The best way to
predict your future,
is to create it.
-
Abraham Lincoln

_________________

"I still don't get it. Why in the world did you hide it from me?" I seethe, glaring at Hope.

"Daniel said he wanted to surprise you so I just helped him," Hope says before biting into an apple. "Can you sit down please, your pacing is giving me anxiety."

"I'm giving you anxiety?" I step right into Hope's space and point my finger at her. "You and Daniel decided to go behind my back to select this house. How were you so sure that I like this house?"

"For the record, Daniel choose this house. All I did was help Leila with the furniture and other things. He was cent percent sure that you'd love the house."

Well.. I did like love the house. It's a modern villa but with a country style touch. The entry includes an abundance of woods and mouldings. My favorite was the open kitchen which features a breakfast nook, pantry, a separate wok kitchen, high-grade appliances and beautiful marble counters—all adjacent to the dining area. There are a total of six bedrooms, four spacious suites with ocean view on the top floor while lower level has additional two ensuited bedrooms. The master bedroom was stunning with private balcony, walk in closet and luxurious ensuite bath with jetted tub and rainfall shower. The most important room is the office. There are two offices with built-in cabinetry which I assume are for me and Daniel. Apart from this, there were bar, gym room, theatre room, indoor and outdoor living with covered decks, outdoor pools, hot tubs and a beautiful garden.

After Daniel was discharged, he decided to bring me to our new home instead of going to Thomas' house. I wanted to ask him tons of questions but I didn't since Hope pulled me to the kitchen so that Daniel could take rest.

"He has already put his another three villas on sale," Hope informs, tossing her apple core in the trash can.

"Why?"

Hope shrugs. I glare at her before moving towards the master bedroom where Daniel is taking rest. I stop when I hear his parents talking.

"We shouldn't have trusted Annabelle," Daliya says, looking at Daniel, who's sleeping. I scan the room and finds his parents settled on the couch.

"It's just that Daniel wasn't our blood so we thought maybe he did have a crimi-"

"Complete that sentence and you would be the one rushing to ER next," I say as I step inside the room. Caniel looks shocked, maybe because I threatened to manhandle him.

"You know he is adopted?"

"Yes. Now, everyone out. Do not disturb him," I order, folding my hands against my chest and giving them my best glare.

Everyone walks out of the room without another word though I know they did want to argue with me about staying with Daniel. I lay beside Daniel on the bed as I stare at his sleepy face. Slowly, I close my eyes and doze off.

"Why are you staring at me?"

Point!

Could I have tried to play off the fact that I'd been lying in bed with my head propped up on my palm, staring at him? Absolutely not. What the hell else could I have been looking at? I'd been doing it for so long that, knowing Daniel, he'd waited to make sure I was doing what he thought I was doing.

Which I had been.

I'd woken up maybe ten minutes before and laid there, appreciating how cozy it was under the heavy covers and on the perfectly comfortable mattress. But when I finally forced myself to open my eyes, the first thing I saw was the cold guy. Daniel was on his side, his hand pillowing his head. That normally harsh face was… well, it was still pretty rough. It wasn't soft and dreamy; he honestly looked like he was thinking about killing someone in his sleep. His mouth was slightly open with the softest, even breathing coming out of it. With the covers pulled up to his chin, he looked too damn cute.

I hated it.

Why? Why? Why?

Of all the people in the world I could have chosen to think the world of, it had to be this one. Very different from me.

Then again…

He'd been making a serious effort to spend time with me. He'd done things for me that I still couldn't completely wrap my head around. He loves me.

When is he going to tell me?

Soon.

I was in the middle of thinking of—and eyeing those great lips—when he caught me. So all I could do was give him a closed mouth smile. "Why not?"

Cracking both eyes open, Daniel rolled to his back and stretched his arms high behind his head, rolling his wrists in the process as he yawned. His bandages and stitches were long gone considering it's been three days since the accident.

"You look better," I said, watching the swift line of his throat as he yawned again.

He grumbled, "Uh–huh," as he rolled his shoulders before slipping his arms beneath the covers again.

"Much better." He had already tried moving my legs, and sure they were sore, but I knew how much worse they could be. He'd done everything he was supposed to do to help prevent the stiffness and that did help him. His recovering was quick and I was glad.

"There wasn't much to get better."

Uh. "What's the supposed to mean?"

