Chapter 47--Going The Extra Mile
*Ryan*
I groan, my eyes fluttering open as my consciousness slowly comes to me. I shift under the soft mattress, and realise the weight that presses against my shoulder. I turn my head slowly and my eyes land on Amber, who is cushioned in my arms, breathing softly.
I stare at her sleeping peacefully, and I am captivated by how serene her face looks. My eyes catch a glimpse of her neck, and I see bite marks all over her skin. Memories of last night flood into my head and a smile tug at my lips.
It was intoxicating.
I can still feel her, the way her body pressed against mine and the way her body quacked from my touch. I bite my lips as I suppress the urge to ravish her body once more.
Stuck daydreaming about Amber, my phone begins to ring loudly, breaking me away from my thoughts. I switch my gaze to the ground, where our clothes lay, pooled around each other. I swing my legs out of bed and rummage through the pocket of my trousers, until I retrieve my phone. I look at the flashing screen and my mood install goes sour as I gaze at the number on it.
Reluctantly, I answer the call, placing the phone to my ear. “Father, Good m—“
“Ryan, where the hell are you?” he bellows, not giving me any chance to speak.
My eyes trail to Amber, who is still fast asleep. “I am at a hotel. Is there a problem?”
“How can you ask me such an obvious question?! Do not tell me you have forgotten about the board meeting we have today.”
I freeze, lips parting as his words hit me like a huge boulder. The meeting. Shit, I had totally forgotten about it. I rise from the bed, running my hands through my hair as panic set in.
“Apologies father, my mind has been preoccupied with a—“
“I do not care,” he cuts me short. “Just get here before 10 am. Do not embarrass me in front of the investors.”
Before I can speak, I hear a click, and the line goes dead. I mutter cursed underneath my breath as I turn back to amber. I pause as we make eye contact.
“Mm, good morning,” she mutters as she stretches her delicate arms.
A smile tugs at my lips as I levitate towards her. I plant a kiss on her forehead and slowly trail it down to the reddish scars I had left on her neck. Amber flinches from my touch and attempts to push me away.
“Ryan,” she mumbles.
I move away from her, letting out a throaty chuckle. “I know, I know.”
She shoots me a smile, tired smile. As I gaze at her, an idea pops into my head almost immediately.
“Amber.”
“Hm?”
“You are coming with me to the office.”
I watch as her eyes slowly go wide and I can tell that she is wide awake now. “What are you talking about?”
I rise up from the bed, taking her hand and leading her up from the bed. “Well you see, I have a meeting at the office in a few minutes with my father and some investors and I thought, what a better way to fortify my stance on our marriage, than introducing you officially at the office?”
Amber goes mute for a while, but I can see a smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “I mean, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea.”
I grin. “Good, get dressed, we’re leaving now.”
°°°°°°°
“Ryan, is this really a good idea?” Amber questions, her voice quivering slightly as she stares at the towering company building.
“Dont worry, just trust me.”
Amber gazes at me, exhaling sharply as she nods.
I take Amber’s hand in mine as we walk down the sleek, modern hallway of my company’s headquarters. The click of our shoes against the polished floor echoes through the corridor, harmonizing with the rhythm of my racing heartbeat. I can’t help but steal glances at Amber, my eyes tracing the contours of her nervous smile, and the way her dress shimmers with every step.
I had personally chosen the dress for her, a stunning emerald green that complements her eyes, flowing gracefully with every movement. It’s as if the fabric itself is enchanted, highlighting her elegance and beauty. Seeing her wear it fills me with a mix of pride and awe. She truly is a vision, and I couldn’t be more happy that she was all mine, and no one else’s.
As Amber and I stride down the hallway, the air seems charged with anticipation. The soft hum of conversations and the clicking of heels gradually fade away as all eyes turn to us. Whispers flutter through the air like delicate butterflies, mingling with the slight rustle of papers being shuffled and the gentle tap-tap of keyboards. It’s as if time slows down, amplifying the intensity of the moment.
I feel the weight of their gazes upon us, a mixture of curiosity, surprise, and judgment. Some eyes widen in admiration, while others narrow with skepticism.
Amber, however, shocks me with her outward appearance. Her poise and self-assurance radiate, drawing a few stolen glances of admiration. She walks with grace, each step imbued with confidence. It surprises me how she can conceal her nervousness so well.
As we reach the meeting room, I notice my father and the investors already seated around the large conference table. My father turns to the door, and once we lock eyes, I can’t help but smirk at his expression.
My father’s expression, usually composed and calculated, is replaced by a mixture of confusion and anger. I brace myself for the storm that’s about to hit, knowing very well the consequences of bringing Amber all the way to the office.
But I am not going to let this opportunity slip by me. This is the perfect opportunity to let my father know that nothing is going to make me let go of Amber, not even his disapproval.
The investors, usually focused on their devices or conversing in hushed tones, now turn their attention towards us, their expressions a blend of curiosity and speculation. Their eyes follow our every move, their gaze dissecting the connection between Amber and me. I can almost feel their thoughts reverberate in the silence: “Why is she here?” “Who is she and what does this mean for the company?” “Is Ryan making a mistake?”
I do not let their gaze bother me as I exhale, steeling my nerves as I speak. “Good morning, everyone,” I say, my voice steady, projecting the confidence I’ve built over the years. “I would like to introduce you all to someone very special.”
All eyes turn to Amber as I squeeze her hand gently, offering her the support she deserves. The room falls silent for a moment, the tension palpable.
“This is Amber,” I continue, my gaze lingering on her, a silent reassurance passing between us. “She is not only my partner in life but also an incredibly talented individual. I wanted you all to meet her officially as my fiancée.”