Temptations

37. OFF LIMITS

NATHAN

It was 7am in the morning. Usually at this time, I am in the gym doing my workout. But today, I was lost in deep thoughts. Beside me, Ellie was snoring in a low voice, her hair sprawled all over the bed and a bit of drool at the corner of her mouth.

Last night, I got to know that Ellie was a virgin and now, I couldn't help but feel guilty for all the sexual feelings I had for her. I knew she wasn't as experienced as me but to know that she has never slept with someone before, it was overwhelming. And it made me feel dirty for wanting her.

Now, touching her was completely out of question. She deserves someone better than me, someone who could be hers and hers only. I was a manwhore and she needed someone who would love her and cherish her.

The part of me who could love someone was forever gone but it does not mean she was destined to the same fate. She was young and had all the time in the world to fall in love and create her own fairytale.

I ignored the fact that the thought of her with someone else made my stomach churn in disgust.

"Hey." I was lost in my thoughts when Ellie's muffled voice reached my ears. I turned my face towards her and found her blinking at me.

"Good morning." I whispered, controlling the urge to tuck her unruly locks behind her ears. Her haircut and color had given her a fresh look. At first glance, the change alarmed me but after the initial shock passed, I started to like the new look. It made her look more mature and bold.

"Why aren't you at the gym?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.

"I wasn't feeling well." I lied.

"What happened? Do you have fever?" She said and moved closed to check. She leaned on me and put her hand on my forehead. I inhaled deeper as her scent enveloped me and my body stirred. "Doesn't seem so."

"I don't have a fever. I just didn't feel like working out today." I said.

"Oh." She said, looking worried for me. It made me feel warm inside.

"Have you found shoes and jewelry for the party?" I asked, changing the topic.

"Yeah, Catherine gave me a family heirloom to pair with it. It's a diamond necklace with matching earrings." She told me and I nodded as I remembered the jewelry set.

"And for shoes, I have a pair of silver platform heels."

"Great." I said although I was greatly distracted by her presence right now.

"Have you selected the color of your suit?" She asked.

"Black obviously. Newly married couples are supposed to wear matching outfits." I replied in a duh tone.

"How will people know we are newly weds?" She asked innocently and I smiled at her question. She was still not aware that there are people keeping tabs on me.

"Trust me, they will know." I smirked and stood up from the bed.

I stretched my arms and yawned. In the middle of the stretch, my eyes went to Ellie and I found her staring at my abs. My T-shirt had ridden up due to my yawn, baring my torso naked for her. Her eyes turned dark as she converged her attention on my lower belly.

No. Off limits. She is completely off limits. I reminded myself.

I immediately jerked my arms downwards and went straight to the bathroom before her seductive eyes could tempt me more. I was in dire need of a cold shower.

•••••

Aria was back from her sleepover and right now, all four of us were on the breakfast table. Ellie was feeding Aria while having a conversation with her regarding her sleepover. I simultaneously loved and hated their bond; loved because Aria needed a good female influence in her life and hated because Ellie was replacing me as the most important person in Aria's life.

"Any news regarding Serena?" Mom asked me, catching my off guard.

"She hasn't moved to London yet, if that's what you're asking." I replied.

"Is she coming to the party?" Mom asked.

"She will be, to keep an eye on Ellie and me." I replied.

"So are you sure you both can handle it?" She asked.

"You don't need to worry. I'll manage everything." I said to calm her. "She won't find anything she can use for her advantage."

"I'm sure this discussion can wait." Ellie whispered firmly, motioning towards Aria who was staring towards us. Both Mom and I stopped speaking and focused our attention back to food.

After breakfast, I took Aria back to her room and then made my way towards the car.

Ellie was also ready so we took our respective seats and the driver started the engine.

"Only you can speak to my Mom in that manner and get away with it." I said as soon as the car started.

"Did I have any other option? You both were talking shit about her mom in front of her." She said in an annoyed voice.

"Serena isn't her Mom." I grunted. She was just a surrogate, she never fulfilled the responsibility of a mother. Just giving birth doesn't make her Aria's mother.

"You cannot change the truth. What you can do is be mature about it and make sure your fight with Serena doesn't leave any lasting effect on Aria's mental health." She said.

As much as I hated to admit, she was right. Ellie was great at giving reality checks and most often than not, she was correct in her stance.

"I'll try." I said, acknowledging.

"Good boy." She patted my arm teasingly and I felt a warm feeling creeping up my cheeks. What was that? Wait, is that what people call blushing. No, it can't be.

What is wrong with you, Ellie Anderson? Making me blush like a 19 year old?

Together, we walked into the office building and stepped into the elevator that was already cramped. People shuffled to give us space and we ended up in an interlocked position.

"So much for avoiding her." I whispered under my breath.

"What did you say?" She asked as she lifted her head to look at me.

"Nothing." I said, ignoring her chest grazing against me.

When the crowd finally left the elevator, I took a sigh of relief and stepped away from her. She eyed me weirdly for my action but I ignored and started scrolling my phone.

"You're acting weird today." She said.

"I'm not." I shrugged casually.

"Sure, if you say so." She said, not believing me at all.

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