Bella's Choice (9 page)

There is no rejection… he cares for me.
Relief vibrated through on that thought; his sincerity enveloping her heart and soul in happiness. Elated, she reached up and touched his face in disbelief. He stopped and looked at her, and Anabella melted into him. Their souls became one in that instant.

“I want to know if this will be acceptable to you.”

“Yes, more than anything, Aldi,” she whispered, and then giggled openly. “Are you my boyfriend now?”

To which he grinned. He enjoyed the youthful teasing and the smile that now adorned her face.

“It seems that I am. I really like you.”

He kissed her first on the lips and then on her eyelids, from her cheeks back to her lips, all feather-like, but she wanted more and pressed in closer, opening her mouth and kissing him passionately. She enjoyed him so much, knowing with absolute certainty that he was the man she would give herself to. She loved him. The thought caused her to swoon in his arms. She turned so that she straddled his body with the greatest of ease, opening herself up. Her blood rushed through her veins at what seemed like 120 km an hour; her ears ringing with pure pleasure. She felt him as he reacted beneath her, his hands gliding over her bottom, warm to the touch.

His mouth was intoxicating as she delved in. Never had she kissed a man before. Not like this. It was a pure act that connected them deeply. This kiss was like hunger pangs that needed to be fed. Her body, her mind, and her heart were into it fully. She wanted to feel his bare skin on hers, and with one hand she began to loosen some of the buttons on his shirt, anxious to get close. When she touched his skin, warm sensations flooded her whole body, and she could feel warmth build up between her inner thighs; she became moist with pleasure.

Images flooded her mind, and she wanted to award herself with the temptations of them. She wanted to experience it, to feel a man deep inside her. She forced herself upon him with greater desire, as if someone else had taken over. Her body was pumping with energy as she moved rhythmically on him. She was all over him, showering him with kisses as she touched every part of him that she could. She wanted this, needed this, was desperate to get closer to him.

Aldrich had his own struggles; at first he enjoyed the onslaught of her hungry mouth, which only fueled his own desire. He indulged in the fire and pace she set for a while. It had been a long time since he had been with any woman, and he was definitely not cold toward her. He’d wanted her from the moment he’d seen her for the first time. But something was not right, his gut was sending off warning bells, yelling for him to stop. It continued persistently.
This is not the way!

He could sense a different person in his arms, not the innocent and sweet Anabella, the one he deeply cared for. This person was almost cold and distant, without real passion, something that didn’t fit her at all. She was all over him, and it drove him to places he didn’t want to explore at this moment. Not like this. He had to stop; he couldn’t maintain his fiery emotions any longer. It wouldn’t be the best thing for either of them. She needed to heal first before they could continue. He would only make love to the woman he cared for; this wasn’t his Anabella.

He grabbed her arms, pushing her from him gently. Out of breath, they looked at each other as desire continued to smolder in their eyes. His shirt hung open, pulled loose from his trousers; her dress was unzipped, revealing a lacy undergarment that looked simply stunning on her. He wanted to pull her back, but knew it would be futile. He had to let go of her, and besides the intensity of the moment, she was after all a guest in his house. He’d taken her away from her situation to help her, not to complicate things further.

He cupped her face, and said in a strained voice, “Please know I am not rejecting you. You understand why we had to stop, don’t you?”

Anabella took in a deep breath, her eyes becoming a clear green. She looked at her surroundings and blushed. With a nod, she said, “Yes, I do understand.” Her voice was strained, and her body felt like it had turned red from head to toe.

Aldrich smiled as he appreciated the sight of his sweet Bella. To him, she was adorable like this. How could he resist? Foolish he knew, but this was for the best. “It’s time we both get a good nights sleep, and then we will discuss this further in the morning. All right, Bella?”

The term of endearment warmed her heart, especially after what had just taken place. He could have taken advantage of the situation and been with her in that way. After all, she could still feel his arousal against her, but he hadn’t and she loved him all the more for it. “It is. Thank you, Aldrich.” Shyly, she stood up and stepped back, holding her dress against her body. She turned around and walked to her room, closing the door behind her. Leaning her head against the door, she just stood there in order to still her heart and mind, yet relaxed in the knowledge that she was with him, and that he hadn’t abandoned her as she thought he would. Not even after he heard her story. She smiled, all giddy with his assurance and commitment toward her.

Aldrich sat back once Anabella’s bedroom door closed, his breath still uneven. What just happened had been too close for comfort, and as a result his body still ached. He couldn’t remember the last time he had wanted a woman so much; there was nothing for it but a cold shower. He smiled into the darkness, thinking about how fiery she was, and that he couldn’t wait to have her, to finally unleash the passion within her and take her places he knew they both would love. He heard her move around inside her room, and when he noticed the light go off from underneath the door, he got up and made his way to his own bedroom.

Both lay in bed with thoughts rushing through their minds. Anabella very much ashamed with her behavior, and Aldrich angry toward the people he’d never met. Never had he thought that people such as they were, could ever be aloud to have children. Did they not have a clue as to how much damage they were doing? He couldn’t help but wonder about something this important. Frustrated, he punched his pillow, turned on his side and willed himself to sleep.

