Chapter 8

Christopher set my cell phone down on the nightstand, his body hovering over mine. His hands were on either side of my head, and I looked up at him, wide-eyed, still trying to process what had just happened. He shifted his weight onto one hand, using the other to gently cradle my face.

His thumb traced a soft path along my cheek, his gaze locked onto mine.

“You know you’re worth so much more than that, right?” His words twisted something inside me, making me question if I truly believed that.

“Scarlett, you deserve someone who makes you their top priority, someone who sees you as the absolute gem you are. Promise me you’ll never forget that.” His command was firm, but I found myself unable to respond.

“Promise me,” he insisted, and clarity washed over me like a wave.

“I promise,” I declared, and he rewarded me with a smile before rising to head to the bathroom. Through the glass walls, I watched as he turned on the shower and stepped beneath the cascading water.

For a moment, I allowed myself to admire the sight of water droplets tracing the contours of his chiseled body. Memories of the previous night flooded my mind, igniting a spark of desire within me.

Without a second thought, I rose from the bed, wrapping the sheets around me. As I approached the bathroom door, his silhouette was visible through the steam, his scent filling the air and making me sigh.

“Come in.” His command was short and firm, and I complied.

I let the sheet fall to the floor and slowly made my way to the shower door, which Christopher held open for me. The steam enveloped us, and I felt his hands wrap around my waist, pulling me into him until our bodies collided, and his lips found mine in a breath-stealing kiss.

He guided me back until I was pressed against the shower wall, his mouth trailing down to my neck. He sucked lightly on the sensitive skin beneath my ear, drawing a moan from me.

He took his time, his lips exploring every inch of my body—my collarbone, my shoulders, the valley between my breasts, my nipples, down my abdomen. He bypassed my center, causing me to gasp in anticipation.

He kissed down to my ankle, then slowly worked his way up. When he reached the inner part of my thigh, he switched to the other leg, his mouth leaving a trail of pleasure that had me reeling.

I found myself struggling to breathe, my breaths coming in short, uneven gasps. When his mouth enveloped my clit, I let out a loud moan, spurring him to increase his efforts.

With Christopher, it was as if nothing was ever enough—I always craved more, needed more. He continued to suck and swirl his tongue, my hands tangling in his hair as I climaxed, my legs giving out beneath me.

Christopher was quick to catch me, his arms supporting me as I tried to catch my breath. He simply smiled at me.

“I could listen to you moan all day,” he murmured into my ear, holding me close.

I smiled back at him, pulling away slightly once I had regained my composure. My hands began to explore his body, and I noticed his breath hitch.

The thought crossed my mind that I should feel embarrassed, but with him, everything felt natural, as if we had done this countless times before. When my hand wrapped around his cock, Christopher let out a low growl.

I dropped to my knees, meeting his gaze, which was filled with adoration.

I wanted to etch this moment into my memory. I took him into my mouth, my hand gripping the base as I moved my head back and forth.

Christopher’s moans were music to my ears. He placed a hand on my jaw, signaling that he was close.

But then he pulled me up, flipping me onto my back in one swift motion. One hand held my neck while the other found my clit, positioning himself to enter me from behind.

His initial thrust was slow, deliberate, as if he was savoring every inch. Then his movements became rhythmic, his fingers working in time with his thrusts.

It wasn’t long before we climaxed together, our moans echoing off the shower walls. I had never experienced such intense pleasure and tranquility.

Once I had recovered, he lathered soap all over my body. I had never felt so desired, so cherished.

Christopher left me to finish my shower, and when I turned off the water and stepped out, I found a white towel and a fluffy robe waiting for me.

I dried off and slipped into the robe, wrapping the towel around my hair as I returned to the bedroom.

He was dressed in black running shorts, his attention focused on his cell phone. On the freshly made bed, I spotted a white T-shirt and a pair of his underwear.

“You’re welcome to stay naked as long as you like, but I thought you might be more comfortable in these,” Christopher said, glancing up from his phone with a smile. “Feel free to borrow anything from my closet, too.”

“This is perfect,” I replied, removing the towel from my hair and running my fingers through the damp strands.

