The motors reeve up to life and foam up the sweet scent of rosemary perfuming the air as Stefan draws Camelia a bath in his gray-veined Jacuzzi marble tub. It was large enough for two people and since moving into his penthouse apartment nearly a year ago, and Stefan's never used it.
Camelia was currently in his dressing room changing into his black plush robe he used. He left the jacuzzi running, exhaled slowly, steadying his heart rate and knocked on the door. Before he could blink, she opens it tentatively, evading his gaze staring down at the carpet.
Stefan couldn't help but smirk.
The robe was far too big. The sleeves were rolled up thickly and the sash tightened snugly against her slender waist and was knotted twice. Her hair up high in a bun and her perfectly French manicured toes peeked out from under the gigantic robe. Without words, he reaches for her hand and leads her into the bathroom quietly.
He stands behind her. Their eyes meet in the mirror above the sink. Hers were unsure and his tender. She looks away, avoiding eye contact. Again.
Stefan tries very hard not to smirk into his reflection and hers.
She's was so beautiful, enchanting, challenging, innocent...
He was such a fool for staying away from her. And now she was giving him a run for his money. He did not expect a easy conquest after leaving her for so long but that's what made the chase so much more fulfilling.
Camelia glances at the tub noticing a bar of soap, loofa and a white towel placed neatly on the side. She switches her gaze back toward the mirror meeting his smoldering eyes that seemed to travel between blue and green.
"Take your time and relax." He touches her shoulder, feeling her stiffen under his touch. He starts to massage her, helping relieve the knots. Camelia rolls her head and closes her eyes with a sigh. "I'm sending Liam to get you a change of clothes and undergarments. Afterward we'll sit together and have something to eat."
"I'm not hungry."Â She states opening her eyes, their eyes connecting in the mirror once more.
"You've lost weight since I last saw you. You will eat." He commands, his gaze hard. "With me."
She looked amazingly tiny in his robe. Her face was narrower, her slender figure appearing fragile as a fine porcelain antique tea cup.
She looked ready to shatter into a million pieces.
"Look, you'll feel better after you bathe."Â He reassures her, rubbing his hands down her arms.
Damn, he thought, wishing he could touch her skin. He wished he could bathe with her. At the thought, his erection springs to life.
Stefan exhaled loudly, his chest brushing against her back as it expanded.
"The clothing will be laid out for you on the bed. Take your time and meet me downstairs." He gives her a pointed look watching her eyes narrow as though she was about to argue. "I'll be waiting." With that said he turns strides out, pulls the door shut but never closes it and heads to his dressing room to put on a shirt.
Taking one last glance at the bathroom door, Stefan gives her privacy and heads downstairs to inform Linda they had a guest. He finds Liam in the living room watching the news.
He informs him of the necessities he needed to get for her. Liam stands immediately, phone in hand, a hint of amusement in his expression.
"Do you know her size, her measurements for the more personal items?" He asks trying to keep a small smile off his face and failing miserably.
"I know everything about her, Liam." He informed him narrowing his eyes. "I'll text them to you in a few minutes. Make sure you get her everything from a hairbrush down to her slippers."
"Aye, aye Capt'n." He mocks in a salute. However, his expression changed into concern. "How is she doing?"
"I think she's in shock. Do you know what the hell happened? The only thing she revealed was the wedding is off."
"I don't know, Stefan. She came running down the stairs in a panic and crying. She wanted to leave so I brought her here."
Stefan smiles gratefully. "Thank you for doing that, by the way. I owe you one."
"No problem. Glad it happened this way and not the other way you were planning."
"Desperate times call for desperate measures. I was ready to do anything, Liam."
"Work on sending me her information and I'd advise you call her father. He phoned me earlier and demanded to know where his daughter was. He's expecting your phone call."
****
Not until the pads of her fingers shriveled, did Camelia exit the tub and wrap the huge towel around her body. The large framed mirror that hung over the two sinks was lightly fogged. She took a smaller towel and wiped in a circular motion until her face appeared.
A few strands escaped the bun high perched on top her head. Dark circles under her eyes, her face was deathly paleâshe appeared like she just died and was brought back to life.
