He stretched his arm along the back of the couch, his fingers almost grazing my hair. I pressed my lips together, struggling to think of something to say, before blurting out, "I ordered dinner."
Ezekiel smiled, exuding effortless composure.
"I appreciate that," he said with a soft chuckle.
"Though I've been thinking... maybe I should hire a maid."
"What?" I snapped, my voice sharp with surprise. I turned to him, my nervousness briefly replaced by indignation.
"Why a maid?"
"It's just that I come home late, and you're here all alone," he murmured.
I narrowed my eyes slightly, cutting him off. "It's not a problem," I said firmly. "I'm not bored, and if you're worried about safety, the guards are here."
"But—" he began, his tone laced with hesitation.
Before he could continue, I leaned forward, closing the small gap between us. My lips curved into a soft smile as I said, "Please, don't ruin our privacy. I like it when it's just you and me in this house."
My hand rested on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath my palm. My gaze traveled from his lips to his eyes, silently conveying the longing I couldn't put into words. Ezekiel sighed, his warm breath brushing against my face as he gently ran his fingers through my hair. The connection was magnetic, and I couldn't hold back any longer.
I kissed him, letting my body press against his firm chest. The kiss was deep and hungry, my need for him overtaking every thought. His hands steadied me, responding to the intensity with just as much fervor.
But then, a sudden, sharp sensation distracted me. I froze, breaking the kiss abruptly as my breathing quickened.
"Isabella?"
I backed away slightly, pressing my thighs together as a wave of realization hit me.
"Ah... I think it's my period," I muttered, flustered. Without waiting for his reaction, I quickly stood and dashed upstairs, my face flushed.
Once inside the bathroom on the second floor, I leaned against the sink, catching my breath.
"Great timing, Isabella," I whispered to myself.
My mind was swirling with irritation—why did it have to happen now? At that moment, when everything was perfect with Ezekiel, my body betrayed me.
As I entered the bedroom, I saw Ezekiel walking in with a tray in his hands. His calm demeanor softened my embarrassment, though I still hesitated, tucking a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
"Come," he said gently, setting the tray down on the small table by the couch.
"We'll have dinner here. I made hot chocolate and warmed some milk for you."
My heart melted at his words. I bit my lower lip, overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. Feeling shy, I sat down next to him, twisting the lace of my skirt between my fingers. Ezekiel noticed my nervous fidgeting and raised a brow, his lips curving into a soft chuckle.
"You'll ruin the lace," he teased, handing me a spoonful of soup.
I blushed and quickly stopped, pressing my lips together in embarrassment. But his laughter was light and reassuring. I leaned forward and sipped the warm soup from the spoon he held out, my cheeks heating further under his attentive gaze.
As he continued to feed me, I couldn't hold back anymore.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice barely audible.
"I ruined everything."
"Nope, it came at the right moment," Ezekiel said, his tone calm but with a hint of something deeper.
"What if I lost control?" He glanced at me with a small smile.
"Then it came... and stopped me."
His words made my cheeks flush, and I gave him a soft smile as I took another bite from the spoon he held. He smiled back, his warmth enveloping me. We finished dinner in comfortable silence, and afterward, he handed me a mug of hot milk with chocolate.
"Drink this, and then sleep, okay?" he said gently, his voice filled with care.
Ezekiel was about to walk away, but before he could leave, I instinctively reached out and held his hand.
"Are you leaving?" I asked softly, looking up at him, my heart racing.
Ezekiel turned back, his eyes meeting mine with a mixture of warmth and hesitation. We held each other's gaze for what felt like an eternity before he sighed softly and said, "I think you should rest."
"I know," I replied, my voice almost a whisper. After a pause, I added, "Will you be okay?"
Ezekiel pressed his lips together, exhaling deeply before sitting down beside me again. He leaned closer, and without warning, he placed a soft, fleeting kiss on my lips. It wasn't long, just a gentle touch, but it sent sparks through me. I smiled as his forehead pressed against mine, his fingers brushing my cheek delicately. His breath was warm against my skin, and we both chuckled quietly.
"This is going to be hard for me," Ezekiel murmured, his fingers continuing their slow, soothing trail along my cheek.
I smiled, my gaze flickering up to meet his. He leaned back slightly to look at me fully, but our faces remained so close that I could feel his breath mingling with mine.
"A bit hard," he repeated, his tone almost playful now.
I tilted my head, a mischievous smile forming on my lips. "But I can't sleep. Can't you compromise a bit?"
He raised a brow at me, amused yet thoughtful, as if weighing his options. My teasing wasn't entirely not serious—I genuinely didn't want him to leave. Part of me didn't trust my mom or the situation. And the other part? I just couldn't bear to be away from him.
Ezekiel sighed again, this time with a small smile.
"You really know how to test my patience, Isabella."
I shrugged lightly, the smile on my face growing.
"And yet, you're still here."