Chapter 209

Chapter 209
Andrei: POV

I turned the key in the lock, surprised by the darkness and silence that greeted me.

The house felt empty, unnervingly so.

Filming had gone later than expected, pushing well past midnight, and exhaustion weighed on me like a physical burden.

But despite my fatigue, a different kind of anticipation had been building in me all day.

"Clara?" I called out, my voice echoing through the quiet space.

No answer. She'd probably gone to bed already. I couldn't blame her—it was late as hell. Still, disappointment settled in my chest.

After the flight home, something had shifted between us. I'd been hoping she might wait up.

I headed straight for my bedroom, loosening my tie as I went. Maybe she'd surprised me. Maybe she was waiting there, in my bed, where she belonged.

The thought quickened my steps.

My room was empty. The bed pristine, untouched. The disappointment deepened, turning into something like irritation.

After Mexico City, after what we'd shared, I'd expected... what? For her to magically know I wanted her here?

I stood motionless for a moment, then turned and walked deliberately toward the guest room—the room Clara had been using since our arrangement began.

I didn't knock and entered the room immediately.

She was there, curled on her side, breathing softly in the darkness. Something tight in my chest loosened at the sight of her.

Clara looked peaceful, vulnerable in sleep—so different from the competent, sometimes frustrating woman who kept me in line during the day.

I shoved my hands into my jeans pockets and watched her, my earlier irritation melting away.

She looked like a child when she slept, her face relaxed, her breathing steady. I couldn't help the half-smile that tugged at my lips.

This wasn't right. She shouldn't be sleeping here, alone in this room. She should be with me.

I moved toward her, bending down to slide one arm under her knees, the other supporting her back.

She was light, almost concerningly so.

She stirred slightly as I lifted her, instinctively curling toward my chest, seeking warmth.

I carried her carefully to my bedroom, laying her gently on my bed and pulling the covers over her.

Before I could question the impulse, I leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. Her skin was warm, smelling faintly of the jasmine and vanilla's lotion she always used.

Quickly, I stripped off my t-shirt and jeans, leaving just my boxers, and slid under the covers beside her.

Almost immediately, she turned toward me, her arm draping over my chest, her body snuggling against mine like she'd been doing it for years.

I pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her. The weight of the day, the exhaustion from the night shoot, crashed over me suddenly.

But with Clara in my arms, a strange peace settled over me. I closed my eyes, letting sleep claim me with a satisfaction I hadn't felt in longer than I could remember.

---

I was pulled from deep sleep by movement and a soft whimper.

"Let me go!"

Clara was twisting against my arms, her voice panicked.

I groaned, tightening my hold and pulling her closer to my chest.

My brain was still foggy with sleep, but I knew one thing: I didn't want her to leave.

"Don't move," I murmured, my voice rough with sleep.

She went rigid in my arms, her breathing stopping for a moment before resuming in quick, shallow pants.

"Andrei... Andrei!" Her voice was hushed but insistent as she shook me.

I shifted slightly, a groan escaping my lips.

The filming schedule had been brutal, and my body desperately craved more sleep. But her soft, pleading voice was pulling me toward consciousness.

I opened my eyes halfway, loosening my grip just enough to let her move back slightly, letting her lift her face to look at me.

The morning light caught in her eyes, making them shine. Her lips were parted in surprise, a hint of pink flushing her cheeks.

"Good morning, Honey," I said, my voice husky from sleep.

""How did I end up here, in your room? Wasn't I supposed to be in the guest room? Could I possibly be sleepwalking?" A flicker of trepidation manifested across her visage.

I found her reaction rather amusing. "I carried you here myself, as I desired to slumber alongside you, my darling..."

Before she could respond, I leaned forward and captured her lips with mine. She froze against me, clearly shocked.

But I didn't stop. I kissed her slowly, deliberately, savoring the taste of her.

After a moment, a soft moan escaped her, and something inside me ignited.

The kiss deepened as she opened her mouth to gasp, and I took the opportunity to slide my tongue against hers, claiming her completely.

My hand moved to her thigh, gripping it firmly and pulling it over my hip, positioning myself between her legs.

I felt her breath catch as she felt my hardness press against her stomach. Her head was spinning—I could feel it in the way her body responded, melting against mine.

In one swift movement, I flipped her onto her back, pinning her hands above her head, my fingers intertwining with hers.

I held her there, pressed against the mattress, my body flush against hers.

I rocked my hips deliberately, creating friction between us that sent heat coursing through my veins.

Her eyes widened, shock and confusion flashing across her face.

She struggled against my kiss, trying to break free.

Reluctantly, I pulled back, but I didn't release her.

I hovered above her, our breaths mingling, watching her chest rise and fall rapidly.

"We... we can't do this, Andrei," she whispered, her voice trembling.