Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty
Aurora’s POV

The sun was dipping lower, painting the horizon in streaks of pink and orange when Conan and I decided to retire to the poolside of the villa.

Conan’s arm was draped over the back of my chair, his thumb brushing lazily over my shoulder. I leaned into him, melting at how natural it all felt.

It doesn’t feel like we’ve been ignoring each other for months but like we’v been doing this for years.

A question I've been wanting to ask since we got married suddenly crossed my mind.

“Why did you marry me?” I asked suddenly.

His hand stilled. He turned his head toward me, his eyes unreadable for a moment. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes,” I said firmly, hugging my knees. “Tell me.”

He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. 

“My grandfather practically raised me and my sister. My father… he left us when we were young after his divorce with my mother,” the expression on his face made me wish I had not asked the question in the first place, but we need to know these things about each other. 

“He left my mother, my sister, and me for Lucas’s mum who was just his assistant at the time.” His jaw flexed. “And before that, he used to hit my mother and abuse her at any chance he would get. When she finally divorced him, she lost custody to us because she couldn’t afford a competent lawyer. My grandfather stepped in. He was everything. Strict, but fair. He made me the I am today. Sometimes, I find it hard to believe that he raised my father too.”

I listened quietly, my chest aching for him.

“When my grandfather got diagnosed withChronic pulmonary disease,” he continued, his voice dropped lower. “His last wish was to see me married and… have a child. I didn’t want him to go to his grave without seeing that. So yeah, that’s why I rushed into this, I’m sorry.”

I swallowed, fighting the lump in my throat. “Dont apologize. You didn’t do this out of greed or selfishness, you did this because you love your grandfather and you are grateful for everything he did for you.”

His eyes softened. “You know, my biggest fear is turning out like my father. To become cold, abusive and walk away from the people who depend on me.”

“You’re nothing like him, Conan,” I whispered, grabbing his hand. “You’re more of a man than he could ever dream of being.”

For the first time, I saw his lips twitch into a small, almost shy smile.

I rolled my eyes and added, “And honestly, If he left your mum for Lucas’s mum? That’s a downgrade if I ever heard one.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You really don’t hold back, do you?”

“Not with you, and I am practically in love with your mum.”

“Really, what about me?”

“Hmm,’ I pretended to think. “I don’t think you can have that yet,” I said, giggling at the look of betrayal on his face.

That was all it took for him to pull me onto his lap and all of a sudden I wasn't laughing again.

My robe slipped slightly off my shoulder, and his lips found the exposed skin instantly.

“Conan…” I breathed, clutching his shirt.

“Do you know what you do to me?” he murmured against my neck.

I shivered. “No, I don't. Tell me.”

He kissed a path up my jaw. “You make me lose control. Every time you look at me, every time you talk back. Every time you breathe, I can’t help but want you.”

I tilted my head back, my body arching closer to him. “Really.”

Our mouths met again, hungrier this time. His hands slid up my thighs under the robe, spreading heat through me. My fingers tangled in his hair, tugging when his tongue teased mine. He groaned into my mouth, and the sound shot straight through me.

“Inside,” he muttered, standing with me still in his arms.

I laughed breathlessly. “You really like carrying me everywhere, don’t you?”

“It keeps you where I want you,” he said, pushing open the bedroom door with his foot.

He laid me down on the bed, hovering over me. His eyes scanned me like he was memorizing everything. I suddenly felt shy under the intensity, tugging my robe tighter.

“Don’t hide from me,” he said firmly, pulling it open again. “Every inch of you is mine and beautiful. Don’t you dare doubt that.”

I bit my lip. “You mean that?”

“More than I’ve meant anything in my life.”

The robe slipped off, and I felt the air prickle over my skin. He lowered himself, kissing me slowly this time, each press of his lips deep and unhurried. His hands framed my face like I was fragile, but the heat in his kiss betrayed just how badly he wanted me.

“Conan…” I gasped, clutching him closer as our bodies pressed together.

“You’re mine, Aurora,” he whispered against my lips. “Tonight, tomorrow, always.”

I tangled my fingers in his hair and kissed him back, giving in completely.