Just before she wanders back into the bedroom, Camelia peeks out of the door making sure she was alone. Exactly like he said, Stefan left a pile of undergarments, pajamas, a brush and a new change of clothingâblack jeans, white silk blouse and a pair of flats. She examines the tags quickly finding her size to be accurate.
She blushes.
Was she really here? In Stefan's home?
She was still dazed and disoriented. It felt like more of a dream than reality. The events in the last few hours in the back of her mind.
Her eyes felt droopy, her body exhausted. All she wanted to do was curl up in his bed and never wake up.
Although she was didn't know Stefan's true personality quiet well, She was almost sure he would drag her down just from the way he was so demanding. Their brief exchange proved she did not know who the real Stefan Steel was. He certainly wasn't the man who spent months with her nor was he the man she knew from ten years ago.
When he was Kent she sensed him holding a big part of himself back. She really didn't know what to expectâpeople changed just as easily as the seasons.
With a resigned sigh she slipped the towel off and began putting on the bra, panties and satin pajamas purchased from Victoria's Secret. Next she brushes her hair, then puts on the satin pink slip-on slippers. Doing a once over in the mirror she inhales and exhales hoping to calm her nerves.
She opens the door and steps out, noticing several doors to the right on either side of the expansive hallway. As Stefan carried her earlier, she never bothered to see where he took her.
However, the smell of various dishes permeate the air, nudging her nose, directing her to the left which she guessed was the first floor.
Camelia spots the stairs and slowly descends keeping a steady hand on the bannister. The living room comes quickly into view and she falters at the last step.
The house was quiet.
The television was on but muted. The long drapes were still pulled back, giving her a expansive view of the city. It was completely dark outside, white stars littering the sky.
It must be late, she thought. How long had she been there?
She walks passed the the living room and heads directly towards the smell of food cooking. The sounds of sizzling and stirring stops her at the threshold of the open large sleek kitchen.
Camelia roamed her gaze over the Stainless steel appliances, dark mahogany cabinets and the grey shiny granite counter tops. Then her eyes land on the lady chopping vegetables. The woman had dark short hair, slightly stocky build, and medium height.
Her back was turned to Camelia but she could easily tell the woman was well passed the age of fifty. She clears her throat once and tucks a strand of her cascading hair behind her ear uncomfortably. The woman turns in slight surprise.
Her eyes were kind brown eyes and she smiles when she sees her.
"My name is Linda." The woman starts, rubbing her hands against her black apron. "You must be, Camelia. Mr. Steel informed me earlier of your arrival." She explains gently, her eyes taking in every inch of Camelia, as if assessing her. She smiles again. "I don't know what you like so I'm making a little bit of everything. I hope you like fish, chicken and beef."
Camelia returns her smile easily.  "It's nice to meet you, Linda. There is no reason for you to go to all this trouble." She says, gesturing to the stove full of pans cooking the delicious smelling foods. "I eat everything. Thank you, I'm sorry for troubling you." A embarrassed expression crossing her features.
"Nonsense. It's my pleasure, my dear. Please, come in and make yourself comfortable on one of the barstools." Gesturing to the one of the four lining the kitchen island. "Dinner will be ready in ten minutes."
Her kind smile reflected in her eyes. The positive energy, the caring and tenderness could be felt off Linda in waves.
Camelia immediately felt at ease.
"Thank you."
Seating herself as Linda instructed and watched her cook in silence. The digital clock on the microwave read 8:30 pm. She'd been in Stefan's apartment for the last two and a half hours. She glances at her knotted fingers all of a sudden wary, the tension returning in the set of her shoulder.
"Mr. Steel."Â Linda says, in acknowledgment.
Camelia's head snaps upwards in surprise.
Stefan nods his head at Linda never taking his eyes off Camelia.
"I phoned your father. He knows you're here with me. Your parents were worried." He informs her striding towards her dressed in a white tee-shirt, emphasizing his strong bulging muscles.
His lips were grim however, and his eyes held a hard glint. Every angle of his face looked as though it was etched from granite. He almost looked angry.
He found out.
Camelia looked away shame faced.
