Skylar ignored the amused look on his face all the way back to Florence. No, she wouldn’t kiss him at all. She had no wish to repeat last night’s mistake. What if he behaved the same way again? She wouldn’t let him witness her vulnerability. “Are you ignoring me?” he prodded, making her roll her eyes at him. “No, why would I?”“Maybe because you’re scared to kiss me.” Skylar wanted to erase the stupid grin off his face. “No, I’m not scared. I just don’t want to kiss you.”“Liar!” She blushed crimson but didn’t answer. She closed her eyes, feigning sleep all the way back to Florence.Skylar headed up the elevator straight to their room on reaching the hotel in Florence. Christian stopped at the reception to inform them about their early morning check-out the next day. She had just showered and changed when Christian arrived. His smoldering look swept over her body, making her acutely aware of herself. “Can we order dinner? I can’t go down to the restaurant tonight.” “I know. I’ve
It was easier said than done and Christian lay awake on his side, staring at the ceiling. It was a strange wish, but he needed her admission before proceeding. He groaned inwardly at the torture, his heart prodding him to cave in. How would he survive without kissing her? He needed it just like his body needed oxygen to live! He could feel her restlessness beside him. She wasn’t at peace with the situation, either. Yet she didn’t make a move! It was frustrating indeed! He was curious to find out what was bothering her. Why couldn’t she just give in? After all, he would marry her soon. Did she think he would ever agree to a contract marriage? After tossing and turning the entire night, Christian woke up early to get ready to check-out of Florence. Skylar had slept late and he allowed her another hour of rest. He was ready and waiting for her to wake up when her eyes fluttered open. They immediately landed on him sitting on the loveseat in the corner and watching her. A gasp of shock
“The conference room is ready, sir. Please come this way! I’ll escort you to your rooms,” said an eager Mr. Albizzi, leading the way to the elevator. “Thank you, Mr. Albizzi. Have you informed the others about today’s meeting?” Skylar followed him quietly, listening to his conversation with Mr. Albizzi. She was angry at him for not introducing her to his staff. She was his fiancée, after all. Shouldn’t he have introduced her? “Yes sir. I have. They should arrive an hour before the scheduled time.” “Good! You can hand the keys over to me and get back to work.” Mr. Albizzi handed the keys and left them at peace. Bursting with curiosity, Skylar couldn’t contain herself anymore. “Why have you booked two rooms?” A small smile played on his lips as he turned to look at her. “For you. I hope you’re happy now! You won’t need to share a room with me.” Skylar glared at him as her heart protested against it. It should have made her happy, but it didn’t. “Won’t your staff consider it weird
The four women whirled around to gape at her, the color drained from their faces. “No ma’am. We were just..” stuttered one of them.“Yes, you were just Indulging in mindless gossip about things that don’t concern you. It can land you in trouble. Are you aware of that? I have a recording of your derogatory remarks. I can accuse each of you of defamation charges. Hope you are prepared for it.” She stated with a grim look on her face. One of the women burst into tears while the others looked scared out of their wits. Skylar marched ahead without a look at them. She was seething from the insult. How could Christian encourage the Deputy GM of his company in front of everyone? If anyone is at fault, it was Christian, not these petty employees. She didn’t wish to go down to the restaurant to join him but this was a professional scenario. She couldn’t let her personal grudges control her professional life. It would give those bitches satisfaction to see her so affected. Quickly freshening
Christian took another deep breath and faced her. “You’re overreacting just as you did in Frascati. I have explained this to you before and I’m repeating it now. There will be such women everywhere, in every hotel I own. It doesn’t mean I encourage them or have an affair with them. You might have had admirers too at your college. Did you sleep with them all? It’s the same thing, Skylar!” “No, it isn’t the same thing. You allowed her to insult me. Then you disappeared with her for twenty minutes! What do I conclude from your behavior, Christian?” Her face flushed with annoyance at his lack of explanation. “I didn’t invite her to sit beside me. If she wanted to create a scene, how was I responsible? Did you want me to pick up a fight with her in front of my board of directors? I have my self-respect and position to consider before taking such a step. These people have been with us for years. They are reputable and close to grandpa Ben. How could I create a scene in front of them?” Sky
Christian could feel his heart pounding in his chest as he waited for her. Skylar stopped inches away from him, unable to look away from his smoldering gaze. It seemed it had her under a spell. “How do you plan to please me?” His hot breath fanned her face, while his hawk-like eyes pulled her closer like a magnet. He brushed a wisp of hair off her face, his fingers brushing against her creamy skin in a tender caress. His touch intensified the fire already burning inside her. “I can start with a kiss, maybe!” Shyly, she cupped his cheek, intending to just kiss him and run. She refused to drown in his passion! Christian’s breath hitched as he waited for her lips to touch his. She was kissing him willingly and he couldn’t contain his heartbeats. They seemed to thump wildly, ready to jump out of its ribcage. He had never experienced such an intense moment in all his twenty-eight years of life! Skylar pulled his head towards her only to brush her lips to his warm, full ones. A tremor o
“When will you marry me, Skylar?” The unexpected question brought Skylar out of her daze. She raised her head and gazed into his melancholic eyes. She searched her soul for an answer but couldn’t come up with any. Strangely, she didn’t want a contract marriage with him any longer. “I will prepare the contract for you to go through. Whenever you’re ready, we can sign it and get married. I will apply for a license.” Skylar nodded, releasing him and scooting to her side. Her heart filled up with a strange restlessness, yet she couldn’t voice her feelings somehow. She couldn’t tell him she wanted a proper marriage with him. Where was the spitfire who could fight all her battles bravely? She had never been so tongue-tied before. She lay down and closed her eyes with a sigh while Christian watched her confusing reaction. He was sure something was wrong with her. She was fine a minute ago. Didn’t she want to marry him? Then why couldn’t she voice her thoughts? Why couldn’t she fight his de
“Don’t be sorry. I’m happy to have you in my life. I think I’ll hit the bed now. I’m not hungry.” Skylar released him, realizing his need for privacy. He got up and went inside to sleep while she sat thinking about what he had told her. His admission tonight cleared a lot of doubts she had about him. It answered most of her questions, too. She felt a little foolish for fighting him unnecessarily when he always cared for her. All along, he was there right before her, yet she couldn’t recognize the depth of his feelings for her. Did he love her? Or was it just an obsession to snatch what was forbidden for him?That was a question she didn’t have an answer to.The flight attendant arrived to seek her permission to serve dinner, but she declined. With Christian skipping dinner, her appetite too left her. After a few minutes, she got up with a sigh. There wasn’t anything she could do until they reached Cleveland and received an update on Sebastian. However, in her heart, she was glad th