Ezekiel's POV
The dim glow of the candles still lingered faintly as I lay in bed with Isabella. Her arms were wrapped tightly around me, her head nestled against my chest. Her breathing was soft and steady, her warmth enveloping me like a cocoon. My fingers absentmindedly traced through her hair, the silky strands slipping between them effortlessly.
It felt so good. Too good.
My heart was racing, a relentless rhythm I couldn't control whenever she was near. Every glance she threw my way, every casual touch, every word she spoke seemed to light a fire within me. She had a way of making me feel things I hadn't allowed myself to feel in years—things I wasn't supposed to feel. Not for her.
I liked her. There was no denying it now. I liked her far more than I should. And that truth gnawed at me, pulling me into a confusing mix of guilt and desire. Her presence made me restless, agitated in a way that both excited and terrified me.
Images of her—smiling, laughing, leaning close, her lips grazing mine—flashed in my mind, wild and untamed. My imagination ran unchecked, dangerous. I clenched my jaw, trying to suppress it, but it was impossible when she was so close, so trusting, her fingers still lightly clutching my shirt.
What am I doing? I asked myself for what felt like the hundredth time. I didn't have an answer. I only knew that I didn't hate this feeling. I didn't want it to stop. But I also couldn't see a way forward that wouldn't destroy everything.
As these thoughts weighed heavy on my mind, I felt myself slipping into a deep sleep. Her steady breathing lulled me into slumber, and for the first time in what felt like ages, I slept peacefully.
The next morning, I woke up as I always did—early, before the rest of the house stirred. Turning my head, I saw Isabella still asleep next to me. Her soft features bathed in the morning light were captivating. Her red hair spilled across the pillow, a stray strand falling over her face. Carefully, I brushed it aside, lingering for a moment to admire the softness of her skin, the peacefulness of her expression.
I sighed deeply. Isabella was too much for me. She was changing me in ways I didn't understand. I never felt this with Katherine. Not even close.
Reluctantly, I rose from bed and made my way to my room. After freshening up, I headed downstairs to prepare my coffee and tackle the mountain of work waiting for me.
As I sipped my coffee and scanned my emails, I felt a pair of soft hands wrap around my neck. A familiar warmth spread through me. I smiled, my hand instinctively reaching to touch hers.
"You woke up?" I asked, already knowing the answer.
She kissed my cheek and moved to sit on my lap, her sleepy eyes peering up at me as she nestled close. "What are you doing?" she murmured.
"Checking emails," I said softly, kissing her forehead.
"Why did you wake up so early?"
"Um... don't want to sleep without you," Isabella murmured as she nuzzled her nose against my neck. The warmth of her breath sent a shiver down my spine. I tightened my hold on her, pulling her closer.
"You can sleep here," I said softly.
Isabella raised her head, her sleepy eyes meeting mine. They sparkled with a mix of mischief and innocence, a combination I could never resist. She smiled, making my chest tighten, then reached for the mug on the table.
Taking a sip of my coffee, she leaned back against my chest, her legs swinging lightly as she made herself comfortable on my lap.
"Your coffee hits me differently in the morning, Ezekiel," she teased, her voice soft and teasing.
"But you shouldn't be drinking coffee this early," I replied, my fingers moving across the laptop keyboard.
She raised her head, pretending to think for a moment, then reached up to touch my chin. Her playful tone caught my attention.
"Will you share coffee with me?"
I smirked but kept my eyes on the screen. "Aren't you the one who's always stealing my coffee anyway?"
Isabella tilted her head and whispered with a cheeky grin, "You can take it through my mouth."
I froze for a moment, the surrounding air suddenly thickening. Slowly, I exhaled and turned my gaze to her. Her teasing smile and the way she bit her lower lip stirred something deep within me. She always had this way of saying the most innocent things in the most provocative manner, and it drove me insane.
"You're impossible, Isabella," I said, my voice low.
"Am I?" she challenged, her face so close to mine that I could feel the heat radiating off her cheeks.
I leaned in slightly, close enough to feel her breath on my lips.
"You have no idea what you're doing to me," I murmured.
"Try it. I think you'll like it," Isabella said with a playful smile, taking another sip of my coffee. She leaned closer to me, her lips glistening with the liquid.
I didn't wait. Following her lead, I bent forward, capturing her lips with mine. The flavor of the coffee mingled with her natural sweetness, and I found it intoxicating. I gently sucked on her lips, savoring the blend. My hand instinctively found its way to her hair as I deepened the kiss, nibbling on her lower lip and letting the taste consume me.
I felt my body responding, my arousal unmistakable. I clenched my jaw, trying to push the thought aside, focusing instead on her soft lips and the sweet taste of coffee that now lingered between us.
After a moment, we broke the kiss, both of us breathing heavily. Her lips were flushed a deep red, her cheeks warm and glowing.
"Wanna try again?" she asked, teasing me with her sultry voice.
I sighed, resting my forehead against hers, my hand brushing against her cheek. "You need to stop teasing me," I said with a low growl. "Or I'll forget you're on your period."
Isabella chuckled, her laugh light and airy.
"Okay, okay, I'm sorry," she said, her grin unrepentant. "I really do make your days hard, huh?"
I pulled her closer, holding her tightly against me before lifting her effortlessly into my arms. "Stay home today," I murmured, carrying her toward the couch.
"Enjoy your coffee, relax, and if you need anything, just call the guard. He'll bring it to you."
As I set her down gently, her eyes flicked downward, and a mischievous smirk spread across her face. "Not bad," she said, clearly eyeing my predicament.
I arched a brow at her, trying to suppress my grin. "Isn't this your fault?" I said, shaking my head. "Now I have to shower again."
Isabella chuckled, sipping her coffee with pure delight.
I gave her one last smile before heading upstairs, muttering under my breath, "This girl will be the death of me."