This body of work is available exclusively on Wattpad. If you're viewing it on a different website or under a different username, it has been illegally stolen, and you may be at risk of malware. Please do not support these sites, as writing a book takes long hours of hard work and effort. Head over to Wattpad and let me, the original author, know if you encounter this situation by finding me @greenwitchwrites.

Niklaus

Allegra's hand takes mine firmly as I help her out of the limo. While tonight was about wrapping up the loose end that was David, all I could think about was unwrapping Allegra. She looks absolutely amazing in her black evening dress. She always looks amazing, but tonight with her hair up, gorgeous face, and body on display, she is breathtaking.

With everything happening so quickly since meeting her again in the Bahamas, we hadn't had much time to discuss where we stood. What the future would hold. I didn't think we could have that discussion until David was out of the picture.

"Ready?" Allegra asks me, breaking me from my thoughts.

"I should be asking you that," I respond, noticing how pale her face has gone.

"I'm fine. Really. I'm ready to be done with this. Whatever happens, I just want it to be over so that we can both move on with our lives." The sting of her words and the thought that her future might no longer include me settles deep in my heart.

It didn't matter. As long as she was happy and no one could hurt her, it didn't matter.

"You look stunning tonight, Allegra." Her face lights up at my compliment, the first color coming back to her face as a blush dusts her cheeks. Her smile is shy, and I realize now how much I have missed it.

"Thank you, Niklaus. You look really...gorgeous too." Her blush deepens, and after holding my gaze briefly, she looks away.

As we walk along the red carpet, paparazzi scream and shout for us to stop. Some even mention Eve, asking where she is. Even after publically announcing our engagement was off, they still persisted in shipping us as a couple. While I was used to speculation about my love life, Allegra wasn't used to this, and I can see how she tenses at the mention of the woman who put us both through hell.

"Don't worry about them. They are just looking for something to gossip about," I try and reassure Allegra as we eventually make our way past the vultures.

"I know Niklaus. I just wonder how everything would have turned out if Eve hadn't said all those things to me in the power room that night. I mean, I was ready to tell you all about my past and our baby. She just...ruined everything. Now we barely even speak to each other anymore. It breaks my heart. Everything is...broken."

The sorrow in her eyes and in her voice breaks my heart. Noticing a door on the side of the corridor we are in, I change direction, pulling her with me.

"What-" her words are cut short as I pull her into the small utility closet, shutting the door behind us.

Allegra is standing a foot away from me, her head tilted slightly up as she stares at me with surprised brown eyes.

"What's going on, Niklaus?" Allegra's voice is soft, her breath fanning my face gently. I miss her so fucking much that my chest aches. She looks almost like she did all those years ago when I first met her at the Masquerade Christmas ball.

"Allegra, I love you. I know you probably don't feel the same way, not after everything. And I know everything is broken. But I love you. I never stopped loving you. It's not just because you are the mother of our child. I have loved you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. Standing on that balcony at the masquerade ball, looking like an angel. You are it for me. You are the one. And after tonight, once we have sorted out this David thing, I just want you to be happy. With or without me. I just-"

My speech is interrupted as Allegra's lips gingerly meet mine.

I'm so shocked that when she pulls away, I am left speechless.

"What was that for?" I finally ask, hoping it isn't some goodbye kiss.

"I love you. And the words you spoke were the unspoken words on my tongue. It's like you were reading my mind. Every word ones I have wanted to say to you. I love you, Niklaus, so much."

This time when my lips meet hers, it isn't gentle like moments ago. The hunger and need and emotion from the last year pours out of my heart and soul into the kiss. Her back hits the shelving behind her, and I pull her close to me, spinning us around so that my back takes any force.

Allegra moans as my hands run the length of her body.

We break the kiss, both of us gasping for oxygen. Her eyes are hooded, her pupils blown wide with lust.

"That was hot," she says, smiling as she smoothes her hands down her dress.

"That's an understatement," I say, returning her smile while rearranging my jacket to ensure my hardon is covered.

"That is something we will continue later. I wish we could stay here, but we need to stay on track. After tonight we will have all the time in the world."

Allegra nods her head, indicating she is ready. I open the door for her, checking the coast is clear before we step out.

We were a bit late, which meant most of the guests were already inside. The hostess at the entrance to the huge hall where the event is being held immediately recognizes me, barely glancing at the invitation I haul out of my pocket and hand to her. If it had been this easy, I wouldn't have needed Eve's connections at all.

"Mr. Rosi, welcome. It's so nice to see you here at our annual event. And you are with?" The hostess asks politely, looking at Allegra.

"The soon-to-be Mrs. Rosi," I say, not waiting for Allegra to answer. Allegra and the hostess look at me shocked, before Allegra recovers.

"Miss Edevane," Allegra says, recognition flashing across the hostess' face.

"Miss Edevane? Of the Edevane beauty brand? My lipstick is from your latest fall range. I just love how long-lasting it is," the hostess gushes while Allegra shifts uneasily beside me.

"Um, yes," Allegra mumbles, "I'm not really that involved with the business but thank you. My parents would have been happy to hear this."

"Ah, I see. Well, we hope you both enjoy the evening," the hostess says, her hand sweeping the hall as we enter.

"Wow, that was awkward," Allegra laughs, her smile fading when we see the sea of tables and people littering the hall. Money was splashed everywhere. From the décor to the outfits. No expense was spared. The perfect setting for what was about to happen.

"We only have a few minutes. Do you see David?" Allegra scans the room as we walk further in, people who know me greeting me as we do. I am acquainted with most of the people in this room, the majority of them by necessity only. In politics, the players were primarily dirty. Senator Ashburg and David amongst the dirties.

"Well, well, Niklaus. I see you have brought what is mine back to me." Allegra stiffens next to me before we both slowly turn around, Allegra's hand remaining firmly in mine.

Before I can answer, Allegra does.

"Yours?" Allegra laughs, David's mouth pulling into a thin line at the sound. "That's cute. And delusional. I was never yours. Never. My heart has always belonged to one man. The complete opposite of you in every way. Strong where you are weak. Kind where you are cruel," Allegra smiles wickedly at me and then back at David, whose face is growing red with rage.

"And at least his dick words," Allegra says slowly, those words hitting David's ego as intended.

"You fucking whore!" David hisses out, his hand raising in slow motion, the intention clear. I grab his wrist inches before his palm connects with Allegra's face, one that doesn't even flinch.

David realizes his mistake as gasps echo around us, whispered words floating in the air.

Running for senator, this didn't look good. Nearly striking a woman in public. His smile tightens on his beetroot-red face as he looks around, taking a step back.

A commotion behind us surprises everyone else besides me. Right on time.

Head of the FBI, Special Agent Matthews, enters the room, flanked by four police officers. I dip my head in acknowledgment as he approaches David.

"David Mikleson, you are under arrest for the murder of your son David Jnr Mikleson, as well as four counts of sexual assault and battery, ten counts of fraud, one count of tax evasion, three counts of assault with a deadly weapon..." 

Please don't forget to comment and vote!