The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 280: Stalker

Chapter 280: Stalker

Stella’s earlier flushed face morphed into one of unguarded fury, brought about by her dissatisfaction from being teased. Her eyes took on a fiery flame that had come upon her almost against her will, and so, to guard herself from reacting based on, she pushed herself toward the edge of the bed.

"Where do you think you’re going?" He beckoned, seizing her arm in a firm grip and yanking her back to him.

"Let—me go, you—" she protested, bracing her limbs to flail if the need arose. But just when she was about to proceed, he cupped her face with both hands, forcing her gaze to lock with his, strangely in-depth with emotions she did not want to believe existed within him.

His brown orbs glistened with something that even a fool would recognize, a fondness that could not be denied. One that had taken root almost naturally in his depths, as if they belonged there. And for what felt like an eternity, she felt as though she was in the arms of her soulmate.

"Stella," he whispered, slipping his fingers into her locks and cupping her head once again. Her eyes fluttered shut against her will, and with a gentle nudge, he began to ease her face toward his. However, the moment was abruptly interrupted when their attention was roused by a distinct growling sound. Stella, knowing the origin of the sound, flushed bright red with embarrassment as she turned her face away from Matteo’s, wide-eyed.

"Was that," he started, amusement evidently filling his tone.

"Don’t—say it," she warned timidly.

"Oh, Ms. Rossi," Matteo moaned with a light chuckle, pulling her face close and planting a wet peck on her cheek. "We should grab something to eat."

"I think that’s a good idea." Stella admitted, pushing against his chest as she got on her feet. She let the duvet fall off her form as her embarrassment over what had just happened, took over a major part of her mind.

Just as she had taken her first step away from the bed, Matteo circled his arm around her waist and pulled her atop himself once again.

"Mat—what are you..." her protest was silenced with his tongue sinking into her depths, drinking what was left of her sanity and ridding her of any strength left to voice her denial. His tongue swirled hungrily over hers, momentarily grazing her roof and sending heated waves of enticement to the center of her arousal.

Slowly, he released her now reddened lips. "Now, go get ready." He mumbled seductively. His smug expression meshed with an innate delight as he beheld her blank expression.

That kiss would’ve given me babies... She pondered helplessly as she pushed off the bed and made her way toward the bathroom.

***

Matteo and Stella walked out of a ’whips n cream’ store, hand in hand. Stella clasped a sizeable cone swirling with a tantalizing mix of chocolate and vanilla. Though the lights above cast a soft glow, it did not provide much detail to their form, yet their closeness left no doubt about their relationship. They were indeed a couple.

Stella’s transformation since the day she seized control of her destiny was nothing short of remarkable. Once, the idea of leaving had felt like a plunge into an abyss, a path that might lead her to the bleak corners of town, a mere bum begging for release from the nightmare of her life. Yet, here she stood, radiating a newfound vitality, exuding so much confidence and a hint of affluence that enriched her aura.

Her skin had acquired a creamy hue, a testament to the care and attention she received from the man whose arms encircled her waist. Together, they playfully indulged in the towering mound of whipped cream, taking turns savoring its sweet delight. She was happy alright. The glow that reflected from her well-being was too much to deny—

You look way better than you used to be, Stella. But why do I hate it so much?!

In the shadowy confines of a car, a luminous cigarette cast an eerie glow, revealing the presence of an observer. Wisps of smoke escaped into the air, dissipating as they traced the trajectory of the scene now playing in his side mirror. Stella and Matteo were locked in an intimate embrace, their ice cream now forgotten as they sought nourishment from each other’s lips. It was a display of affection that bordered on excessive, enough to incite a sense of repulsion and a simmering desire for vengeance.

The watcher retrieved a phone, its camera lens capturing the couple with a focus on Stella’s face. Scrolling through a gallery filled with images and videos, Stella’s expressions of pleasure were prominently featured. A chilling determination emanated from the observer as a sinister plan took form.

"You stole my happiness, Stella, and now it’s time for me to steal yours."

**********

"Good morning, Ms. Gerardo," Matteo greeted the receptionist at the front desk, his demeanor unusually buoyant. The receptionist, caught off guard, simply stared at Matteo as he approached the desk, deftly swiping his security card over the recorder.

"Ms. Gerardo," he addressed her with a touch of seriousness, his voice cutting through her astonishment.

"Mr. Quinn, good morning, sir. Please pardon me, but you seem exceptionally cheerful today."

Though Matteo’s lips didn’t bear a conspicuous smile, the palpable cheer in his greeting validated the receptionist’s observation. He was undeniably in a good mood. Despite the challenges that had loomed over his relationship with Stella, they had managed to overcome every obstacle. If he were to be honest, their bond had grown even stronger. This realization coaxed an unbidden smile to the corners of his mouth, and with a resigned inner nod, his face lit up to mirror his genuine feelings.

"Yeah, you could put it that way," he conceded to the receptionist, continuing his stride toward the waiting elevator.

"I’ve never seen him smile like that before..." The receptionist’s protest reached his ears, likely shared with another employee who had just walked in. He couldn’t help but chuckle as he stepped into the elevator.

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