Allegedly Yours

The kiss

Chapter 30

The next day, Alessa had just emerged from the bathroom, her hair still wet, when a voice from behind startled her. "You look more beautiful in that bathrobe." She turned sharply to see Zale standing there. She narrowed her eyes, annoyed and confused by his constant presence.

"Zale, I don't have time for you. I need to get ready," she said, moving towards the cupboard to pick out her clothes.

"It hurts me, you not having time for me," he said, feigning a hurt expression, which she ignored.

"Zale, we will talk later. Get out," she demanded.

"Where are you going?" he asked, unfazed.

"I have a job to attend," she replied.

"You've already resigned," he stated.

"What are you saying? It’s Nyrah who resigned, not me," she said, confusion evident in her voice.

"You will not go there," Zale said firmly.

"But what will I do, Zale, without a job?" she asked, panic creeping into her voice.

"From now onwards, you'll work for me, Alessa. Only me and no one else," he said, stepping dangerously close to her, making those unsettling emotions rise within her once again.

Zale held her waist, and she could see the madness in his eyes. Strangely, she didn't feel uncomfortable with it; instead, she felt the opposite. Zale was dangerously close to her face, his gaze fixed on her lips with an intensity that sparked the same longing within her. She craved to taste his lips. He pulled her closer until there was no space left between them, their breaths mingling, lips barely touching. Zale kissed her on both cheeks and then her forehead. When he was about to kiss her lips, he paused, seeking her permission with his eyes. She nodded, and just as he gently pecked her lips, there was a knock on the door.

"Alessa, breakfast is ready," Nyrah called from outside. Panic gripped Alessa, and she pushed Zale away.

"It's Nyrah, what should I do?" Alessa whispered urgently. Zale looked annoyed, clearly frustrated that his sister wouldn't give him a moment's peace with the girl he loved.

"Hide behind the cupboard," Alessa urged, her voice desperate. Zale looked at her incredulously.

"Why should I? Nyrah will find out sooner or later," he said, sitting stubbornly on the bed.

"Alessa, open the door," Nyrah yelled again.

"Please, Zale, don't do this to me. I'll tell Nyrah myself. Please hide somewhere; I don't want her to see us together," she pleaded. Zale sighed, relenting.

"Okay," he said, moving towards the balcony. As he stepped outside, Alessa took a deep breath and opened the door to face Nyrah.

"What took you so long?" Nyrah asked, her tone curious but slightly impatient.

"I was in the bathroom," Alessa replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Okay, just get ready fast, Alessa. We’ll have breakfast and then go shopping," Nyrah said cheerfully.

Alessa forced a smile, nodding. "Sure, I'll be ready in a minute," she said, closing the door behind her and letting out a breath of relief.

Alessa glanced at the balcony, but Zale was nowhere to be seen. Confused, she closed the door and quickly changed her clothes. She and Nyrah then headed downstairs for breakfast.

One of the servants approached them. "Madam, your parents have arrived and are waiting in the living room."

Nyrah's face lit up with immense happiness. She dashed towards the living room, with Alessa following close behind.

"Mom and Dad, you finally came back!" Nyrah exclaimed, her eyes shining as she looked at the couple in their late sixties.

The lady stood up instantly to hug her. "Oh, my daughter Nyrah, you finally came home. You have no idea how much I missed you," she said, both mother and daughter tearing up.

"Let me hug her too, Natasha," the old man, whom Alessa guessed to be Mr. Alabaster, said. Nyrah hugged him as well, when Zale finally entered the scene.

"Where are my hugs and kisses, Mom and Dad?" Zale asked playfully.

Natasha, Nyrah's mother, kissed Zale's forehead, and his father added, "You made me so proud, son. What a successful man you've become, right, Natasha?"

"Indeed, Elon. Our children have grown up so fast." Natasha then looked at Alessa, who was standing a bit away.

"Alessa dear, come here," Natasha called her over.

"Hello, Aunty," Alessa said, hugging Nyrah's mother.

"Nyrah, you have such a beautiful friend," Natasha commented.

"Hello, Uncle," Alessa addressed Mr. Elon Alabaster, who smiled warmly at her. "Nyrah told us many things about you, daughter. Thank you for taking care of her in our absence."

"Fine, everyone, the breakfast will get cold. Come on," Zale interrupted. Nyrah took her mother and father with her, chatting animatedly while Alessa followed them. Suddenly, Zale pulled her back.

"Zale, have some shame. Your parents are home now," she whispered, trying to get out of his hold.

"Do you like your parents-in-law?" he teased, only to receive a light smack on his arm.

"I still haven't said yes."

"You eventually will," Zale replied confidently.

"What if I say no?" Alessa retorted, irritated.

Zale's eyes darkened suddenly, and he pushed her onto a nearby couch, looming over her. "If you are not mine, then you will be no one else's," he declared with a dangerous look in his eyes, making Alessa more horrified.

She was about to protest when his lips met hers in a sudden, desperate kiss. Alessa was shocked at first but then found herself responding, kissing him back with equal intensity.

Mr. and Mrs. Alabaster were resting in their room after their long journey. While Alessa, Nyrah and Zale was having breakfast together. Alessa was sitting at the breakfast table with everyone, savoring her pancakes, but the lingering taste of Zale's kiss was still on her lips. The kiss, though unexpected, had been the best thing that had happened to her in a long time. She glanced at Zale, who was staring back at her, a knowing smile playing on his lips. She blushed deeply, drawing Nyrah's attention.

"Alessa, do you have a fever?" Nyrah asked with concern.

"No, I don't," Alessa quickly denied.

"Then why are you getting red like that?" Nyrah asked softly. Alessa struggled to come up with an excuse when Zale intervened.

"I think the temperature is a bit high these days; she must be feeling hot," he said, looking directly at Alessa. Nyrah laughed a little and ordered the servant to lower the temperature of the hall.

"By the way, Nyrah, you know what's coming next week?" Zale asked.

"Mom and Dad's anniversary!" Nyrah exclaimed excitedly.

"Then we should throw a huge party, brother," she suggested.

"We will. I'll handle all the arrangements," Zale assured her.

"Yes, it's been years since we've had any celebration," Nyrah said, her excitement palpable. Alessa listened carefully to their plans.
"Alessa, you have to join us," Nyrah said suddenly.

"What? No, Nyrah, it will be a family celebration," Alessa protested.

"And you're part of the family, Alessa," Zale interjected, with Nyrah nodding in agreement.

"Yes, Alessa, you're part of our family," Nyrah added.

"Fine!" Alessa relented. What could she say when they both were so insistent? She smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the room's temperature.

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