Tears of salvation (Underworld Kings)

Chapter 14

ALEXEI

Fuck, I worked my ass off to get everything ready for Isabella. My eyes are glued to her as she looks through the clothes I got for her.

Seeing her move around in my personal space feels… right.

Because she’s the one.

The only woman who can survive being at my side.

My breaths are slow and steady as I assess every facial expression from her.

Isabella glances at me, then she frowns. “Why are you looking at me as if you’re about to attack?”

Relaxing my features, I say, “It’s just good seeing you here.”

She takes a deep breath then walks toward the bed. “Our bedroom.” It sounds as if she’s tasting the words. Isabella turns to face me. “I’ll feel more comfortable using a guest room while I adjust.”

Nodding, I begin to walk to the door, saying, “I’ll have some of your things moved.”

“Ah… no.”

I stop and glance over my shoulder at her. She gestures at the dressing table and closet. “Leave everything as is. I’ll just sleep in another room until I’m used to the idea of us being a couple.”

A grin spreads over my face, liking the sound of that. “I’m putting you in the suite next to mine, so you’re close to me.”

Isabella follows me next door and glances around the room. “So if I scream, you’ll come running?”

“Butt naked and armed, but I’ll come,” I joke, and it makes laughter burst from her. Closing the distance between us, I say, “And there you make me want to kiss you again.”

Isabella lifts her right hand and places it behind my neck. Her fingers run through my short hair, her eyes locking with mine, and then she lifts onto her toes and presses her mouth to mine.

I let her control the pace even though frustration ripples through me when there’s no tongue.

Pulling back, she stares at me. “I wanted to see if I’m comfortable initiating intimacy with you.”

“And?” I murmur. “Are you?”

A pensive smile curves her lips. “I’m surprisingly comfortable.”

“But?”

“I can’t place my finger on it.” Stepping away from me, Isabella walks to the expansive windows and stares out over the backyard. “It’s just frustrating not remembering any of this. I feel strange.”

I move in behind her, and careful not to jar her left arm and shoulder, I wrap my arms around her. I press a kiss to the side of her neck. “Just give it time.”

“It’s so weird. This feels familiar,” Isabella murmurs. “Having you behind me.”

I hold her for a couple of minutes as we stare out of the window, wanting her to become used to me touching her. Isabella leans back against me, resting her head on my shoulder.

So far, everything’s working out exactly how I hoped it would. Now it’s only a matter of time.

I’ll make Isabella love me, marry her, and then she’ll be mine. Together we’ll rule the world.