"I was perfectly fine. I look hot and healthy." That's true so I'm going to ignore that pride.

Maybe because I was still so sleepy, I raised my eyebrows at him and said, "Have you seen your body? It has more muscles in it than most people have all over."

His own thick eyebrows rose about a millimeter, just slightly but enough for me to notice. "I didn't know you paid that much attention to it."

"Why do you think I'm always behind you?" Daniel let out another low groan, but he didn't tell me to stop. "You could raise a small fortune if you ever auctioned off the chance for a person to take a—"

Seriously?

"Allison!" Daniel reached over to throw a hand over my mouth, like he was shocked. That big hand literally covered me from ear to ear, and I burst out laughing though it was muffled.

"You sound so cheap," he said as he slowly pulled his hand away, but the shine in his eyes said he didn't really mind it that much.

I stretched my own limbs with a yawn. "I'm just telling you what anyone else would."

"Stop it."

"Well, I'll do it if I get a chance to participate in an auction."

He made this noise that had me rolling to face him again. "You're like oenomel."

"Isn't that a drink? Something sweet?" I ask, confused about what he meant.

He glances up at me, his eyes serious and earnest. "It means something that combines strength and sweetness. That's you. You're the definition of oenomel... with a dash of sass."

My heart melts.

How was I supposed to live my life after that? Especially when I was lying on his bed and he was sitting up next to me, sharing the same covers. I wished I had the guts to tell him that I love him but I didn't. Atleast not until I hear it from him.

"Did you try the prawn seasame toast?" Daniel asks, mouth full, reaching for the teriyaki chicken. "Really fucking good, and dipped in that sauce, aah, babe, you have to try it." He shoves some chicken in his mouth and then goes for another prawn toast.

Babe?

Are you sure he is okay?

I'm not quite sure what I'm witnessing right now.

Maybe he did hit his head.

I've never seen a human unhinge their jaw like Daniel has, shove as much food in his mouth as possible, and be able to talk clearly while chewing. I know this is us having lunch but such a reaction from Daniel is... unexpected. I haven't seen this unsophisticated side and honestly, even though it's frightening, I love it. I love it so much.

"I'm not a big fan of prawn, but you enjoy them." I pat his thigh. We decided to have lunch in bed because we were both too lazy to get up. I had a carving for seafood so Hope ordered it.

"You sure? Because these are unlike anything I've had."

Leaning closer, I say, "I thought you liked that place, that you've been there before."

"I have." He shoves a chunk of chicken in his mouth chews while talking. "Never had the prawn toasts though." Though Daniel was the one who suggested this place, it was Hope who ordered food.

"Daniel," Hope says, walking inside the room. "is the food to your liking?"

"Oh yeah." A piece of chicken flies out of his mouth. "Great. Really great."

I can't help it. I snort into my napkin, unable to hold back anymore. He's positively revolting to sit next to. A man held to the highest decorum is devouring a tasting platter as if it's his first meal back from a three-year trek across the Sahara.

So vile. So unlike him. So cute.

"Are you enjoying it as well, Ally?" the Hope asks, trying to tear her eyes off Daniel

"It was quite lovely."

Hope nods her head and then says, "From the way Daniel was eating the prawn toasts, I'm going to guess that I'll get another raise."

With sauce in the corners of his mouth, he holds up the last crab cake and says, "The best I've ever had in my life."

I smile. "You're definitely getting a raise, Hope."

If ordering prawns could bring him this joy then consider prawn as my new favorite. Because I'm sure the next time I see prawns, the only thing that I'll remember will be his beautiful smile.

"Well, should I cancel your appointment?" Hope asks, bringing me back from my thoughts.

"What appointment?"

"The therapist."

Daniel freezes. So do I.

No!

"Therapist?" Daniel asks, all the smile vanishing from his face.

"Yeah, Ally asked to book for an appoi-"

"Hope," I say, cutting off her sentence. Her eyes widens when she realizes that I haven't told Daniel about the therapist. She nods her head, taking off from the room.

I look at my plate, avoiding any eye contact with Daniel. I should tell him. But I'm not ready.

"It's the last toast, want some?"

And that right there, that's why he's digging his little handsome face under my skin. He can read me like a book, even when I'm uncomfortable and want to sidestep something.

