God of Temptation

Chapter 59

~Ariella~

As I gently creak open the hospital room door, my eyes fall upon the familiar figures of Mom and Dad. Their presence, even in this sterile environment, brings a sense of warmth and comfort.

But wait, seriously? Eww! I can't help but cringe at the thought of witnessing any parents making out with each other in freaking hospital corridor.

Undeterred, I stealthily slip out of my room. Mom and Dad are too engrossed in their... make out session to notice my escape. I tiptoe down the hallway, my mission clear: a glass of water. Simple, right?

However, Dad's voice halts me mid-step. "Where are you going, flower?" he asks, his eyes narrowing playfully.

I turn to find Mom winking at me, and Dad raising his eyebrows in mock disapproval. "I was just going to get myself a glass of water," I admit, scratching my left eyebrow nervously.

Dad isn't fooled. "No, you weren't. That eyebrow scratch gave you away," he says, his tone knowing.

Caught red-handed, I chuckle, my embarrassment evident. "Fine, you got me. I was going to get Remi." Dad shakes his head, feigning disapproval.

Usually, Dad's stern expressions make me feel guilty, but right now, I'm fighting back laughter. It's like a secret game we play—one where I try to outwit him, and he pretends to be the all-seeing parent.

"You don't have to fetch Remi," Dad insists, ushering me back toward our room. "He should be the one coming to you."

But just as we step inside, Remi's voice floats from behind us. "Oh yeah? I'm going to do exactly that." His timing is impeccable, and he stands there with a smirk, challenging Dad's authority.

Remi takes my hand from Dad's and kisses me right there, in front of my parents. Dad, caught off guard, stumbles over his words, opening and closing his mouth. While Mom bites her lip to suppress a laugh.

As Remi pulls back, he leans in to kiss my forehead. "Lead the way," he says, guiding me back to our hospital room.

But Dad isn't done. He halts us in our tracks. "Where do you think you're taking my daughter?" he demands, crossing his arms.

Remi shrugs, appearing nonchalant. "To her room, obviously, Uncle."

Dad's resolve hardens. "No, she doesn't want to go back to her room. I was coming with her to get water." His challenge hangs in the air.

I love my father dearly, but right now, I'd prefer to retreat. "No, Dad, I'm fine," I assure him, smiling. His betrayed expression is both endearing and amusing.

Thankfully, Mom intervenes. "Cole, I think I want a glass of water too. Can you fetch it for me?" She turns Dad around, effectively distracting him.

Dad places a hand on her waist, and I catch the smirk on his face. He leans in, pressing his lips against Mom's, momentarily forgetting our presence.

"Eww, Dad! Not here," I exclaim, feigning disgust. I think you might not know this, but Cole Nash can be quite petty when he wants to be.

I avert my eyes as they continue their impromptu kiss. Instead, I take Remi's hand and drag him back into our hospital room. Slamming the door hard.

Remi chuckles, leaning against the wall. "Easy there, Jailbait. I'm here for you to take."

I smile, wrapping my arms around his body. The scent of citrus and sandalwood fills my lungs, a comforting familiarity in this sterile hospital room.

"I missed you," I murmur into his chest. Remi leans down, placing his face in the crook of my neck. His breath fans across my pulse point, sending delightful shivers down my spine.

His hand cradles my head as he leans back, looking into my eyes. Those dark eyes hold my entire being, making me feel beautiful even in this hospital gown—the least favorite of my outfits.

"I love you, ma chérie," Remi confesses, and my breath hitches. I open my mouth to reciprocate, but he beats me to it. "I've loved you since the first moment I saw you. I'm sorry it took me so long to realize it. And I apologize for any hurt I've caused you. But from now on, I'll spend the rest of my life trying to be the man you deserve. I want your moon to embrace my sun, Ariella. I want to be the light you seek when you're spiraling in the dark. The person who erases every worry, every hardship. Just like you do for me. I love you, Ariella."

Tears stream down my face as I gaze into his own tear-filled eyes. This man—Remi—will be the death of me, and I'll gladly accept that fate. "I love you too, Remi."

His voice gentles as he wipes away my tears. "Can I be the person you write the rest of your books about? The one you dedicate them to?"

"You've already been in every line I've written, Remi," I reply. "And you'll continue to be in every line I ever write." Standing on my tiptoes, I kiss him—a kiss that feels earth-shattering, mind-blowing, and heart-mending all at once.

Remington Astor has the power to both break and mend my heart, but as I melt into his embrace, something tells me that from now on I don't have to worry about my heart being broken because he is going to be the guardian of my heart, cherishing and protecting it for eternity.