Chapter 51: Chapter 51

RYAN POV

I was definitely not feeling guilt free knowing I have been having business dealings while on a honeymoon with Ariel. We haven't even visited the important places in the city of Melbourne.

I closed my laptop, as my gaze lingered across the room until it reach that of Ariel, who was focused on the book she was reading. She had been doing plenty of readings since we left the States.

I can't blame her. I have only proved to be a boring husband.

"Done with work?”I broke out of my thoughts as the words of Ariel reached me.

"Yes. But there is something I need to tell you.”I scratched my neck, feeling nervous all of a sudden.

"Shoot.”She dropped her book, as her stare cut to mine.

"I'm taking you out tonight on a business date with your step-sister and her husband. Is it okay with you?”

She hummed, as she nodded.

"Of course.”That was her response.

I don't know, but I could feel that she wasn't so glad about it.

Why will she be? I should be beaten.

If my mum gets wind that I have been attending to business related matters, I'm pretty sure she won't let me free.

I rolled over the bed to the other side, as I was closer to Ariel. I held her hands, locking eyes with her.

I needed to apologize.

"What?”She turned her face sideways, as her cheek reddened.

"You are not angry with me, are you?”

She smiled, gently patting my shoulders

"It is difficult to get angry at your pretty face.”She gave me a quick peck on the lips, as I felt dazzled for a while.

"It is fine. I will just sit with Lucille and talk, “She confessed, as my brows creased slightly.

"I thought you would still be angry with her.”She rolled her eyes, as she breathed out gently.

"I wish I could, but it will be a waste of energy. And Lucille never hated me. She was…" She paused, as she turned away.

"It's complicated.”She voiced out, trying not to dwell much on the topic.

"And your dad?”Her fingers shook slightly, as her face suddenly went grim.

"I need to visit the bathroom.”She stood up immediately, leaving me completely stupefied.

She never mentioned or talked about it again.

*****

I often glanced at Ariel, as I discussed business deals with Mr. Daniel and one of our biggest clients in Australia. It felt like a very long time since I visited here, and this could be the opportunity to strike all the necessary business deals before going back to the states.

I tried as much as possible to concentrate, as Ariel looked more gorgeous tonight. Her hair was in a Side Dutch, as she looked prettier and younger. Her brown and black gown complemented her look.

"Ahem, Mr. Ryan.”I felt a tap on my arm, as I shook my head, jolting out of my thoughts. I can't wait to end this meeting.

"Oh! Apologies. What is your conclusion, Mr. Harrison?" I asked, referring to our client.

"Sounds good. But we will need your help to make it possible. It is a deal.”We shook hands, finalizing the deal for the wine company I just opened, here in Melbourne.

I had been thinking of creative ways to make it work. And even though I would rather not start a business here, my dad wanted me to. So much for being a first child.

After Mr. Harrison left, Daniel and I left for the ladies table, as I sat beside Ariel.

"You should still be careful with your step-sister.”I whispered, my mouth close to her ear.

"Don't worry.”She simply said, as I just sighed.

She trusts too much, and loves too much too. That moment, I could not help but swore that if I found out she was lying and pretending with my wife, not even Ariel would be able to stop me from teaching her a lesson.

"Ariel and I were just discussing something. I dared her to drink one glass of an alcoholic wine.”Lucille glanced at me, as I pulled Ariel closer.

"No, she can't. What if she is pregnant.”I blurted out, as Ariel choked, coughing out.

"I'm fine. And I'm not pregnant.”She raised her hand as I attempted to stand.

She cleared her throat, as she waved at a waiter.

"Serve us your best alcoholic drinks. Bill on her.”She stated, as Lucille chuckled.

"Ariel, have you ever drank alcohol?” My eyes met hers, as I found her watching me with a peculiar kind of focus.

“It's fine. Just a glass of wine won't hurt, right?”

I decided to keep shut and watch. The least I wanted tonight was to see Ariel drunk. I don't think she would have proper self-control.

The wine was served, each one of us with a glass of it. All this while, Daniel was quiet, going through his phone.

