A/N: Add this book in your library and reading list ;)                             VOTE AND COMMENT!

With the memory of that intense, unbidden kiss lingering in my mind, I find myself glaring at him, grappling with a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. What a scumbag, I think bitterly, my gaze filled with both anger and uncertainty.

"Like I said, no skinship is allowed," I assert, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me, as I wipe the remnants of the drink from my hands.

"Are you in a bad mood?" he asks, his voice low and filled with a hint of mischief.

I narrow my eyes at him, wondering what game he's playing. "Why do you ask?" I reply, keeping my tone cool and composed.

"I loved it, and I'm going to go crazy," he declares, his words sending a surge of frustration coursing through me.

In a moment of impulse, I toss the cloth at his face, my irritation bubbling to the surface. "Is that what you wanted to say at this time?" I retort, my voice laced with exasperation and a touch of disbelief.

"There's no other way, I can't verbally describe it," he murmurs, his gaze fixated on the cloth in his hand. His body remains drenched from the shower, droplets of water tracing paths down his skin, while his hair glistens with moisture under the light.

He brings his fingers to his lips in a seductive gesture, trailing them down towards his chest. "It already feels nice with just a single touch on the lips. How would it feel if it's the body instead? What if we touch?" he muses, his voice filled with longing. "I can't come to my senses... but I still want to go all the way with you. That's all I can think of when I'm with you, Bella," he confesses, drawing closer to where I'm seated.

My face flushes crimson, a hue akin to a ripe tomato, as I try to process his blunt words. Did I hear him correctly? The audacity of his declaration leaves me speechless.

"Haha, how ridiculous," I whisper, the incredulity evident in my voice as I struggle to comprehend the intensity of his desire.

A/N: It will be a slow-paced journey of trust, revealing why she finds it hard to open up. As you delve deeper, you'll understand her reluctance and judgments. Stay tuned for his monologues, offering insight into his thoughts and feelings.

If it were another woman in my place, would you have spoken the same words? But why?

His head droops onto my shoulder, and his scent envelops me like a comforting embrace. With his forehead resting against my shoulder and his hands still not touching me, he whispers, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" I respond softly, mirroring his gentle tone.

"For kissing you without your consent," he admits, his voice heavy with remorse.

"Once again, you act solely on your impulses... is that all?" I retort, my voice tinged with a mix of frustration and curiosity.

A/N: Her walls are hard to break, just like the cold male leads in other respectable books. So yeah, don't worry...

"Do I feel this betrayed feeling by him?" I wonder silently, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

"I only thought of sleeping with you, Bella, so I made you flustered," he murmurs, his breath warm against my neck as his head remains buried there.

He pulls back slightly, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. "But," he continues without hesitation, "I have no regrets. Because I have dreamed of this moment. It feels much better than what I've imagined. I still have no regrets, even if you were to beat me up right here and have my arm broken... That's how much I enjoyed it," he confesses, his eyes dropping to the ground as he speaks.

His words hit me like a wave, leaving me reeling with conflicting emotions.

Why does he say he enjoyed our first kiss? Why is he like this?

"Salvatore, I..." I begin, but the words catch in my throat as I struggle to make sense of it all.

I thought he didn't like it.

"I can't guarantee that I won't touch any of your fingers, but I wouldn't force you," Salvatore says softly, his voice carrying a gentle undertone as he delicately picks up one of my fingers with his own, interlocking them together. "If I can't fight the urge to do it, I'll get your permission somehow. I'll try my best to make you have the same thought with me," he adds, his gaze sincere and earnest.

I can feel the frustration bubbling up inside me, ready to burst forth in a torrent of anger. But as his fingers intertwine with mine, a warmth spreads through me, calming the storm within. Even with just the touch of one finger, I'm rendered speechless by the intensity of the sensation. Has he managed to find my soft spot once again? Am I being drawn in by this man against my better judgment?

Caught in the gentle passion of his touch, I find myself unable to resist, my resolve weakening with each passing moment.

(Loving the reverse roles...)

With a look of longing and desire in his eyes, Salvatore, handsome as ever, lowers himself to my level, his posture exuding both vulnerability and yearning. "Don't push me away," he pleads softly, his voice tinged with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine.

My eyes widen in surprise, perhaps even disbelief, as his words sink in. It's as if the roles have been reversed, and now he's the one reaching out for understanding.

