CHAPTER 9

Chapter Nine: A Night of Reckless Love

The night air was thick with anticipation, the tension between Isabella and Alexander electric as they stood on the villa's balcony. The moon cast a silver glow over the ocean, waves lapping gently against the shore below. But neither of them cared about the view—not when their eyes were locked on each other, filled with unspoken promises and burning desire.

Isabella's heart pounded as Alexander took slow, deliberate steps toward her. The intensity in his gaze made her breath hitch, her skin tingling with anticipation.

"You're staring," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander smirked, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I can't help it. You're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

Her cheeks flushed at his words, but she didn't look away. She couldn't. Not when every fiber of her being was drawn to him.

"Tonight, you're mine," he murmured, his fingers trailing down her arm, sending shivers through her body.

A thrill shot through her at his words. "And if I don't want to belong to anyone?" she teased, though her voice betrayed her desire.

Alexander chuckled, his hands settling on her waist as he pulled her closer. "Then I'll just have to convince you otherwise."

His lips brushed against hers, soft at first, teasing, coaxing, until Isabella could no longer hold back. She melted into him, her hands gripping his shoulders as he deepened the kiss, claiming her in a way that sent heat pooling in her stomach.

She had wanted this for so long—had denied herself this for so long. Now, there was no hesitation, no second-guessing. Only the fire that burned between them, consuming them both.

Alexander lifted her effortlessly, carrying her inside as their lips remained locked in a passionate embrace. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of candles casting shadows on the walls. The air was thick with longing, with the weight of years spent apart and the undeniable need to make up for lost time.

He set her down gently on the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. "Tell me to stop," he whispered, his voice husky, laced with restraint.

She shook her head, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw. "I don't want you to stop."

That was all he needed to hear.

He captured her lips once more, his kisses slow, deep, worshipful. His hands moved with reverence, memorizing every curve, every soft sigh that escaped her lips. He wanted to savor this moment, to etch it into his soul so he would never forget the way she felt in his arms.

Isabella arched into him, her own hands exploring the hard planes of his body. She wanted to feel every inch of him, to drown in the love that had been forbidden for too long.

They lost themselves in each other, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, as if they had been made for this moment. Every touch, every kiss, every whispered word of devotion was a promise—a vow that this time, they would not let go.

Time became irrelevant as they surrendered to the passion between them, their love unfolding in the quiet hours of the night. And when the world finally stilled, when their breaths evened and their bodies lay entwined beneath the silk sheets, Isabella traced lazy patterns on Alexander's bare chest, a soft smile on her lips.

He looked down at her, brushing a tender kiss against her forehead. "You're mine, Isabella. Now and forever."

She tilted her head up to meet his gaze, her heart swelling with love. "And you're mine."

Alexander's expression softened, his fingers trailing down her arm. "I don't ever want to wake up without you by my side again."

Her breath hitched at the raw emotion in his voice. "Then don't."

A slow, breathtaking smile spread across his lips before he kissed her again, sealing their fate in the most undeniable way.

As they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, Isabella knew—this was where she was meant to be. This was love, true and unbreakable. And she would never let it go again.

To be continued…