Chapter Fifty-One Ella
Chapter Fifty-One
Ella
Nerves flutter low in my abdomen as Tiero dries me off with a fluffy towel.
I’m surprised something this soft exists in a hospital. Then again, they probably brought it in just for me.
After today’s disaster, everyone is paying attention to the smallest details to appease Tiero. He’s frightening when he’s angry. Something I should probably remember too.
He moves around me carefully, making sure he hasn’t missed a spot, before sinking to his knees to dry my legs. He lifts each foot gently, resting it on his thigh as he pats dry every space between my toes.
God, if he keeps this up, I’m going to get turned on and desperate for him. As if it wasn’t enough that he lingered over my breasts, tracing the towel softly over them until my nipples tightened into rock-hard peaks. They’ve become so sensitive already.
My eyes drift to the top buttons of his shirt. They’re undone, revealing a strip of tanned skin, and the urge to run my hands over his toned chest makes my fingers twitch.
Tiero is taking his time. Too much time.
His movements are slightly jerky. His gaze stays fixed on what he’s doing. It’s unusual for him not to hold my eyes.
Curious, I study him more closely.
There’s a faint tremor in his hands.
What’s going on? Has something else happened?
He’s unusually quiet. That’s not like him either.
Seriously, what now? Universe, can we please have a moment to breathe?
Tension creeps back into my body. I’d only just started to relax.
I stand naked in front of him, nothing hidden, and I’ve never felt more vulnerable.
Tiero presses a gentle kiss to the spot where our child is growing, then rests his forehead against my abdomen.
He stays there for a long moment, as if frozen, and I don’t know what to do with myself. I rest my good hand on his shoulder, waiting.
With a slow inhale, he pulls back but remains on his knees. His hand slips into his pocket, and finally, his gaze lifts to mine.
The love and vulnerability in his eyes makes my heart skip.
He clears his throat and holds out his hand to me. I don’t even look at what’s in his palm. All I see are his eyes, shining with tenderness and devotion.
“Ella Rose O’Neil, I love you. Will you do me the greatest honor and become my wife? Will you marry me?”