"I informed them you're staying here tonight. I'll return you home tomorrow, if that is your wish." He continues, coming to stand right beside her, one hand planted against the counter and the other on the back of the stool.
She never dares look at him as he invades her personal space, her face reddening. She could feel his warm breath near her ear.
"He didn't deserve you." He whispered.
"Mr. Steel, dinner is ready." Linda announces.
Liam, Stefan, Camelia and Linda ate in the dinning room. Small talk was made, which Camelia did not contribute to as she sat at Stefan's left who occupied the head of the table, while Liam seated himself to his right with Linda at his side.
After helping Linda clear the table and clean the kitchen while Stefan sat in the living with Liam, Camelia felt the exhaustion of the day weighing her down.
A loud yawn escaped her lips.
"Off with you now." Linda remarks. "You've done enough, time for bed, young lady."
******
The next dayâevening time.
40 missed calls and 20 voicemail messages.
From Kivanç.
Camelia drew in a deep breath. Since she came back home her phone which she left in her haste to leave her house hadn't stopped ringing and she refused to speak to him. She wanted nothing to do with him.
Gloriana and Kivanç can have each other for all she cared. They were having a baby no less. She shook her head, still not believing what happened in the last twenty-four hours.
Her cousin and ex-fiancé slept togetherânot once but twice if Gloriana's confession was true. God only knows how many times they did it behind her back for the past month since then. She didn't want to even know.
Then there was Stefan. Looking sexy as sin, like Lucifer come to her in a dream to seduce her.
Stefan, who she swore never to see again. He was getting under her skin again much to her dismay. His words last night hit her like a storm.
Her resolve was crumbling. The icy walls she set back into place around her tender heart was melting.
He was stealing her heart with his tender gaze and gentle words.
Had he pretended to want her back? If she hadn't walked into his apartment would he have sought her out like he claimed?
She shuddered at the thought of the liberties she allowed him to takeâkissing her, touching her...his eyes full of gentle concern.
She trusted him last night as he held her in his arms as they shared his bed. No amount of denials coming from her would sway him. Her pride wouldn't allow her to succumb to his charms.
Yet, He insisted, no, demanded they sleep on the same bed. Camelia was stretched beyond her limits to argue with him.
He gathers her into his arms, cradling her, he stroked her hair and whispers in her ear, "Sleep Princess."
And she did sleep. It was one of the most restful, dreamless night's rest she had in months.
What a night.
That night marked a new start, she could feel it. What was worse she didn't know how she had gotten through it with her heart intact. She really didn't know what she wanted.
Early the next morning she asked him to take her back to her parent's house. They didn't exchange much words. She was still in too much shock to talk. He could only search her eyes in question. A look of pained guilt flooding his eyes.
However, before she exited his car he grabbed her arm. She turns in surprise to find his mouth mere inches of her own. Her lips part in surprise and her eyes travel up to his eyes.
"Can I see you again, today?" He asked simply.
Camelia almost smiled despite herself. He sounded like a little child asking for permission from his mother.
However she nods slightly. "If that is what you want."
"I want that very much. I have much more to say." With that said he cups her cheek, closes the gap and kisses her on the lips. Camelia did not have a chance to process nor respond before he pulled away.
Her phone rings on the nightstand several time before she noticed, disrupting her thoughts. She glanced at the screen.
Kivanç.
If she didn't answer he'd never leave her alone.
Her hand hovers over her phone. A moment later she snatches it off her dresser.
"What do you want?"Â She answers, ignoring a proper greeting.
"I love you, Camelia!"Â Â The anguish is plain in his voice and for once Camelia didn't care.
"Too little, too late."Â Her voice sounds flat and empty.
"Please, let me expâ"
"Your baby is enough of a explanation."
"I want only you, please, Camelia, please I didn't know, I believed it was you!"
Lies.
At first glance, she was so caught up in his smile. So caught up with his charm. She was so caught up in the light in his eyes when he looked at her as though she was everything he was searching for. Believing he was the kind of man she was looking for to settle down with. The one she believed would never mess anything up because he was so perfect. She had invested so much time and energy.
Nothing was uglier than a two faced man.
What a waste of time.
