Beautiful Rose (Elixir Billionaires #1)

22. Zander

22

ZANDER

I stand awestruck in Marr’s bedroom, which is straight out of some glossy interior decor magazine and a complete one-eighty from the bohemian living room.

It screams color, light, life. Everything from the pink pillows, baby blue curtains, and the zillion string lights is swanky and chic. I take in the room, perusing the several knick-knacks.

“What do you think?” She shifts on her feet, nervously looking around like she’s trying to see her place through my eyes.

“It’s beautiful. But I honestly didn’t expect your room to be this…gossamer. I expected superhero posters, but not this.” I glance toward her bed, which thankfully is queen-size, and notice a handful of photographs hanging from the string lights.

“I know, but…it’s my safe and happy place.” She smiles, fixing her glasses and making light of a serious thought.

I place my finger under her chin, and her hesitant blue eyes land on me. “What’s the real reason, couch girl?”

Her eyes close briefly before she takes a deep, cleansing breath. “Sometimes, I just…wish I could…rewind time. Live those…lost years of my life.”

Her wistful words force me to imagine Marr as a young girl, alone, trying to find herself. I pull her closer to my racing heart. “Thank you. And I’m not only talking about the room.” I want to tell her how much this whole evening means to me.

She blushes a beautiful shade of pink, which I’ve seen plenty of times in the past. But today, somehow it looks different. More mine.

I place a kiss on her forehead and plant my butt on the corner of her bed. “Is there something else I should know, apart from your obsession of glittery, pink things?”

“One more thing.” Raising her index finger, she dashes to her dresser and returns with a wooden box. “Don’t make fun of me. I’m just making you aware of all my quirks.”

I bite back my smile at her words. She is certainly the quirkiest person I know. Starting from those flannel shirts all the way up to her precise breakfast. I’m curious to know what else I should add to that list.

With a wide smile, she opens the latch, and a shock of panic zips through my heart. The box contains different accessories like bracelets, earrings, and other girly stuff. But the distinct feature in each of them is a rose . I clutch the bedsheets, attempting to think of anything other than the darkness.

Unbeknownst to my feelings, Marr picks a silver bracelet and swiftly ties it around her wrist. “This one is my favorite.”

I can’t look at anything other than the metallic rose. I stare at it and wait for the dreadful cold to engulf me and take away all my happiness.

“I’m sorry, Zander.”

She stares at me with big apologetic eyes before quickly untying the terrifying bracelet, placing it back into the box and sitting beside me. She closes the dreadful box with a loud thud, trying to shut away my monsters. But they’re already out.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize…” After taking a deep breath as if mustering some courage, she asks, “We have different memories with the flower, right?”

I’m dumbfounded how this girl, who everyone thinks doesn’t understand emotions well, is not only perceptive about my fears—which, by the way, I thought I hid well—but is also careful enough to replace the dreadful word with flower .

I nod in response.

“Will you share it with me?” I hate the hesitant lilt in her tone.

When I pull her back into my arms, she rests her head on my chest. I’m surprised how my anxiety subsides at her simple touch.

“Of course, but not today. I want this day to be a happy memory for both of us.”

Completely satisfied by my answer, she walks to her dresser with the box and returns with a Polaroid. “Then let’s capture it.”

She gingerly sits on my lap, and I completely pull her down, urging her to rest her head over my wild, rabid heart.

When the photo ejects with a whirl, she shyly hands it to me.

In the picture, I’m looking at her as she concentrates on holding the camera right. My attention is fixed on the shy smile on her face. I look like a guy who can’t keep my eyes off her for a minute.

Someone unconditionally in love with her.

“I hope we can make more memories like this.” Her voice sounds dreamy as she clips the picture on the row of string lights above her bed.

“This is just a start, Marr. We will certainly make lots of such memories.”

She walks back to me and perches softly beside me. “Will you tell me more about you? You don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable with.” She quickly adds that last part.

“Sure, but you too will have to spill some beans.” I grab her hand and love the pink that rises on her cheeks. Since I have her approval, I can’t stop touching her any way that I can.

“I’ve been very forthcoming, Mr. Teager. I showed you my room, my accessories box.” Her voice drops as she realizes that maybe the latter wasn’t the best idea.

