The desperate Lovers

Chapter Eighteen: Bound by Love

The night was painted in a soft, silver glow as the waves lapped gently against the shore. The private villa, nestled against the cliffside, overlooked the vast ocean, where the stars above seemed to merge with the waters below. A cool breeze carried the scent of salt and jasmine, wrapping around Isabella as she stood on the balcony, gazing at the breathtaking view.

She was lost in thought, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the engagement ring on her finger. It still felt surreal—Alexander had proposed, and she had said yes. Her heart fluttered every time she thought about it.

"Thinking about running away?" A deep, husky voice whispered against her ear.

A shiver ran down her spine as warm arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her against the familiar strength of Alexander's chest.

She smiled, leaning into him. "Not a chance."

He chuckled, his lips pressing a slow, tantalizing kiss against her neck. "Good. Because I'd chase you to the ends of the earth if you tried."

She turned in his arms, tilting her head up to meet his gaze. His stormy blue eyes held a mixture of amusement and something deeper—something that made her breath hitch.

"You're so sure about us," she murmured.

Alexander's fingers brushed against her cheek. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life, Isabella. You're my everything."

Her heart clenched at the raw emotion in his voice.

"I love you," she whispered.

His eyes darkened with intensity. "Say it again."

She smiled, reaching up to cup his face. "I love you, Alexander."

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he crushed his lips against hers, kissing her with a passion that set her entire body ablaze. His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer as if he couldn't bear even an inch of distance between them.

The kiss deepened, growing desperate and all-consuming. Isabella clung to him, her fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as her heart pounded wildly.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Alexander rested his forehead against hers. "You're mine, Isabella," he whispered. "Now and forever."

She shivered, her lips tingling from the intensity of his kiss. "Forever," she echoed.

Later That Night…

The villa's bedroom was dimly lit, candles flickering along the edges, casting golden shadows across the room. The soft hum of music played in the background, setting the perfect atmosphere.

Alexander stood near the bed, watching her with a gaze so heated it made her knees weak.

"Come here," he said, his voice thick with desire.

Isabella took a slow step toward him, her heart racing. He reached for her, his fingers trailing down her arms, igniting goosebumps along her skin.

"You're beautiful," he murmured, his lips tracing a slow path down her jawline.

She sighed, tilting her head to give him better access. "You make me feel beautiful."

He pulled back slightly, his eyes locking with hers. "That's because you are."

Her breath caught as he lifted her into his arms effortlessly, carrying her toward the bed. She let out a soft laugh, but it was quickly silenced by his lips capturing hers again.

Time stood still as they lost themselves in each other, their hearts beating in sync. Every touch, every whispered word, deepened their connection, making them forget the rest of the world.

And in that moment, Isabella knew—she belonged to Alexander completely.

The Next Morning…

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Isabella stirred, her body warm and cocooned in the safety of Alexander's embrace. His arms were wrapped around her, holding her close as if he never wanted to let go.

She turned slightly, watching him sleep. He looked so peaceful, so utterly breathtaking that her heart ached with love.

As if sensing her gaze, Alexander's eyes fluttered open. A lazy, satisfied smile stretched across his lips. "Good morning, future Mrs. Knight."

She blushed. "Good morning."

He pulled her closer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "How do you feel?"

She sighed contentedly. "Like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be."

His expression softened. "That's because you are."

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's warmth, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, their love would always bring them back to this—to each other.

To be continued…