"I'm in love with you."

The words that escaped your lips caused Nikolas to raise an eyebrow ever so slightly, a muscle twitching in his jaw. Not out of revulsion. Not out of disappointment. But from the heady rush of adoration that he had just experienced. Love. Obsession.

"And it repulses me."

Repulses? No. To idealize, to love him, shouldn't be repulsive. The mere thought, the notion alone should be repulsive. He observed the tremble, the slight quiver of your body. How utterly pitiful, to let one emotion consume someone entirely to the point where they became a sobbing wreck. The poor soul led astray. Never before had he witnessed a nun lose their way like this, down on their knees, begging for absolution, for deliverance from an all-consuming emotion.

Yet, Nikolas couldn't deny how exhilarating it felt. How addicting. To have someone so devoted to him. Was this what it felt like? To be worshipped? He might be exaggerating the term 'love,' but wasn't that what love was all about?

A slow breath escaped his lips as he rose from his seat, Elbi clenched between his fingers. Each step quickened his heart rate, fingers almost vibrating with adrenaline, from merely tasting your love. And by the gods, he craved more.

"Show me."

He nudged the book under your chin, lifting your head, locking your gazes. What he wore wasn't disappointment. Wasn't pity. It was a provocative grin, with a gleam in his eyes that bordered on obsession.

"...show just how much you love me."