A novel of passion's flame chapter 21
NORA'S POV
Alexander's fingers brushed against my skin as he carefully cleaned and bandaged my cut. His touch sent shivers down my spine and I felt a flutter in my chest.
He was being so caring and gentle, like I was fragile and might break at any moment.
As he finished up, Alexander's eyes met mine and for a moment,we just stared at each other. I felt like I was drowning in his gaze, I couldn't look away even if I wanted to.
"Does it hurt?"He asked softly.
I shook my head. "A little"I admitted. "But I'll be fine"
He nodded, His expression filled with concern. "I should check on the Pasta"
He turned away and I couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. I had liked the way he was looking at me.
But then he came back, holding out a fork with a little pasta on it. "Have a taste and tell me what you think"He said gently.
I took a bite and my eyes widened in surprise. The pasta was amazing, the flavors blending together perfectly. I moaned softly, the sound escaping before I could stop it.
Alexander's eyes snapped to mine,His gaze burning with an intensity. His eyes grew darker and I felt my cheeks flush but I didn't know why my body was reacting to him.
He swallowed hard,his Adams apple bobbed and I looked away feeling a little shy. I don't know what was happening but I knew I felt.... different.
"Glad you like it"He said, his voice low and husky.
I stared at him in confusion. "But i didn't say I liked it....."I trailed off.
"You moaned"He Smirked,his eyes filled with amusement.
My cheeks flushed red as I realized what he meant. "O-oh"I stuttered feeling my face grow hotter under his eyes.
"So what do you think about it?,I want words. Does it taste good?"
"It tastes amazing"I said,with a smile."How did you learn how to cook?"I asked, my eyes locked with his.
Alexander's expression softened. "My mother of course, She's an amazing cook and she always loved spending time in the kitchen cooking"
"I can see why you're such a great cook"I said smiling. "Maybe better than me"
He chuckled "Better that you? I don't think so"
"How would you know?"I responded. "You've never tasted my food"
"I may have not tasted your food but I've heard a lot of things about your cooking"
My brows furrowed in surprise as I tried to hold back a smile. "Lily?"
"Yeah but she isn't the only one who loves your cooking"He said. "Lan does too"
I laughed feeling a little more at ease. "Well, I'm glad to have such a great reputation."
"You should be, You're an amazing cook"He smiled and I felt Butterflies dancing in my belly.
"Let's eat dinner, You must be starving"He said, heading back to check the pasta.
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After Alexander and I had dinner,He insisted we sat and drank wine together but I was hesitant about it. I didn't want want Tricia to see us together cuz I don't wanna be the reason for another argument between them.
But that wasn't the only reason, I didn't want to spend more time with him, didn't want to risk falling more for him but at the same time I couldn't resist the thought of spending more time with him.
"Come on Nora"He persuaded. "Just one glass or do you feel sleepy?"
I shook my head. "No I don't"I said casually and he smiled.
That smile that always made my heart beat faster. "Good cuz I wanna spend more time with you"
My heart skipped a beat and I felt my face grow hot and I racked my brain on how to respond to that but I could only stare at him.
I wanted to tell him that I want to spend time with him too but I couldn't,I felt my heart racing as I met his gaze.
"Are you afraid of being around me?"He asked, still staring at me and I gulped looking away from him.
"No"I responded. "I just don't want Tricia...."
He cut me off. "I told you not to bother about Tricia, I don't care about what she thinks"His jaw clenched, telling me that he didn't like what I said.
"But you both are getting married soon,I don't want to impose,I don't want to be the reason you both argue and it feels like things started getting complicated between you too since I arrived and also today you had an argument with your mom because of me....I don't want to be the reason for your problems"I said shakingly,my voice barely audible.
Alexander's eyes locked unto mine, His gaze piercing and intense and I tried to look away but his fingers gently guided my chin to look back at him.
His touch was gentle yet smile and I felt a spark of electricity run through my body against his touch and his eyes holding me captive.
Alexander's fingers on my chin tightened as he leaned in closer,His face inches away from mine and I felt my breath hitch.
"Tricia and I relationship had always been complicated, You're not an imposition Nora"He said,his breath warming my skin. "You're not a burden, Don't ever say that"His voice was low,soft and commanding.
"You're a breath of fresh air...."He paused staring at me softly and my heart pounded hard against my chest. "And about that argument with me and my mother, I'm sorry you had to see that....I just lost my temper"
He just lost his temper? Does that mean he didn't mean what he said? Does that mean he was still getting married to her_That he really wants to get married to her, Does he have feelings for her?
I felt a piercing pain in my heart, I fought the urge not to cry In front of him. What the hell was I expecting? He was just being nice and caring towards me but I stupidly went and s catching feelings for him even after knowing he was engaged.
"Can I ask you something?"I asked nervously.
He raised an eyebrow,his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it?"
"Why are you getting married?"
Alexander's expression changed,His Eyes flashing with a mixture of annoyance and surprise. He hesitated, like he didn't want to answer the question.
I bit my lips wondering why I didn't mind my business but I really wanted to know.
"I'm doing this for a reason..."He paused, frowning. "And also for the sake of Lily, she needs a mother in her life"
My expression changed, filled with sadness. If only he knew that Tricia wouldn't treat Nora like a mother would, She was cold and abusive,Lily deserved so much better. I so badly wanted to tell Alexander the truth but I didn't want to be the reason for separating them.
Maybe Tricia would eventually treat Lily right, Maybe her love for Alexander would make her also love Lily equally.
What was the other reason then?
I wanted to ask him one more question.
"What about what you really want?"I asked him softly.
Alexander's eyes locked onto mine and I waited for him to respond but he didn't respond and I lowered my eyes.
"It's late,I should head to...."
But he held my arm tightly. "Why are you doing this to me?"He asked,his eyes filled with sadness and I felt my heart ache.
"Thanks for cooking dinner for me"I Smiled genuinely, trying to hide the sadness in my eyes.
Alexander looked at me with confusion and sadness. "Good night Alexander"I Smiled, standing up and winced in pain.
He tried to help me but I moved away from him. "I'm fine"I muttered, turning away from him and heading towards my room, ignoring the piercing pain from the back of my feet as I walked.
I finally reached my room and I closed the door behind me, leaning against it.
A sob threatened to escape but I bit my lips, holding it back.
I couldn't believe i had let myself fall for Alexander,A man who was already taken,A man who was getting married to someone else.
A tear slipped out of my eyes,My heart was aching.... What had I gotten myself into?