“Marr, I’m a sucker for you and everything about you. The box just triggered some not-so-good memories. But that’s nothing. I can bear a million crappy memories to learn a happy memory of yours.” I push away a wild strand of hair from her forehead and watch as her eyes turn misty.

“Wow, Zander. That… might be the nicest thing… someone’s ever said to me,” she whispers before placing an innocent peck on my cheek. My skin burns where her soft lips make contact.

We get into the bed, and Marr rests her head over my outstretched arm as she listens to silly stories of Zach and Zane.

I’m still talking when her eyes close and she drifts to sleep.

I admire the most innocent and beautiful girl in the world and thank all the heavenly stars for landing her in my arms. I place a tender goodnight kiss on her perfect heart-shaped lips. When that’s not enough, I taste her full lips with a swipe of my tongue. She stirs in her sleep, and I quickly pull back.

My eyes open, and I’m puzzled with the new surroundings before the memories of last night flood in. The place next to me is empty and cold. Of course Marr is an early riser .

My lips curl into a smile at knowing another of her quirks. Getting up, I stretch my arms above my head, working the kinks out of my muscles. A queen-sized bed isn’t the best for me, that’s a given.

My gaze lands on the string lights still turned on, and I zoom in on the recent additions to Marr’s collection. Our pic from last night, with my beautiful girl on my lap. Next to it is another picture of me, lost in sleep with disheveled hair under Marr’s pink comforter. A sense of happiness fills my heart upon seeing it. Am I smiling in my sleep? A rarity for sure.

While walking toward the attached bathroom, I notice Logan in his fishbowl on her computer table. I knock the glass gently with my finger. “You be good, Logan. Don’t bother my girl too much.”

After using her bathroom, I tiptoe in the kitchen. The smell of cooked eggs fills the small space as Marr prepares breakfast with complete focus. Quietly, I stand behind her and place my hands around her waist.

Unexpectedly, she shrieks upon my touch.

The glass bowl filled with beaten eggs slips from her hands and lands on the floor with a crashing sound.

“Fuck, Marr. It’s me.” I turn her in my arms to find her panicked face, her eyes shut, and hands tightly clasped over her chest. “Marr. Open your eyes. Please.” My hands rest gingerly on her shoulders.

I die a thousand deaths watching tears run down her cheeks. Her face is white with fear and anxiety. “I-I am… so sorry.” Her voice trembles in sync with her entire body.

“No, baby. I am sorry.” I remove the burning pan from the heat, turn the stove off, and lead her to the barstool. After fetching a glass of water and placing it between her trembling hands, I gently rub her back. Minutes later, her breathing returns to normal. “I am so sorry, Marr.”

“Don’t say that.” Tears roll down her cheeks. “Now you see… what it’s like to be with me. I can’t… even be surprised without… freaking out.” Her insecurities rear their ugly head.

I squeeze her shoulder. “It can happen to anyone, couch girl. You were lost in your thoughts, and I startled you.” My words have no effect on her as tears continue to flow. I know I can’t erase all her insecurities in one day. I’ll just have to be patient. Cradling her face, I make her look at me instead of her feet. “It’s all good. We still have enough breakfast.” I point to two plates topped with food.

“I was making you another plate. I thought”—she gives me a weak smile—“maybe you eat more… as you are so… big.”

“You haven’t seen big. Not yet.” I playfully wiggle my eyebrows at her. When she blushes, I take that as a green signal and add, “But that’s gonna change tonight.”

“What do you mean?” she squeaks, trying to mask her amusement and failing badly. The previous incident is forgotten for a second.

“We’re going out after breakfast, and you’re spending the night with me. Not like last night, where after I give you a mind blowing orgasm, you sleep on me.”

“Zander! I did not sleep on you.” She puts her arms around my neck, her tear-stained cheeks scarlet with memories of last night.

“Yes, you did.” I kiss her lips and wink at her. “Now, feed your hungry boyfriend some breakfast.”

She looks at the mess on the floor indecisively.

“Why don’t you set the table. We’ll clean up later.”