My stomach is churning in knots, flipping all over the place, making me so incredibly nauseated I don't know if I should step outside for some fresh air or kiss the hell out of him.

I lift my head and nods at him. He smiles brightly, before he picks up a piece of toast, dips it in the sauce and brings it near to my mouth. I open my mouth, takes the piece and the taste hits me hard. He definitely didn't hit his head

"It's taste so... amazing," I say, understanding why he behaved like a teenager. This is amazing.

I turn towards Daniel expecting him to say 'I told you so' but I'm met with a different expression. He looks serious and I see his eyes darken as he leans forward. Heat pours off him, surrounding me with tension, my body instantly becoming aroused.

He licks my lips, awakening every erogenous zone in my body. I part my lips, expecting him to kiss me but you know what? It doesn't happen since Hope knocks on the door again.

You need to fire her!

"Jesus!" Daniel sighs.

"No raise. She's not getting a raise, no matter how good the toasts are."

"I fucking agree," Daniel mutters, looking annoyed. Can't blame him. My poor man has lost his patience.

"So the board meeting is after New Year?" I ask as I quietly shut and lock the door, I spin around to see Daniel already in bed, shirtless, with his hands behind his head, casually watching the TV. I hear some movie going on.

Since I'm ready for bed, I kick off my slippers and undo my hair, letting it fall over my shoulders. From the corner of my eye, I can see Daniel staring at me, watching every move I make, so I give him a good show.

I start with my shorts and slip them off. Since I'm not wearing underwear, Daniel is getting one heck of a view now. I hear him lightly growl just as the TV is turned off and the moonlight becomes the only source of light for the room. Next, I slowly lift my tank top over my head. Completely naked, I move toward him and slowly walk in his direction. As I draw closer, he sits up in bed, his eyes fixated on my body, chest rising and falling rapidly.

When I reach him, I carefully stroke his face, loving the way the scruff of his jaw prickles under my exploring fingernails. "So we have some time to handle the board members," I whisper, unsure how to broach the subject. He helps me move on top of his lap and get under the covers and slowly runs his hands up and down my thighs.

"What about Ashley?"

I cup both of his cheeks now, not minding that I'm naked and he's still in boxer briefs. "I don't know."

"Let's confront her tomorrow. Since it's holidays, you don't have to worry about bullying issue either." He shakes his head. "I talked to the principal and they are going to take care of the bullying part and the counselling will help too."

I lean forward and press a light kiss on his lips while I grip his cheeks. I speak softly. "Thank you."

His hands caress my back now, tangling in my hair occasionally. "No need to thank me, Ally. I believe in you. We'll handle this. Got it?”

This man.

How could he be so insufferable at times and the next minute, so capable of stealing my heart with one sentence? He believes in me. It's such a simple thing, to believe in another human being, to look at them and say, you're capable of accomplishing your dreams. But that simple act can change the outcome of someone's life. It can change the outcome of your heart.

With heartfelt encouragement comes monumental accomplishments.

I can feel it.

"I already asked Ryan to change names in my emergency list."

I glare at him. "That was intense. Telling that nobody can meet you other than the people in the emergency list."

"I was angry at my parents and that was before I met you. I already asked Ryan to change it."

Hmm.

"What about Archer? What are you planning to do?" Daniel asks, tipping my chin up.

"I'm going to meet him." I take a deep breath and say, "The least I could do is apologize."

"You're definitely not planning to just apologize. There's something in your mind." His smirk catches me right in the heart. When everything around me seems so cruel, it’s a beautiful smirk that can pull me from diving into a deep dark hole head first.

"Maybe. It's not like you can read my mind."

He chuckles and grips my hips, situating me on his lap better. "Lies, baby. I can read you like an open book and you find me irresistible."

I roll my eyes and deadpan, "You caught me."

"I know." He answers with such cocky finality in his voice it grates on my nerves... almost. "It's what you're doing now. Strutting around here, naked, tits fucking perky as hell, trying to entice me to do naughty things to you."

"You're so full of yourself. You're the one who pulled me onto your lap. I just came to sleep. You're the one turning this into something else."

"You were the one who demanded sex first."

"I do it with any hot man. Nothing special." I shrug my shoulders. "Face it, you're the one making this naughty. Not me."

"Uh huh." He studies me, his entrancing eyes devouring me. "Then tell me, why are you moving your wet pussy along my hardened dick."