Eventually, Anabella fell asleep, only to fall into a deep pit where hands pulled her into its black depths, deeper and deeper with a laugh so wretched, it scared her. She felt trapped, fought desperately against the pull, grabbing at thin air. She screamed when lips covered her body. She tried desperately to push them away, but then hands grabbed her once again, wanting to hold her down, making her thrash around. She was shaken with fear.

“Anabella? Anabella, it’s me.”

She heard a voice through the eerie laughter and screams, but couldn’t place it.

“It’s me, wake up, Bella, wake up.”

A strong, determined voice called to her from the depths in which she found herself. Finally opening her eyes, although terrified at first, she focused and looked up into Aldrich’s face; the face she loved dearly.

“Shhh, now. It was only a dream. It’s okay,
you’re
okay. Don’t be scared, Bella, I’m here. I’ll protect you,” Aldrich whispered. He got onto the bed and continued to speak softly, not wanting to scare her even further. He drew her closer so that she now rested in the crook of his arm, her body soft and warm against his, the tank top she’d worn to bed all wrinkled and rolled up around her midriff as she pressed against him. Her skin covered in a sheen of perspiration.

To him, all that mattered was calming her down, even though seeing her in his arms in this manner set his heart galloping. “Go to sleep, little one. I’ll stay with you.”

She relaxed against him and fell asleep soon after.

When he was sure she was truly asleep, he whispered, “I love you...” in her hair before he placed a kiss on the top of her head. He fell asleep with her still in his arms.

The sun streamed into the room, painting it a bright amber, its rays touching the bed Aldrich and Anabella lay on. Simultaneously, they woke and felt each other’s presence at once, but stayed in the same position, too afraid to disturb the closeness they shared. His arm was draped over her body as he held her close, and shyly Anabella followed the muscles stringing up it with the tips of her fingers. In response, Aldrich’s long fingers traced the length of her arm, making her snuggle deeper into his neck.

She smiled. “Hi, boyfriend of mine.”

He chuckled, the bed vibrating as a result.

Anabella grinned, and kissed his fingers softly. The closeness they had shared was the most special experience she had ever had. Never in a million years would she have thought she’d lay in bed with him. Not like this. He was everything she wanted in a man, ever the handsome hunk with his tousled hair and day old stubble. Simply irresistible.

Their eyes met, and she could only stare at the flecks of different shades of blues she saw there. She traced his jawline, ending up on his lips, mesmerized. He softly kissed her fingertips, then gave her a mouthwatering smile.

It was a lovely day. She couldn’t remember the last time the sun had caught her in bed; by this time she would already be in the swimming pool, hard at work. This was a luxury she definitely could get used to. Her cell started to ring and when she saw it was Monica, she answered. “Hi Moni,” she greeted, rolling onto her back with a satisfied smile.

“Are you okay, Anabella?”

“Yes, I most certainly am. Slept like a baby.” She smiled up at Aldrich, who returned the smile as he came up and rested on his elbow.

“Are you still at Aldrich’s?”

“I am. I will leave in about two to three hours. There are a few things we need to discuss before I leave tonight.”

“Do you need any help?”

“Nope, I packed a few things already. Don’t need much.”

“Okay. Then I guess I will see you at the airport.”

She could hear her friend’s disappointment. They’d planned to spend the day together before she left. But this was more important, and she knew Monica would understand.

“Moni, thank you. You’re a good friend… the best.”

“Bye, Bella, see you later my friend.”

Aldrich watched as she spoke to Monica. She looked well-rested and refreshed after the good night’s sleep. He smiled while enjoying the sight of her disheveled look; her long hair all messy around her shoulders, yet this made her even more attractive to him.

When she was done, he kissed her on the forehead and moved away. He had no choice but to put some distance between them as his body demanded attention with hers so close to his own. “What would you like to drink?”

“Orange juice, if you have it, please.”

“I do. Bought some yesterday.” He smiled, affording himself a final look while she still lay against the cream sheets that framed her dark, tousled hair, eyes bright and a soft smile playing on her curvy lips.

Be strong, man! She is an innocent… remember that,
he admonished himself. “You finish up, and I will start with breakfast.”

He could see she was well rested, even if they had only got to bed at 4:30 that morning. He wanted to talk to her about counseling; he knew people who could help her during this time. He loved her. Startled, it dawned on him with brilliant clarity, and it made him more determined to help her. He loved everything about her, and last night had just cemented it in his heart. For now, he had to be cool-headed and practical about this.

Since he was older, he would have to show restrain and allow her to grow into the woman who lurked inside. The one who was struggling to get out from all the confusion she had experienced. He could not afford himself the luxury of touching her, which seemed to be difficult at times. She wasn’t making it easy, either. He wanted to explore her passionate side and bring it to fulfillment. With those thoughts and more, he made his way to the kitchen. One of them being that her distracting presence wasn’t allowing him to think soberly. She was proving to be a handful.
Aldrich couldn’t help but grin.

Once she’d freshened up, Anabella came out of her room full of bounce and energy. It had been a long time since she’d felt this peaceful and safe, welcoming it, as if she truly belonged there. A feeling which had been unfamiliar to her until now, one she could get used to with this man.

Aldrich was at the kitchen counter, cutting up cheese. He looked relaxed and at ease as he prepared their meal.

She’d put on a pair of tight, fitted jeans that displayed her bottom beautifully, and a bright-pink tank top. She looked innocent and youthful, her long hair pulled back into a ponytail swayed gently as she moved toward him.