CHAPTER 11

Chapter Eleven: Bound by Love

The tension from Sophia's visit lingered in the air, but Alexander was determined not to let it taint the morning. He watched as Isabella stood by the balcony, the breeze playing with her hair, her gaze fixed on the ocean.

She was breathtaking, standing there wrapped in his shirt, the soft fabric swallowing her frame. The golden light of the morning sun danced across her skin, making her look like something out of a dream. His dream.

Alexander stepped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her against his chest. "You're quiet," he murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.

Isabella leaned into him, sighing softly. "Just thinking."

"About Sophia?"

She hesitated before nodding. "A little. I know she cares about you."

He turned her in his arms so she was facing him, his hands cupping her face. "The only woman who matters to me is the one standing in front of me."

She searched his eyes, as if looking for any trace of doubt. Finding none, she smiled. "You always know how to make me feel safe."

Alexander smirked. "It's because you are safe—with me." He trailed his fingers down her arm, his touch sending shivers across her skin. "And I plan to keep you that way forever."

Isabella's heart swelled at his words. He had always been her anchor, the one who could steady her no matter how chaotic life became. And now, after everything, she was finally ready to be his completely.

"Forever?" she whispered, her fingers tracing his jaw.

He captured her hand and kissed her palm. "Forever."

Their eyes locked, the air between them growing thick with an unspoken need. Slowly, he leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in the gentlest of kisses. It was sweet, almost hesitant, as if savoring the moment before it turned into something more.

Isabella's fingers curled into his hair, pulling him closer. The kiss deepened, their bodies pressing against each other as desire ignited between them. Alexander lifted her effortlessly, carrying her inside without breaking the kiss.

He laid her down on the bed, hovering over her, his gaze filled with love and unrestrained passion. "You're so beautiful," he murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of her jaw.

She smiled, her cheeks warming. "You make me feel beautiful."

He kissed her again, slow and reverent, as if committing every inch of her to memory. His hands explored her body with a tenderness that made her heart ache in the best way.

Time seemed to slow as they lost themselves in each other, in the quiet intimacy of whispered words and soft touches. It wasn't just about passion—it was about love, trust, and the promise of a future they would build together.

When they finally lay tangled in each other's arms, breathless and content, Isabella rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I don't want this moment to end," she admitted.

Alexander tightened his hold around her. "Then let's make sure it never does."

She tilted her head up to look at him. "How?"

He smirked. "Stay with me. Not just here, but always."

Her breath hitched. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"

He nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I don't want to wake up without you anymore. I don't want you in some other place when I know you belong right here—with me."

A lump formed in her throat. She had spent so long fearing commitment, fearing the idea of belonging to someone so completely. But with Alexander, it didn't feel like a cage. It felt like freedom.

She cupped his face, her eyes shining. "Then I'm yours. In every way."

A slow, breathtaking smile spread across his lips before he kissed her again, sealing the promise between them.

Isabella had never felt more certain of anything in her life.

She was his.

And she always would be.

To be continued…