Chapter 3

©S A F I E   

CHAPTER 3   

ELLE   

It wasn't a usual occurrence that I find myself lying on top of someone else's chest - much more when it was the devil himself, my husband.  

Surprised, I hide my face in his chest, overwhelmed by his heavenly scent. I breathe in and sigh, snuggling closer to him. The morning was a pretty shade of gold and pale blue. The sun was about to wake the people up, peeking through the drawn curtains, the breeze lightly entering from the open window. I shivered, snuggling closer to him making me bite down a giggle as his chest hair tickled me. My eyes widen as I realize that he is actually naked beneath me. 

Does it mean that something happened last night? 

I quickly check beneath the blankets and sigh in relief when he was wearing some boxer shorts, his happy little friend camping inside, my cheeks flushing. I averted my gaze and stared around the room as the sun shed light to our wedding picture. I look so happy that day because even if it was an arranged marriage, I get to be married to the man I have always wanted for a very long time.  

We used to attend the same high school in the past. Gabriel is the perfect example of a bad boy; with his cronies and obnoxious ways, he was feared as he was famous. His family status has helped him get what he wants. Even when he always get in fights, he always manages to be one of the honours while I score the top. Girls worshipped him as he passes through the halls, making me hate him more. He hated me too because I am always his competition and he made my life hell by bullying me, playing pranks on me. 

It is because of this that I have fallen for him. 

When he played a prank on me tenth grade when we had a camp back at school, Gabriel and his cronies tried to trap me in a broom cupboard. Sadly, his cronies are so dumb that they have managed to trap both of us. That was the only time I saw him afraid of tightly enclosed spaces. Instead of getting annoyed at him, I comforted him and tried to soothe him out of his trauma. The night was spent with words that have never been spoken between the two of us as the relentless rain battered the windows, occasional lightning shining from the slips on the door. I have never thought for Gabriel to be a coward; it is my first time to see him tremble like a small child. 

We were later found asleep, snuggled close to each other. He was the first to wake up. He roughly pushes me against the side of the cupboard, making me hit my head. Even if he hurt me, I will never forget the way he looks at me, so full of shame and guilt. No matter how much I tried to deny, I have been caught in the trap.  

All those years, I have managed to hide it from him, refusing to get in his inner circles and keep to my own as we finished college, not until my father has called me back to New York and arrange for me to marry him. I was aghast for I cannot believe how fate had played me.  

Now, as I lay next to him, listening to his quiet breathing, I believe I am lucky enough to his wife for a year. I turn my head so I can stare back at him, too surprised to react. I held my breath as I study his face, his stubble lightly brushing my forehead as I tried to lean closer. He is really here, lying so peacefully. Does he even notice that I am on top of him?  

He probably doesn't feel it because he hadn't pushed me off. I can feel my neck getting stiffer by the minute. I push myself up on my elbows and look down at him. My eyes were glued to his face; I am really struggling not to lean down and kiss him. I'm still finding it hard to believe that we slept together on the same bed for the second time and that, nothing happened last night. I slowly lean back to my pillow, letting out a sigh.  

Not having the level of self-control I wish I had, I take another peek again and observed him. His hair is tousled, his lips open slightly for him to breathe. He was so peaceful. He looks so young and gentle as he lay beside me, unaware that I am practically salivating over his majestic appearance.  

Why did God make him perfect?  

This precious moment is enough for me to choke back a tear and smile. Even though he's cold and heartless most of the time, there is still a side of him that's warm. I believe, if he tried hard enough, he is still capable of caring for someone.    

The fact that he didn't leave this morning made me consider it a wonderful miracle. It's the first time that I was able to spend one waking moment that he's here beside me, snoring softly as I look at his face.   

I swallowed a lump on my throat as my gaze fell back on his lips. I couldn't help it - I trace his brow, and his defined cheek, that strong jaw, and perky nose. I didn't even realize that his eyes were already open as I trace my way up to his forehead again, my fingers freezing on top of his brow. The sight of his opened eyes made me stare at him in surprise. I draw my hand back, my heart hammering inside my ribcage that it is a wonder how he is not hearing it.  

I continue staring at him, thoughts running wild inside my head. Now I have to face the consequences of complimenting the features of my own husband...   

