck," he whispers.
He starts moving, slow, deliberate thrusts, making me feel every inch of him.
"Don't close your eyes," he pleads, his voice hoarse. "Look at me, Peaches."
I open them.
He's still staring at me open, vulnerable, undone, his rhythm increasing just enough to steal my breath.
"You're perfect," he says breathlessly. "You can.."
He breaks off with a groan, his control slipping as his hips press deeper, harder.
His pace gets faster now, and I can feel him trembling, groaning, moaning softly against my skin.
"Peaches… look at me," he groans, his voice strained but still slow. "I… I'm yours. You own me, every inch, every thought, every part of me."
I gasp, my fingers tangling in his hair, my nails grazing his scalp as his words sink deep into me. My body quivers against his, my heart racing just as hard as his.
"I want you to feel me, Nikky," he whispers, his voice stuttering as he presses deeper. "I'm… I'm already losing myself. I can't hold back anymore… you have me completely."
He groans my name, slow and hoarse, his breath catching in his throat. His hands tighten on my waist, pulling me closer, and his chest rises and falls fast and uneven. I feel him shiver, a mix of desperation and release and then it happens.
He climaxes.
His body tenses, his face burying itself near my neck as low, rough groans leave his throat. He trembles against me, surrendering completely to the feeling, to me.
"Fuck… I'm sorry, Nikky," he murmurs, his voice broken, vulnerable. "I couldn't hold back… you're so good."
He exhales shakily, still holding me close.
"Every part… you own me. My body… my soul… everything is yours."

__

He said he wants me to be okay, but my body is sore. This morning, he was the first to wake me up, ripping apart this 'God-baked cake' with his tongue. He ran me a bubble bath, and now he's busy making food for us in the kitchen. I've never tasted his cooking before or would he just order from a restaurant? There's a restaurant nearby too, not far from here. And there are activities we could do, hiking, sightseeing, checking out animals.
I think to myself, this could be the rest of my life if things don't change because man, people really do change. The good sex, the aftercare, his gentleness, his patience, his calmness, his vulnerability with me… it's all so real. It's nice. I can feel I'm loved loudly too. But in the back of my mind, there's fear. That cautious part of me that's always on guard. The pain, the harassment I went through, it will always be a reminder but it can't dictate my life anymore. I deserve to be happy too. That man, that family, they are happy, free from the harassment and abuse I felt. Why shouldn't I be free too? Why am I giving them so much power?
I sigh softly, shaking my head. I will love this man loudly and unashamedly while I heal too.
"Peaches, do you want seafood? It's cold outside. How about we sit by the fireplace and cuddle? We'll do activities tomorrow," Mnotho says, walking in, his voice chirpy. I giggle softly. I thought he was going to cook.
"Baby, I don't eat seafood. I'm allergic, I could die. That's why I carry my EpiPen with me," I say. He doesn't know about this.
He frowns slightly and walks up to the bathtub, kneeling beside me.
"Really?" he asks.
I nod.
"Surprising… because the day we rescued you at Paul's hideout, there was a seafood takeaway," he says with a shrug.
Seafood? I shake my head, frowning.
"That can't be. The only people who know about my deadly allergy are my family and close friends," I say. And Diamond would never tell Paul, and Sno doesn't like Paul even hanging out with him.
"Strange… maybe Diamond once told him in passing. Ugh… your friends," he says, dropping a kiss on my forehead before standing up.
Diamond?? No… she wouldn't. Or maybe Paul just bought it because he was hungry.

••••

[MNOTHO]

I put a throw over her shoulders. Even though we're at the fireplace, on a soft, cozy couch, I don't want her catching a cold, not even a little.
The embarrassment I felt last night still lingers in my bones. That memory will stay with me for the rest of my life. Nikky, She was so kind, so gentle about it. I just pray she doesn't go and tell her friends. I know how women are with their friend groups. That thought makes me wary of her friends. The seafood thing and Paul, it doesn't sit right with me. How could Diamond possibly tell that idiot about something so sensitive, something that could have put Nikky's life in danger? I need to have a talk with her. Warn her, clearly, to never ever do that again. I won't risk losing my precious woman because someone couldn't keep their mouth shut.
I pull Nikky closer into my arms. The food will arrive any moment now, but cooking is too much labor for both of us. We're here to relax. To make love. Over and over again.
My body remembers everything, it aches with need, with desire. Everything last night was perfect, just as I imagined. Lying with her, our bodies tangled together, trusting each other, it was everything. I don't think I'll ever stop craving her. Even now, my body aches to roll on top of her again, to worship her every curve, every inch, like I did last night.
I did tell her I appreciated what she did, even though I ended up ruining it in some ways. Next time, I'll control my heart better, because I don't want her to ever stop. I love it too much, so much that one day, maybe, it could take my life.
I'll give her my card, tell her to buy more lingerie if she wants. I smile softly. This is so foreign, yet I'm willing to dive in with my whole being. I love her, God, I'd burn this whole damn world for her.
"Baby, I have something to tell you," she says, pulling away from my embrace. I frown not because she wants to talk, but because she's pulling away.
"Well… you'll have to meet my family in two months," she begins, looking at me with those warm, soft eyes. She's beautiful. Her body is beautiful, her soul, everything about her is beautiful. Every time I look at her, I get completely mesmerized.
"Mnotho!!" she taps my shoulder, frowning. "You're not listening," she says, raising an eyebrow. I blink and focus on her.
"I'm sorry, I must meet your family?" I ask, unsure how to feel nervous, happy, honored that she's finally letting me into her personal space.
She nods.
"Yes. I know maybe you won't be ready, but at least we have time. I'll introduce you on my sister's wedding day, maybe after the wedding ceremony and all," she says softly, a hint of worry in her voice. I grab her hands.
"No, I'm fine. I'm ready to meet them," I say with a confident smile.
"Okay… I was a bit skeptical about the meeting, but both my sister and my brother-in-law said it's fine," she says but I hear the "but" coming.
"But… my mom, she'll be a bit of an issue," she adds.
I expected that. The age thing. Ah… I'll have to work hard to convince Mrs. Nkabinde that I'd take a bullet for her daughter.
"Don't worry, I'll handle it. I'm sure she'll be a bit mad that I'm an older man trying to corrupt her daughter," I say with a chuckle to ease her nerves, but she doesn't smile.
"Well, it won't be about the age thing. She still loves my ex, and I don't want you to feel bad when she brings that bastard's name up," she says, a little irritated.
I frown. Jesus… this will be harder than I thought.
"You don't have to worry, Mnotho. I choose you, not him. He is my past, and I want nothing to do with that bastard," she says, her hands resting gently on my cheeks. I sigh heavily. What the hell did that man even do to her?
"I believe you. Don't worry, we'll work this out," I say, assuring her. I need to know more about this man ASAP.
She smiles brightly now and drops a soft, lingering kiss on my lips.
"You need to go get me a pill, I don't want to be a mother just yet…" she says, pulling me closer into a hug. My arms wrap around her tightly.
"I know you're at the age where you want kids, but I need time. I need to achieve my dreams first. You won't force me, right?" she asks softly, pressing her lips against my neck. I shiver slightly. I just nod.
"Of course I won't force you to do anything you don't want. I'll wait for you," I say, meaning it. Even if we never have kids, as long as she's with me, I'm complete.
She kisses my neck again. I still crave her.
"Thank you, baby. And… oh, the ex isn't just an ex. We were engaged, and we broke up right after he wanted to send lobola to my family," she confesses.
I freeze. What??