Chapter 57

**Rose POV**

"I am caging a beast that starves for you," he said, his voice low and intense.

I looked at him with wide eyes, my breath quickening. "Starving for me?" I whispered, feeling a shiver run down my spine. Something in my conscious tug and I was not in the guesthouse anymore but…

*"Don’t speak of going; don’t speak of what could be and couldn’t be; I am starving for you as you are starving for me."

"Good Lord, you look divine today." He breathed, and my knee threatened to collapse.

My heart throbbed to the point of being painful. "I cannot believe you exist; I lost myself the moment I saw you, and believe me when I say I do not wish to find myself again, but I also want so many things."What do you want?" I asked."You, if you want me too; your body, if you let me; your heart, if you think I deserve it."Xen's lips met mine again, but this time not softly but with vengeance.*

My heart pounded in my chest, the day of the wedding, it was the day of the wedding. I remember. Xen's voice brought me out.

"Yes, I'm starving for you," Xen confessed, his voice filled with a raw intensity that sent shivers down my spine. He pulled me closer to him, his desire palpable and impossible to ignore. A deep groan escaped his lips, his restraint slipping away.

"Xen!" I gasped, feeling his warm breath against my ear as his lips brushed against my skin.

"You can't tempt me like that again, Rose," he whispered huskily, his hands tracing a tantalizing path from my knees to my thighs, exploring the layers of my robes. My breathing grew shallow as desire pulsed through me. He was always attuned to my vulnerabilities, my desires.

"Xen," I said, my voice filled with longing and determination. I rested my hand on his face, feeling the roughness of his cheek against my fingertips. He caressed my face, his touch igniting a fire within me, but he held himself back. His jaw clenched, and when I looked into his eyes, a mixture of desire and internal struggle flashed across his face. My heart squeezed, but I couldn't help but smile.

"You're afraid I'll push you away," I stated, my voice filled with unwavering certainty.

"After what happened last time, with your nightmares," he replied, his voice tinged with concern.

I remembered the dark days when my mind felt shattered, haunted by nightmares and shadows that threatened to consume us. But it wasn't his fault. He was the one who anchored me, who held me together.

"I can handle it," I whispered, gently brushing his cheek with my thumb, my eyes locked with his. My heart raced with anticipation as I confessed, "I want more."

"Rose..." he warned, his voice laced with both desire and hesitation, but I could see his resolve wavering in his eyes.

"How long will you keep asking, my dear husband?" I teased, a mischievous smile playing on my lips as a warm blush colored my cheeks.

"Say it again," he demanded, his voice filled with longing.

"How long will you keep asking?" I repeated, my smile widening, my heart filled with excitement. "No, after that," he urged.

"My dear husband," I whispered, the words a gentle caress on my lips.

In that moment, I watched as his control shattered, giving way to a primal desire. In one swift motion, I found myself on his lap, then lifted into his arms and placed on the table. The objects around us crashed to the floor, but I couldn't tear my gaze away from his captivating eyes as his lips crashed onto mine. A moan escaped my lips as he left no space for restraint, his hand firmly gripping my waist. I clutched the edge of the table, his touch electrifying as his hand moved from my back to my neck. The sensation became rough, his nails sharpening against my skin as his grip tightened. I gasped into his mouth, our breath mingling in the heated exchange. One of my hands found its way to his shoulder, pulling him closer as our mouths danced in a passionate battle.

He nipped at my lips, sending a jolt of surprise and pleasure coursing through me. His tongue invaded my mouth, exploring every corner with fervor before abruptly pulling away. His eyes were dark, the silver gleaming within them. We both panted heavily, our gazes locked, and I could sense a mix of desire and uncertainty reflected in his expression. His hand shifted, the claws grazing against the wall behind me as he struggled to hold himself together.

"I can't, Rose," he moaned. "You'll never forgive me..." His tortured eyes pleaded with mine as his hands clawed at my back. I pressed myself against him and kissed him fiercely, wrapping my arms around  his neck as if to hold on forever

"Don’t stop," I pulled away. his hand moves desperately to find a purchase.

"Rose," he growled.

"What?"

"You have to remember,"

"Remember what?"

He kissed me again like he couldn’t breathe without it. His hands gripped my waist tightly; his body pressing against mine as I felt the hardness of his desire between our bodies.

I gasped and he growled, picking me up in his arms and throwing me on the bed. His breath was hard as he loomed over me with desire; my chest rose and fell with anticipation.

‘Is remembering so important? What is it I should remember? " I asked.

"Everything, I want you to remember everything and choose me,"

Why he must be so honorable? What he wants me to remember? I try to search my broken memories, what did I ask of him? It is there a minute away but at the same time, I can’t reach it. Would I truly regret this? I look into his eyes.

"I don’t know what is it that is stopping you, but right now I am here and it is my will, I want you to stop fighting with yourself,"

He held my face in his hand and pressed his forehead to me. He closes his eyes, and his chest rises and falls rapidly.

"I have told you, Rose, Don’t tempt me," and his eyes snap open, and his eyes darken.