" I guess you're done playing with my face, Mrs West." The simple address to me made me almost jump out of there and run. What has this man ate last night that made him this, this sweet? And sarcastic.    

Yep, sarcastic. The latter is better.    

I tilt my head to the side, biting my tongue to avoid my mind from giving off any smart remark. I don't want to ruin his mood, most specifically when he is this playful. I have experience worse mornings in the past because of how talkative I am. Living with Gabe has thought me to be silent, speaking only when acknowledged. 

Gabriel just gave me a smirk before leaning at my forehead, kissing me swiftly, making my heart go haywire as I tried not to faint. 

Wait, am I still dreaming? Is this even real?   

I was surprised when a velvet remark brought me back to my senses followed by a pinch on my cheek, "No, love. You aren't dreaming. And, just like you stated, this is very much real." He gave me another pinch to my already red cheek that I have to duck my head slightly to keep my tomato face hidden from him. I'm blushing so hard that I probably look like a cherry rather than a tomato.    

He startled me when he wraps his arms around me and made me sit up, his form towering over me. I feel so small next to him. He stared down at me, giving me a gentle smile, "Those cherry blushes are better than the pale cheeks. I guess I have to pinch your face every waking moment so you'll stay like that every day..." That did it! I was about to pinch his cheek when he suddenly bolted, running off to the bathroom.   

This is wrong. 

I have never expected a playful Gabe, especially in the morning. I may have seen it a few months ago but I never foresaw for him to return this soon. I guess I would have to thank Frances for that chocolate cake he'd given. I'm sure he'd thrown whatever potion he has from his cupboard and made it into a cake. I guess Frances knows that Gabe loves chocolates and wanted to relieve us of some stress by giving it to Gabe.  

I straighten up, fixing my hair with my fingers, contemplating my choices. Should I go inside the bathroom to brush my hair and witness what Gabe was doing?    

Great! I'm turning into a pervert now. How can I even think about that?  

My mind still can't recover from the happening from the other night. My body was actually wishing for some loving from Gabe again but I won't push it I do not want to spoil this little playful moment between us. If I would have to deal with this playful Gabe longer than usual...then so be it. I would like this version much more than that monster who usually possess my prince.    

I raked my hands through my hair and thought about making breakfast. This is one of the best mornings I'd have to save down on my memory. Even though these things won't last forever, I might as well enjoy this magical moment while it lasts. I hastily went out of the room and skipping down the stairs, heading for the kitchen, I prepared the egg, crack them, and stir them in the bowl. I add some milk to it before I switch the stove. I put the pan over the fire as I pour some oil on it. I waited for quite some time, pouring the mixture down and sniff.   

It was delicious....and glorious!   

Grabbing some of the loaves on top of the fridge, I pulled four pieces and flatten it in the middle. I poured the last of the egg mixture on it before popping them inside of the toaster. Having done with the loaves, I brewed some coffee. While waiting for both to finish, I get back to the egg by mixing them, having a scrambled one instead of the usual omelette.  

I grab some bowl and empty the contents of the pan into it. The toaster let out some 'ping' as I grab two plates, setting them on the table with two loaves on each. After placing the food on the table, I snatch two cups and poured the coffee in it, almost slipping into another dimension as I smell it. Now, this is what I call perfect. All I need to do now is fetch-   

"Am I missing something?"  

Nah. Forget it. I guess I won't need to fetch him after all.   

"Nope. You are not. " I look down at my fingers, feeling nervous about what might have come out of this situation for I never wanted to spoil it. "Please, have a seat...I made us some breakfast."   

It must be a miracle that he complied without any further complaints from his smart mouth. He grabbed a fork and scoop some of the egg from the bowl before putting it inside his mouth. "Hmmm...I must say that I kinda miss all these." He smiled at me and I have to stop myself from giggling like a teenager.   

He is turning me into a Jell-O. He's messing up with my control system and I have to hold tight to the edge of the table, averting my eyes from him. Goodness, I must accept the fact that he would be the death of me.   

I sigh, grabbing my own fork to have a taste of my work. I must say that I did great and to add to that, I didn't realize I am feeling very hungry considering that I haven't had dinner last night. Snatching some of the toast, I pulled the cup to my right and sniffed the coffee. I placed it on and my lips and gulped, not realizing that it is the most insane thing for me to do so.   