I smile wide and place my hands on his chest. "Because I love your dick. It's so thick and hard for me."

Laughing, he pushes me backward and hovers above me. Brushing a strand of hair off my face, he meets my gaze. "Fucking stubborn woman."

"Why am I stubborn?"

He starts to slip his boxer briefs off, and I can't help but look down as he reveals his erection. A shiver runs up my spine from what's to come. I want nothing more than this man to be buried deep inside me, his arms wrapped around me, protecting me from the outside world.

"Because you can't admit that you want me."

"It's because you already have a huge ego, no need to inflate it."

He pushes his briefs to the side and slips on a condom right before he spreads my legs open. "Are you ready? Or do you have any excuses like last time in kitchen?"

"That day doesn't count. I lost my sense for few seconds." I'm joking but from the wave of seriousness that passes over his face, perhaps he's not.

"You're beautiful," he says  quietly and then starts moving the tip of his cock over my wet slit. "I have to keep up with you, with your strength and courage. I want to make sure I'm doing right by you."

"You're lucky," I remind him. "I'm with you and you're lucky to be with me." He inserts himself inside me. My head falls back and I gasp. So full, so right.

"Fuck! Yes! I am," he whispers as he leans down and cups my cheeks, his elbows next to my head. "Is Hope gone?"

I kiss him and nod. "It's just us. I kicked everyone out. They will be here only by tomorrow morning so let's get to our business."

His thumbs stroke my face lovingly, as if he’s truly seeing me for the first time. "So beautiful, so disastrous, but so strong." He presses his lips softly against mine and gently moves his hips, making sure I can feel his entire length.

Our hands connect, our fingers twine together, and our chests collide—his pressed against mine—as our lips remain locked. He grunts into my mouth, I moan back into his. I wrap my legs around his waist, his hips move faster, harder.

Our lips search each other out. Our tongues mesh, our sweat mingles, our skin smacks. It's erotic, yet real. I can feel his need for me deep in my bones with every thrust, every kiss, every grip of his hand on mine.

"Yes," I moan.

His hips take over the rhythm and I let them, holding on, never wanting to let go.

"How close, babe?" he grits out.

"I'm there."

Grunting, he swivels his hips and slams into me one, two, three times. Everything around me fades to black. The only thing I can hear is Daniel. The only thing I can feel is pleasure racing through

"Fuck," he moans, his hips stilling as my entire body throbs while I tilt over the edge and fall into complete bliss. I wiggle my hips up and down, riding out my orgasm over his thick cock.

"God, yes," I mumble as I open my eyes and look at the most handsome man I've ever met. His black hair is a mess, his deep blue eyes heady, and his lips swollen from mine.

So sexy.

He leans in and kisses my lips softly. "Hold on." He hops off the bed and cleans himself up. When he returns, I escape to the bathroom for a quick second. When I walk back to the bedroom, the covers are pulled back and his arm is inviting me to have naked snuggle. Don't mind if I do. Clothes are useless at this point. I know I'm in for a long night of his body moving inside of mine, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

"Closer, babe."

"Calling me babe doesn't freak you out?" I ask while I fit myself into his embrace.

"Not even in the slightest. It's kind of hot actually. Fits you."

I chuckle. "Babe?"

"It does." I feel him smile into my hair right before he kisses my head. "So I have a question for you?"

"Yeah? What's that?"

"You don't mind that I'm adopted?"

I freeze. "Wh-"

"Doesn't matter who told me."

I sit up, place my hand on his chest, and look him in the eyes. "Why will that be important? I married you so that you can give me tons of orgasm and food. If the fact that you're adopted doesn't change that then I don't give a fuck to any of that. Mm...you have strong arms."

He studies me for a second. "It's because you don't want to say goodbye to my dick just yet, isn't it?"

"Oh my God." I swat his chest. "Do you even know what modesty is?

"Where's the fun in that?" He sweeps me back onto the mattress and caresses my cheek. "You're mine. Just mine."

I melt right there on the spot, my stomach fluttering with million butterflies. How did I get so lucky? How did he look past my walls and see what he sees?

"Are you saying that for a blow job?"

He chuckles. "You caught me."

"Don't worry, I'm going to suck you off all night," I mutter as I lean against him.

Our first day at our new home couldn't get any more better.