chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen: Love That Feels Like Forever

The morning sun peeked through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the villa, casting warm golden hues across the room. Isabella stirred, her body tangled with Alexander's beneath the silk sheets. His strong arms were wrapped protectively around her, his steady breathing lulling her into a sense of peace she had never known before.

She blinked lazily, unwilling to leave the warmth of their cocoon. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. Truly safe. Loved. Wanted.

A smile curled on her lips as she turned her head slightly, her gaze landing on the man beside her. He was still asleep, his face relaxed, his dark lashes resting against his sculpted cheekbones.

Isabella reached up, her fingers tracing the sharp line of his jaw, the soft stubble making her skin tingle.

As if sensing her touch, Alexander groaned lowly, his arms tightening around her waist. "You're staring again," he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

She chuckled, pressing a kiss to his jaw. "I can't help it. You look so peaceful."

One eye cracked open, and a slow smirk played on his lips. "You could have woken me up in a more interesting way, you know."

She raised a brow. "Oh? And how exactly would you have preferred?"

In a swift motion, Alexander rolled on top of her, pinning her beneath him with a playful glint in his eyes. "I could give you a few ideas."

Isabella laughed, her hands resting on his chest. "You're insatiable."

"For you? Always." His voice turned serious, his gaze searching hers. "You're mine, Isabella. And now that I have you, I'm never letting go."

Her heart swelled, emotions swirling inside her. "I don't want you to."

Alexander leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that stole her breath. It started slow, a gentle caress, but quickly deepened as passion ignited between them.

Isabella arched into him, her body responding to his touch as he kissed her like he was claiming every part of her soul. And maybe he was.

When they finally pulled apart, their breaths mingling, he rested his forehead against hers.

"I love you," he whispered.

She smiled, her fingers threading through his dark hair. "I love you too."

They spent the morning in bed, wrapped in each other, lost in soft kisses and whispered confessions.

Later that afternoon…

Alexander insisted on taking Isabella somewhere special. He refused to tell her where, simply saying, "Trust me."

And so, she did.

The drive was peaceful, the road winding along the coastline. Isabella watched the waves crash against the shore, the endless blue stretching out before them.

After a while, Alexander pulled up to a private dock, where a luxurious yacht waited.

Isabella's eyes widened. "You have a yacht?"

He smirked. "Surprised?"

She turned to him, shaking her head with a laugh. "I don't know why I'm still shocked by the things you do."

"Get used to it, sweetheart." He leaned in, brushing a kiss against her lips. "Come on."

They boarded the yacht, and soon, they were sailing across the sparkling waters, the salty breeze whipping through Isabella's hair.

She stood at the edge of the deck, her arms resting against the railing as she took in the view. "This is beautiful."

Alexander came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Not as beautiful as you."

She tilted her head back against his shoulder, smiling. "You really don't hold back on the compliments, do you?"

"Never." He kissed her temple. "Especially when they're true."

They spent the afternoon exploring the yacht, sipping champagne, and indulging in stolen kisses.

As the sun began to set, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky, Alexander led her to a private dining setup on the deck. A small table was adorned with candles, the soft glow making the moment even more intimate.

"Did you plan all of this?" Isabella asked, touched by the effort he had put into making their day special.

"I wanted tonight to be perfect," he admitted, pulling out her chair before sitting across from her. "You deserve nothing less."

Her heart melted. "You're incredible, you know that?"

He smirked. "Tell me something I don't know."

She rolled her eyes playfully, but deep down, she was overwhelmed with love for this man.

As they ate, they talked about everything—their childhoods, their dreams, their fears. It felt natural, effortless, as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

After dinner, they danced under the stars, the sound of the waves creating a perfect symphony.

Alexander held her close, his lips brushing against her ear. "Marrying you will be the best thing I've ever done."

Isabella's heart clenched. "You really mean that?"

"With everything in me." He pulled back slightly, gazing into her eyes. "And I can't wait to make you mine in every way."

She swallowed hard, her pulse racing. The intensity in his eyes sent shivers down her spine.

"You already have me," she whispered.

Alexander's lips crashed against hers, the kiss filled with raw emotion, with love, with possession.

And as they stood there, wrapped in each other beneath the endless night sky, Isabella knew—this wasn't just love.

This was forever.

To be continued…