Chapter 13

Chapter Thirteen: A Love That's Unbreakable

The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of the ocean as Alexander held Isabella close, their bodies pressed together in a slow, intimate dance. The world had melted away, leaving only the two of them beneath the stars, wrapped in a moment neither wanted to end.

She was his. And now, she had promised to be his forever.

"I still can't believe this is real," Isabella whispered, her fingers tracing the edge of Alexander's jaw as they swayed to the soft music playing from his phone.

He pulled her closer, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. "It's real, sweetheart. And it's only the beginning."

She let out a breathless laugh, shaking her head. "You didn't even have a ring."

Alexander smirked. "That's because I wasn't planning on proposing tonight. But then I looked at you, and I knew I couldn't wait another second."

Her heart swelled. "So, no grand romantic setup? No elaborate plan?"

He twirled her once before pulling her back into his arms. "No. Just you, me, and the undeniable truth that I love you."

She bit her lip, overcome with emotion. "That's the most romantic thing you've ever said."

"I'm just getting started," he teased, leaning down to capture her lips in a deep, slow kiss.

The kiss was everything—tender yet urgent, filled with promises of forever. Isabella melted into him, her hands fisting the fabric of his shirt as heat spread between them.

When they finally pulled apart, her breath was unsteady. "So, what happens next?"

Alexander brushed a strand of hair from her face. "We plan our future. Together."

She smiled. "I like the sound of that."

He laced his fingers with hers, leading her toward the shoreline. The sand was cool beneath their feet, the waves crashing softly in the distance.

As they walked, Isabella stole a glance at him. He looked so effortlessly handsome, the moonlight casting sharp angles over his chiseled features.

"You're staring," Alexander noted, amusement lacing his tone.

She didn't deny it. "I'm memorizing you."

His brow arched. "Oh?"

"In case this is all just a dream."

He stopped walking and turned to face her. "Then let me make sure you never doubt it again."

Before she could ask what he meant, Alexander swept her off her feet, carrying her bridal-style back toward their car.

"Alexander!" she gasped, laughing as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Yes, future Mrs. Carter?" he murmured, nuzzling her neck.

Her heart skipped a beat at the way he said it. "You're impossible."

He smirked. "And yet, you love me."

She kissed his cheek. "I do."

They drove back to the villa, anticipation thrumming between them. By the time Alexander pulled into the driveway, Isabella's pulse was racing.

As soon as they stepped inside, he shut the door and pinned her against it, his gaze dark with unspoken need.

"You just agreed to be my wife," he murmured, trailing kisses down her jaw. "Do you have any idea what that does to me?"

She shivered, her fingers sliding up his chest. "Why don't you show me?"

His control snapped.

Lifting her effortlessly, he carried her to the bedroom, laying her down on the soft sheets. His hands traced the curves of her body, worshiping her with every touch, every whispered word of devotion.

Their love was slow and unhurried, as if savoring the reality of what they had just promised each other.

As dawn broke through the windows, Isabella curled against Alexander's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

"I don't want to sleep," she murmured, her fingers lazily tracing circles on his skin.

He kissed her temple. "Why not?"

"Because every time I close my eyes, I'm afraid I'll wake up and this will all be gone."

Alexander tilted her chin up so she was looking at him. "This is forever, Isabella. I'm never letting you go."

Tears burned the back of her throat. "Promise me?"

He brushed a thumb over her lips. "I swear it."

And as she drifted off to sleep in the arms of the man she loved, she finally believed it.

She was home.

She was his.

Forever.

To be continued…