The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 262: Possibility

Chapter 262: Possibility

The moment they got into their room, Matteo locked his grip on her arm and pulled her toward him and wrapped her in his arms, cradling her face against his shoulder.

"I’m sorry," He whispered against her head, squeezing her tenderly. "I should’ve known that you would not like my gift."

"It’s not that I don’t like it," she spoke in a muffled voice. He released her head, allowing her to pull back and look at him. This time, there was no vexation in her gaze, only something he recognized all to well—and it sent an arrow right through his chest, as he knew there would be absolutely no way for him to reciprocate it.

"Then what is it?"

"I did not like what you did at the restaurant. I don’t mind wearing it at other places, I also don’t mind you turning it on at other places, but in such a sophisticated place, where there was every risk of me getting kicked out for simply using my cutlery the wrong way," when she made the statement, he let out an involuntary giggle, attracting an ’I’m serious’ look from her. He rose his hand over his head and apologized, and then she continued.

"What I’m trying to say is—it felt kind of embarrassing going through that in such a place. I’ve never been to such a place. That’s why it surprised me when the car pulled up at such a place.

When she’d finished her confession, he wrapped his arms around her once again, and squeezed her while he spoke. "I know what I must do then."

"And what is that?" She asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"I’ll simply have to make sure that you experience everything before I take you on such a thrill."

"What?!" She exclaimed loudly, nudging herself out of his grip. "Is that what you got from everything I just said?" Her voice was laced with disbelief as she beheld him with eyes that clearly said ’you are unbelievable.’

"Why? Is it such a bad thing?" He asked innocently.

Her gaze wavered as she looked around, struggling to get her thoughts back in line. "I mean, no, it’s really not a bad thing, but—"

"Hey, hey, Stella, look at me," He whispered, bringing his palms to cup her face. She allowed him to do it, walking closer into his arms.

"It’s not a bad thing to let yourself enjoy the pleasures that fate has allowed you to see." His voice was unusually soothing, she could almost sense the care and affection he always wanted to show to her. "I don’t know what your life was like, for you to think of things like this as such a big deal, but I will make sure you see all of it. I’m simply happy to have you by my side. That’s all that truly matters to me. It doesn’t really matter what I have to do to make sure it remains that way, but I will—always, try my best to make sure of it."

The moment he was finished, she let the smile that she’d been holding in spread across her lips.

"Why? Did I say something funny?" He asked in a voice laced with a hint of sadness.

"No, no," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning even further into his hold. "It’s just, I never thought this would happen. You sound a lot like someone who’s trying to please his girlfriend."

The moment she made the statement, his expression of joy faltered almost completely, replaced with one of foreboding.

"Hey, I’m just kidding, I know how that can get on your nerves." She mumbled against his nape, placing a soft kiss on his collarbone and resting her face against his chest. However, what happened inside her was a different thing entirely. She was never into the agreement that they made, but there was no way to avert what had been done. So, she would have to endure whatever came her way.

"You’ll be alright," His voice came suddenly, filling the silence that had suddenly enveloped them. "We will both be alright." He concluded, hoisting her in his arms and making his way toward the bed.

"Where are we going?"

"Don’t you want to take it out anymore?"

"Take what out? Oh my goodness..."

"You forgot, didn’t you?" He asked, utterly surprised. He settled her onto the bed and pushed the split of her gown to the other side, gently nudging her legs apart.

"Mat – please, wait," She stammered.

"Don’t tell me you wish to take it out yourself. I won’t allow it. I put it there, I am in a position to bring it back out." He said in a low, raspy voice. "Now, sit back and enjoy the ride, because it’s going to be slippery."

*******

The trip ended just when things had begun to get interesting. Stella was left with a sort hollowness when she had to return back to her home. However, during the journey, Matteo had assured her that she could return back to his home if she wanted. In spite of her unwilling refusal, he had gone on to explain to her just how homey his place had grown to be since she got in. She had stared at him with disbelief etched on her features and stated plainly that he was never with her when he came back home, so, it sounded like the wrong thing to say. With a laugh, he had chuckled and stated once again that all he was trying to say was she was at a liberty to return to his place and spend as long as she wanted.

However, as the prospect surged in her mind, she began to feel like an impostor. Somehow, in the midst of searching for a way to get a job, she had gotten more than enough for a life of luxury—and more, a relationship with the one person she had always had feelings for.

"What’s going through your mind?" Matteo asked calmly, bringing his hand to rest on hers. She turned to behold him, and as she’d expected, his expression was filled with tenderness. She smiled knowingly. There was every possibility of love after all.