Chapter 74 Christiana's POV It was past 11 when I finally dragged myself back to the hotel sude. The weight of the day pressed on my shoulders like an anchor, pullingdown with every step. My heels clicked against the polished floor, the sound echoing in the empty hallway as I fumbled with the keycard. The door creaked open, and I exhaled a long breath, letting the quietness of the suite wash overThe first thing I did was head straight to the kids room. I couldn't rest until I knew they were safe, sleeping peacefully. Pushing the door open just a crack. I peered inside. Ethan was sprawled across the bed, his arm draped over Emma, who was curled up with her stuffed rabbit, both of them lost in dreamland.
1 stepped in quietly, careful not to wake them. Leaning down, I kissed Ethan's forehead, smoothing his hair. He murmured something in his sleep but didn't wake. Then I turned to Emma, her small face so serene, so innocent. My heart clenched as I kissed her too, the familiar scent of baby powder lingering in the air. I loved these moments. Even though I was exhausted, being their mother made everything else disappear.
"Goodnight, my angels," I whispered softly before slipping out of the room.
I headed to my own bedroom, expecting nothing more than to collapse onto the bed and sleep for the next twenty-four hours. But when I opened the door, I stopped in my tracks.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThere, sitting at the small dining table with a calm, almost smug expression on his face, was Alex. The table was set for one, a meal I hadn't even noticed when I walked in.
I blinked, completely stunned. "What... what are you doing here!" He looked up at me, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Waiting for you," he said simpl drop off the kids, so I did." standing up. "You toldto I narrowed my eyes, still in shock. "I meant drop them off and leave, Alex. The nanny was supposed to take over. You didn't have to stay.
His lips quirked into a small smile as he walked over, the scent of the food drifting toward me, making my stomach rumble. Loudly. It sounded like a toilet bowl being flushed, and I cringed inwardly.
"I didn't want to leave until I saw you chome," he said, his voice soft but firm. “The kids toldyou were overworking. So, I stayed." I folded my arms, more to protect myself from his presence than anything else. "I can handle myself. You didn't need to do this." E YOU His eyes softened as he gestured toward the table. "Christiana, relax. You need to eat. I made this for I glanced at the food, and my stomach gave another growl, this teven louder. The smell of roasted chicken, sauteed vegetables, and skind of pasta filled the room. It looked so good, and I was starving, but I didn't want to give him the satisfaction. I opened my mouth to argue, to tell him I didn't need his help, but the exhaustion and hunger hitall at Before I could say anything else, Alex stepped closer, his hand brushing against my arm as he guidedtoward the chair. "Sit Eat. You've been running around all day." I sighed, lighting the urge to resist, but my legs were weak, my body giving up the fight. I sat down at the table, feeling the weight of my exhaustion sink into the chair. The food was right in front of me, and I couldn't help it, I grabbed the fork and started eating The first bite was heaven. The flavors burst in my mouth, and before I knew it, I was devouring the meal like I hadn't eaten 18:10 Fri, Oct 18 Chapter 74 in days. I could feel Alex's eyes on me, but I didn't care. I was too hungry to feel self-conscious.
"I didn't know you could cook." I muttered between bites, trying to ignore the way my stomach was doing backflips from both the food and his proximity I had ston my hands," he said, chuckling softly. "Figured I'd put it to good use." I glanced up at him, my eyes narrowing slightly. "You made this? He nodded, that familiar, confident smirk playing on his lips. "Every bit of it." For a second, I wanted to argue, to tell him to stop whatever ghe was playing. But the food... the food was too good. I didn't have the energy to challenge him, not now. So, I just nodded, barely managing a quiet, "Thanks" He didn't say anything more. He just watched me, that soft, knowing smile never leaving his face. I felt vulnerable, sitting there eating the meal he had prepared for me, while he stood so close, so present. I didn't know what he was trying to do by waiting forlike this...why he was staying here, in this space that wasn't his But right now, I was too tired to think about it As I finished the last bite, 1 pushed the plate away and leaned back in the chair, my body screaming for rest. Alex was still there, just watching me, and for a moment, the silence between us stretched out, thick with unspoken words, Whatever he was doing, whatever his reasons were...I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
Гог Fatigue wrapped aroundlike a heavy blanket as I pushed myself away from the table, every inch of my body screaming rest. My shoulders ached, had been aching for hours, but I ignored the sharp, persistent throb. I rolled my shoulders, trying to relieve the tension with a gentle massage, but it barely made a difference.
As I stood, Alex's gaze zeroed in on me, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Are you having shoulder pain?" I didn't even bother to answer him. I wasn't in the mood for small talk. Instead, I let out a slow breath, my fingers still kneading the tight muscles. “Lappreciate you staying with the kids," I said, my voice soft but firm. "Tucking them in bed, cooking for me, all of it. But it's tfor you to go, Alex." I expected him to listen, to leave like he always did when I set a boundary. Instead, he stood up in one swift motion. For a second, I thought he was about to walk out the door, and I felt a strange sense of relief. But then, without a word, he crossed, the room and cto my side.
Before I could react, I felt his hands on my shoulders.
"Alex.." I started, but the protest died in my throat as his fingers dug into the knots in my muscles. The pressure was perfect, just enough to hit the spots that had been aching all day. I opened my mouth to tell him to stop, but the words got tangled in a moan that slipped out ofbefore I could catch it.
1 squeezed my eyes shut, torn between pushing him away and leaning into the relief he was giving me. His hands moved with a practiced ease, working out the tension as though he knew exactly where to touch, where to press, "Just relax," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. I could feel his breath against the back of my neck, warm and teasing.
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I should have stopped him. I should have told him to leave. But my body betrayed me, sinking deeper into the sensation.my mond growing hazy with the pleasure radiating from every stroke of his fingers. Another moan escaped me, followed by a breathy sigh that I couldn't control. Damn it.
I hit my lip, trying to stop the sounds from coming, but it was useless. His hands were like magic and every! knot e helworked out sent waves of relief, and something else..coursing through me. My breaths becshallower, my skin tingling with 18:10 Fri, Oct 18 Chapter 74 every touch, and before I knew it, heat pooled in my core.
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I swallowed hard, trying to ignore the sensation building inside me. But it was no use. My body was reacting on its own my legs pressing together as I felt the unmistakable dampness e spreading through my panties. I was wet. I was wel God, I was turned on.
I squeezed my eyes tighter, mortified and confused, but unable to stop the low, breathy moans from spilling out.
All I could do was stay perfectly still, savoring the way he touched me, and hope to God he di dn't notice the effect he was having on me.
But something toldhe already knew.