CHAPTER 52
Amara stirred in the soft morning light that streamed through the curtains, the golden glow casting a warm hue on the room.
The air carried the refreshing scent of rain-kissed earth, a reminder of the storm that had passed.
Groggily, she opened her eyes, feeling a sense of confusion until the memories of the night before flooded back.
As the sleepiness wavered, Amara became conscious of strong arms encircling her waist, a comforting warmth pressed against her back.
She blinked, the details of the room coming into focus, and then turned her head slightly to find Kaelith sleeping peacefully beside her.
His tousled hair and relaxed expression softened the rugged edges of his features.
Her cheeks flushed as she felt something warm tickling her neck. Kaelith had nuzzled into the crook of her neck, his breath sending a gentle shiver down her spine. She couldn't help but feel tingles at the unexpected tenderness.
Growing more aware, Amara shifted, attempting to free herself from Kaelith's embrace. However, as if sensing her movement, he tightened his hold, pulling her closer. The warmth of his body enveloped her. His grip on her waist became more protective.
Dejectedly, Amara sighed. She closed her eyes, surrendering to the comfort of his arms and drifted to sleep.
****
Amara's eyes fluttered open to a cold emptiness beside her.
The warmth that had surrounded her moments ago was gone.
Confused, she sat up, the sheets slipping from her shoulders.
Glancing around the room, she saw Kaelith by the window, his back facing her.
The soft morning light outlined his silhouette, and for a moment, she couldn't help but admire the handsome man.
He still was dressed only in a pair of sweats, and a naked torso. She couldn’t help but clench her legs tight. His back muscles were rippling under the shy rays of the sun, and his biceps flexing as he moved his hand to run through his hair.
Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Amara climbed out of bed, the cool floor beneath her feet sending a shiver through her.
Wrapping herself in a nearby blanket, she padded towards the window, where Kaelith was engaged in a conversation on his phone.
His voice, low and deep, held a sense of authority that resonated with the glimpse of him she'd seen last night.
Not wanting to disturb him, she slipped away, making her way to the bathroom.
As the door closed behind her, she took a moment to collect her thoughts.
The events of the previous night lingered in her mind, and a faint blush tinted her cheeks at the memory.
She freshened up, the cold water waking her senses, and when she opened the bathroom door, she found Kaelith no longer on the phone.
Quietly stepping into the main area of the room, Amara saw Kaelith seated on the couch. Papers were scattered on the coffee table, and he seemed engrossed in them, and a paper bag at his side.
Kaelith glanced up sensing her presence, his intense gaze locking onto Amara's.
Caught in the moment, she swallowed, feeling a warmth rise in her cheeks.
There was a certain vulnerability in the way he looked at her as if peeling away the layers of her skin and caressing her soul with his bare gaze.
A small smirk tugged at his lips. "Good morning," he greeted, his eyes briefly meeting hers before returning to her chest.
"Morning," Amara replied, her voice carrying a mixture of shyness and hesitancy seeping through her body and settling in her core.
He couldn't help but notice the telltale blush that painted her cheeks. It was a reaction he had come to cherish.
Suddenly, a sharp knock echoed through the room. Without breaking eye contact with Amara, mumbled, "Come in."
The door creaked open and Martha walked in with a tray in her hands.
Amara’s eyes widened as she shifted on her feet.
Martha noticed her and smiled at her before focusing her gaze on Kaelith.
"Good morning, Mr. De Luca. I have your breakfast," she said placing the tray on the table.
Kaelith felt tinge of jealously at the maid.
Amara seemed more comfortable with her than him.
He sighed and dismissed the maid, his gaze on Amara. As Martha left Amara panicked. Martha saw her like this? In Kaelith’s clothes? What would she think of her? How would she explain? He noticed her fidgeting and leaned back.
“Come here.” Amara looked up, her hair shielding her face. Amara looked at him confused for a second before taking timid steps towards him. His gaze predator-like watching her as she stopped at the other side of the table. He grabbed the paper bag, “Change into this,”
Amara frowned grabbing the bag and assessed the insides. She could see coral-hued cloth inside. Looking up at him, she asked. “What is this?”
“A condom.” Amara's eyes broadened.
“A what?!”
Kaelith rolled his eyes. “It’s a dress, little one. I thought you wouldn’t like to go out in my shirt,’ he motioned to her legs. “Without your panties and bra.”
Amara narrowed her eyes at him. He was again teasing her. Kaelith bit his lips.
She could feel her cheeks burning. Huffing she turned away and stomped to the closet when his deep voice stopped her. “Who gave you permission to leave?” Amara turned around, his narrowed.
“I was going to- “
“Change here.”
Amara looked at him as if he had lost his mind. Did Kaelith De Luca finally lose his mind? Was he being serious? When she didn’ t make any move to obey him, he let out a sigh and tilted his head.
“You have two minutes,”
“Or?” She tested feeling courageous all of the sudden.
Kaelith teased his bottom lip. A hint of mischief in his grey eyes. “You really wanna know?”
She stood there for a moment, contemplating his words.
She knew what he’d do. Probably take matters into his hands and dress her himself.
Suddenly the air was thick with tension as she slowly began to unbutton the shirt he had given her.
She hesitated, feeling the weight of his gaze on her, and then turned her back toward him.
Kaelith watched amusedly, his eyes tracing the lines of her exposed back as the shirt cascaded down to her waist.
Amara quickly reached for the bra in the paper bag, and Kaelith's amusement intensified but when his eyes landed on the scars on her back, a surge of anger tightened his jaw. It bothered him to see those marks, a visual reminder of the pain she had endured.
Amara could feel his intense gaze as pulled on the bra, deliberately keeping the view in the front hidden from Kaelith. His anger was replaced with a tilt of his head, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Tempting little tease," he murmured under his breath, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Amara continued her cautious movements, putting on the underwear beneath the shirt. When she finally took off the shirt, she put on the dress, sleeveless coral dress that reached her knees. Ruffles adorned the rim and the neck, adding a touch of innocence to the ensemble.
Kaelith felt the remnants of anger dissipate. He couldn't deny the allure she possessed, the way she controlled him. Amara turned around to face Kaelith and met his amused gaze with a hint of shyness. The delicate dress clung to her curves, a stark contrast to the vulnerability in her eyes.