I shrugged off the robe and slipped into his T-shirt and underwear, aware of his warm gaze on me. “I’ll return these later.”

“No need. In fact, I think I’ll give you my entire wardrobe. My clothes look much better on you,” Christopher said, tossing his phone onto the bed and pulling me into his arms.

I couldn’t help but smile—I always found myself smiling around him. “I ordered brunch to be delivered to the room, but I have to leave afterward. I have a council meeting that’s been scheduled for months,” he said, his gaze shifting away.

It was clear this was a sensitive topic.

My father had mentioned the meeting. He didn’t know the specifics, but judging by Christopher’s expression, it was a serious matter. “I know about the meeting. My dad and brother won’t stop talking about it,” I said, trying to coax him to meet my gaze.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, already suspecting the answer.

“I scheduled this meeting to discuss the issues in the south. We’ve been under physical and political attack from them, but they’re also my family. I didn’t want it to come to this.”

Despite my efforts to hold his gaze, his eyes kept drifting away.

“Hey,” I greeted him.

His gaze finally met mine, and I was taken aback by the sheer depth of his blue eyes. “You’re an amazing alpha, with a character that’s just as incredible. You’ve made it this far because it was necessary. Leadership often means making tough decisions for the good of the people,” I told him.

I held his gaze, and I could tell Christopher was taking in every word.

“You sound like a leader yourself,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “Thank you for that.”

He pulled me into a tight embrace, his voice a soft murmur against my ear. “I have to leave for a while, but I’ll miss you.”

Wait, what? Was the alpha actually saying he would miss me?

How had things shifted so drastically in less than a day?

Hold on, had it only been a day?

I pulled away from him abruptly, my eyes wide.

“What time is it?” I asked, my voice laced with worry.

I let go of him and reached for my phone.

“I’m not sure, maybe around ten. Why?”

“I don’t know if I have a shift today, or a clinic, or a meeting with my boss,” I explained, frantically searching for my schedule on my phone. “Oh, thank God, I don’t start until two today,” I sighed in relief.

“What? Your boss is your mom,” Christopher pointed out. “It’s not like she’s going to fire you for missing a shift.”

“That makes it even more difficult. I’m under twice the pressure because I’m her daughter,” I replied, setting my phone down.

“I get it—the pressure to live up to parental expectations is real,” Christopher said.

His father was an exceptional alpha, kind to his people yet formidable in territorial wars. Christopher was born with the weight of living up to his father’s legacy.

“Well, from an outsider’s perspective, I think you’re doing an amazing job,” I said, moving closer to him.

“Thanks,” he replied, his smile making my knees go weak.

Our moment was interrupted yet again, this time by a knock on the door. Christopher went to answer it, returning with a picnic basket filled with brunch items.

He set it on the bar counter, poured two glasses of mimosas, and unpacked some bread, croissants, fruit, and jams.

“I love croissants,” I blurted out, my excitement over my favorite pastry evident in my voice.

“Then these are all yours,” Christopher said.

We sat on the couch, eating together. It was almost surreal how at ease we were with each other.

After we finished eating, I knew he had to leave. I dabbed at my lips with a napkin, already dreading his absence.

“I’ll drive you home, okay?” he offered, helping me up from the couch.

I simply nodded in response.

I picked up my dress and sandals and we descended the side stairs. This time, he took the keys to one of his cars and drove me home. But before I could make a move to get out, he placed a hand on my leg.

“I’ll miss you while I’m gone, but I’d like to see you when I return. Is that okay?” he asked, his gaze intense.

A shiver ran down my spine, and my heart fluttered.

Was this really happening?

I nodded, a smile playing on my lips, and he returned the smile before leaning in to kiss me.

His lips tasted even sweeter, and the thought of going days without feeling them again was agonizing.

I stepped out of the car, but it felt like I was leaving a piece of my heart behind. I watched as the car pulled away, and only then did I start praying that no one was home. Explaining this would be even more difficult.

My father and brother wouldn’t be there, but there was a high chance my mother would be.

I opened the front door and tried to sneak through the living room to the stairs when a voice stopped me in my tracks.

“Scarlett?” It was Brisa’s voice. What on earth was she doing here?