Chapter 35 In His Arms, Out of Reach
BELLA
I knew what he was capable of as he walked toward me, his eyes dark with intent. My heart raced as he came closer, standing right in front of me. I met his gaze, pleading silently, but he ignored my look, his expression unreadable.
“Babe, hope nobody’s stressing you,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear. The room grew tense as his words echoed, drawing all eyes to us. I swallowed hard, wishing he wouldn’t make a scene. David was bossy, sure, but showing it off here, in front of everyone it wasn’t what I wanted.
I felt my pulse quicken, wondering if he was about to do something unpredictable.
He reached out, took my hand firmly, and with a commanding glance around, he announced, “I’m sorry, guys, but I need my woman with me right now.” His tone was final, almost daring anyone to object. A few people looked away, unsure, while others exchanged shocked glances. Only Elowen, my friend, beamed at me from across the room, her eyes sparkling with approval.
Then Sharon sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “No way… you can’t be Mr. Copperfield’s wife.”
Elowen didn’t hesitate, snapping back, “And why not?”
“Because she’s a slut,” Sharon shot back, her words like venom.
David’s face hardened, anger radiating from him as he crossed the room in two long strides. Sharon’s smug expression faltered, her confidence melting under his furious gaze. She took a step back as he loomed over her, his voice like steel. “If you ever call my wife that again, I’ll make sure you regret it.” Sharon’s face turned ashen, her bravado gone.
He returned to me, taking my hand with surprising gentleness, and led me outside. My heart pounded, a mix of shock and relief flooding over me. Despite the scene he’d made, I felt a strange warmth, a sense of safety in his presence. He’d stood up for me, protected me.
In the car, I turned to him, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why did you come?”
He shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. “I was in the area. Thought I’d stop by when I saw one of my bodyguards and figured you might be here.” His tone was casual, but his eyes betrayed him. He’d come for me, and we both knew it.
A blush crept onto my cheeks, and I quickly looked out the window, catching the driver’s amused smile in the rearview mirror. I bit my lip, feeling oddly shy.
When we reached home, I started to climb out of the car, but David caught my hand, pulling me gently back toward him. His voice softened, his eyes holding mine. “I’m sorry, Bella. I never meant to hurt you. I promise, I’ll never do it again.”
The sincerity in his words sent a jolt through me, and before I could think, I leaned forward, pressing my lips to his. The kiss was soft, uncertain, but he responded immediately, deepening it until I felt myself melt against him. His hand slipped to the small of my back, drawing me closer, filling me with warmth and longing.
“David… we’re still in the car,” I whispered, breathless. But he didn’t let go. His lips moved down my neck, leaving a trail of heat that made me shiver. His hands moved, tentative but insistent, sending tingles down my spine. My breath hitched as he pulled me onto his lap, his touch igniting every nerve.
“David… please,” I managed, feeling myself lost in him. His hand slipped beneath my blouse, his fingers trailing fire along my skin. He paused, looking into my eyes.
“Can I?” he asked softly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
I nodded, unable to speak, feeling my heart race with anticipation. But just as suddenly, he leaned back, a playful smirk on his face.
“Put your clothes back on,” he murmured.
I blinked, trying to process what he’d just said, my cheeks heating with confusion and frustration. He’d left me breathless, only to pull away? I wanted to ask him what he was thinking, but my phone rang, breaking the spell.
With shaking hands, I answered. “Hello?”
“Miss Bella, this is the hospital,” a voice said urgently. “Your father’s been admitted to the emergency room. We need your signature before we can proceed with any treatment.”
The phone slipped from my fingers as panic surged through me. The world around me blurred, my heart pounding with fear.