Camelia rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration. "What about when you woke up and found out she was my cousin, Kivanç? What do you have to say for yourself after you fücked her again in broad daylight?" She snarled, her tone reaching new octaves.
What she said was cruel. She didn't like it, but she couldn't help herself. It was that switchâthat button, that defense mechanism embedded in her flipping her mood instantly.
Kivanç pauses, she could hear his heavy breathing through the line.
"What, have nothing to say to that?" She challenges.
Kivanç still doesn't respond.
"Kivanç, forget me and move on with your life."
Camelia closed her eyes and rubbed her templesâexhausted, physically and emotionally.
As much as she was angry, it was very much like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies. It did no good.
"You have a baby on the way and you must do right by my cousin, it's the only thing you can do to righten your wrongs." She spoke with more conviction than she felt.
"I never meant to hurt you." The guilt and sorrow in his tone. "I'm sorry, Camelia."
"You're not sorrier than I am. I trusted you and all you did was lie and do the unconceivable with my cousin. I don't think you're sorry. You're sorry I found out. " She replied. "Maybe you meant good by me at the time, but your actions proved that words mean nothing. The first time you slept with her might have been a mistakeâthe second time was definitely your choice."
Forgiving is easy. It was the forgetting and trusting again is what was impossible.
Camelia wasn't sad it all ended. Quite the contrary, she could never be happy with a man she did not love.
"Let me explain, I beg of you, I believed she was youâher perfumeâI believed you finally came to me. When I awoke I was shocked to find your cousin but it felt so real... I could only see your face in front of me and all my reason fled from me!"
Now, he's trying to explain his lies and justify his betrayal. She's heard enough. He was delusional.
"Don't ever try to contact me again, Kivanç. Goodbye."
"Wait! Please, Camelia! Please! I cannot live without youâ."
Camelia pulls at her hair in frustration and exhales loudly.
"Kivanç look, I'm going to give you a piece of advice, not for your sake, but for the innocent baby that is mixed up in this freak show: if you want to be trusted, just be honest, there's less to remember that way. Think about your actions and if you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it. Forget me. Gloriana and your unborn child should be your first priority."
"I don't think I could ever love her the way I loved you...." He releases a frustrating sigh. "If I had known the last time I saw you would be the last, I would have stared at you for hours, memorizing your face. If I had known the last time I held you would be my last I would have never let you go. If had known the last time I kissed you would be my last, I would have made it last longer...You are the first woman I have ever loved, Camelia. I could never love your cousin."
"You should do what's best concerning your circumstance and I'm going to do what's best for me and that no longer involves you. Don't call me or text me anymore. I hope your future is brighter than the lies you tell yourself. This conversation is over.....Goodbye Kivanç."
And with that said she ends the call and takes a shuddering breath depositing her phone back on the dresser.
That chapter of her life was indefinitely closed.
Forever.
She was about to turn away and lay on her bed when her phone sounds with a message. She stops mid-step and stiffens.
Please let that not be Kivanç, but Stefan, she thinks, and goes back to retrieve her phone. She hoped with all her heart it was him. He said he'd come back to see her.
She glanced at the screen, a crestfallen expression replacing her hopeful one.
It was her mother requesting her to come out to the patio.
*******
"Is everything ready?" Stefan asks.
"It's all set. The real question is, are you ready?" Liam asks.
Stefan exhales loudly releasing his frustration and stress into the air. Was he ready?
Yes. He was most definitely ready. The only thing he worried about was Camelia and her reaction.
God, he wanted her.
But today, he would make everything right, and tonight he would claim her as his.
He spoke to her mother and father earlier that day of his intentions and asked for their blessing. They agreed and gave him permission to ask their daughter's hand in marriage.
Annie's only request was, "Don't you ever hurt my daughter again."
His response, "I will live the rest of my life making it up to her."Â He promised.
Only after he asked her family to gather outside, Camelia walked down the path, hugging herself looking pale and miserable.
The innocent confusion in her eyes intensified as she descends the last three steps and watches the dancers move to the beat of Bruno Mars' "Marry You."
