Breakfast Mimosas

After Niko had shown Shen Shu a glimpse of pleasure and ecstasy, and what more he could possibly give her, Niko stepped out of the bathroom first. Shen Shu waited a few minutes to step out after him.

Once they were outside the bar lounge, he reached out his hand and offered it to her. Shen Shu took it, smiling. Niko then asked, "now can you tell me what's on your mind?"

Shen Shu paused, her thoughts wavering. Niko read her so well there was nothing she could hide from him. She sighed, giving in. "That tour guide found me inside and he told me that you were being overprotective and controlling me."

Niko went rigid. She did not know if he was even breathing, as there was a look of immediate anger, almost as if he was going to go back inside to pummel him.

"But," Shen Shu continued. "I told him to leave me alone because he wrongly made assumptions about my life."

Niko's eyes met hers, and they were sad.

"Niko…" she began again. "I don't believe a word he said. He only knew us for what? A day? And he made these false accusations about someone he doesn't know after he refused to leave me alone?" she paused. "Know that I don't share those thoughts as him. I don't think you're controlling. I think…you know what I want, and you'd rather be seen as the villain instead of me."

Niko's expression softened. "I don't care if people see me as an overprotective brother or cruel or jealous when it comes to you. Let them think of what they want. It's your opinion of me that I care about."

Shen Shu smiled softly, reaching for his hand, and placing it over her chest. Her heart raced and she hoped he could read her face, her thoughts. She was afraid words were not enough to express what she felt for him.

Niko gave her a look that told her he understood.

"Let's go back," she told him.

He then grabbed her hand, their fingers intertwining, as they walked toward the boardwalk.

Once they went back to the vacation house, Niko dropped his hand and became distant again. In these halls, anyone could walk by and see them, whether it'd be her parents or a servant, they all knew who they were to each other. And Shen Shu knew that if they dropped their act, their feelings would be revealed.

Niko looked at her once more and whispered, "You're everything to me." He then turned around and left abruptly. Shen Shu's chest warmed. She then released a breath and stalked back to her guest room.

She was tempted to pull Niko into her room but she knew it would lead to heated and tantalizing, forbidden moments and that was not allowed. For now.

…

The next morning, Shen Shu joined her family for breakfast. Her mouth watered over the presentation of fluffy pancakes, waffles, scrambled eggs, strawberries and sliced oranges. She scarfed down her food and when she was nearly finished, she heard people enter the house.

Puzzled and not expecting visitors, Shen Shu watched as her friends stormed in. She looked at her mother who was smiling sheepishly. "I invited your friends, hun."

Ye Huan had come, along with Luo Nuying and a man she'd never seen before, Aleksei and his fiancée, even Fu Jian was here.

Luo Nuying approached her swiftly, grabbing her hand. "Your mother was so kind to extend her invitation to us! I hope you don't mind but I brought my boyfriend, Long Kun and I brought Fu Jian because I didn't want to waste an opportunity to have a shoot at this beautiful place!"

Shen Shu did not know Luo Nuying had a boyfriend. He had striking auburn hair and warm brown eyes. But what she knew about the Longs, and how hauntingly beautiful, powerful and wealthy they were. Shen Shu nearly dropped her mouth. She wondered how Luo Nuying was able to get a man like that. Once you have a relation to the Long family, you were set for life!

Shen Shu's head went dizzy. But she smiled at Luo Nuying's boyfriend and said, "Nice to meet you."

He smiled back, shaking her hand. "Likewise, Miss Shen."

Shen Shu went to greet the rest of her friends and guests, and then her eyes fell upon Fu Jian. She smiled awkwardly at him, "Hi," she began. "Care to join us for brunch?"

"I will be honoured," he said, stepping inside.

As Fu Jian stepped in, Shen Shu's head snapped to the sound of glass shattering. She looked at her father, whose eyes were wide as saucers. He took a step back, his expression pale and faint.

Her mother stepped forward to steady him before she turned to face them with a wry smile. "I think he's had a bit too many breakfast mimosas. I will have him rest, please enjoy your stay." She then guided him out of the room.

Shen Shu glanced at Fu Jian, who wore a blank expression. Her attention then went to Niko, who looked concerned. His eyes met her and it motivated her to keep it moving. She faced her friends. "Let's go to the shore!"

At the shore, they all laid down on towels over the sand, soaking in the sun. Shen Shu got to learn more about Luo Nuying's relationship with Long Kun. Apparently, Long Kun had denied his attraction to her until he gave in. She loved listening to the story. It reminded her of how Niko and she denied their attraction and feelings before they unravelled.

She glanced up to watch as Niko offered Fu Jian a beer. The two men then spoke as if they were instant friends. Shen Shu felt at ease. She was afraid that Niko would take Fu Jian's presence the wrong way. But she knew Niko trusted her to inform him if Fu Jian had been anything else.

She then watched as Niko walked over to her. He sat next to her on the lounge chair. He kept a modest distance, close but not quite touching. "Having fun?" he asked.

"Very much," she responded with a smile.

He smiled too before taking a swig of his beer. "I'm glad."

"I saw you speak to Fu Jian. How was it?"

"Good. We have some things in common."

Shen Shu raised a brow. "That's good!"

Niko then looked down at his beer. "Should I be worried about him?"

Shen Shu frowned. "He's just someone I work with Niko. I'd never be interested in him."

"I know. I trust you, Cat. But I don't trust him. Not yet."

Shen Shu glanced at Fu Jian who approached Ye Huan, asking her a question about the book she was reading.

"I don't think you should worry," she assured him. "Fu Jian doesn't seem like he wants to harm anyone."

Niko nodded, believing her. "He looks like you…his eyes…"

Shen Shu looked at him puzzled, wondering what he meant.

"They're yellow-green," Niko added.