The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 237: As always

Chapter 237: As always

With her so close, her presence and meek nature gave him a glimmer of hope, a cursed feeling that pushed him to give in just one more time. Every interaction, every moment pulled him further to the edge of giving in. But the claws of fear that the past might repeat itself gripped him tightly, threatening to suffocate any budding feelings he had for her – and failing woefully.

He had a terrible need to see her again, as though some invisible power would spirit her away before he returned, each day went by like that. In the six days that she’d spent with him, he had stayed back home four days. However, each time, he’d lock himself up in his study. A very cowardly behavior for a man known for his daring nature.

He slammed his fist on the desk and sprang to his feet, once again giving in to the emotions that haunted him.

***

Matteo returned to the mansion still plagued by the turmoil of his conflicting emotions. The doors parted open and he stepped in to find a warm glow emanating from the dining room. With silent steps, he made his way to the area. His eyes widened as he took in the scene before him.

Stella, clad in nothing save his t-shirt welcomed him with a smile that lured him toward her.

She had transformed the space into a romantic haven, a haven meant just for the two of them. Soft candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows in the space around them, and on her enchanting features.

"Good evening, Matteo. I made dinner." She whispered seductively, gesturing at the arrangement before her.

The table had two elegant table mats placed at right angles to each other, delicate rose petals scattered across the surface. The air carried the aroma of a sumptuous home-cooked meal that tortured his nostrils – some type of chicken salad laced with a scent of grilled vegetables.

He stood there, momentarily stunned as his gaze traveled over every thoughtful detail she had put into creating the enchanting ambiance. The sight tugged at the frayed edges of his resistance, but it was not the dinner that made him lose his speech.

Now, more than every other day, Stella radiated a different type of energy. Her wound had healed significantly, allowing her more movement. Somehow, she had taken advantage of her energy and made herself even more breathtaking.

She was not so different from the other days that he saw her. But something about the way the flames danced on her features made her look even more enchanting than normally.

The shirt left no detail of her form to his imagination as she leaned slightly against the edge of the table, giving ample view to the curve of her perfectly shaped hip. The sight of her, standing there innocently amidst the romantic backdrop she had crafted, took Matteo’s breath away.

This time, he was very sure that his control would give way.

Suddenly, she straightened up, her expression falling to one of sadness.

"You don’t like it?" She asked in a voice laced with a subtle hint of hurt.

"No, Stella – I love it." He replied in a husky tone that relayed bits of his emotions. More than anything, he wanted to wrap his arms around her, revel in the feel of her soft body against his. And then she smiled, the simple gesture caused a part of his doubt to give way to the hope that he had struggled hard to keep elusive.

Like one in a trance, he lowered his bag to the floor and walked toward the already pulled out chair that was opposite where she stood. What if it was a trance, he wasn’t about to let the moment escape him.

He took his seat and then she rounded the table, going to where he was, and opened the dish set before him.

The familiar scent of his cologne filled his senses, intoxicating him with something close to opium. It was his, that much was clear. However, knowing it came from her made his need even more palpable. He rose his gaze to her while she went about her business setting the table for him.

When she was finished, she settled into her seat directly across from him.

"Why’d you do it?" The question came so unexpected that Stella replaced her cutlery and looked up at him.

"I wanted to express my gratitude for everything."

"Everything?" Matteo teased, wanting to ease the tension that was fast materializing in the atmosphere around them.

"I’m serious," She insisted, looking directly into his eyes. "You’ve allowed me to spend all this time with you, taking care of me, tending to my wounds, and fulfilling my every need. The least I can do to show my appreciation for your kindness is... this."

Her words tugged at his heartstrings, causing his chest to ache strangely. It was as if tonight, she was set on reaching the deepest reserves of his heart, triggering his sympathy and something else that he never thought himself capable of.

He went back to his meal, donning a rakish smile that Stella found quite unusual, since it was uncommon. And at impulse, she was moved to say something she would never have dared to say two weeks ago.

"You look very handsome tonight," She refused to look up from her plate, scared of the look of disapproval she might attract from her comment. There was silence, very palpitating silence that threatened to drive her to madness. She wanted him to say something, good or bad – even if it’s just a word.

"You’re a stunning as always."

As always?!

She lifted her gaze from her plate, her expression a mix of astonishment and joy. She half expected him to abruptly rise from his seat and storm off in anger, but to think that he would bestow a compliment – a rare gift she hadn’t anticipated.

"Thank you, she whispered, her voice barely an audible whisper as she reached for her wine glass and took a sip. Her face flushed with heat, and she desperately sought an excuse to divert his attention from her visible reaction.

Matteo smiled knowingly, revealing a glimpse of what he looked like in his teenage days. It excited her merely to gaze upon, but it also stirred a longing within her, igniting a desire to discover how the rest of him might affect her.

"Now, you’re making it quite obvious," he spoke again, his voice slicing through her thoughts and pulling her back to the present.

"What?" She responded, clearly startled from the sudden invasion.

"You can’t seem to take your eyes off me now," his tone, gruff and sudden, possessed an exotic quality that caused her stomach to knot. She never imagined his voice alone could wield such a potent effect on her. Suddenly, she yearned to explore how the rest of him would intertwine with her own desires.

But were such lustful thoughts permitted for someone like her over someone like him? Each time she dared to hope, her expectations were met with uncertainty, leaving her unfulfilled.

"Oh, my apologies," she whispered timidly, reaching once more for her glass. However, as she extended her hand to grasp the stem, he intercepted her, enclosing her hand in his. Despite her reddened face, she couldn’t help raising her gaze to meet his.

"Matteo," she whispered his name.

"You’re safe with me, Stella. Don’t shy away from me, is that okay?" he requested. His calm and thoughtful words evoked tears in her eyes.

"Okay."

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