The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 249: Staring

Chapter 249: Staring

Matteo sat in the living area, sprawling over the couch for a little shut eye since he wasn’t able to get any the previous night. Every moment with Stella was just filled with triggers from all parts of him. Somehow, it made him feel more alive. But other times, it stressed him the hell out.

It was almost hard to go a day without thinking about how much better life would be if he could just give in to the idea of making her his own. But there is no way to make that happen, as the fear of his past would just make him too overbearing.

But what harm was there in simply giving into one’s pleasures?

Stella, on the other hand, made her way toward the bedroom, completely shunning of the fact that there was something she could do to make all of this discomfort go away. He clearly did not want anything to do with her except work and sex. If she could just shut out her feelings, she would definitely be able to go on with a smooth life with him.

But there was just too much emotions told up for him. seeing him every day only kindled her need to make him feel the love that he detested so much. And it hurt her – and she would let it continue.

Do I like the pain?

She was forced to question herself, because, it seemed like spending so much time being blackmailed and abused triggered some sort of kink for pain, it was almost hilarious think about but it did make sense.

But she would not let this go on. The sooner they address all of this, the better working relationship there will be for them. With that, she got to her feet and walked into the living space where she saw him laying down.

She had taken off her shoes so her footsteps were almost non-existent in the expanse of space. She walked up to him, hovering just above his head. She studied his features with his eyes closed. And through the hood of professionalism and maturity, she could almost see the little boy that he once was. When he’s asleep, his features are relaxed and facial expressions are almost nonexistent. He’s in his rawest form, and it was the most beautiful version of him that she’d set her eyes on.

"Am I that good looking?" He asked suddenly, Rousing her from her line of thought And causing her to jerk backward.

"My God, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t know you were awake." She replied, holding her palm to her chest.

He sprang up to a sitting position and draped an arm over the backrest of the sofa, turning to face her where she stood.

"Come closer," he whispered. And she complied.

"You were smiling while looking at me," He added with humour in his tone. she had been so carried away staring at him that she did not realise she was actually smiling.

"How do you know that?"

"I saw you through my eyelids."

"They were closed," she replied defensively.

"Oh, so admit you were watching me," He added accusingly, chuckling lightly as he held out his hand to her.

"Take my hand," He said, his eyes peering into hers attempting to charm her into obedience. But this time, she did not comply. She stood her ground, maintaining the few feet of distance between them.

Matteo sensed her hesitation and lowered his hand.

"Tell me," he stated plainly. She closed her eyes and sighed in resignation, there was no going back this time. She would see the conversation to the end and come to a decision about what she should do with her feelings. Even though the answer was clear, she wanted him to solidify it in her mind – to save her from wavering once again.

"You cannot give me what I want. So, as much as you do not want to have anything to do with me, I clearly do not want the same."

"Your body says otherwise." He replied, reaching forward and seizing her arm in a firm grip.

"But my heart says a different story entirely," she replied, holding her breath and preventing herself from saying anything further – anything that she would later regret.

And for a long time, in her entire life, she thanked her self-control for saving her from the most embarrassing moments of her life. For after her declaration, Matteo released her arm and leaned away from her, saying, "I just can’t give you what you want... I’m too broken for you."

After a long bout of silence, Mateo who was looking away the entire time turned to meet her eyes. never in his lifetime of knowing stellar did he imagine that he would see such cold rebound in their depths. They were void of emotion, and it was all because of him. He felt a pang of pain course through his heart, knowing that he was somehow impacting the cold interior of him into her. And because of the feelings that she had for him, she could not help embracing it.

I need a warm bath.

She thought to herself as the hurt replaced blood, coursing through her.

"I see." She stated simply, making her way toward the bathroom.

While she walked, she hoped that he would call her back. She hoped that he would say he wanted more of her, and that she was the answer to all of the questions that lurked in his mind – but none of that came, and she was forced to accept the fact that he was not the one for her.

She had still not found her true love.

"Stella," The mode at which her heart welcomed the sound of her name from his mouth was alarming. She felt as though a dead weight had been lifted, and with a dramatic twist, like in the movies, she turned on her heels to face him, all form of hurt gone from her eyes.

"Yes?"

Matteo was driven to self loathing at her sorry display of pretending everything was well when she was obviously hurt. But what more was there to do then to obey her wish?

"Get yourself ready, we will be attending a business dinner tonight... courtesy of Mr. Gerald." He said, getting to his feet and making his way out of the room, leaving her in a dazed state.

Oh, silly me. Of course his mind is made up. And why did he need to mention that last bit?!