Ariel downed the glass of wine in one go, as she sighed.

"It tastes quite sweet. Is this an alcoholic wine?”She asked, reaching for the wine bottle.

Oh, no! Desert wine.

I held her arm, stopping her movement.

"That is enough. The wine is only sweet. It is quite alcoholic.” I told her.

"You are a joy killer. Lucille, next on. Truth or dare?”My eyes widened, as I was shocked Ariel was willing to play truth or dare with Lucille.

"Truth,”Lucille responded.

"Tell us the beautiful or admirable qualities you like about your husband. “ Ariel smiled as she spoke.

Daniel's fingers suddenly stopped lingering on his cell phone.

Lucille clamped her hands together, shooting Ariel a glare. I wondered what they could have asked themselves. What if she asked Ariel about our sex life, or if we got married for love.

I glanced at Ariel, and suddenly wished she would become tipsy so that it would serve as an excuse to leave.

Lucille cleared her throat, as she peered at Ariel.

"He is hardworking and looks quite sexy when out of bed, or covered in sweat.”I almost choked on my spit at Lucille's words.

Seriously.

"He is gentle, especially around children. I think he would make a good father. And lastly, he is a generous giver, and cares for those he loves.”

"Aww.”Ariel swooned, as I facepalmed.

Her hand trailed to my earlobe, and gosh, I felt my body tremble at her feather touches.

Ariel pulled my face to hers, as I found myself lost in those beautiful brown eyes.

"I'm drunk in love with you, Ryan.”She pressed her lips against mine, as I was astounded.

We separated within 5 seconds, as I felt flushed.

Ariel stood up, as she sat on my lap.

I hissed as her body touched mine. Time to leave.

I picked her up instantly, as I said a quick Goodbye to the couple. I dropped her in the back seat, as I also entered, before ordering the driver to drive.

"Babe.”She mumbled, as I moved closer to her.

She smiled as her eyes met mine. This should probably teach her not to jump at drinking any alcoholic drink.

The ride was silent as she rested on my shoulder. I patted her back calmly. We got to our room as she had her hands around my waist. I could feel the few people around gaze on us, as we made our way to our room.

I closed the door behind, as I gently laid Ariel on the bed. I stared at her, lost in her beauty.

I made to leave, but felt Ariel's hand grab my wrist, yanking me to the bed, as I fell on her. Our faces are inches apart.

"Ariel…" I breathed out, as I made to stand, but couldn't as she held on to me.

"Why do you have to call me Ariel? It is no longer Mi Amor or Milady.”She murmured, her voice deep, the drawl warm and lazy.

I chuckled slightly, helping her to sit, as her eyes were slightly opened. She touched my face, as she inched closer, locking my lips with hers.

The kiss started out slow and filled with passion. I was getting lost in it, as the taste of her lips only kept me longing for more.

She reached for my clothes, as she rumbled it, trying to unlock the buttons on my shirt.

I stopped instantly, as I held her hands.

"We can't Ariel. You will hate me if we do this tonight.”She pouted, as she struggled with her hands.

She stopped, as she jeered her hands away.

"You don't love me anyway. You won't even make love with your wife.”She turned away, as I let out the breath I was holding for some seconds now.

"No. Just Just go to bed okay."I tried to pacify her, but no other words came out.

She adjusted, as she slept on the bed, shutting her eyes. I covered her with the quilt, as I stood, the throbbing in my trouser suddenly coming down.

I decided to bath as I downed my thoughts with the warm water that streamed down my body.

I almost had sex with Ariel tonight. I knew she wasn't aware of what she was doing. She was only under the influence of alcohol.

I was sexually attracted to Ariel, but I still don't want to go ahead. What if we made love, and the attraction vanishes. I wanted to be sure I was going to love her, before attempting to spice our sex life.

I came out after 30 minutes of waging thoughts.

I moved closer to Ariel, as she was mumbling some words.

I bent, as my ears finally caught what she was saying over and over again.

"I love you Ryan Ackers. Do you love me?."

I felt my heart skip a bit.