Chapter 44 New Plans
Chapter 44 New Plans
Aellorah
“The gala?” I repeated, considering the suggestion. “Will your parents be there?” I asked nervously. I knew they were major contributors to the university; it was probable they would attend. Max and I had publicly announced our engagement, and I hadn’t even met his parents. What if they didn’t approve of me?
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Max’s features at my question, a sobering reminder for both of us that familial complexities came with every relationship. Max exhaled slowly, his expression softening as he turned to face me fully.
“Yeah, my parents will probably be there,” he admitted, voice tinged with a hint of apprehension. “But I don’t want you to worry about trying to impress them, baby. They know I can make my own decisions, and I chose you.”
Max cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing reassuringly against my cheek as he looked into my eyes. “Just stick with me tonight. We’ll charm the pants off everyone, including my folks.”
“I love you, Max,” I whispered, smiling as I nuzzled his shoulder. “I spent so much of my life being afraid. Afraid to let anyone in, afraid of people seeing the real, damaged person I am… and you just… came right in and flipped my whole world upside down.”
Max’s breath hitched, and he pulled me into a gentle embrace. “Baby, I love you, too. You have no idea how much,” he breathed, voice filled with heartfelt emotion. “Afraid? Of what? Of whom?” His grip tightened subtly as he looked into my eyes, his own blazing with protectiveness. “Let me tell you something, Princess—there’s nothing for you to be afraid of anymore. Not when you’ve got me by your side.”
And I believed him. For the first time in my life, I truly felt like a happy ending was within reach. “I’ll help shield you from anything in this world that might hurt you or bring you down. Because you’re mine, Aellorah, and I’m yours, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy.” A tender kiss was pressed to the top of my head as Max continued, his words pouring out in a passionate flood. “I love you—more than anything. And tonight, we’re going to show everyone what it’s like to be us. To be fearless, unstoppable, utterly devoted to each other.”
“Kiss me,” I whispered, affection swelling in my chest as I tilted my head back and offered him my lips. As his mouth met mine, I lifted the phone and snapped one more picture of us, trying to commemorate the small piece of heaven we’d carved out in that moment.
Max
The moment Aellorah’s lips parted, I lost myself in the warmth and sweetness of her mouth. My tongue swiped across the soft, inviting terrain, delving deeper, claiming her with possessive hunger. “Mine,” I growled against her mouth, a declaration of ownership as I weaved my fingers into her hair, pressing her down into the grass. “You’re mine, Aellorah, in every way that matters.”
I deepened the kiss, passion building between us until it threatened to consume everything in its path. My free hand roamed her curves, mapping the contours of her body with reverent touches, trying to memorize every inch of her. “We should probably get going soon, since we still have so much to do,” I breathed against her lips, reluctantly breaking the kiss. “But first…”
My fingers brushed against hers as I pulled up the pictures she had taken, sending them to myself. “How about we make sure these pictures get out there?” I flashed her my usual cocky grin. “After all, I’m the king of this castle—and you’re my queen.”
I saved all three pictures: us, the ducks, and our intimate kiss. Tagging Aellorah, I posted them on Instagram with the caption, “Every princess needs a man who will help her become a queen.”
As I typed and posted, a thrill of excitement coursed through my veins. I couldn’t wait to see the reactions, to watch the campus buzz with news of our blossoming relationship.
“That’s perfect, Stonehall,” Aellorah sighed happily. “You know just what to say to capture our story.”
In less than a minute, my phone began to vibrate. An endless stream of notifications flooded my device. With a smile, I began liking some of the comments and dismissing messages. “Looks like the whole school is dying to meet their new favorite power couple,” I told her with delight. “I think it’s time we make an official appearance, baby, don’t you?”
Standing, I offered Aellorah my hand, helping her to her feet. She smiled up at me, nervousness still lingering in her eyes. I brushed a strand of golden hair from her face, my touch lingering as I gazed at her. “Everything will be fine, my love. What do you say? Ready to take Harrow Wood University by storm?”
Aellorah hesitated, her lips twisted into an uncertain grimace. “Because once we walk into that gala,” I added, “there’s no turning back. We’re making our mark—together.”
“It’s not that I don’t want that…” she replied anxiously. “I’m just worried about repercussions. We have to wait to hear from my mother, and who knows what my father is going to do, and—”
I silenced her with a deep, lingering kiss. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes, alright? Take every step together. Work through every hardship. I just need you to trust me.”
“I do trust you,” she replied earnestly, her smoky eyes meeting mine with resolve.
“Good. I want you to give Hayden the key to your dorm, then,” I told her.
“Why?” Aellorah’s brows knitted in confusion.
“Because you’re coming back to the house with me,” I said. “He’ll take your phone, too. We’re going to the clinic and then picking you out a new one. We’ll leave that device at your dorm. You can pick it up before classes in the morning, so Daddy Dearest doesn’t notice it hasn’t moved.”
“But—”
“No ‘buts’ baby,” I insisted. “Hayden and the guys will grab your stuff and bring it all to the house. They’ll stay together, and I’ll be with you the entire day. All I want you to focus on is the doctor, okay?”