Chapter 35: Chapter 35

RYAN POV

I wasn't certain how I felt about Ariel's kiss that morning, but it was exciting. I almost got lost, and if not for the last self-control on me, I would have encouraged us to continue where she started.

I wasn't certain, but all I could think of was how to pay Ariel back. She is quite confident to initiate a kiss. Not only that, but I can't seem to get my mind off it. My imagination kept going wider than I thought.

"Sir.” The touch of someone jolted me out of my reverie.

I cleared my throat, adjusting my sitting posture, blocking the thought of Ariel, at the sight of the people watching me. The throbbing I felt between my legs dropped immediately.

I felt speechless for a while, suddenly realizing I was in a meeting, but all I could think of was Ariel's kiss. I haven't been bewitched, have I?

Nah! I don't believe in that.

"Please, go on.” I rested on my chair, trying to bring back my concentration again.

"Since the end of the year is drawing near, we thought the company will organize an End of the year party. Your thought's sir?” One of the executives spoke, as others whispered to each other.

They all wore a smile, but sadly, they won't be smiling for a long time.

"There won't be any End of the year party.” I paused, as dismay went across their faces.

"Rather, there will be a party by October or November. But it will be an Appreciation party for the staff working in this company. That would be better instead.” There were murmurings again, for a few seconds.

"And there will be a 15% bonus increase on salaries for both October or November.” That seemed to do the trick as they smiled, and clapped.

"Sir, does that mean there won't be any End of the year party again?” One of the managers asked.

"Yes, it has been canceled. Staff appreciation party it is. You guys are doing well. And lastly, the month can change anytime.”

I glanced around to see any objection, before my eyes settled on my secretary, who wrote down some points.

"Please choose a date in either of the two months and get back to me. If that is all, please excuse me.” I stood up, bowing slightly, before taking my leave.

I took big strides to my office as I walked in. I let out a frustrated groan, seeing Nick already seated.

He chuckled, as I sat on my chair.

"It is now I realize you detest me a lot, Ryan.” I rolled my eyes, as I brought out my file.

"Whatever. What are you doing here, by the way? Shouldn't you be in your office? It seems you have quite a lot of leisure time now.” I stated, before going through the file in my hand.

"I'm on a break, actually. My dad granted it to me, since I proved to be handling business quite well.”I nodded, quite amazed.

I wish I could have a break, but sadly NO.

"Good for you.”I simply said, scribbling down something.

"Yeah. How is Ariel?” Nick asked, making my heart thumped for a while.

"She is fine,”I replied.

"Good. Have you guys started seducing each other?” My brows creased, as I raised my head, only to meet a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"Your mind needs some washing. I'm busy.” As much as Nick's visit was trouble, he just seemed to spark up something in my head.

"Okay. I'm leaving.”He stood up, as our gaze met.

"Meanwhile, please keep in mind my advice. In marriage, you have to seduce your partner.” Picking my pen, I threw it at him, as he sauntered to the door.

"Calm down bro. Meanwhile, my greetings to my sister-in-law. She is treating you well. I really enjoyed the meal she sent today.”He opened the door and went out.

At that moment, reality dawned on me.

Nick has eaten the food Ariel made for me….

ARIEL POV

Today was rather a slow one. The message I received was a weird one. After reading, it only left me startled and feeling down. I could not help but feel a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

'Enjoy it while it lasts'. That was it.

I felt like informing Ryan about it, but discarded the thought immediately. I tried checking the number, but calling it was impossible. It kept hanging.

Anyway, it was time to free my mind. Overthinking cannot solve the problem.

****

The night was rather warm, as I was in a flowing short-sleeved gown. It was beautiful and free.

As I placed the last set of food on the tray, I began walking to the dining room, the thought of Ryan's sudden quietness troubling me a bit.

Our conversation earlier had ended in a rather not too interactive session earlier. Maybe he is stressed.

"Here, let me help.” He collected the spoon from me, as he served the vegetables I made.

I was surprised and simply smiled.

I stood, as he poured into the two plates. Once he was through with dishing the meal, I covered the serving plates, but was left stupefied, as he pulled me closer to sit on his lap.

My heart began beating faster than usual. A shudder passed through me, as his warm breath grazed my ear. I swallowed, unable to meet his eyes.

"Ariel, can you feed me?” His calm low voice startled me a bit, as our gaze met. Lo and behold- I met with his sexy eyes twinkling with mischief.

"I can't. Stop playing around, Ryan.” I voiced out finally.

"Don't mind me. I just seem to want to embrace you.” He smiled, as he helped to lift me off his laps.

I let out a small breath, as I sat close to him.

"Let's eat.”I nodded, burying my head to the food.

I could not help but feel his gaze was on me throughout. I felt my stomach become a hot mess of lovely knots. A few tangles of uncertainty arousing.

I pressed my lips together, twisting them to the side, so I wouldn't grin.

"Any plan for tonight?”I raised my head, at his question.

"Yeah. I want to write. What about you?” I asked.

"Nothing much. Just bathe and sleep.” I smiled, as I felt confused a bit.

I kept wondering what was wrong with Ryan tonight.

"Any gist for me?” And then again, he surprised me with another question, as my mouth twitched a bit.

"Nope. What about you?” He pushed his plate aside, as he smiled.

"Just a bit of change. More bonuses for hard working staff in the company. “My face brightened a bit, as he spoke.

"That's great. Well done.” I commented, as he winked at me.

I blushed slightly. He stood up, yawning, as he left.

I packed the plates and washed it all. Wasting no time, I headed to the room.

*****

I almost screamed at the sight of Ryan with just a short that barely covered his laps. I quickly turned my back to him.

"You should put on something, Ryan.” I rolled my eyes, wondering why he didn't dress up in the closet.

Not that I haven't seen him in just a towel, but the thought of sleeping on the same bed with him like that won't Wade off the improper thoughts in my head.

“I think you have to get used to seeing me half naked. We are married.”His voice rang in.

"But only for a year.”I retorted, as I heard him groan.

I kept counting numbers to ease myself, not until he hugged me from behind.

"Don't remind me of my rules.”He twirled me around as I faced him.

"Goodnight Ariel.”He left for the bedside, as I felt my face flushed.

I stood speechless, as if I was in a daze.

"Goodnight,”I mused, as I went to the other side of the bed, opening my laptop.

I shook my head, trying to wade off the thoughts of Ryan as I rested on the bed.I began typing as soon as possible.

I glanced slightly at him, as his eyes were closed.

I performed yet another breathing exercise before working on my laptop. I kept typing the story of Ryan and I, from where I stopped: THE VERY DAY HE PROPOSED AND KISSED ME.

All I could remember was that I ended up dozing off after typing a chapter, and that was all.....

Not until I felt a tap on my hand, forcing me to blink my eyes open.I realized I was no longer sitting but standing. Not only that, but I was facing Ryan's angry face, as he looked intently at me.

Oh no! What have I done wrong this time?

"Why are you writing a story about us?”I felt my heart thumped, breath almost leaving me.

This is bad……