Chapter 3
Chapter 3
As the blanket shifted, the curve of Tiana’s collarbone and a hint of her smooth skin were exposed. Enoch’s eyes smoldered with a desire that was impossible to miss. He held up the black fabric, ready to assist her.
Caught off guard by his “wife” comment, Tiana felt a sudden chill, realizing he was about to help her into her lingerie. Her face flushed a deep red.
She quickly rewrapped the blanket around herself, her eyes a mix of embarrassment and irritation. ‘Enoch, from now on,
don’t touch me without permission!” she stated firmly.
you
Enoch’s sharp features remained impassive, his deep voice slicing through the tension. “Seems to me we’ve crossed that line a few times already
Her response was immediate, a pillow flying his way. She’d never noticed how infuriatingly smooth he could be.
After taking her time. Tiana emerged from the bathroom, fresh and ready. She playfully extended her foot towards the waiting Enoch. “Put on my shoes for me,” she commanded.
One dark eyebrow arched in question. “Can’t you do it yourself?” he teased.
“No backtalk, just do it,” she retorted, a smirk playing on her lips as she thought about asserting her independence in their marriage of convenience.
But her smirk was short–lived. Enoch reached for her high heels and, in one swift motion, lifted her off her feet. Tiana was caught off guard, her arms instinctively winding around his neck.
The scent of him, like fresh cedar, enveloped her, strong and a little dizzying. She looked up at him, his jawline tight, his gaze intense. As their eyes met, his deep eyes seemed to draw her in. “Still sore?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
It took a moment for Tiana to realize what he was asking. Her blush deepened, and she shot him a glare. “It’s all your fault!”
Enoch’s tongue pressed against his check in a playful gesture, a soft chuckle escaping him. “Sure, blame it all on me,” he agreed, his tone light.
Too shy to hold his gaze, Tiana buried her face in his chest, her resistance fading. She allowed him to cradle her, her hair falling like a curtain to hide her face and emotions. In his strong arms, she felt a mix of emotions she wasn’t ready to name.
With confident strides, he carried her, his steps steady, his broad chest a source of comfort. The events of the previous night had left her drained, and her eyes grew heavy.
As she drifted off, she could have sworn she heard him whisper, “Tll be gentle next time.
Tiana was nestled into the back seat of the SUV, dozing off for most of the journey. When they reached the Tiana family villa, Enoch let her sleep, stepping out to light a cigarette by the gate.
She woke up gradually, rubbing her eyes and looking out. There was Enoch, leaning against a tree, smoking–exuding a rugged charm and maturity that made him stand out from the superficial crowd.
Tiana stepped out of the car, about to call to Enoch when a black Maybach glided to a stop. Out stepped Simon, Novavista’s most eligible bachelor, with his handsome looks, poise, and pride. He was the dream of many socialites, always keeping his
nose clean of scandals.
1/3
16:24 Fri, 14 Feb 09 D
Chapter 3
Once, Tiana thought she’d won the jackpot with him. That illusion shattered sehen she smelled onnother ESHACO SPATELE on him, and later found Jocelyn in his office, confirming her suspicions of his infidelity
Yesterday’s engagement party was Simon’s last chance to prove himself, but bed how it Referring on the duet gen him. Tiana felt a pang of regret, as if all those years of affection had been in vain
“Tia, Jocelyn had a car accident yesterday. She’s got no one in Novavista, cant reach Lore Ane of my car stand by,“ Simon explained, not really worried that Tiana would stay mad.
He knew her fiery, straightforward nature. But even if upset, he could easily win her over, he done for these years On her coming–of–age day, he’d promised to attend but got sidetracked racing with friends and our rear of time
When he finally arrived, long after midnight, Tiana was sitting alone, crying in front of an untouched elke teeing his injured hand from racing, she immediately stopped crying and rushed to comfort him
Tiana loved him deeply, with every fiber of her being And Simon knew, deep down, that he never had to weery dont her leaving him for good.
Simon anticipated tears, a heated argument over the previous day’s fiasco. He was ready to smooth things over with his usual charm. But Tiana simply gave him a fleeting look, her response devoid of tears or anger
“At yesterday’s engagement party, I called off our engagement,” she said with a cool smile, her red lips caring forke “You’re free to care about whoever you want.
Her aloofness caught Simon off guard. He reached out, his hand resting on her shoulder. Ti-
His words were cut short as Enoch’s hand knocked Simon’s away with a firmness that bordered on agresion V6 Fene have some respect, Enoch’s voice was a low rumble, carrying a clear warning.
Simon turned to see Enoch, who had just finished his cigarette, now standing tall. Despite being just a bodyguard, be cruded an authority that was hard to ignore.
Simon’s brow furrowed as he questioned Enoch. “Why didn’t you answer Jocelyn’s call yesterday? She could have ded”
“Jocelyn’s not my concern, especially when she’s trying to use you to climb the social ladder, Enoch replied with a dismissive shrug.
Simon’s face darkened as he insisted to Tiana, Tia, whatever you think is between Jocelyn and me, it’s not.”
Tiana, still hurt by Simon’s constant readiness to abandon her, even on significant days like their engagement, closed her eyes briefly.
“Maybe it doesn’t matter, Simon. We’re done,” she said with a bitter smile, then turned and walked into the villa without a backward glance.
Simon made to follow, but Enoch barred his way. “Don’t test my patience.”
Simon glared at the imposing figure of Enoch. “You think protecting Tiana means she’d choose you over me? Remember, a bodyguard doesn’t get to compete with someone like me.”
A slight smile played on Enoch’s lips, a mix of calm and defiance. “We’ll see about that,” he said, leaving the outcome hanging in the air.
16.24
Chapter 4
