Chapter 20: Chapter 20
Annabelle's POV
He led me to a room and opened the door. He pulled me inside and locked the door. His hand pulled me flush against his chest. His arms locked around my waist tightly, crushing me to him.
"What was that? Did you agree to a date with my little brother?" He yelled.
"No, are you out of your mind?" I snapped back.
"Yes, I am out of my mind. You're driving me crazy. You are mine, Rosy, only mine. Can't you feel it?" He said in a softer tone and gently touched his lips to mine. What started as a gentle kiss, soon turned into a passionate and wild, lingering, and deep kiss. His tongue invaded my already parted mouth, exploring, tasting, driving me crazy with desire. His one hand left my waist and held my head, his fingers tangled in my hair, while the other went to my hips and pulled me closer. I could feel his aro*sal grinding against my stomach. My inner core throbbed with longing and I could feel myself getting wet down there. I was confused by my own feelings. Why did it feel so right although I shouldn't be allowing it to happen? It seemed my conscience always lost against my heart.
"I want you," Stefan whispered, kissing my earlobes and neck, causing a tremor to run down my body.
"No Stefan," I mumbled, but he heard it.
He looked into my eyes, held my head in his hands, and asked, "Why? Don't you want me?"
"I don't know anything about you, I'm scared. Please give me time," I begged. I didn't want to hurt him. I knew I loved him, but I wasn't sure of his feelings for me. What if his wife came back? Would he forget me and be with the mother of his child? Obviously yes.
"You have nothing to fear. We can get to know each other. Please give me a chance. I know I'm 7 years older than you," He said, stroking my cheek.
"That's not an issue at all Stefan. I want to be with you," I didn't know how to explain to him.
"Then, what is bothering you, Rosy," he insisted.
"Please give me time Stefan," I begged him to understand.
The magic spell was broken. He turned to go and without looking back at me said, "I will wait," and left.
I knew I hurt him when I snubbed him but I was scared of rejection. All my life, I faced rejection by my father and Stefan himself. I couldn't take another rejection. I loved Stefan but he only desired me. How would I survive another heartbreak when Stefan's desire for me was satisfied and he decided to move on?
One week had passed since the night I arrived at Stefan's home. I had settled nicely into my room, which was tastefully decorated in a lavender and white color combination, my favorite. The beautiful queen-sized bed in white with lilac bed linen and plum and violet cushions provided the perfect atmosphere for my room.
There was a white dresser in the corner with drawers and a carved white wooden stool in the corner. There was a small two-seater lilac-colored loveseat with plum cushions and a white carved center table beside the entrance door. A small study area completed the room decor, creating a modern, yet delicate look to the overall room. There were four doors in my room.
One of them led to my favorite place till now in this room, the balcony, with a small seating area for two. It overlooked the huge swimming pool and loungers on the deck below and lush green lawns beyond. From the balcony, I could see the cozy covered, stone patio, in the corner of the garden, with comfortable seating and a small fountain in the middle of a small pond with koi fish. The place looked so inviting that I visited it the next day after coming here.
The other door led to my en-suite. Pure white Italian marble floor, glass shower capsule, and huge vanity with an ornate mirror with silver filigree and lilac beads made the bathroom very modern and exquisite.
The third door led to my walk-in closet, with too much storage space than I needed.
The fourth door was locked and I didn't bother with it, maybe it was a storage room or a powder room.
I was very comfortable in my room, the decor suited my taste, and although I knew that I wouldn't live here forever, I felt very attached to the house, especially my room, as if it had been made for me. I knew it was a stupid thought. It might have been Claudia's room, I thought and a wave of disappointment and jealousy coursed through me.
I did not see Stefan after that first night. He might have been avoiding me. He either didn't return home, or he might be returning late and leaving early. I missed him, feeling guilty about my confused mind. I hoped he understood my apprehension.
After being hated, rejected, and blamed by my own father for my mother's death, I received a huge blow when Pops died suddenly leaving me all alone to face my father. I was a mere child then.
My next rejection was when Stefan threw me away like trash and chose his wife and child four years back. I knew it could happen again if she returned. I needed to talk to Stefan. This situation couldn't continue if we were to stay under the same roof till gran's health improved.
The entire week had gone by so fast, I read to gran every day, checked up on her therapy, and guided her around in her wheelchair as the therapist had instructed.
I and Arielle bonded well. I read out stories to her and played with her whenever I could. I also stitched some dresses for her dolls and made crafts with her. I found out from her that Stefan's best friend and pet Duke had died two years back due to a fatal car accident when they were playing in the park one morning. The whole family, especially Stefan and Arielle were heartbroken after that. I too felt bad, Duke and Stefan complemented each other perfectly.
I still missed my dance studio back in New Jersey. Kayla had settled in and was doing fine. I knew I wanted to work, but I wasn't sure how long I would be staying here, so I decided to take up a job. I checked in the neighborhood for decent dance schools where I could take up a teaching job. I found one called "Happy Feet", an elite dance school for children, and applied there. They called me for an interview which went well and informed me that they would call if I was hired.