Temptations

46. EASY MORNINGS

ELLIE

My morning started with Aria waking me up as it was Sunday and she wanted to have breakfast together. Nathan was already gone for gym and despite each part of my brain telling me to sleep more, I decided to get up. After changing into a comfy co-ord set, I went to the kitchen and put Aria on the counter.

"What should we make?" I asked, tapping my cheek.

"Pancakes." Aria clapped. "I love pancakes."

"Sounds like a plan." I said.

Nodding, I searched the cabinets for all the necessary items needed to make pancakes. It would be nice for all of us to sit together and have breakfast, especially for Aria who hardly gets to spend mornings with us during the week. Thankfully, Alicia had left to spend the day with her cousin and I won't have to see her face today.

I decided to make a mix of blueberry and plain pancakes. While I prepared the batter, Aria watched me keenly with her adorable big eyes.

"Do you like maple syrup or chocolate syrup?" I asked.

"Chocolate." She said in her toothy voice.
In the next half an hour, I made pancakes, fried come eggs, heated up toasts and croissants and prepared coffee as well. The cook offered to help but I wanted to do everything by myself today. All this while, Aria finished her glass of milk and told me stories from her school.

"Should I make small bite sized pancakes for you?" I asked and she nodded excitedly. I then went on to make a pancake bowl for her containing small, round pancakes. At the end, I drizzled them with chocolate syrup and placed the bowl aside.

Once everything was ready, I asked the cook to get the table ready. Picking up Aria in my arms, I made my way out of the dining table and my eyes widened when I saw Nathan sitting there. Seeing him reminded me of last night when he came home drunk. The moment when he tugged me to himself flashed in front of my eyes and I sucked a sharp breath.

While he avoided having eye contact with me, I sat opposite of him and poured juice in a glass.

"Everything looks amazing dear." Catherine said in appreciation and I passed her a smile. "Nathan, wouldn't you like to say something?" She then added.

"I need coffee." Nathan said and filled his cup with black coffee.

"Of course you do." I whispered and he whipped his head in my direction.

"Don't mention anything about last night in front of Mom." He ordered in a whisper.

"Really? Who will stop me?" I eyed him with annoyance. "Let me tell mama Byers what her son was up to last night."

"Don't." He gritted.

"What are you two talking about?" Catherine said and we both looked away from each other.

"Nothing. We were just talking about last night when Nathan…" my words got caught in my throat when Nathan grabbed my thigh, making it harder for me to breathe. His fingers dug into my soft flesh and my cheeks reddened.

"She asked me to bring her chocolates and I forgot. That's what she is pissed about." Nathan said and I glared at him.

"Yep, chocolates." I muttered with a fake smile and then whispered. "That is the last time I was covering your ass."

"Oh please, snitch on me. Also tell Mom how you're thinking of dating other men. I'm sure she will be delighted." He said in a threatening voice.

"Damn you, stop being a child." I said.

"Says the one herself." He replied.

We both went back to eating quietly before we could earn another glare from his mother and afterwards, all of us moved to the lounge. Catherine left after some chitchat saying she had a gathering to attend so at the end, it was only Aria, Nathan and me.

Aria brought her doctors toy set and tried to get Nathan to play with him. He resisted in the beginning but at last, he gave up and pretended to be a patient while Aria healed him. I smiled, watching their interaction while sipping my coffee loaded with creamer.

Aria was the reason we got married in the first place. As much as I despised being married to Nathan Byers, I would do it all over again if I was given another chance.

Aria was the sweetest girl and she deserved to have a complete family. The disputes between her parents shouldn't devoid her of that.

*****

Once Aria went for her afternoon nap, I immediately hopped into the bathtub for a long, relaxing bath. My muscles were aching after working tirelessly six days a week so now, I deserved some quality time. I don't know how long I stayed inside the bathtub, enjoying the warm water, washing away all my fatigue while I scrubbed each and every part of my body.

Once recharged and thoroughly clean, I wrapped a towel around me and went into the bathroom. I walked over in front of the vanity and began doing my skincare. But I had forgotten one small thing; to lock the bedroom door.

I was putting moisturizer on my arm when the door opened and suddenly, someone walked inside. I hopped in surprise and then turned around to come face to face with my dear husband.

Nathan's eyes widened as he watched me from head to toe, his eyes darkening in response. My body heated up despite the cold as I struggled to hide under his curious gaze.

"Look away." I said, holding the towel close to me.

"Or else?" He raised his eyebrows and I groaned in embarrassment.

He took his time torture me as he slowly took step towards me. I looked away, trying to fight my nervousness but ended up looking more fidgety.

"Nathan!" I groaned, trying to walk but he stopped my path. "Leave or let me leave."

"What's the fun in that?" He asked and took a step back towards me. I blushed and took one step backwards. Our eyes were locked together and despite feeling breathless, I couldn't look away. We kept moving until I was flat against the wall and he was towering over me.

From this close, I could smell his cologne, all masculine and woody. Bringing one hand closer to me, he grazed the skin of my arm. I shivered at the cold touch and looked away, not being able to look directly in his eyes any longer. I hated the effect he had on me.

"Don't flatter yourself. I've seen many girls naked." He said and it left a bitter taste in my mouth. His words were hurtful and I knew he knew that too. But he just had to be an arse.

"I'm sure you have." I spat and pushed him away. "Ass."

As I was about the walk away, there was another knock on the bedroom door. Nathan walked over and looked through the peephole. He then opened the door and our maid's head appeared from the other side.

"Mr. Warren is here." She said meekly.

"Drake? Did you call him?" Nathan questioned.

"No." I replied in confusion.

"What is he doing here then?" He asked me roughly and I got annoyed at his tone.

"From what I could remember, he is your friend first." I retorted in a similar tone.

"Doesn't seem like the case these days." He muttered under my breath and walked out, closing the door with a loud thud.

"What's wrong with him?" I thought to myself and moved ahead to dress up.

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