9: Real

Chapter 9

Real

***

POV: Lia Salvador

I called Cali earlier in the morning to tell her that I couldn’t go to work today.

My sprained ankle still hurts – and I told her that I couldn’t go to work.

However, despite my painful ankle, memories about last night filled my thoughts, enough for me to smile brightly.

I bit my lower lip to ease the tickling sensation on my stomach – like butterflies lingering inside it.

“You are just starving, Lia. Get a grip of yourself girl…” I whispered to myself – as I was trying to stifle my own sheepish smile that keeps on appearing.

Damn it!

I couldn’t help but feel excited.

Even until now, I could still feel Renz’ strong arms on me. It might be strong, but I could feel his gentleness on me.

His strong arms brought that kind of thrill and filled my inner excitement to the moon. Not to mention his contracting biceps – giving me that warmth and serenity.

I must say that being able to experience what it feels like to be caged inside his arms made me more and more hopeful that our relationship might work out.

Even though I heard from Eina that his ex-fiancée might be coming back soon.

For a moment, I hated the idea.

I don’t even know why the heck would she want to leave a man like Lawrence David McGregor.

She must be out of her mind.

In that aspect, I am partly grateful.

This time, I have the chance to be with him… and well… hope.

I let out a deep breath – as I remembered Eina’s words to me last night.

*** Flashback…

“But hey… Are you really sure that you married him? Like you mean THE Lawrence David McGregor?!” She looked at me like I had grown some extra heads on my neck.

I have been telling her all about it for a couple of times already and yet Eina just wouldn’t believe it.

Well, I couldn’t blame her though.

We are talking about the most sought-after bachelor and a billionaire heir of the McGregor clan.

I nodded my head at her.

It was as if Eina was trying to sink in all the information I laid in front of her.

“And you like him, right? I mean in the past… are you still attracted to him?” Eina blurted out all of a sudden.

My cheeks immediately burned – like a ripe tomato. And so, I looked away.

There is no way that my cousin cum best friend would find out about that deepest secret of mine.

 I couldn’t bear to lose face now – especially that I am trying to bury all of those feelings in the past.

“Of course, I moved on. It is just a mere attraction anyway.” I tried to sound so natural – but I knew that I couldn’t lie, not in front of her.

She knew me like the back of her hand – and so do I.

Eina eyed me suspiciously.

I let a loud curse inside my head.

I just knew that she wouldn't buy that.

“Fine… I… I still like him…” I finally admitted.

To be honest, seeing him again – this time, on his rugged look made my heart leap again.

Being Lawrence of the past and now as Renz, I couldn’t help but to feel attracted to all of his shades.

Damn it, self!

Eina let out a deep sigh.

“Then… What are you waiting for? If that is enough for you to like him again… Then… Maybe there is a chance for him to like you back… This could be your chance, Aurelia.” Eina said encouragingly.

I swallow hard.

“Just seize this chance… Especially when that Clinton girl is still not here.”

*** End of Flashback…

Eina’s words kept on ringing in my mind.

And I just knew that what she said was right.

This is my chance.

And I want to make it real.

This might hurt me in the end – but hey, I am Princess Aurelia, and I won’t let this chance fade without a fight.

Perhaps, my attraction towards Renz is enough for me to seize this chance, huh?

I let out a deep sigh – as I decided to finally get up.

I try standing up from my bed – only to grunt in pain.

I might have sprained it hard, huh?

I was about to curse out loud when I heard the doorknob turn.

My eyes widened as the door opened widely – Renz’ serious face darted towards me.

Then, his forehead contorted – as he realized what I was trying to do.

He instantly went towards me – making my heartbeat raced like a raging horse once again.

I swallowed hard – as I instinctively tried to step back.

His domineering presence is just too much for me to bear – and I almost lost my balance, if not of his swift movements.

He wraps his arms on my small waist – mimicking what he did last night.

I am glued with his deep blue eyes – like it was hypnotizing me.

I saw his Adam's apple move – and I have that strong urge to touch it.

My lips part apart – as my breathing hitches – hoping that I could breathe properly.

However, his eyes moved towards my pink lips – making me feel like the room temperature rose.

It seems like the gap between us had finally closed – and I couldn’t help but to feel the warmth rushing through my veins.

I want to pull him more towards me – as if there is still some distance between us right now.

The tickling sensation inside my stomach is now at its limit – trying to dig deep down to my core.

“Are you okay…”

Renz’ words send shivers down my spine.

It is so damn sexy that I want to just answer him with a passionate kiss.

But I know that it isn’t the case.

This sexual tension between us – is just too much to bear.

However, it is only my point of view.

I don’t know whether it might affect my relationship with him.

And right now, I know that I still couldn’t take the risk.

No matter how we try to be civil with each other for the past few days, it isn’t enough.

In fact, this is the closest encounter we have – since we got married.

I nod my head – for I couldn’t find my voice.

But to be honest, I just simply nodded – I wouldn’t want my thoughts skip from my mouth at that.

I bit my lower lip – as I try to look away

However, my eyes widened in shock when Renz suddenly held my left cheek – trying to steady our locked gazes.

I was caught off guard.

And before I could even ask him about it, he leans towards me and plants a soft kiss on my lips.

It is a smack kiss – feathery and thrilling.

I am expecting to experience a far more real kiss when his phone suddenly rings – causing him to move away.

It was as if he was being pulled back from his drifting reverie.

He blinks his eyes and swallows hard – while I remain standing like a statue, trying to process everything that happened.

“I… I need to take this call.” He said in a haste and instantly went out of my room.

For a moment, I am hoping not to hear him say an apology – and so, my lips cut for a sweet smile, as my hand flew towards my lips.

Damn it!

It is just a smack – but it seems like my world suddenly stops spinning!