After devouring the breakfast of a Spanish omelet, a bowl of mixed berries, and a cup of coffee, I tell Marr to take a shower and get ready while I clean the kitchen.

When I’m satisfied with my handiwork on the floor, I fetch a change of clothes from my car.

Marr is already in the living room dressed in a deep green shirt and tight jeans. Damn, this woman has a killer body. Like all her other shirts, today’s is collared with full sleeves, but it’s not as billowy as usual. I get an eyeful of her delicious curves, still fresh in my memory from last night.

I place my clothes on the coffee table, and this time, I announce myself before getting close to her. “Hey, beautiful.” I hold her from behind, kissing her soft, nice-smelling hair. Now that I know she likes me and my touch, I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off her.

“Hi.” She turns around in my arms.

“Is it okay if I use your bathroom?” I nod toward my change ofclothes.

“In a moment.” She goes somewhere in the house and seconds later returns with a new toothbrush and a towel. “Here.” She hands them to me.

I take the toothbrush but return the towel. “Don’t need this. I’ll use yours.”

Her face beams at my crazy statement, the beautiful pink back on her cheeks.

Getting in the shower, I notice her exquisite shower gel collection. Jesus, this girl.

She is so paradoxical. I smell each of the seven bottles labeled with feminine words like sun, honey, cherry, wishes, and more, before deciding to go for the purple bottle labeled moonstone something.

After the quick shower, I get dressed and take a look in the mirror. My hand grazes my five o’clock shadow, which has grown a bit wild. Maybe I should add a spare razor along with the clothes in my sleepover bag. I’m eagerly looking forward to many more nights in Marr’s bed.

Entering the living room, I find her in those damn killer boots and a sling purse on her shoulders. A whistle shoots through my lips. “Did I tell you that you look fucking hot in these sexy boots?” I whisper in her ear before biting her earlobe. My hands grab her waist .

She shivers and murmurs back, “On several occasions.”

When she turns around, I kiss her with every intention of keeping it soft and sweet. But the way she falls into me tells me she’s looking for anything but soft.

My control snaps at her reaction, and I give her my all, which she returns with equal fervor. I suck her lower lip, and she mimics my action. When I push my tongue inside her mouth, she rolls hers over it. I can’t fucking believe she’s responding this way.

I open my eyes and find hers shut tight, lost in the kiss. My hands move over her body. I memorize the shape of her curvy waist and her heavenly breasts as I caress her through the fabric of the blouse. I’m itching to take it off, but I know with one touch of her skin, I won’t be able to stop myself. I want our first time tonight to be special. I am damn adamant on making this another happy memory for her.

I feel her nipples hardening under my thumb through the fabric. And when she rubs herself over my cock, I lose it. I jerk with a loud groan.

“Fuck, Marr. No.” I pull her gently away, creating a sliver of distance between us. Gradually, I get some blood flowing to my brain instead of it all going to my cock.

“S-sorry.” Her face turns beet red, a heavenly mixture of embarrassment and lust.

“No, baby. You don’t know what you do to me, or maybe you do,” I say, pointing to the big bulge I’m now sporting in the front of my jeans. “You responding this way is like fuel to the already scorching fire inside me. But as much as I want to do this right now, I want our first time to be special. I promised you last night that we’d have many more memorable moments.”

She lowers her head in embarrassment.

“Marr. I am yours, baby. You can do anything with me. Just give me today and then we can make love anywhere, anytime. Fuck, I have wild dreams of you in my office… doing what you offered last night.”

Her eyes widen in shock at my brazen words before she swallows hard.

I grin, looking at her as she smiles sheepishly.

I know she’s thinking about what I just said.

“You’re spending today and tonight with me. Tomorrow is a corporate holiday, so I’ll bring you back home tomorrow evening. No need to pack; just inform Kristy. Where is she anyway?”

“She messaged me last night that she was spending the night with Oscar’s PA, Beth.”

Sure. If we’re calling her date Beth.

“What are we doing today?” Marr asks, bringing my attention back from Kristy’s dating life.

“I know what we’ll be doing post dinner.” I waggle my eyebrows suggestively. “You can decide for the day.”

She looks at me open mouthed, and after gulping loudly, mutters, “Would you like to go near the lake?”