Chapter 53: Chapter 53

ARIEL POV

I woke up with a dull pain in my forehead. I opened my eyes slowly, as it was blurry for a few seconds. My eyes met with Ryan's face, as his hand hung on my arm.

I breathed in, as the closeness between us seemed terrifying. I almost stopped breathing. He looked even handsome while sleeping, strands of his hair making their way to his forehead.

His pink lips were partly open, making me gulped down saliva down my throat at the thought that suddenly ran through my mind.

His eyes opened, as I just stared.

"Hey. You are awake?”His voice was low and crispy.

I simply nodded, gently removing his hold on me. I felt a sharp pain as I tried to sit up. I held on to my forehead, as if it would do justice in stopping the pain.

“Hangover right? So much for your bravery last night.”Ryan snickered, as he moved to my side.

"Stop bullying me. It tasted like orange juice. How was I supposed to know it would be so alcoholic.”

My words led to more laughter from him.

"It's fine. I guess the alcohol is new to your system. Meanwhile, I will be right back” He pecked my forehead, as he left the room.

My heart felt as if it would leave me soon, just at his closeness. It is difficult to feel really comfortable with him.

You know, that kind of comfortability.

I scrambled out of the bed, angry my shoes were still on my feet. I can't believe I slept with them. So much for having Ryan as my husband.

I took a new set of clothes and towel as I found my way to the bathroom, with my head banging slightly. I shut the door, resting on it for a while. I gasped, before breathing in and out gently.

I made my way closer to the mirror as I stared at my reflection, my hand finding its way to every part of my neck. I looked down and reality dawned on me, I was still in my last night's wear. I finally let out a sigh of relief.

I still find it difficult to comprehend that I had the weirdest dream last night. I made love with Ryan. It was…

I thought it happened for real, but I'm glad it didn't happen. So much for fantasizing about Ryan.

I allowed myself to soak in the bathtub, letting my thoughts down with the refreshing bath. I thought about yesterday. The smile on Lucille's face as we spoke. We were happy together. Even though she won't admit it, we were getting back on our relationship.

She was afraid she would get jealous of me again, if we built back our relationship as siblings.

I couldn't blame her. She suffered a lot even though she kept quiet. Samantha treated me well, leaving her daughter at the extreme, all for selfish reasons- To get my properties.

I thought back to my confession to Ryan and how he made me comfortable. He was willing to grow in love with me. But, I still feel somehow heavy at heart. Whenever I remember Damien's and Katherine's words, it gives me the quiver that they were enemies lurking around, who would do everything to end our relationship.

I could not help but tag Katherine as the main villain in our love story. Not to mention my stepmom, who probably still wanted me dead.

I reassured myself to focus on the positive things. Focusing on the negative thoughts will only dampen my thoughts and make me worried. Time will tell,' I whispered to myself.

*****

I made sure I was not wet, as I put on one of my clothes. I stared at the mirror one more time, as my hair was still slightly wet. And the bath was the best thing ever, as it helped to ease the slight headache I was having.

I came out as I saw Ryan settling on the bed, after dropping a tray of food on the stool.

"Hey. You look beautiful.”He complimented as I blushed.

"Come sit. I got this for you. You need to eat and take some pills to ease your hangover.”He beckoned, as I sat beside him.

I glanced at the meal in front of me, as it looked appetizing. Grilled meat and fish with some sandwiches. I began eating, tasting every part of the meal.

It was as if I just entered a new dimension of hunger, as it hit me. I paused, as I noticed Ryan's gaze on me.

"You are not eating. You should try it.”I picked the meat, shoving it towards Ryan.

He held my hand, stopping my movements, as he gazed intently at me.

"You should eat. I lost my appetite.”His voice was low, as he collected the meat, placing it into my parted mouth, as I took a bite, munching it slowly.

I was worried because Ryan doesn't seem to fancy eating much ever since we arrived in Australia. He only settled for meat, crabs, or fish. He hasn't had any proper meals.

“Babe, do you have a restaurant here?”I took the meat from him, as he gently wiped his hand clean with the tissue paper.

"Yes, I do. Why do you ask Milady?”He narrowed his eyes, a small smile on his lips.

"Stand up and go and bathe. We are visiting there.”I stated, as he nodded, walking towards the bathroom.

"Ryan.”He turned abruptly.

"Yes, darling.”I rolled my eyes, as he smiled widely, the smile almost melting my heart.

"What happened last night? I have a feeling I must have behaved unusually.”I gazed at him, letting out my words slowly.

"Nothing to worry about. Everything was fine last night. Bye for now.”Without waiting for me to speak further, he opened the door knob, as he crept in.

My gaze lingered back to my food, as I decided to do away with the thought for now. I knew Ryan was hiding something, even though his facial expression was a perfect one.

I ate my food, with only one thought in mind: To prepare a meal for Ryan at his restaurant.

*****

I made sure we branched at the supermarket before making our way to Ryan's restaurant.

It was small compared to what I expected.

"Table for two.”I read out the name of the restaurant. It was organized in a booth-like system, like a couple of sitting arrangements. Two chairs, and a table.

"Babe, this place looks simple and small.”I stated, the moment we stepped in.

"I like it that way. It looks beautiful, right?”He peered at me, as I nodded.

He directed me to one of the cooks, as she showed me the kitchen.

She was a nice middle-aged woman who wouldn't stop complimenting the both of us.

I cooked 2 sets of meals for Ryan as he sat at the rear side of the restaurant, working on his laptop. Customers kept coming as they were mostly Adults and teenagers, couples most especially.

At some point, I thought the restaurant might get filled up, but it didn't. I wondered why Ryan didn't want to enlarge this place.

In an hour, I was able to finish up with my cooking, as the chef's helped with serving it at our table. There were a few glances at our table, but I did my best to ignore it.

Ryan's face shone with happiness as he stared at the meal in front of him. He picked his fork to dig in, as I yanked it off his hand.

"I thought you lost your appetite.”I whispered, as he stared at me.

"Not at your food. Thank you so much for preparing this. Can I have the fork back?”He requested, as I put my index finger under my chin, as if in thought.

"Unless you tell me what happened last night.”He sighed, as he facepalmed.

"Fine. I will tell you, as we eat. Your meal is making me salivate already.”He mumbled, as I handed him his fork, keeping a stern look on.

He dug into the lasagna I prepared, as he gave a thumbs up, at his first taste. He requested for chilled wine, as the chef's helped with it.

"You really wanted to know what your drunk self did last night?”I hit his arm slightly as he took in a sip of wine.

“Okay. Well….”He trailed off, making me interested in what he wanted to say.

"You couldn't stop mentioning how you loved me. You seduced me and gosh." He leaned closer.

"I almost fell for it. You were hot.”My face turned crimson, at Ryan's words.

I felt my heart flutter, that I had an effect on him. He was sexually attracted to me.

"Apologies. I didn't know what I was doing.”He held his hand up, stopping me.

"No, it was fine. I just wish you could try it again while you are sober, like that night."He winked, reminding me of the first time I tried seducing him.

I wouldn't forget that.

"I've already made two moves. It is your turn now."I took a mouthful of the meal, as Ryan's gaze was on me.

"Really?"

I nodded, as I returned his gaze.

He leaned closer,his blue eyes locking with mine. I felt the intensity of his gaze, and got lost in it.

"Alright dear, I accept your challenge."My body trembled slightly at the way he said those words.

It was sultry, full with determination.

"Looking forward to it."I retorted, his eyes on mine.

We kept looking at each other for a long time, my heart racing with only one eager thought.

'WHEN WILL RYAN MAKE THE MOVE?'

I was curious.