Chapter 39
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Strangely, after the kiss, they were still tangled together longer than expected. His release was still very warm inside her, leaving her spent and exposed. Reluctantly, Gabriel slid out of her, his body still hard, his breath heavy. He looked down at her with a fresh hunger burning in his green eyes, but then, he looked worried for Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn
some reason.
“We need to eat,” he said, his own words surprising him. “I have plans for later, and we won’t last without food.” He tried to make his voice light, but the tenderness under it made Isla’s chest ache.
Isla could barely move; her limbs trembled as a result of their love making. Her mind tried to gather itself, skimming back to their very first night together. That memory had always been a blur. She was drugged and couldn’t remember much. But she knew it was nothing like this. Nothing close to the heat she felt now.
Her eyes widened a little when she realized Gabriel was still watching her. Heat rose to her cheeks and she felt the usual flush of embarrassment. He smiled at her, a real smile that lit his face and softened everything about him.
“You’re beautiful,” he murmured, settling himself between her thighs on his knees. His voice was so gentle.‘ Stay like this. Just for me p>
Her gaze slid down and landed on his manhood. He was still very hard. A careless thought floated into her mind. If he was still like this, it means that he wanted more. “Are we … Still doing this?” she asked, breathless and surprised at how bold she sounded.
Gabriel’s smile deepened. “We’re only getting started,” he said. “But first, we need to eat.” Then, with a small laugh, he rose and disappeared into the bathroom p>
As soon as he left, Isla let out a soft, embarrassed giggle. The moment felt impossible, unreal and surprising. Since their wedding night, they had never shared a bed. Before now, they had never shared anything real and raw. But now, everything feels different. He had touched her in a way that warmed and frightened her.
Gabriel returned with soft wipes in his hand and a careful look in his eyes. He climbed back onto the bed and again parted her legs, cleaning her up. He was so gentle as he wiped away the traces of their lovemaking. He was being so careful not to leave a bruise on her. The tenderness of it surprised Isla so deeply that tears sprang to her
eyes.
How could he be so gentle? In the space of a few hours, he had shifted from being distant to being devoted. And from cold to warm. This side of him still felt unreal to her. He leaned back when he finished and looked down at her with a soft smile.
“You’re clean now,” he said, voice warm. “Come on. Let’s eat p>
He helped her from the bed, taking her hand and guiding her to stand. Her legs wobbled and he caught her, his arms steady around her waist. He teased gently, a little breathless laugh escaping him. “I haven’t even done much to you and you can hardly stand?” His amusement made her blush again. Her cheeks changed colour in an instant and it made him grin.
He drew her closer, fingers tangling in the long silk of her hair, his thumb brushing her cheek. “You are so beautiful, my love,” he said softly. “I have always known you were beautiful–even when we were friends. You have no idea what it’s been like to stay back. To restrain myself from touching you like this was not easy.” 1
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Isla felt the words like a warm hand on her heart. Tears spilled quietly down her face as she rested her head against his chest. She could feel the steady thud of his heartbeat under her ear, and it was soothing. She wrapped her arms around him, holding on as tightly as she could.
Gabriel hugged her back with so much gentleness. He pressed his lips to the top of her head and let his chin rest in her hair. “Let’s make this marriage work,” he whispered. “I want it to, Isla. Help me make it work p>
She nuzzled closer, pressing into him as if anchoring herself. Her voice was small but it was enough. “Yes,” she breathed. “I’ll try. I want it too p>
Both of them hoped for a better future. Isla thought that this could only be in her dream and she hoped never to wake up from that dream. As long as she can be with him this way. This dream should never end.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.