As he looked at Bella, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. She was beautiful, intelligent, and fierce - everything he wanted in a partner. But he knew he had to tread carefully. She was hesitant, unsure of him, and he couldn't blame her. He had presented their marriage as a business arrangement, but the truth was far more complicated.
Ethan's mind wandered back to his past, to the events that had led him to this point. He had built his empire through ruthless determination and strategic alliances, but it had come at a cost. He was alone, surrounded by people who wanted something from him. And then he met Bella, with her sparkling eyes and sharp wit. For the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope.
But he knew he couldn't show her his true intentions yet. She had to come to trust him, to see him as more than just a powerful businessman. He would have to be patient, to let their relationship develop naturally.
As he gazed at Bella, Ethan felt a pang of loneliness. He longed for connection, for someone to share his burdens with. And he wondered, perhaps, if this contract marriage could become something more. Something real.
Ethan's eyes locked onto Bella's, his gaze burning with intensity. "We'll be sleeping together and that's final," he said, his voice low and husky.
Bella's heart skipped a beat. "What? No, that's not part of the deal," she protested.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "It is now. I want you close, Bella. I want to be able to keep an eye on you at all times."
Bella felt a shiver run down her spine. She didn't like the sound of that, but she knew she had no choice. She was trapped in this arrangement, and Ethan held all the cards.
"Fine," she said finally, trying to sound calm. "But just sleeping. Nothing else."
Ethan's smile was enigmatic. "We'll see about that," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Bella's heart sank. She knew she was in trouble. Ethan's intentions were far from pure, and she was just a pawn in his game.
Ethan's phone buzzed and he excused himself seeing the message "i have some work to attend to, make yourself at home" with that he turned and walked away leaving bella staring at his back.
As Ethan left, Jenkins, the butler, appeared at Bella's side. "Miss, please follow me. I'll show you to your room."
Bella nodded, still trying to process the events of the evening. Jenkins led her to the master bedroom, a grand suite with a sprawling bed and floor-to-ceiling windows.
"This is... quite a room," Bella said, trying to hide her awe.
"Yes, miss. Mr. Black's quarters. You'll be staying here with him," Jenkins said, his expression neutral.
Bella's cheeks flushed at the thought of sharing a bed with Ethan. She hadn't expected that.
Jenkins seemed to sense her discomfort. "Don't worry, miss. Mr. Black's instructions are to ensure your comfort and safety. You'll be well taken care of."
Bella nodded, unsure if she should trust Jenkins or Ethan. As the butler left, she looked around the room, feeling like a prisoner in a gilded cage.
She approached the bed, running her hand over the soft sheets. It was a bed fit for a king... or a billionaire and this life was not for her. she looked around the room and went to the walk in closet which was bigger than her shared room with ken back at her uncle's house. she run her hands through the ladies clothes she found their, there were two sections with one side having male clothes which were obviously Ethan's and the female clothes must be hers but when did Ethan plan all this she wondered.
she looked through her clothes and blushed at the sight of lingerie that was there and some were too exposed that they wouldn't cover anything.
she took a silk comfy nightgown and headed to the shower which was luxurious with a bathtub to the side and on the table there were all kinds of women bathing essentials. bella never knew such luxury, she looked at the bathroom in awe and took a bottle of shower gel heading into the shower
After a quick shower Bella went back to the room in her silk nightgown and headed straight to bed, as soon as her head touched the soft pillow she dozed off.
********
Ethan returned to the bedroom, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. He saw Bella sleeping in an unatural position but her face had a peaceful look, her chest rising and falling with each breath.
He approached the bed quietly, not wanting to disturb her. As he looked at her, he felt a pang of... something. He wasn't sure what it was - admiration, desire, or maybe even affection.
He sat down on the bed beside her, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. She was beautiful, even in sleep.
Without thinking, Ethan reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face. Bella stirred, but didn't wake up.
Ethan's heart skipped a beat as he realized how close he was to her. He could feel her warmth, her scent...
He leaned in closer, his lips inches from hers. For a moment, he hesitated, wondering if he should kiss her.
But then, he remembered himself. He wasn't supposed to get involved with her, at least not now. He waited so long for this and he could wait a little longer.
Ethan pulled back, his eyes never leaving hers. He would wait until morning to talk to her, to tell her the next step in his plan.
As he stood up to leave, Bella stirred again, her eyes fluttering open.
"Ethan?" she whispered, her voice sleepy.
"Hmmm," he replied, his voice low. "Go back to sleep, Bella. We'll talk in the morning."
Bella nodded, her eyes closing again. Ethan watched her for a moment, then turned and left the room, his heart racing with anticipation.