Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Enoch’s blunt proposal left Tiana gawking at him, her mouth hanging open. She blinked, sure she’d misheard the punchline to a joke.
After all, she was Tiana Schneider, a socialite at the top of her game in Novavista. The list of men lining up to marry her could circle the globe. Yet, because she’d had a childhood crush on Simon, her heart had been off–limits. No one had dared to vie for her affections, leaving her with a dearth of romantic offers.
And now, here was her bodyguard, of all people, popping the question. The absurdity of it wasn’t lost on her.
Tiana let out a laugh that was as incredulous as it was amused. Her beauty mark danced at the corner of her eye, adding to
that to my dad’s face!” she teased. She believed if her father caught wind of this..
her charm. “Enoch, would you really say ”
he’d toss Enoch out on his car.
Enoch’s eyes fixed on her lips, a soft red that matched the flush in her cheeks. With a gentle hand, he tilted her chin up. bringing his lips tantalizingly close to hers. His breath was a warm whisper against her skin as he chuckled, “Why not? I’m ready to make you my wife, if that’s what you want.”
A memory from the night before flashed through Tiana’s mind–her on his shoulders, her breathy challenge in his ear, his silent response against the window. She shook her head, banishing the thought.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his muscular arms, the fabric of his shirt straining to contain his strength. He was a far cry from the delicate Simon, radiating a raw masculinity that was impossible to ignore.
Enoch didn’t fit the mold of a typical bodyguard, and his proposal was just as out of character. “Forget it,” she said, cutting the tension. “No more secret lover. Let’s just erase last night”
At that, a dangerous glint sparked in his eyes. He pulled out his phone and queued up a video, a smirk playing “Can’t avoid the truth, can we?” he said.
g on his lips.
Tiana’s heart pounded as she watched the footage of the previous night. Her face burned with embarrassment as she saw herself on the screen, flirting with him.
“If you’re serious about marrying me, you’ll have to become a part of the Schneider family,” she stated, expecting him to
hesitate.
Instead, he agreed without a moment’s pause, “Sure.”
Her mouth opened, but no sound came out–she was utterly speechless.
Enoch rose from the bed, strolled to the window, and lit a cigarette. “You’ve got ten minutes to get ready,” he said, at command wrapped in smoke.
“Enoch, just because we’re getting hitched doesn’t mean you get to order me around, Tiana retorted. “And our marriage is strictly a six–month arrangement, and it stays under wraps.”
She’d agreed to the marriage license, but it wasn’t just about the video. Tiana wasn’t one to be easily shaken. The real reason was her grandmother.
Two years ago, her grandma received a stomach cancer diagnosis. Tiana had spared no expense in treatment, but the prognosis was clear: six months left. Her grandmother’s dying wish was to see her married.
Tiana had planned to present Simon to her grandmother as her fiancé, but plans had changed. As far as she was concerned,
there was no future with Simon.
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Chapter 2
Enoch glanced back at her, his silhouette shrouded in a haze of smoke, an enigmatic aura surrounding him. “Six months, huh?” he questioned, his eyes inscrutable.
Tiana lifted her chin, resolute. “Take it or leave it.”
He flicked ash from his cigarette, a playful smile on his lips. “Alright, then”
“You’ll delete that video,” Tiana demanded.
“Not deleting it, but I won’t leak it,” he replied, his tone light.
Her anger flared. “Enoch, are you planning to use that video to blackmail me during the divorce? Hoping to get a piece of the Schneider fortune?”
Enoch’s brow furrowed, a cold laugh escaping him. “Your family’s fortune? Not interested.”
Tiana was momentarily stunned, her words caught in her throat. This bodyguard had guts. “Tll have the marriage agreement ready. We go our separate ways after six months, and you’re done being my bodyguard,” she declared.
Enoch’s eyes narrowed, his features set in a cool mask. “Sounds good, but there’s a condition,” he stated.
Tiana’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s that?” she asked.
“In public, you’re the boss; in bed, I call the shots,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for argument.
she
Her breath caught in her throat. He was so forthright, almost a rogue. Despite him being her bodyguard for two years, sh felt like she was seeing a whole new side of him.
“Were you not satisfied with Jocelyn Johnson?” she teased, half–jokingly.
Enoch’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I’ve never shared a bed with her.”
Tiana coughed to clear her throat. “You weren’t saving yourself for marriage, were you?”
He stared at her for a beat before crushing his cigarette underfoot and closing the distance between them in a swift move. Before she could react, he took her chin between his fingers and kissed her deeply.
“Mmm…” Tiana’s fingers clenched as an instinctive response.
His kiss was intense, claiming. She was new to this, no match for his experience. She tried to pull away, but he held her firmly, not letting her escape. When she was on the verge of breathlessness, he finally released her.
Her eyes were soft, a haze of desire clouding them, her cheeks tinged with a becoming blush–she was stunningly beautiful.
Enoch’s rough fingertips traced the corner of her lips gently. “You’re my first,” he said, his voice a low rumble, rich with emotion.
Tiana’s heart fluttered. ‘Is this the same reserved, distant bodyguard I knew? It seems he has a charming side I’ve never seen before.
Enoch traced Tiana’s lips with a gentle finger, his eyes capturing her dreamy gaze and the catch in her breath. “Go get your ID,” he said softly.
Tiana’s lashes fluttered in surprise. “Are we getting the marriage certificate today?” she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and anticipation.
16:24 Fri, 14 Feb M
Chapter 2
His chuckle was low and easy. If you’re ready, be replied with a casual shrug
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She held his gare for a heartbeat before a playful smirk crossed her face. Propping her foot out from under the covers, the tapped his suit pants Enoch, I don’t come cheap. Can your bodyguard paycheck handle my lifestyle?”
With a smooth move, he produced a black card, its gold embossing glinting in the light. “Will this do be questioned a challenge in his eyes
ev
Tiana’s eyes bulged in disbelief. “You have a black canf”
He picked up the burgundy dress from the floor, a reminder of the night before. “So, will you marry me now. Ms. Schneider?” he asked, a teasing lilt to his voice
Tiana’s thoughts spun. She was about to speak when she remembered their marriage was one of convenience set to end in six months. The words died in her throat Jocelyn always thought you were just a broke bodyguard. If the knew about wealth, do you think she’ll regret it?”
Instead of answering. Enoch tugged at the blanket she was wrapped in a mischievous glint in his eye
Tuana’s imitation sparked as she clutched the blanket tighter. “What are you doing?” she demanded, her eyes fashing
“Helping my wife get dressed,” he said with a smirk, using the term ‘wife” with a casual confidence that sent a shiver dow her spine.
Ө
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