AUTHOR'S P.O.V
Valerie stood in front of the full-length mirror in the bathroom with a wide grin plastered on her face as she felt a surge of excitement at the thought of their upcoming date.
She gazed lovingly at the dress she wore, a stunning gift from Reed. The bejewelled black dress hugged her curves in all the right places, showcasing her slender physique. The intricate embroidery sparkled like diamonds against the velvet fabric. The dress's pièce de résistance was the daring backless design which exposed her smooth, sun-kissed skin.
She couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement and gratitude towards Reed, who had chosen this exquisite dress specifically for her.
Just as she stepped into the bedroom the door opened and Reed stepped in. He froze as his gaze rested on her figure. For a moment, they just stared, drinking each other in.
He looked dashing in a tailored two-piece suit, which accentuated his chiseled features and broad shoulders. His hair, perfectly gelled back, revealed a strong jawline and piercing eyes that seemed to command attention. The overall effect was stunning, making him impossible to ignore.
Reed walked towards her, not taking his eyes off her. Valerie tensed, her heart thumping furiously with each step he took. Watching him advance towards her filled her with an unreasonable urge to flee. The look in his eyes...
She turned around, placing a hand over her over her racing heart. He stopped when he was close to her, her back facing him.
His hand circled her waist, pulling her against him. She melted against him, his touch setting her body on fire.
"You look absolutely ravishing," he whispered huskily against her ear, his warm breath sending shivers down her spine. As he spoke, his teeth grazed her earlobe, sending a tantalizing tremor through her entire body.
Reed smirked, pleased with her reaction to him. He turned her around to face him. As he stared into her eyes, he leaned in.
Valerie closed her eyes, waiting for his kiss. It never came. Instead, he gave her hair a gentle tug, the updo came undone and her hair flowed down her back and framed her face and shoulders.
Valerie’s eyes shot open, blushing as Reed smirked at her with a knowing look.
Embarrassed that she had exposed herself, she averted her gaze. Reed tilted her chin, forcing her to look at him.
“Kiss me, Valerie.” He demanded huskily.
Valerie's eyes widened in shock as she flushed.
Reed stared at her, amused. “Did you think I was going to kiss you?”
Valerie nodded shyly unable to hold his gaze. He laughed causing her to blush furiously.
“If you want a kiss, then kiss me.” He teased relentlessly.
Valerie stared at him. She couldn't. She may have gotten bolder around him but she lacked the confidence to initiate a kiss.
Reed drew her closer, trailing his fingers across her exposed back. Valerie gasped as her skin burned at the contact, her whole being focused on his touch.
As if that wasn't enough, he grazed a finger on her bottom lip causing her to shiver and her heart to race. He leaned in and kissed the corner of her mouth as she trembled against him.
The urge to have him kiss her was so strong that it was almost painful. She pleaded with her eyes, begging him to kiss her, to stop tormenting her. But Reed was hellbent on torturing her until she gave in.
His lips grazed hers and he paused, staring into her beautiful eyes, his lips hovering a few inches from hers. Valerie's breath hitched and he smirked.
He was about to pull away when she fastened her hold on him to stop him. Her eyes widened in surprise by her own confidence and she looked up at Reed to find him watching her with an expression she couldn't decipher.
He smirked and her gaze flickered to his lips. His lips were like a drug and she was the helpless victim, unable to resist, craving it like her life depended on it .
“You want something, you take it. There's no one to hold you back, Valerie. So just take what you want. I'd be more than willing to give it to you.”
Valerie stared at him. This wasn't about the kiss anymore, she realised. This was about her life - how much of a coward she was to do and take the things she wanted. She'd let her hateful family dictate her life and here was Reed, promising to give her everything she desired if she was willing to fight for it.
She stared at him, her heart filling with so much love and gratitude. She loved him and with the exception of her little adopted family, he made her tremendously happy. He’d become her pillar of strength and made her go to bed every night looking forward to the next day of being with him.
Reed, taking her immobility for reluctance and a lack of confidence on her part, pulled away from her. He turned away from her.
'She needed time', he thought. He would die before giving up on her. He would slowly but assuredly bring out every hidden emotion and parts of herself her dreadful family had tried to eliminate.
Valerie, spurred on by Reed's words, found herself grabbing onto his arm again, turning him to face her.
Reed smirked. “We are going to be late if_”
He was cut off as she pressed her lips against him.
He was, for the second time in his life, surprised by her actions. He'd been taken by surprise back then in his study when she'd pecked him on the lips to show her gratitude for the painting.
Valerie could feel him smirk into the kiss as she wrapped her hands around his neck. Their kiss was passionate as the both lost themselves in their serene.
Reed pulled away smirking as she took a breath. She gave him a disapproving look, wondering why he pulled away. He laughed at her expression and she blushed.
He pecked her on the nose. “We’re going on a date, mia joya. If we continue this way, I don't think we'd get past the door.”
Valerie blushed harder. He loved to tease her, torturing and taunting her till she wanted to die from embarrassment.
“Not that I'm complaining. We could do that and more after the date.” He continued with a smirk, unrepentant as ever, watching his wife's face resemble a tomato. “With you doing the honour of initiating, of course.”
Valerie pouted. He grinned wickedly and offered his arm. She gracefully took it without hesitation as they made their way out of their suite.
