Chapter 23 23
|| Author Pov ||
Tristian stepped into the garden and his eyes immediately found Alice.
She was lost in her thoughts. Her delicate features had softened in the morning light. The moment she noticed him, her body stiffened and her heartbeat raced uncontrollably.
Tristian’s presence was commanding. His tall frame and striking features were impossible to ignore.
He approached her with graceful, deliberate steps without looking away from her face. Alice looked up, caught in the intensity of his stare. Just seeing him brought back fragments of last night, fragments she both wanted and didn’t want to remember.
“Give me your hand, angel.” Tristian demanded in a voice edged with that unmistakable authority.
Alice’s eyes darted around the garden. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before slowly extending her hand. Tristian’s fingers wrapped around hers, and he brought her small hand to his lips, pressing a soft possessive peck on the back of it.
Alice instinctively tried to pull back. Her cheeks heated. “W-what are you doing? Someone might see.” she whispered.
Tristian’s lips curved into a dark, amused smirk. “Let them.”
In a heartbeat, he swept her up in his arms, holding her bridal-style. Alice’s eyes widened in shock and she gasped, glancing around to see if anyone was nearby.
Her heart pounded and Tristian’s steady gaze met hers. “Relax, angel.” he said in a deceptively calm tone. “You’re safe with me.”
Alice felt a strange warmth in her chest, a mix of fear and longing as he carried her across the back of the garden.
Alice clasped his neck tightly, holding on as if he was her anchor. When they reached the secluded shed at the back of the mansion, somewhere private and hidden from eyes, Tristian finally set her down.
Alice, being much shorter than him, felt tiny against his towering frame.
Tristian gently pressed her against the wall, caging her between his arms. His presence was overwhelming and oddly comforting.
“How are you feeling now?”
Alice glanced away, pouting slightly. “Good.” she murmured with the faintest hint of stubbornness in her tone.
Tristian’s eyes darkened and he licked his lips, finding her small gestures irresistibly tempting.
He studied her carefully before asking again. His voice edged with concern. “Did you bleed again? It was your first time. I was worried.”
Alice finally met his gaze. Her wide, innocent eyes reflected both trust and vulnerability. “No. I’m okay. Just a little sore.” she admitted quietly.
Tristian wrapped his right arm around her waist, pulling her just slightly closer. The garden around them swayed gently in the morning breeze and the soft wind teased Alice’s silky hair.
“You look so beautiful, angel.” Tristian pressed a smooth kiss to her forehead.
Alice scowled, pouting slightly. “You’re so bad. You were teasing me during breakfast.”
Tristian chuckled in a deep amused sound. “You’re too tempting to resist.” he murmured, his dark eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her heart skip.
Their gazes locked. Alice’s breath hitched and she couldn’t help but glance down at his lips. Tristian noticed. A smirk curled at the edges of his mouth. He leaned down slowly and captured her lips in a gentle kiss.
Tristian groaned softly into her mouth. His lips devoured hers with an intensity that made Alice’s heart race. She tasted sweeter than anything he had ever imagined. His hand traced along her back, sending shivers through her.
Alice tried to match his rhythm, but Tristian was dominant. She couldn't match his pace but she loved how his lips felt against hers.
“Mmm–” she whimpered in desire.
At her small, teasing signal, Tristian pulled back slightly, panting, his forehead resting against hers. “Damn… you taste like heaven. I can’t get enough of you!” he rasped in a voice full of need.
Without another word, he slammed his mouth back onto hers, reclaiming her lips with an urgency that made her knees weaken.
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On the other hand—
Nick stood before the mirror in the hotel room, adjusting his collar. Behind him, Arya wrapped her arms around his from behind. Her touches were light but possessive.
“You’re leaving early, Nick.” she murmured.
Nick straightened his tie with a sigh. “You know how it is, babe. I’ve got to attend the office too, or my brother will sue me, I swear.” His lips twisted in a scowl.
Arya’s brows furrowed. Her jaw tightened, teeth grinding. She hated hearing him talk about Tristian like that. She wanted Nick to be the one in control, the one with power, authority and dominance over everything, including his brother.
Sensing her silence, Nick turned slightly. “What’s wrong, babe?”
Arya immediately composed herself. Her features softened into an innocent smile. “Nothing.” she said sweetly, stepping around to face him.
Her eyes flickered with something darker. “When are you going to divorce her?”
Nick froze. His hands fell to his sides. His eyes fell in the mirror’s reflection.
Hesitation.
“Let’s not talk about that right now, Arya.” Nick uttered in a clipped tone. “You know my mother wouldn’t take it easily. If it were that simple, I wouldn’t have had to marry in the first place.”
Arya looked at him with a dark expression, clearly displeased. She glanced away, muttering under her breath “Your mother is the culprit behind all these problems-”
“Arya!” Nick raised his voice “Remember, she’s my mother. You don’t get to disrespect her.”
Arya rolled her eyes. “Whatever.” she mumbled, turning away from him.
Nick sighed and stepped forward, wrapping his arms around her from behind. “Don’t be angry, babe.” he murmured against her shoulder. “You know I’m under a lot of pressure. I can’t think straight. You understand me, right, love? You don’t have to worry about the divorce. I’ll handle it soon. Just give me some time, please?”
Arya exhaled heavily. Her expression was dull and emotionless but behind that façade, something dark flickered in her eyes.
\------------
Amanda clasped Alice’s hands between hers. The two sat together in her bedroom. The quiet air filled with the warmth of a mother’s concern.
“My darling, I finally get a moment alone with you. Tell me, how is Nick treating you?” Amanda said, brushing a strand of hair from Alice’s face.
Alice froze for a second. Her throat tightened. She couldn’t bring herself to meet her mother’s eyes. Amanda playfully raised an eyebrow at her daughter’s silence. But Alice’s eyes seemed distant, lost somewhere else entirely.
“Alice?” Amanda’s voice softened. “What are you thinking about, dear?” Amanda then chuckled softly. “Why so quiet? Don’t tell me marriage made you forget how to speak.”
Alice forced a small smile, though her heart felt heavy. “N-no, Mom. It’s nothing like that. He treats me well. And my mother-in-law, she’s really sweet to me. She’s so caring.”
Amanda nodded with a smile, but something in Alice’s tone made her blink. “I’m glad to hear that.”
Alice looked down at their joined hands. Her smile faltered for just a moment.
“Look, I made sure you’d be happy, my heart.” Amanda said softly, “I’ve known Martha since we were young. I’ve always believed her son would never disappoint you. But if he ever hurts you, promise me you’ll come to me. Your happiness is all I want. If you’re happy, I’m happy.” She smiled warmly and patted Alice’s cheek.
Alice’s chest felt heavy all of a sudden. The warmth of her mother’s touch only made the ache deeper. She nodded quietly. Her eyes glistened and she forced a small, sad smile.
“Yes, Mom. But–”