"Take the bed, I'll sleep on the couch," Aiden uttered while putting on his pajamas.
Securing her nightwear around her body while standing by the bedside, Alexa paused and looked from her husband to the bed. The king-sized bed was big enough for them.
"I believe you're not used to it."
Alexa almost sneered when she heard him say that. Screw it all! Not used to it? She had Lucian under her sheets for two years and three months.
Isn't Aiden thoughtful? Can't he tell that she wants him on this bed with her? Can't he tell that she wants to lay on his strong chest and feel his arms wrapped around her? Can't he see that she was dying to feel his touch?
'Hold on, what am I thinking?! Alexa, get a grip!' she screamed internally.
Alexa shook her head to shoo away the intruding thoughts. She was not a sex addict but after seeing his length, she couldn't get it off her mind, especially now that they were alone under the covers of the night.
"I think that won't be nice. The bed is big enough for three people. If you don't want our skin to touch, I can demarcate the bed."
Obviously, she hated that idea, but chose not to get ahead of herself. Since her husband was offering her the respect no man had ever given her, she should embrace it. Moreover after she completes her mission, she would build strong walls around her so men wouldn't have access to her anymore.
"Alright," Aiden didn't insist. He sauntered to the bed and got in, leaving the bigger spot for Alexa.
She cursed in her heart but said nothing and also got in. She pulled the duvet to her chest and said, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight and sweet dreams."
He turned the lights off and left the bedside lamp glowing a faint yellow.
...
Alexa felt a soft touch on her skin. Calloused fingers unwrapped her nightwear and pulled the cloth apart. A gust of biting cold wind slapped her flesh, sending a shiver down her spine.
She opened her eyes, it was pitch black, but she could feel the man on top of her, it was Aiden.
He was trailing feathering kisses along her skin. His action was sweet. This was the first time she felt wonderful under a man.
The way he touched her with care and paid attention to every detail of her body made her feel wanted and confident. Her body reacted to every touch with passion and desire for more. She arched her back, coiled her toes and swallowed hard as the sound of her heartbeat increased with every peck.
The suspense was killing her. She couldn't see him and had no idea where he would be touching next. She imagined him doing more than just touching and kissing.
She wanted more, more! She wished to touch him, pull him closer and guide him to her dripping opening but her hands wouldn't obey. Where they were, she couldn't see, feel, nor tell.
She moved her head to the right and then left. Everything she saw was pitch black, like a bottomless hole.
Alexa tried to push the excitement to the back of her mind and concentrate. She needed to know why her hands weren't moving.
'Aiden?' she called but nothing sounded. She was voiceless and could only speak in her mind.
'Aiden!' She tried screaming, but nothing changed.
Alexa panicked and started thrashing on the soft bed, her heart palpitating like she sensed doom hovering over her head.
Something was off! This cannot be real!
'Help!!'
Alexa felt Aiden stop abruptly between her opening. For some reason, she could see him staring at her. Instantaneously, he beamed at her and suddenly, his jaws and white teeth morphed into long, sharp, ferocious, and intimidating teeth.
She longed to scream but her mind went blank due to terror. She stared wide-eyed as Aiden's handsome face metamorphosed into the dragon head she saw earlier.
Its ferocious glare rested on her and its jaws parted to shoot out flame, but instead, it spoke:
"I SHALL BURN YOU TO A CRISP!!"
Just as it was about to breathe out flame, Alexa screamed and jacked up with all her strength.
"Are you alright?"
Alexa turned sharply to her side, Aiden was lying on his back, staring at her. She slowly took in her environment, everywhere was dark but the lampstand was still on.
It was a dream!
She let out a deep sigh of relief and placed a hand on her chest. Her heart was still racing but she felt a weird sense of safety with him by her side.
"You must have had a nightmare. Come, I'll cuddle you," Aiden proposed. He didn't wait for her to consent to it before he pulled her into his arms.
Alexa placed her head on his chest and wrapped her arms tightly around him. It didn't take long before she fell asleep again.
...
By the time Alexa opened her eyes again, it was already morning. She freshened up and left with Aiden to his grandfather's study room.
On the way, Aiden said to her, "I'll be out for five hours. You can do whatever you want in my absence. The servants will cater to your needs."
"Alright," Alexa replied.
The two soon arrived at the door to the study room. Aiden knocked on it before opening the door for Alexa to go in. He and his grandfather had a few light-hearted conversations before Aiden left.
Once the door was closed, Old Man Clinton's face changed. The smile he had on slipped away and he gestured to the seat before him.
"Have a seat."
With the change in atmosphere, Alexa could tell the matter was serious, so she sat upright, awaiting the old man's words with bated breath.
"In this world, I don't care about anything else but the Company and my grandson. The reason why I placed the company above my grandson was because of what went into that company... Do you know how to make traditional tea?" He suddenly changed the topic.
Alexa nodded, "Yes, Grandfather."
Suddenly, a knock sounded on the door. Without waiting for a response, Aunt Maya entered the room, followed by two servants.
One carried a tray of tea ware and the other carried a tray of breakfast.
"I asked them to bring your breakfast," the old man said and Alexa smiled.
Once the table was set, Aunt Maya and the maids left before Alexa started making the tea. About five minutes later, Alexa served tea for the old man.
"Your style of making tea is like the aristocrats from central Mainland."