Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Tiana’s breath caught. Memories of the previous night washed over her, bringing a flush of embarrassment. There was no way she was sharing a room with Enoch again.
“I’m still sore, and you said you wouldn’t push me,” she said firmly, painting to the door. I’m tired today, so you can just go home and rest. With that, she turned and headed for her bedroom.
But before she could take a step, she felt herself lifted off her feet and placed on the couch. Tiana immediately retaliated, aiming for Enoch’s neck, but he deflected her attack with ease. She knew from experience that he could handle a dozen adversaries without breaking a sweat.
She lunged again, gripping him. “Enoch, you’ve got some nerve! I told you, even if we’re married, I’m still your boss!”
He pinned her hand down, his gaze intense. “Have you been crying?”
Tiana paused, then looked away, hiding her face from him. Enoch gently but firmly took her chin, turning her face back to him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautifully crafted box.
Tiana’s eyes widened. “I won’t wear a ring from you, she said, her voice resolute.
Enoch flipped open the box to reveal a breathtaking pink diamond necklace, its sparkle catching the light.
The “Amor Eterna” was a piece Tiana had drooled over at an auction, worth a staggering sum. Simon had tried to win it for her, but the price had soared out of reach. Now, here it was, and she had no clue how Enoch had come to possess it.
“Did you buy it?” she asked, skepticism etched on her face.
“Just a gift from a friend,” Enoch replied, his features as chiseled and unreadable as ever.
Tiana scrutinized him closely. His handsome features seemed sculpted, sharp and defined, as if an artist had spent painstaking hours perfecting his look.
Tiana wasn’t convinced. “Some rich lady, I bet,‘ she quipped, recalling how many women had tried to lure him away with offers he’d always refused.
Ignoring her jab, Enoch moved closer, gently draping the necklace around her neck. His fingers lingered on her chin as he teased, “Keep that up, and I might have to kiss you.”
The warmth of his breath sent a shiver through her, not of excitement, but of a troubling allure. She stood, needing distance, and said, “It’s late. I’m taking a shower.”
As Tiana stood, Enoch reached for her hand, slipping a tube of ointment into her palm. “Use this after your shower,” he said sofily, his touch unexpectedly gentle.
She looked at the ointment, her cheeks warming with a blush, before retreating to her room for a long, contemplative soak. Lying in bed, Tiana’s gaze lingered on the nightstand where the ointment rested, her hesitation melting away as she finally applied it.
Lost in thought about the tumultuous past days, Tiana didn’t check if Enoch was still there. She fell asleep with confusion and a heavy heart.
In the still of the night, Enoch entered her room unnoticed. His eyes traced the lines of her sleeping face, the telltale signs of tears, the furrowed brow that even sleep couldn’t smooth out.
16:25 Fri, 14 Feb MO
Chapter 6
With a tenderness that belied his usual stoicism, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Silly girl, he murmured, his whisper carrying an understanding of the pain hidden beneath her tough exterior.
57
Tiana woke at 8 AM, stretching as she walked into the bathroom, still feeling the fatigue from the past few days. She yawned, stepping out of her bedroom, and was greeted by the tantalizing aroma of Shrimp Bisque, her favorite since childhood.
She rushed to the kitchen, where Enoch, in a casual black shirt and pants, was cooking. His shirt was half–tucked, giving him an unexpected casual look.
“Can you actually cook?” Tiana asked, surprised. Enoch had never shown his culinary skills before, and it didn’t seem to fit his distant personality.
He looked over his shoulder, spotted her bare feet, and frowned. Turning off the stove, he strode over and lifted her effortlessly.
“What are you doing?” Tiana asked, startled, patting his shoulder.
Enoch carried her back to her room, set her on the bed, and handed her slippers. “Don’t walk around barefoot. You’ll catch a cold.”
Tiana gave him a sidelong glance. “Well, you really know me, don’t you?”
Two years as your bodyguard, I’ve picked up a few things,” he said, matter–of–factly.
She narrowed her eyes. “Alright, what else have you noticed?”
Enoch listed off observations without pause. “You don’t dry your hair. You’re stubborn, quick to anger, love junk food, have an erratic schedule, and you hide under the covers to cry…”
Tiana raised a hand to stop him, her chest heaving with annoyance. “So, I’m just a mess to you?”
‘Ugh! I’m done with him. That bodyguard might as well kiss his paycheck goodbye this month!‘ She stormed out of the kitchen, biting back the urge to shout, seething with frustration.
Enoch watched Tiana storm off, shaking his head in defeat. Inside, he was reflecting, ‘She’s stubborn, but she has a heart of gold, loyal to her friends, dedicated to her work, and when she dances… she’s enchanting. There’s so much more to her than what I mentioned.
Tiana, still pouting, flopped onto the sofa. Enoch brought breakfast to the table and, with a glance at her, said, “Come on, breakfast is ready.”
“No, thanks,” she retorted sharply.
“Not even a little bite?” he asked, his expression as cool and composed as ever. “If you insist, I’ll take it downstairs for the dogs.
Her glare could have cut glass, but her resolve wavered as her stomach growled loudly, turning her checks a bright red. Mortified, she tried to save face.
Without a word, Enoch crossed to the sofa, effortlessly lifting her and placing her at the dining table. She huffed indignantly, “I’m eating only because you’re practically begging me.”
“Exactly,” he agreed, a teasing lilt to his deep voice.
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Chapter ti
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As Tiana looked at the spread, her eyes widened in surprise. Not just Shrimp Bisque, but her favorite sides as well. Enoch served her a bowl and poured a glass of milk.
The first taste of bisque made her eyes sparkle. “This is amazing! I had no idea you could cook. Enoch
He sat across from her, a playful glint in his dark eyes. “Cooking is not the only thing I’m good at, you know?
She took in his appearance, noting the unbuttoned shirt revealing a hint of his collarbone and a reasing view of his well- defined chest. She had to admit. he was quite the specimen.
Feeling a blush rise and a strange discomfort, she shot him a playful scowl. “Cut it out! You’re such a shameless flirt.”
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