The dinner had been served without delay, and they all sat down to eat together, sharing laughter and conversation that eased any previous tension. Willow’s cheerful and bubbly personality had worked its magic, wiping away any lingering discomfort that Bella had felt.
As they finished their meal, Willow looked over at her new sister-in-law and said, "I am really looking forward to working with you."
Bella returned her gaze, glancing briefly at Theodore before responding, "Absolutely, I’m excited to start working with you too. But I do have a favor to ask."
She fixed her gaze on Willow once more, determination in her eyes. "I would appreciate it if you could keep our relationship a secret. I don’t want any unnecessary attention."
Willow’s admiration for Bella deepened. She was touched by Bella’s humility and strength. seeking to gain from the association.
Any other woman in Bella’s position might have flaunted her status as Theodore Reid’s wife. They wouldn’t have hesitated to leverage their newfound position, flaunting their connection to such a powerful man. Yet, Bella seemed remarkably different. She wouldn’t want people to admire her because of her connection with Theodore.
It touched her. In Bella’s quiet strength and resilience, she saw a glimmer of her own rebellious spirit. It mirrored her own past refusal to rely on the Reid name, wealth, or influence, choosing instead to build her career on her own merits. She liked those who wanted to work hard to achieve their goal, not with the favors of someone influential.
"No problem, dear," Willow replied readily. "Your secret is safe with me until you’re ready to share it."
"Thank you, Willow." Bella smiled with gratitude.
Theodore watched the exchange with a satisfied smile, happy to see his wife and sister getting along so well. The evening had turned out better than he could have hoped.
Exhaustion settled in after their warm evening. Willow finally took her leave, leaving Bella and Theodore alone in their bedroom. The door clicked shut, and a nervous flutter settled in Bella’s stomach.
She sneaked glances at Theodore, trying to gauge his reaction to their now-intimate setting. They were going to share the bed again, and unlike other nights, she was sober. Her heart thumped with nervous energy when he turned to her. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
"Bella..." His voice was a low murmur as he drew closer. "There’s something I want to give you."
"What is it?" Bella grew intrigued to know what he had brought for her.
"You want to keep our marriage a secret, and I respect that," he began. "But..." He paused, his gaze intense. "I want people to know you’re married, unapproachable."
He reached for her hands, his touch warm. "I don’t want anyone to try to pursue you." A flicker of possessiveness crossed his features. He feared Zack would try to get close to her, especially with Bella still working in Brico.
Bella’s lips twitched at the corner. "So you want me to declare I am married?"
"You don’t have to hold a microphone and shout out," he chuckled. "A ring will be enough to tell everyone you are already taken."
"A Ring!" Bella’s eyes widened in surprise.
"Hmm." He hummed and pulled out the red box from his pocket. He opened it, revealing a dazzling diamond that sparkled under the light.
"Oh my god," Bella breathed, captivated by the exquisite jewel. "It’s beautiful."
"Do you like it?" he asked, excitement bubbling within him.
"Yes, yes... I like it." She grinned, her eyes crinkling with genuine joy.
Theodore’s heart swelled at her reaction. He carefully slid the ring onto her finger, watching as it settled perfectly. Bella admired the ring, her fingers trembling slightly with emotion.
"I don’t know what to say," she murmured, her eyes turning glassy with tears. "I never thought of marrying a man like you, and I certainly have not thought about such a weird marriage." A shaky laugh escaped her lips as she blinked back the tears.
Theodore squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Whenever you’re ready, I’ll throw a grand wedding and announce you to the world as my wife."
"There is no hurry," Bella mumbled, turning her gaze to meet his. "Let me achieve my dream of becoming a fashion designer first." She wanted to prove to herself that she deserved to be Theodore’s wife.
"I can’t wait for that moment," he responded, pulling her close. His eyes darkened with desire as they drifted to her lips, the memory of their previous kiss stirring him. Just as he leaned in, Bella gently pushed him back.
"Hold on," she said, placing her hands firmly on his chest. "What about me? You might be off-limits, but I don’t have a ring to ward off admirers. You know how jealous I get," she added with a playful smile.
A chuckle rumbled in Theodore’s chest. "Trust me, Bella, the only person I’ll allow near me is you," he assured her. "But for your peace of mind, I can wear this."
He reached into the nightstand drawer, pulling out a platinum ring. He looked at it nostalgically, memories flooding back. A flicker of sadness crossed his face before he forced a smile.
"It’s my father’s wedding ring," he explained softly. "He gave it to me, saying I should keep it safe for my wedding."
Shrugging off the melancholic moment, he focused back on Bella. "Since I’m married now, I suppose I should wear it."
"Let me do it." Bella took the ring from Theodore’s grasp, then cupped his hand in hers. Her gaze locked with his, a mix of amusement and something deeper swirling within. With a flourish, she slid the ring onto his finger.
"That’s perfect," Bella whispered. "Now you’re bound to me forever. No escape possible."
"Escape? The thought never crossed my mind." He pulled her into his embrace. "You complete me, Bella."
This time, when Theodore leaned in to kiss her, Bella didn’t stop him. She welcomed the kiss, melting into his embrace, feeling the warmth of his love enveloping her.
The intensity of their kiss escalated rapidly. His kiss was demanding, his tongue insistent as it sought entry. Belle found herself growing breathless from the fervor of their lip lock. She parted her lips. Theodore seized the opportunity, his tongue exploring the depths of her mouth, savoring her unique sweetness.
Bella’s heart raced as she clung to him, their bodies pressing closer together. The heat between them was undeniable, drawing them even nearer. His hands roamed her back, pulling her tighter, while hers wound around his neck, her fingers tangling in his hair.
Rising hormones and the charged atmosphere between them left Bella feeling giddy with desire. Her mind, usually sharp and witty, seemed to melt away, leaving only a heightened awareness of Theodore. She could feel the heat radiating off of his body, smell the intoxicating mix of his musky citrus cologne, and hear each ragged breath that escaped his lips.
Never before had Belle experienced such passionate kisses, so filled with raw desire. They left her reeling, her focus lost in a kaleidoscope of sensation. She soon gave up trying to resist the overwhelming tide of pleasure and completely surrendered to him.
His hands moved all over her back, tracing her curves with a possessiveness that both thrilled and unnerved her. His hands descended to her hips, squeezing possessively, sending a jolt of electricity through her.
His kisses drifted down, a trail of fire across the sensitive skin of her neck and shoulder. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her unique floral perfume igniting a primal hunger within him. The heat rising from her body fueled the inferno already raging inside him.
Tonight, he was certain, would be the night their marriage would finally be consummated. Yet he wanted to make sure Bella was ready for it.
"Bella," he murmured huskily with desire, his hot breath tickling her sensitive skin. Goosebumps erupted across her arms. "Are you sure we should take this further?" he asked.
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