The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 236: Distracted

Chapter 236: Distracted

"I actually feel ready to continue working. I’ve sorted my thoughts during the bath, and there’s not much left to be done." She spoke suddenly, dropping everything in a rush of words that she wished she didn’t have to utter.

The comfort of being with him could not be bared if she would not get the chance to show how much she loved and cared for him. It was too much torment having him in the same room, and what about having him make baths for her in her state?

Matteo’s gaze softened as he beheld her. He took several steps closer until he was just a few inches away from her.

His heart raced with uncertainty as he beheld the reason for his unsettled heart. He did not want to give in, but one way or the other, she knew how to trigger many things out of him – and she did it all unwillingly.

He rose his palm and cupped her face, an unconscious gesture that conveyed the way he felt inside.

"It’s important to give yourself time to heal, both physically and mentally," his words were hushed, creating an even more intimate moment that weighed his feelings for her accurately.

Stella leaned into his touch slightly, struggling to keep her eyes open. "But I won’t be doing anything except laying in bed all day. Please, allow me to do this. I will take care of any complications that may arise from exhaustion."

Matteo closed his other palm on her other cheek and completely closed the distance between them. "I told you, Stella, and I will say it again, I will take care of everything. All you have to do, is tell me. Am I clear?"

In spite of the dominance that he displayed in his attitude, his heart slammed against his chest as he gazed into her almost glowing orbs filled with unreleased desire.

Now, more than ever, he wished to swirl his tongue against hers and taste her, drink from her cauldron of lust. It seared his loins, causing painful awareness of his length pushing against his pants.

Stella’s breaths came in short gasps that caused the feeling in her chest to intensify. Her eyes had grown heavy with desire and a hunger that came from him, a hunger that she wished he would rid himself of using her. Her eyes flickered short, giving her even more courage to beckon his abandon.

"What have you done to me, Stella?" he whispered the question with ragged breaths at intervals. The tension was too much to bear, with every passing second, he lost a great amount of his will to resist.

Reluctantly, he let his palms slip down her shoulders and off her body.

Stella opened her eyes as a feeling of loss from his sudden detachment swarmed her being. She watched him stand a few feet away from her and give another directive.

"You will stay put until you’re completely healed."

In spite of her need for him, she was sane enough to know that she had a right to choice. But, his reasoning was genuine, and as much as she did not want it anymore, she needed to be around him.

It was safer having someone to attend to one’s needs, especially in a helpless condition such as she was in. Also, Beatrix had told her to let him know about anything that she needs. She was literally dependent on him – but it won’t be for long.

However, for it to be temporary, she needed to earn her paycheck. Having thought it through, she tried once more.

"I need to work, sir – Matteo. It gives me a sense of purpose, it would also serve as a distraction from everything that has happened. I need this," Her voice held an undertone of plea in it. She hoped that it would move him to acceptance.

A moment of silence passed between them while their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Finally, Matteo sighed, and with a voice gentle , yet, firm, he spoke.

"If you insist on working, even in your current state, then you’ll have to do it here. This is my take on the matter. If you will not accept it, then the initial agreement stands. Make your choice."

Stella’s gaze remained fixed on him as she processed his words. And in those few moments, she came to realize that he was the protective sort.

"We need to agree on this, I need to keep a close eye on you. So, what is it going to be?" He added impatiently.

Finally, she nodded with inevitable resignation. "I accept your condition."

***

Two weeks have gone by since their agreement, Stella settled into the routine of working from home, clearly monitored by Matteo. Her presence in the house stirred unending reactions deep within him. It was a dangerous proximity that threatened the fortress he had successfully built around his heart.

He was currently in his office, before his desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, but his mind couldn’t focus on the tasks at hand. Instead, his thoughts wandered to Stella, to her vulnerability and strength, to the walls she was unknowingly chipping away at slowly.

Anxiety became the bane of his existence as each day passed with him becoming used to her presence. Fear took residence in his mind as he recalled the painful memories of Lorena, his ex-girlfriend who had left him shattered.

In spite of the hurt that she caused by choosing an old friend over him, he remained loyal, hoping she would somehow come back to him. But he’d lost all hope when she brought a wedding invitation to his office.

Her betrayal had left a lasting scar that constantly reminded him of the devastating consequences of giving his heart away. It was hard to forget such pain, so he had sworn to protect himself from feeling again, erecting a barrier that until now, had seemed impenetrable.

And now, here was Stella, making herself the center of his existence. He did not want to imagine what his life would become like by the time she was healed – and the time was fast approaching.