Chapter 18: Chapter 18
Stefan's POV
The next morning was very hectic for us. Tristan and I went to the hospital to get Gran home. Gran was ecstatic to be home. As she settled down in her room, nurse Ellie packed her stuff, and Tristan kept gran company, while Rosy helped Martha prepare lunch and last-minute packing. I went to talk to John about the upkeep of the mansion and also gave instructions to the securities in charge.
After lunch, Rosy and Martha cleaned up everything. We all got ready to leave. After helping gran into the ambulance, Ellie and Martha sat with her while Tristan sat in the passenger seat and they drove off.
Finally, I could be with Rosy alone. I turned to her and asked her, "Ready to leave?"
"Yeah, let's go", she said breathless from all the running around since morning.
I helped her into my red Ferrari California T, and leaned in closer to fix her seat belt. I looked into her eyes, mesmerized by them. Her hot breath on my face and her sweet smell was driving me crazy. I looked down at her soft plump pink lips. As much as I wanted to kiss her since morning, I didn't. I just fixed her seat belt and backed out, closing the door. I went around and got in and started my car. We drove in silence for some time, Rosy looked out of the window the whole time. She was a little sad, I felt. It was natural given the fact that she had lived here all her life until now.
"Are you having second thoughts about going to New York, Rosy ?" I asked, laying my hand on her thigh.
She shivered at my touch, "No, it's not that. I've always lived here my whole life. I'm scared. I don't know whether it's the right thing to do." She said honestly, looking at me.
"It's okay Rosy. When gran is better, if both of you don't like it there, you could always come back. So cheer up now.. okay?" I said. Hopefully, I will make her mine by then and she will change her mind about coming back, I thought. I actually didn't have any plans of letting her go. After being away from her for four years, any more separation would certainly make me lose my sanity.
She nodded and smiled. I held and squeezed her hands on her lap. She released my hands and looked out at the scenery passing by. I drove smiling like a stupid person under a love spell. I never imagined this day would come and someone would have so much power over me.
We had coffee at a roadside cafe and headed home.
Annabelle's POV
I stared out of the window at the familiar sights and scenes of my hometown, Princeton, passing by. After living here all my life, it felt strange leaving this place which I had always called home. I had never had the opportunity to see the world, to travel much but I would have loved to.
I wasn't sure where Stefan was taking me to. Was he taking me to his parent's house or his own house, I didn't know. I just wanted to take baby steps and see where all this led. I hadn't thought much about my future after leaving my dance school behind. I just had one thought in my mind. I wanted gran to get better as soon as possible. I would think of something to do once I ensured that gran's health was improving.
I didn't know why Stefan wanted me to travel with him but deep in my heart, I was glad that I agreed. However, I would never admit that to him. His hand rested on my thighs every now and then and it stirred a deep throbbing in me. I was confused by these feelings which he stirred within me.
I knew that I would stay where gran was although he said that I would be free to return anytime I wished to. I had no such wish at the moment. I didn't have anyone in Princeton to return to.
He treated me to coffee and apple tarts and we again headed towards New York. He showed me sights and attractions on the way, explaining briefly about them. I watched with interest, more interested in staring at his face, his lips as he spoke, his deep voice stirring me up.
''I love it when you stare at me,'' he said with a smile, which showed his dimples. I blushed and turned to look out of the window.
''I wasn't staring. I was just listening to you,'' I corrected him although it wasn't at all the truth.
''Oh? Then repeat what I said just now,'' he asked with another sexy smile of his.
''I don't need to,'' I said stubbornly. I actually hadn't heard the last part and he knew it.
His smile didn't fade as he drove on. This time I kept my eyes on the view out of the window. He chuckled at my childishness.
''You can look all you want. I'm all yours,'' he said to rile me up.
''No thanks,'' I said and he just laughed.
We kept on going to God knows where and by now I was bubbling with curiosity
It was evening already when Stefan turned onto a tree-lined wide avenue with big beautiful mansions. He drove through to the corner mansion which was the most beautiful. The driveway was lined with elegant lighting and flowering plants leading to a small fountain of gargling water and a marble statue of a Roman God giving the whole place a fresh, cheerful, and welcoming atmosphere. The mansion was pure white and beautiful with two marble carved pillars on either side of a huge ornate main door. It was nothing short of a palace. A man came forward followed by other staff to help us with our hand luggage. Stefan gave the man his car keys.
"Rosy, meet Davis, my right-hand man. Davis, this is Annabelle Carter, she's now part of our family," introduced Stefan with an arm on my back.
"Pleased to meet you, Ms. Carter," he said with a smile. When Davis left to park the car, Stefan led me towards the main door, his hand resting on the small of my back. I tried to break free of his hold, but he held me tightly and whispered into my ear, "Get used to it.'' I rolled my eyes at his words.
Inside, there were beautiful expensive paintings on the walls of the foyer which opened onto a huge reception room with comfortable plush seating areas and a modern, huge fireplace. The whole place was lavishly decorated. I loved the place, it already felt like home, my new home. Stefan's home. I couldn't help the dreams of a happily ever after with Stefan from playing havoc in my mind. I loved him after all!