I coughed several times, startled to hear laughter coming from the man I called, my husband. He looks at me again before another string of laughter bubble itself out of his chest - Smooth and deep chuckles vibrating from his lungs. "You probably haven't eaten from the last two decades you’ve lived- ha-ha-ha!" With that, he slaps the top of the table as fat tears flow down his cheek.   

I'm quite annoyed that he's back to his usual teasing self but I must say that I'm quite amused at how he reacted. I thought I'm going to hear those snappy remarks on which he'll call me tosser or a nutter. But I guess the playful Gabe is still on the roll.   

Grabbing my other toast, I nibbled at it not caring about the numbing feeling inside my mouth. I shouldn't have sipped all that coffee like it was some freaking fruit shake. I wasn't thinking at all. I guess this man who was laughing at me is the reason behind my unattentive behaviour. I am floating with happiness when he's near me.  

The birds twittered from the window and I look at them, a smile gracing my lips. It was such a beautiful morning, a cloudless sky with a slight breeze filtering in the kitchen, the morning sun reflected by the open patio just outside, giving me a magnificent view of the forest. I am glad that Gabriel has chosen this location for a house; with the lake nearby, and the forest just behind it assures us a peaceful abode that is free of any pollution coming from the city. 

I watch as Gabriel sip his coffee, his eyes trained on me, making me blush. I turn my gaze back to my plate and bite my lip. I guess I'd have to prepare breakfast often so he'll stay during the mornings. But the very reason on why he was still here, made me quite curious.    

"Gabe?"    

I almost slap myself right there and then when his head turns unto me. His laughter gone as his face contorted in a slight frown, "Hmm?"    

I am almost afraid to continue but my instincts told me that I have to face this head-on, one way or another. "Gabe, why are you still here? Aren't you going to work?"   

That came out pretty good, right? Or not. Base on the frown on his face, my answer should be the latter but, I’ll wait for his reply before judging him. "Why? Should I take my leave now?"   

"No," I shake my head at him and look down on the half-eaten toast on my plate. "Of course, not!" I sigh. "I'm quite curious about the main reason why you are still here.” I wrung my fingers together and said, “Are you going to stay for the day?" I bow my head after saying that, finding the toast a little bit interesting as I tried to avoid his gaze, tracing it with my pointer finger. I am afraid to make some eye contact with him because I am dying of embarrassment right now.  

It takes a couple of minutes before I heard the foot of the chair scrape the floor as he stands. I thought that he'll leave right without any further explanation but what he did next almost gave me a heart attack. He leans down at me and smiled, "I would like to make it up to you if you will allow me. I would like to share the best of me with you, while we have this year left of our marriage."  

My heartbeat picks up. he is going to open the conversation that we haven't finished last night. I am doomed. I know his tactics; this is probably one of his schemes to make me believe of something so precious such as this. I straighten up my seat and brace myself to stand when he held me down, “Elle, I know it's wrong for me to speak about our divorce right after our anniversary celebration like I can't wait to get rid of you. It kept me awake last night thinking of what I did. It's very unlikely for me to act this way, affectionate and asking for apologies but believe me, I do feel guilty of what I did. I must have hurt you." He sighs, wrapping his arms around me. "That is why I came up with this decision that I am going to spend the whole day with you. I want to make it up to you by sacrificing twenty-four hours away from my pile of work in exchange for a chance."  

He leans closer and kisses me, pecking my lips afterwards as he speaks, "I would like to see how we're going to continue and if it will even be worth it to give this a shot. I don't want to end all this without taking any risk." He leans down once again and kissed me, making me taste the eggs tinged with coffee and him, on my mouth.   

I am surprised when he pulls me up on the chair and carry me on the counter. He's kissing me with so much passion that I have to keep hold of his hair for me to stay conscious and awake, the emotions bursting forth from my chest felt like it is suffocating me that I am gasping for breath.   

This must be a dream! A very hell-bent dream that I'm enjoying right now, though I am not sure that I am creative enough to dream about something as fascinating like this.  

The kiss was heavenly and romantic but humans need air. I have to curse both of us because we're not supernatural.    

The magical moment ended with a peck on my lips; Gabriel gave me another kiss on the forehead before he lowers me down on the counter, "That's one hell of a kiss I haven't had for a while..." He blurted, a slight blush colouring his cheek.   

I guess I have to say the same...and I'm hoping for more.