Stefan hid slightly behind the sign dressed in a navy suit and white dress shirt. She hadn't noticed him yet, staring intently with parted lips, the expression on her face was one of confusion with a hint of awe.
Her friend Sammy was slightly behind her with hands clasped against his chest, a Cheshire smile lightning his features.
Stefan decided to inform the annoying young man of his intentions knowing how important he was to Camelia. Sammy screeched so loudly in excitement Stefan had to peel his phone away from his ear feeling his eardrum nearly pop.
Stefan stared at her eyes from a distance as they caught the light from the lanterns and the large illuminated sign behind him.
He fondly memorized her face. Her hair, which lay tumbling over her shoulders and behind her back. Her slender figure was covered in a long sleeve, knee high purple lace dress, clinging to every one of her curves and pressed firmly over her chest emphasizing the thrust of her large breasts.
She looked adorable. Yet, there was something unique and rare about her.
A sudden leap in his heart caused to him step forward.
Camelia stared, unable to tear her gaze away. At the sight of his lone, towering figure standing alone in all his glory, he simply holds her gaze.
At the sight of him, a million different emotions thrashed inside of her like a net holding a mermaid being pulled from the sea.
Anguish and longing slams inside of her.
Her gaze soaked in his dark brown hair, swept elegantly back, his smooth skin appearing bronze against the dimmed lights. The determination was etched in his eyes, with a strength of a noble knight.
She caught her breath and looked away, his magnificent image still can be seen from the corner of her eye.
She glanced over her shoulder briefly. Around her, her parent's, Uncles and Aunts stood silently watching her expectantly as the dancers continued to dance to Bruno Mars's, Marry Me.
"It's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do
Hey baby, I think I wanna marry you
Is it the look in your eyes, or is it this dancing juice
Who cares baby, I think I wanna marry you.
Well I know this little chapel on the boulevard
We can go
No one will know
Oh c'mon girl...
Don't say no no no no
Just say yeah yeah yeah yeah
And we'll go go go go
If you're ready, like I'm ready
Say yeah, yeah, yeah....
The dancers continue to the up beat.
He crossed the short path. Slowly. Casually.
She didn't miss the sign glaring in the dark distance.
Will you marry me?
Her whole body blushed, growing hot under his unnerving perusal.
His aura of physical strength and authority was dominating and irresistible. His effortlessness could be felt. It was a superior air that surrounded him. It commanded attention.
"I realize what I did by holding back. I should never have lied. I see that now. I should have realized nothing would have happened if I told you the truth. The fear of losing you held me back. My parents, my grandfather...were taken from me...I lost everyone I loved in a short span of time. I believed if I stayed with you, misfortune would eventually take you away from me too. I see that it was selfish of me to think so. Instead of asking why it all happened, I should have been grateful for what I had."
Stefan clears his throat before continuing ascending the few steps separating them. "I finally realized I've been given a gift of loveâyour love. You wrapped me in your cocoon and saved me. You are my miracle where I thought I was a curse. Your love for me broke it."
"I would wait for you until the end of time if it meant we were to end together, Camelia." Stefan stopped in front of her and lifted her chin looking deeply into her eyes. His gaze never wavering. "Don't tell me I ran out of time. Without out you I don't know how to live. I breathe, I'm living because of you, Camelia. I will not let anything take you away from me anymore. I've waited for you all my life. If it takes the rest of my life, no matter what I have to do, I'm standing here until you make me move."
Camelia could only stare into his eyes.
"Need me like you did before." He urged fiercely. "If you let me go I know you will break my heart. Please believe in me and I promise I will make you see nobody else can love you more than I can."
She read the truth and pain in the depths of his beautiful eyes and her heart clenched with longing.
Sinking onto his knees in front her, Stefan kept his wrapped arms around her and laid his head against her abdomen. He felt her stiffen, then slowly, her hand rose to stroke his hair.
It was the single sweetest touch of his life.
Stefan raised his gaze to hers, his eyes hot with unshed tears. "Maybe I'm being selfish, maybe I'm asking too much from you. But all I want is for you to be happy. Whether you choose to be with me. Orâ". He swallowed hard. "âwithoutâ"
Camelia put a finger to his lips.