He gently takes my hands in his, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture of sincerity. "Will you listen to me from now on?" he asks earnestly, his gaze locking onto mine with a mix of hope and determination.

It's a promise, one that Salvatore has made to me, to be heard and understood.

"Put your shirt on first," I reply, my voice trembling slightly as I try to maintain a sense of composure amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling within me. But deep down, I can't deny the fluttering in my chest, the anticipation of what lies ahead.

.....................................

The room is shrouded in darkness, broken only by the occasional flash of lightning that illuminates the space. Salvatore lies on the sofa, his form outlined by the faint glow from the streetlights outside. His eyes remain open, gazing into the void with an intensity that belies his supposed slumber.

Meanwhile, I lie in bed, my own eyes wide open, fixated on the ceiling above. The storm rages outside, its booming thunder reverberating through the walls of the apartment. It's 4:30 in the morning, and I realize I've slept longer than intended.

With a sigh, I recall sending Salvatore out to the sofa earlier, opting to have the bed to myself. Yet, despite the comfort of my own space, I find myself unable to drift off into sleep, my mind consumed by thoughts of the storm raging outside and the man lying just a room away.

In the midst of the storm's turmoil, a flashback unfolds, casting shadows of memories across the room.

Flashback-

"You said you'll listen, or I'll sleep on the sofa instead," I recall saying to Salvatore, my voice tinged with a hint of exasperation.

"We'll only hold hands while we sleep, seriously," he responds, a playful smile tugging at his lips as he clutches the pillow to his chest with an endearing charm.

But, oh, how naive his words sounded. As if holding hands would be the extent of our nocturnal activities. In reality, it's more likely to be a toss-up between who devours whom, or perhaps we'll both succumb to the temptation and devour each other, then pop out babies like bop bop!

Salvatore retreats gracefully, sensing the brewing storm within me. His words, though light-hearted, carry a weight of understanding and respect. "I won't disturb you anymore because you'll also get tired," he says, his voice soft yet resolute as he takes his leave from the room.

And with that, he said what needed to be said, his departure leaving behind a lingering sense of warmth and consideration that touches the depths of my soul

Present-

With exhaustion weighing heavy upon her, Valentina lies upon her bed, hands resting wearily above her head. The events of the day replay in her mind like a relentless storm, each moment laden with its own tempest of emotions. From the whirlwind of the wedding to the tumultuous meeting with her parents and the tumult of their honeymoon, a turbulent clash of feelings with Salvatore has left her drained.

Turning to the right side of the bed, her thoughts drift back to that electrifying kiss, igniting a spark of desire amidst the storm raging within her.

But no, it's better this way, she convinces herself. There's no point in letting him stay, even though he must be tired too.

Suddenly, a voice breaks through the silence, pulling her from the depths of her thoughts. Salvatore stands at the threshold, his smile a beacon of warmth amidst the darkness.

"Are you asleep yet?" he inquires softly, his eyes alight with a gentle radiance.

Startled, Valentina whips her head around to meet his gaze, a faint blush rising to her cheeks at the sight of him. "Ah," he chuckles softly, easing himself onto the bed beside her. "Afraid of the lightning," he teases, his smile tender and endearing, a stark contrast to the rugged allure of his features.

"I am not," Valentina retorts, her voice tinged with a mixture of defiance and affection.

"No," Salvatore counters, his smile widening, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I said that I'm afraid of the lightning, so I came here."

As she gazes upon him, she can't help but marvel at the paradox he embodies—the embodiment of both innocence and allure, a tantalizing blend of sweetness and sensuality.

"He smiles like a cute baby but with a sexy face," she muses silently, her heart stirring with a newfound longing.

A/N: With each chapter, Salvatore inches closer to breaking down the walls guarding Valentina's heart. And oh, isn't he just adorable? It's hard not to fall for his charms! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments—what do you think will happen next? How long until they become one? Are you a fan of boundaries, or are you rooting for them to let go and embrace their desires fully? And let's not forget Salvatore's patience—it's truly commendable, isn't it?

As the story unfolds, get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions—joy, tears, betrayal, and plot twists aplenty. They may not come all at once, but trust me, they're on their way. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the journey. And pretty please, don't forget to vote if you liked what you read!

VOTE AND COMMENT!

"She wasn't her father's cherished princess, nor her mother's defender. Instead, she was her own warrior, standing tall against the storms of life, forging her path with courage and resilience."