His words were killing her. The haunted look in his eyes broke her. This was the moment she dreamed of since she was ten.
She said slowly. "I've learned I can live without you."
The lies he weaved seemed to make sense. The reason why he did not come back and fight for her came crashing down like a downpour of rain soaking her wet. Finally it made sense. The thought of losing her would destroy him. The hollow dark pit of growing fear kept him away.
She had exhausted all possibilities in her head as to why she should stop loving him. However, the list was short and not worth all her turmoil. Her feelings were not subsiding and never made her forget a big part of her was missing.
Camelia died everyday waiting for him.
Her soul frayed, crying out for change, reaching for him. Without him, it was hard to survive.
The truth of that realization came to her as soon as she saw him yesterday after months of being separated. Her heart never let her forget. She needed him by her side.
He was her missing half.
Watching him kneeling before her, any leftover doubts dissolved. She'd give him a hundred chances if he needed them.
That was love.
His arms were home, her home, and his heart was as broad as the sky.
Stefan's heart dropped. He lost her. Briefly he shut his eyes, summoning the strength to keep breathing.
"But I've also learned that I don't want to." She whispers. "Once I love someone, I love for life Stefan. I'm stubborn that way, I guess."
His head snapped upward. He looked into her face and saw her smiling.
"Oh, Stefan," she whispered. "I love you. I always have. Always will."
The rest of the world seemed to fade away, sharing a moment they never dared dream would every happen after all that occurred and a moment neither of them thought they would experience with the other.
Relief spread over his features, releasing the lines around his eyes as he exhaled in relief.
"I love you more, Princess." Squeezing her tight. "Do you forgive me? For everything?"
"Yes, I forgive you." She whispered.
Producing a black velvet box out of his pocket he opened it in front of her. The most beautiful ring lay cushioned, sparkling for attention.
"I had this specially commissioned months ago. It's a Camilla flower ring, the center is a three carat. I thought it would be perfect. Nothing else compares." Stefan clears his throat, his heart in his eyes. "Every breath, every hour has come to this moment. Of all the best love stories, they have one thing in common. You have to go against the odds to get there. Here I am on bended knee before you not as a man, but a human being who will defy all the odds to have you by my side."
Stefan takes a deep breath and continues.
"Camelia St. James will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" He takes out the white flower ring out of the box and reaches for her left hand.
Her fingers felt cold in his large warm one. Tears welled up in her eyes as her right hand covers her mouth to keep in her tears.
"Camelia." He breathed, searching her gaze. "Will you be my wife?" He asked again.
"There's only two things I've ever needed in this life, the first one is you and the second thing I need is us." She says through her tears. "Yes. Oh, yes. I will." Camelia's eyes were shinning with tears as she sniffled.
Stefan slips the large ring over her finger and kissed her knuckles urgently, sealing their fate.
"I vow to make you happy and make up for the ten years we were apart and replacing all the pain I've inflicted on you for the rest of my life. You've made me one of the happiest men alive."
He stood and embraced her almost with a violence, crushing her to him. She was kissing his lips and his nose and his eyelids, tears welling up in her eyes and dripping down her cheeks.
Camelia held him tightly but there was no words for a moment like this.
Applause broke out behind them but they were locked in their little moment, everything else was a blur. They stayed glued to one another for a long time.
Stefan kissed her with all the passion and promise of a lifetime of love. When he finally pulled away, she pressed her cheek against his heart, and they stood together, holding, grasping each other as if they couldn't live if they parted.
"I won't cry for you!" Sammy exclaims behind them, sniffling. "My mascara is too expensive!" He dabs his eyes with a tissue, Mona hands him. "Damn you Superman, I'm going to look like a raccoon!"
The small crowd chuckles softly.
Congratulations were thrown their way but they heeded no attention. They only had eyes for each other.
She gently stroked his hair not believing this was actually happening. "I love you, Stefan."
"I love you more than life itself, Camelia."
Dreams really do come true.
_______________________________________________________________________
Can you feel the love in the air?
I'm sure this made all of you happy!
Thanks for reading. Please vote, comment and add this story to your public reading lists!
Ever wonder what the Camellia flower represents?
Until next time,
Shaz